VehicleVerdict

2005 Pontiac G6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Pontiac G6 sits mid-pack among G6 years: 932 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 932, with 6 recalls and 4 closed investigations. Complainants reported 27 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 50% of all reports (462 of 932), far ahead of electrical system at 102.

932

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

4

Investigations

43

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

27

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other G6 years?

G6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted2,601 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 3 complaints2005: 932 complaints2006: 2,601 complaints2007: 1,825 complaints2008: 1,606 complaints2009: 1,044 complaints2010: 429 complaints2014: 1 complaints
G6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all G6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Pontiac G6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering46250%
Electrical System10211%
Brakes697%
Lighting667%
Transmission495%
Fuel System344%
Engine303%
Speed Control202%
Other182%
Suspension182%
Visibility & Wipers172%
Airbags152%
Body & Structure152%
Tires & Wheels91%
Latches & Locks40%
Seats20%
Child Seat10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2005 Pontiac G6 have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14E044000SteeringJuly 21, 2014 · 7,304 units

Defect

Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehicles. The affected steering shafts may have a yoke that inadequately supports the u-joint bearing resulting in a premature failure.

Consequence

A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service at 1-800-523-2492.

14V252000Electrical SystemMay 14, 2014 · 2,440,524 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.

Consequence

Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.

14V224000TransmissionApril 30, 2014 · 1,131,113 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.

Consequence

If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.

14V153000SteeringMarch 31, 2014 · 1,373,177 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.

Consequence

If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.

09V036000LightingJanuary 30, 2009 · 8,012 units

Defect

GM IS RECALLING 8,012 MY 2005-2006 PONTIAC G6 VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY BECAUSE OF CORROSION IN A WIRING CONNECTOR. CORROSION IN THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL HAS NOT BEEN DEPRESSED, OR THE LAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. IN ADDITION, THE CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT ENGAGE, AND GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK.

Consequence

BRAKE LAMPS THAT ARE NOT OPERATING PROPERLY MAY NOT WARN A DRIVER IN A FOLLOWING VEHICLE OF THE BRAKING STATUS AND COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL APPLY A DIELECTRIC LUBRICANT TO THE CONNECTOR TO PREVENT CORROSION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FOR YOU FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1- 800-620-7668 OR OWNER CENTER AT WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

05V098000OtherMarch 14, 2005 · 35,777 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, 'CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS.' THE CHILD RESTRAINT LOWER ANCHORS IN THE CENTER REAR SEATING POSITION ARE LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 90MM BEHIND THE CORRESPONDING Z-POINT OF THE CHILD RESTRAINT FIXTURE (CRF). THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES THAT ANCHORS ARE AT THE OUTBOARD SEATING POSITIONS ONLY.

Consequence

WITHOUT ADDITIONAL AND CORRECTED OWNER'S MANUAL INFORMATION, AN OWNER MAY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTY IN INSTALLING CHILD RESTRAINTS WITH RIGID ATTACHMENTS IN THE CENTER POSITION.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE MAILED AN OWNER'S MANUAL SUPPLEMENT. THE RECALL IBEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

STEERING SYSTEM LOCKED. THIS OCCURED ON THE HIGHWAY, GOING AROUND A RIGHT TURN AT 50MPH (UPHILL). IT RESULTED IN A COLLISION WITH THE CONCRETE BARRIER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ABILITY TO STEER RETURNED AFTER THE DRIVER YANKED THE WHEEL HARD. THE DRIVER FELT A POP AND THE STEERING RETURNED, BUT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 3, 2005 · crash

MY 2005 PONTIAC G6'S DRIVER'S SIDE SUN VISOR HAD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH CAUSED SMOKE TO COME FROM THE HEADLINER AREA. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD MY VEHICLE SINCE THEN AND HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR A PART TO COME IN. THE DEALER SUSPECTS THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT DUE TO THEM NOT BEING ABLE TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 20, 2005 · fire

I LEASED A BRAND NEW PONTIAC G6 IN SEPTEMBER 2005, ON JANUARY 29, 2005 THE ABS MODULE BURNT UP AND CAUGHT ON FIRE, BURNT THE ABS SYSTEM AND HALF OF THE CARS ELECTRICAL WIRING IN THE WIRING HARNESS. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO BE CALLED TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, THEY STATED IF I WAITED ANY LONGER THE CAR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 29, 2006 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE WAS ALERTED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL NOT BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE FUSE BOX AND NOTICED THAT ONE OF THE FUSES WAS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 8, 2010 · fire

GM HAS SENT MULTIPLE LETTERS REGARDING THE POWER STEERING RECALL. THEY SAY THEY DO NOT HAVE PARTS AND THEY ACTUALLY ENCOURAGE OWNERS TO CONTINUE DRIVING EVEN AT A RISK OF POWER STEERING LOSS AND ACCIDENT. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY WHEN MY G6 LOST POWER STEERING CAUSING ME TO HIT AN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 12, 2014 · crash

2005 Pontiac G6 — common questions

Is the 2005 Pontiac G6 reliable?

It is close to typical for the G6: 932 NHTSA complaints, 6 recalls, and 4 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 G6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (462 complaints), electrical system (102 complaints), brakes (69 complaints).

Does the 2005 Pontiac G6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Pontiac G6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Pontiac G6 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac G6 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the G6 years to avoid are 2006, 2007, 2008. The cleanest record among G6 years belongs to 2014.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.