2009 Pontiac G8

Routine

Owners filed 144 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
50,000 milesMedian miles at failure

125 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 60,00075,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags62
303
Electrical System9
101
Suspension8
000
Suspension › Front7
000
Steering5
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc)5
000
Tires3
000
Structure › Body3
000
Service Brakes3
000
Seats3
001

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seat Belts15V399000
Filed Jun 23, 201547,042 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle at the outside of the driver seat and the front passenger seat may be bent from being sat on while entering the vehicle. This repeated bending may result in the cable breaking.

Risk. If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seat belt tensioner assembly which includes the steel cable, free of charge. These replacement parts reposition the tensioner cable out of the path of entry into the vehicle and uses a more flexible cable, set at a more upright angle. The recall began on July 5, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 15206.

Electrical System › Ignition14V540000
Filed Sep 9, 201447,043 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidentally hit the ignition key with their knee, unintentionally knocking the key out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a key knocked out of the run position could cause loss of engine power, power steering, and power braking, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the key blade from the original flip key/RKE transmitter assemblies, and cut and fit a revised key blade and housing assembly, in which the blade has been indexed by 90 degrees, to the original RKE transmitter assembly. GM issued an interim notification to owners on December 31, 2014. The recall began on February 4, 2015. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. GM's number for this recall is 14445. Note: Until the recall has been performed, it is very important that drivers adjust their seat and steering column to allow clearance between their knee and the ignition key.

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive11V534000
Filed Nov 4, 201138,444 vehiclesGeneral Motors Llc

Defect. GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2009. A 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE (ATD) IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST EXCEEDED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA (HIC) REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD. WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITIONED FULL FORWARD, THE SEAT POSITION SENSOR WILL CAUSE A 30 MILLISECONDS DEPLOYMENT DELAY BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND STAGES OF THE DUAL-STAGE FRONTAL PASSENGER AIR BAG.

Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS DELAY MAY RESULT IN INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO CERTAIN FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.

Remedy. GM DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems09V172000
Filed May 21, 200935,038 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. GM IS RECALLING 35,038 MY 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS". THE BRAKE PEDAL POSITION SWITCH MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY PROGRAMMED. WITH THIS CONDITION, THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY BE CONTINUALLY ILLUMINATED AND FAIL TO WARN A FOLLOWING DRIVER WHEN THE VEHICLE IS BRAKING. ALSO CERTAIN VEHICLES MAY HAVE INCORRECT VALUES PROGRAMMED INTO THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM THAT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE TELLTALE UNTIL TIRE PRESSURE FALLS BELOW VALUES REQUIRED BY THE STANDARD.

Risk. INAPPROPRIATE, NON-STANDARD LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR DRIVING ON A SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER-INFLATED TIRE CAUSES THE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAN LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE BRAKE POSITION SENSOR AND THE REMOTE CONTROL DOOR LOCK RECEIVER WITH THE CORRECT VALUES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JUNE 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GM PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 8, 2023NY

7/17/21 (about 94500 miles) - While driving in heavy rain on a congested highway, with my windshield wipers turned on (of course), the wipers suddenly stopped working. This could have easily killed me and my family. The wipers would not turn back on, no matter what I did. At a rest stop that afternoon, and then later during extensive testing, I found that turning the wipers on would never actually make the wipers activate--but it would cause the engine to shut off and caused the car to issue numerous, varying error codes related to numerous vehicle systems (including ABS). Through much difficulty, I was able to find that this was caused by a faulty electrical ground at what's known on the Pontiac G8 as ground point G102. The electrical ground was restored via ground connection elsewhere, and the wipers resumed functioning. Roughly 2 years later (July/August 2023, about 104,000 miles), my low-beam headlights didn't function at ignition one day. Obviously, lacking headlights is a core safety issue. I learned that the low-beams also use ground point G102. Once again, with the electrical ground restored via a connection elsewhere, the low-beams started working again. Two different service stations were unable to figure out the windshield wiper issue. I only solved it by reading what others wrote on a Pontiac G8 enthusiast message board. On those message board threads, you can see that many people have had these same exact issues with the Pontiac G8--all related to the G102 ground

