Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2009 Pontiac G5. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System) and 14V171000 (Electrical System). The contact requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G5. While driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and crashed into a guardrail. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and it was determined that the occupant detection module was inoperable. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, IG Burton (1 Automotive Blvd, Elkton, MD 21921), and IG Burton (6913 Ritchie Hwy, Glen Burnie, MD 21061). The dealers informed the contact that the part to repair the vehicle was no longer in production. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 53,150.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while making a right turn in an intersection the vehicle failed to accelerate causing a crash with a second vehicle. During the crash, the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained a shoulder and back injury and the passenger sustained a left torso injury which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was undetermined.
Tl- the contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G5. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle lost control. The vehicle crashed into a tree and the airbags deployed. There were no warning light indicators on the instrument panel. A police report was filed and there were no major injuries. The driver and the passenger was not injured. The vehicle was able to be driven to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not inspected nor diagnosed. After the accident the right rear passengers side back wheel locks up. The vehicle was not inspected nor diagnosed. The contact was included in NHTSA campaign id number: 14V047000 (air bags , electrical system) after the failure occured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120000. Dyd
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that the key would remain stuck in the ignition switch and the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was pending repairs under NHTSA campaign numbers: 14V047000 (air bags, electrical system) and 14V171000 (electrical system). In addition, when refueling the vehicle, fuel leaked from the fuel tank. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was refueled at half a tank in order to prevent fuel leaking. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 12V459000 (fuel system, gasoline) and 09V419000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. Update 01/15/16 ma updated 02/04/16.
Related recalls (1)
Air bags
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac G5 years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (31), 2008 (26) and 2009 (10) model years. Airbag complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Pontiac G5 airbag problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 14V-047 (air bags, Feb 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac G5 airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 37% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (7 mentions), followed by the side/window (3).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.