Is Pontiac G6 a Reliable Car? Explanation of 2005-10 Models

Reliability is a very important fact regarding a brand of car. Pontiac G6 started with several promising features and each model was modified with specific changes. Production of each model of Pontiac G6 was discontinued after 2010 but it is still owned by many people. So, is Pontiac G6 a reliable car?

The level of reliability of the Pontiac G6 has been determined through the analysis of average lifespan, maintenance cost, consumer reviews, safety features, crash safety ratings, and recalls. The models from 2005 to 2010 have some distinctive qualities alongside specific recalls which put an impact on user satisfaction.

For some specific years, the Pontiac G6 editions have been rated highly by consumers. But there are some models with multiple issues. The following discussion will provide you with a resolution through an average justification of Pontiac G6’s reliability.

Is Pontiac G6 a reliable car?

To justify the average reliability of Pontiac G6 in general, we need to know the reliable features and drawbacks of each Pontiac G6 model from 2005 to 2010. The reliability of individual Pontiac G6 editions will altogether give the idea of how much the Pontiac G6 is a reliable car.

2005 Pontiac G6 reliability:

This first edition of the particular Pontiac G6 series has modest qualities alongside some common and distinctive problems. Therefore, the overall comparison gives it a reliability of 65%. 

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 150000 to 180000 miles with an average of 11.5k-12k miles per year. 

Maintenance cost: The average annual maintenance cost of the 2005 Pontiac G6 is around $450-$470.

Safety features: 

• There are different safety features like child seat anchors, front and rear ventilated disc brakes, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, daytime running lights, front fog, or driving lights.

On the other hand, 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, emergency interior trunk release, engine immobilizer, etc increase safety.

Crash safety rates: NHTSA rated it 5 stars for frontal crash safety in the front driver side. The rate is highest for side crash on the rear passenger side. The rollover star ratings range around 4.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): A section of 2005 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort 4.3, Interior design 4.2, Performance 4.2, Value for the money 4.0, and Exterior styling 4.6.

Recalls:

• The electric power steering is traced to have to lack.
• There is a crisis in the combination of the U-joint and steering.
• The brake lights do not give simultaneous service.
• There is a lack of longevity in the transmission shift cable.

2006 Pontiac G6 reliability:

There have been some modifications and changes in this model. At the same time, many users expressed unfavorable experiences with their cars. The analysis of good features and drawbacks rates it with 60-65% reliability.

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 150000 to 170000 miles with an average of 11k-12k miles per year.

Maintenance cost: The average annual maintenance cost of a 2008 Pontiac G6 is around $460-$480.

Safety features: 

• It provides multiple safety features like front fog or driving lights, 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, and front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners.

Besides, there are benefits of emergency interior trunk release, engine immobilizer, child seat anchors, ventilated front disc or solid rear disc brakes, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, and daytime running lights.

Crash safety rates: The front driver side is rated highest for frontal crash safety. Side crash safety is 5 stars for the driver and rear passenger. The rollover star rating is 4.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): A group of 2006 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort 4.2, Interior design 4.1, Performance 4.1, Value for the money 4.0, and Exterior styling 4.3.

Recalls:

• The sensing system of the leather sits cover and airbag is faulty.
• There is an issue with the sudden loss of electric power steering.
• The steering cannot shaft enough support from the U-joint.
• The random illumination of the brake lights creates a problem.
• A fracture has been spotted in the transmission shift cable.

2007 Pontiac G6 reliability:

After the reported recalls about the earlier models of Pontiac G6, the 2007 model came with new changes and addition. There have been better engine capacity and safety features. Apart from some drawbacks, I rate it 75-80% reliable.

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 180000 to 200000 miles with an average of 14000 miles per year. 

Maintenance cost: The average annual maintenance cost of the 2007 Pontiac G6 is around $400-$420.

Safety features: 

• The safety features have been enriched with front and rear head airbags, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, traction control, child seat anchors, 4-wheel ABS, ventilated front disc or solid rear disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution, dusk sensing headlamp, auto delay off headlamps.

Moreover, this model also has daytime running lights, emergency interior trunk release, engine immobilizer, front fog or driving lights, 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, and front seatbelt pre-tensioners. 

Crash safety rates: The frontal crash safety is the highest on the front driver’s side. NHTSA gives 5 stars for overall side crashes and a modest rate for rollover stars.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): A group of 2007 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort 4.1, Interior design 4.1, Performance 4.2, Value for the money 4.1, and Exterior styling 4.3.