Air Bags
Filed Jan 4, 202223,000 milesIL

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 2, 2021FL

Was leaving for a road trip and the rear passenger door would not latch when closed. We were an hour from home, so I had to use a bungee cord to hold the door closed for the drive back. My son had to sit in the middle seat. That door is rarely used. I have ordered the part and it should be here soon. The drivers door has become difficult to open and close but I am unable to locate the part as it is backordered from GM. I understand the the vehicle is 12 years old but I maintain it very well; it is in great shape and runs well. It's scary to think that these door latches can fail so easily. Other body parts for this vehicle are becoming increasingly difficult to locate.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 27, 202156,000 milesNJ

The contact owns a 2009 PONTIAC G8. The contact stated that at start-up, the airbag default warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact proceeded to drive and noticed that the light was no longer on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 17, 202129,000 milesMD

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that the airbag warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the front passenger’s side airbag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 11V534000 (Air Bags) however, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2021WA

A month ago my passenger air bag light came on indicating there is an issue with the Passenger Air Bag system. This occurs even when there is no one in the passenger seat. This completely disables the airbag system in my car for my passengers and I can no longer reliably transport other passengers for fear of getting into an accident and the air bag not deploying. These parts are not normal mechanical pieces that wear and tear over the course of the cars life, and with a quote from the dealership of almost $1000.00 it is unreasonable for me to pay as this is a HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, not only to passengers but to myself as I am unsure if this will effect the Drivers Air Bag System. I dont think its fair that with the car only being 12 years old that I should have to pay and replace a faulty air bag system, when this is a common issue with the 2009 Pontiac G8. This needs to be a recall as it is unfair to ask anyone to replace a VITAL and IMPORTANT safety feature of the vehicle. This should not be something Pontiac G8 owners should have to pay for out of pocket, and the Manufacturer needs to realize that this is not a one off issue, but a common issue with owners of the 2009 Pontiac G8. It is the responsibility of the Manufacturer (GM) to fix this issue as it is a basic safety issue. The car would not be legally sold with this issue from the manufacturer, so why is it the owners responsibility to pay for GM (Pontiacs) mistake? Either with $1000.00 or their lives?

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Jul 10, 202037,000 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 6, 2020160,000 milesWA

WHILE DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY IT STARTED SHOWING AIR BAG FAULT WARNING ON THE CENTER CONSOLE SCREEN AND CORRESPONDING LIGHT CAME ON. CONSULTED WITH LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSIS INDICATED NEED TO REPLACE THE "PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE". THE COST QUOTED BY GM DEALERSHIP IS $855 (TOTAL), FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS FAULT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM (PASSENGER AIR BAGS FOR SURE, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM) THIS IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY REQUEST TO THE NHTSA THAT THIS AIR BAG FAULT AND PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH WEARS AND TEARS OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, ADDITIONALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 25, 2020GA

ABS LIGHTS. *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 8, 202079,000 milesMO

BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ILLUMINATED - WHEN THE BRAKE PADDLE IS PUSHED UP THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL TURN OFF FOR A SHORT TIME AND THAN ILLUMINATE AGAIN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY, IN MOTION, ON A CITY STREET AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2020147,226 milesCO

TODAY I WOKE UP AND STARTING RECEIVING THE AIR BAG FAULT ERROR. CONTACTED MY LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT'S THE PASSENGER SIDE MODULE THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THEY QUOTED ME $1200 FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY REQUEST TO THE NHTSA THAT THIS AIR BAG FAULT AND PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH WEARS AND TEARS OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, ADDITIONALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 20, 2020153,000 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHORTLY AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT VIN WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 153,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 21, 2020130,000 milesMO

AIR BAG FAULT WARNING ON MY HUD, ALONG WITH THE CORRESPONDING LIGHT, COMES ON WHEN IT GETS COLD OUT. EVERY TIME IT GETS BELOW ABOUT 35 DEGREES THIS LIGHT WILL COME ON AND DISABLE ALL OF MY AIR BAGS. THIS HAS HAPPENED EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED THIS CAR. I HAVE CONSULTED WITH MY LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND THE DIAGNOSIS INDICATED TO REPLACE THE "PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE". THIS FAULT DISABLES THE ENTIRE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD/WOULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. THE AIR BAG FAULT/PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH IS CONSIDERED WEAR AND TEAR OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 21, 201991,000 milesAZ

