VehicleVerdict

2010 Pontiac G6 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2010 Pontiac G6 sits mid-pack among G6 years: 429 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 933, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 41% of all reports (174 of 429), far ahead of electrical system at 118.

429

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

17

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2010 compare to other G6 years?

G6 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2010 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, 2010 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all G6 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2010 Pontiac G6 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering17441%
Electrical System11828%
Lighting399%
Brakes225%
Airbags174%
Transmission143%
Speed Control102%
Fuel System72%
Other61%
Body & Structure51%
Latches & Locks41%
Engine41%
Suspension31%
Visibility & Wipers31%
Seats20%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2010 Pontiac G6 have recalls?

3 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.

12V460000TransmissionSeptember 18, 2012 · 426,240 units

Defect

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.

Consequence

If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

I WAS COMING OFF OF AN EXIT ON THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY STEERING WHEEL SEIZED UP, I COULD NOT TURN. MY CAR SMASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER COMPLETELY DEMOBILIZED THE CAR AND THE A FRAME COMPLETELY BENT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 29, 2021 · crash

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP CALLED DRIVE NOW IN LEBANON TENNESSEE. ABOUT 2 MILES AFTER SIGNING AND TRADING MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ONE THE ESC, TC OFF, CHECK ENGINE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHTS ALL CAME ON ON THE DASH. I TOOK IT TO THEM 4 DIFFERENT TIMES NOW AND THEY STATED TO ME IT'S AN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 27, 2018 · fire

I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP CALLED DRIVE NOW IN LEBANON TENNESSEE. ABOUT 2 MILES AFTER SIGNING AND TRADING MY VEHICLE FOR THIS ONE THE ESC, TC OFF, CHECK ENGINE, LOW TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR LIGHTS ALL CAME ON ON THE DASH. I TOOK IT TO THEM 4 DIFFERENT TIMES NOW AND THEY STATED TO ME IT'S AN…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 27, 2018 · fire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 6, 2013 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 6, 2013 · crash

2010 Pontiac G6 — common questions

Is the 2010 Pontiac G6 reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 429 NHTSA complaints, below the typical G6 year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2010 G6 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (174 complaints), electrical system (118 complaints), lighting (39 complaints).

Does the 2010 Pontiac G6 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2010 Pontiac G6. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.