Recalls:

• Lack of control over the electric power steering.
• Inadequate support from the U-joint.
• Malfunction in the brake lights.
• Users reported a fracture in the transmission shift cable. 
• The passenger airbag sensing system seems problematic.

2008 Pontiac G6 reliability:

This particular Pontiac G6 model was categorized to increase the market value of this brand. There are some common and additional good features but it is also found to have some major recalls. Hence, comparatively, I would like to rate it 60-70% for reliability.

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 150000 to 180000 miles with an average of 13000 miles per year. 

Maintenance cost: The average annual maintenance cost of a 2008 Pontiac G6 is around $440-$460.

Safety features:

• There are various installments like dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, traction control, child seat anchors, post-collision safety system, 4-wheel ABS, ventilated front disc or solid rear disc brakes, electronic brake force distribution.

Users will also have an engine immobilizer, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, daytime running lights, 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, front seatbelt pretensioners, emergency interior trunk release.

Crash safety rates: This edition has the highest safety rating from a frontal crash on the front driver’s side. Driver and rear passenger parts are rated 5 stars for side crash safety. It has been rated an average 4-star for rollover.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): Some 2008 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort at 4.5, Interior design 4.1, Performance 4.3, Value for the money 4.4, and Exterior styling 4.4.

Recalls:

• Electric power steering gets out of control suddenly.
• Steering draws inadequate support from the U-joint.
• Random and improper functionality of the brake lights.
• The transmission shift cable has been reported to fracture.
• There is also an issue of the transmission shift cable getting detached.

2009 Pontiac G6 reliability:

It is one of the most reliable editions of Pontiac G6 for having multiple reliable features with fewer major issues. Especially the 2009.5 version has been appreciated more. I rate it 85-90% for reliability.

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 250000 to 270000 miles with an average of 17.5k-18.5k miles per year. 

Maintenance cost: The extra additions of technologies and several changes take the average annual maintenance cost of the 2009 Pontiac G6 to around $470-$490.

Safety features:

• The Post-collision safety system, dual front side-mounted airbags, front and rear head airbags, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, traction control, child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, 4-wheel ABS, ventilated front disc or solid rear disc brakes are important safety options.

There are also inclusions of 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, electronic brake force distribution, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, daytime running lights, front seatbelt pretensioners, emergency interior trunk release, engine immobilizer, etc.

Crash safety rates: The frontal crash safety rate is 4 for the passenger side and 5 for the driver’s side. NHTSA gives 5 stars for driver’s and rear passenger parts and 4 stars for rollover safety.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): Many 2009 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort 4.4, Interior design 4.3, Performance 4.4, Value for the money 4.4, and Exterior styling 4.5.

Recalls:

• There is a possibility of the detachment of the transmission shift cable.
• Owners faced a sudden loss of electric power steering.
• Steering gets inadequate support from U-joint.
• Brake lights fail to light in the right way.
• The shift lever indicator may not work properly.

2010 Pontiac G6 reliability:

This is the last year of the production of Pontiac G6. Manu issues forced the manufacturer to stop making Pontiac G6 but it has some reliable features with comparatively fewer flaws. On average, I prefer this model to have 75-80% reliability.

Average Lifespan: A properly maintained car of this model lasts around 240000 miles with an average of 15000-17000 miles per year. 

Maintenance cost: For greater updates, the average annual maintenance cost of the 2009 Pontiac G6 ranges around $490-$510.

Safety features: 

• The common safety is ensured through a post-collision safety system, dual front side-mounted airbags, front-rear head airbags, passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation, traction control, child seat anchors, rear door child safety locks, 4-wheel ABS, ventilated front disc or solid rear disc brake.

Electronic brake force distribution, dusk sensing headlamps, auto delay off headlamps, daytime running lights, 2 front headrests, 2 rear headrests, rear height adjustable headrests, rear center 3-point belt, front seatbelt pretensioners, emergency interior trunk release, engine immobilizer these features are also available.

Crash safety rates: This edition has been rated best by NHTSA for frontal crash safety in the driving sector. Side crash safety is the highest on all sides. The rollover safety is rated with an average of 4 stars.

Random consumer reviews (Out of 5): Several 2010 Pontiac G6 users rated its comfort 4.2, Interior design 4.1, Performance 4.5, Value for the money 4.3, and Exterior styling 4.3.

Recalls:

• The transmission shift cable is reported to detach.
• The U-joint fails to support the steering properly.
• Random illumination of the brake lights is another recall.

What are the most common problems with a Pontiac G6? 