DOOR LATCHES GOES OUT ON VEHICLES AND THE DOOR DON'T STAY SHUT. THE DOOR WILL FLAP OPEN WILL DRIVING, HAVE TO USE A SEAT BELT AROUND THE INSIDE HANDLE AND THEN CONNECT TO THE SEAT BUCKLE TO KEEP DOOR CLOSE. I HAVE 2 G8S THAT THESE HAVE FAILED ON. I THINK THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN THAT SOMEONE CAN FALL OUT OF THE VEHICLE .

Air Bags
Filed Jul 1, 2019102,830 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING CAR ON HIGHWAY IT STARTED SHOWING AIR BAG FAULT WARNING ON THE CENTER CONSOLE SCREEN AND CORRESPONDING LIGHT CAME ON. CONSULTED WITH LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP AND DIAGNOSIS INDICATED NEED TO REPLACE THE "PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE". THE COST QUOTED BY GM DEALERSHIP IS $855 (TOTAL), FOR PARTS AND LABOR. THIS FAULT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM (PASSENGER AIR BAGS FOR SURE, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT DRIVER AIR BAG SYSTEM) THIS IS A SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENT THAT SHOULD NOT FAIL AS IT DISABLES THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WHICH COULD BE LIFE THREATENING IN AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY REQUEST TO THE NHTSA THAT THIS AIR BAG FAULT AND PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE FAILURE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR A RECALL, AS THIS IS A COSTLY REPAIR AND IS NOT A MECHANICAL COMPONENT WHICH WEARS AND TEARS OVER THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE, ADDITIONALLY IT IS ABSOLUTELY REQUIRED FOR THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 201983,000 milesWV

TYPICALLY ON COLDER MORNINGS WHEN I START MY CAR I GET AN AIRBAG FAULT. ABOUT 30 TO 45 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, THE FAULT DISAPPEARS. I HAVE BEEN READING THAT MY AIRBAGS WILL NOT WORK PROPERLY WHILE THE SYSTEM IS IN FAULT. THIS HAPPENED TO ME MOST RECENTLY THIS PAST THURSDAY AND ALSO HAPPENED THE TWO PREVIOUS DAYS. I HAVE NOTICED AGAIN THAT IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN DURING COLDER MORNINGS. IT HAS HAPPENED PRIOR TO THIS WEEK ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS. THE FIRST 30 MINUTES OF MY COMMUTE IS ON RURAL ROADS BUT WITHIN THE FIRST 15 MINUTES, TURNS TO STOP AND GO DRIVING.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Mar 15, 201932,000 milesKS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED. BUICK, GMC, CADILLAC DONOVAN AUTO & TRUCK CENTER (5800 W KELLOGG DR, WICHITA, KS 67209, (316) 768-4891) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT HAD NOT DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V172000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, TIRES) AND MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERS: 09101 AND 09046. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 201891,000 milesAZ

THE SRS SYSTEM IS THROWING DTC B0012 0D: DRIVER STEERING WHEEL AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT LOOP STAGE 1 HIGH RESISTANCE DTC. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS CAR AND IS NOT A COVERED REPAIR. OWNERS OF THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE FUNCTIONING AIRBAGS IN THEIR VEHICLE. WHILE THIS CODE IS ON, THE ENTIRE AIRBAG SYSTEM WILL NOT FUNCTION IN THE CAR.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 17, 201870,000 milesOH

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 PONTIAC G8. WHILE DRIVING 52 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER OF A VEHICLE THAT FAILED TO YIELD. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE SPINE, ANKLES, NECK, AND RIGHT SHOULDER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights
Filed Sep 4, 201871,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC G8. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V172000 (SERVICE BRAKES, AIR, TIRES). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 71,000.

20 of 144 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20101000Routine
2009 — this page144410Routine
200871410Routine

Compare every G8 year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.