Users of different Pontiac G6 models from 2005 to 2010 reported facing common problems in their cars. Here are the most common problems:

Defective lights: A common problem of Pontiac G6 is the defective light. The brake, head, and door lights have been reported to have problems. Defective lights are mostly found in the 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G6 models.

Irritating noise from the steering: Another problem is the irritating noise from the steering sector of the Pontiac G6. The 2006-2008 Pontiac G6 models were affected by this issue. A grinding sound comes out of the power steering. 

Problematic power steering: Many customers reported problems with the power steering system. The lack of proper control in the electric power steering is mostly found in the 2005-2007 Pontiac G6 models.

Faulty door locks: Sometimes the door locks do not work correctly. This creates a security risk. The problem with door locks is seen mainly in the 2009 model.

Improper functionality of catalytic converter: In the 2007 Pontiac G6 model, a problem is spotted with the functionality of the catalytic converter. There is a sign of improper exhaust management.

Problem with transmission shift cable: The transmission shift cable of Pontiac G6 has been found to have a weak structure. There is also the sign of fracture. This is mostly seen in the models 2006 and 2008.

Lack of durability in the Vanity Mirror Hinge: The vanity mirror hinges lack durability. Customers complain that the hinges break so early. This is a common problem of the 2006 edition.

VVT Solenoid Failure: Many customers face rough rides, problems with the check engine light, and a fall in engine performance because of VVT solenoid failure. This problem is common in all Pontiac G6 versions.

Electrical faults: The combination of electric power steering and BCM connector creates a crisis with the control over the steering, dash lights, and tail light. It is commonly reported by the users of the 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 models.

Faulty front hub bearings: Another common drawback in all Pontiac G6 models is the faults in the hub bearings. Therefore, sometimes the drivers face problems controlling the front wheels. 

The problem with the turn signal switch: This is another issue that can be found more or less in all the Pontiac G6 editions. Often the turn signal switch is found to work inappropriately.

Leakage of oil from front crankshaft seal: Many customers face a leakage problem in the front crankshaft seal that results in the waste of oil and also increases risk. Many 2007 Pontiac G6 users reported this issue.

Contaminated extended life coolant: Mostly the Pontiac G6 cars of 2009 show this particular problem. The contamination of the extended-life coolant puts a negative impact on the body and performance of the engine.

Why did they stop making Pontiac G6?

From 2005 to 2010, General Motors brought Pontiac G6 models one after another discontinuing the previous model of each new one. Finally, they stopped the complete production of Pontiac G6. There are some reasons behind such a decision.

Lack of demand: The manufacturer made a good number of cars for each Pontiac G6 edition. But there was always a lack of demand. Even the modifications in every new model could not decrease the gap between demand and supply. This is one of the main reasons behind the discontinuation of this brand.

Lack of Money: Because of a lack of demand, Pontiac G6 was going unproductive. The crisis in the number of sales created a lack of capital in the company. General Motors had to reduce production and ultimately stopped the production of each Pontiac G6 model.

Risk of bankruptcy: Pontiac G6 came to the market at a reasonably cheap price. Yet, the selling equation was less than expected. Therefore, at the end of the year 2010, General Motors faced a huge crisis of profitability. To save the company from bankruptcy, they had to stop production and bring in a new brand.

Are Pontiac G6 expensive to fix?

Different parts of a Pontiac G6 May require repair or replacement. To fix distinctive issues of a Pontiac G6 you may have to pay $95 to $1700. On average, the common issues of a Pontiac G6 cost around $270 to $470 annually. Therefore, it is comparatively costly to fix Pontiac G6.

Costs of fixing some common issues:

How long can a Pontiac G6 last?

A Pontiac G6 of any particular year from 2005-2010 is estimated to last up to 270000-280000 miles. The average miles coverage of a Pontiac G6 is around 10000-15000 per year. Therefore, a Pontiac G6 with proper maintenance, replacement, and repair can serve for 10 to 15 years and even more.

Conclusion – Is Pontiac G6 a good car?

Though Pontiac G6 is out of production, it has some qualities which attracted many users. There have been some problems reported by the owners of different Pontiac G6 models. But each following edition came with better changes and they have been appreciated by many consumers. 

The Pontiac G6 models from 2007-2009 and the special edition of 2009.5 have higher ratings and minimum flaws. Proper maintenance and some additional repair and replacement can make the older edition perform well. Considering all the facts, it is fair to mark Pontiac G6 as a good car.

Resources:

• https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/PONTIAC/G6/
• https://www.edmunds.com/used-pontiac-g6/