Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
All gauges on dash starting going up and down, Anti theft light, power steering light, low fuel light. Car slipping or having hard time going and possibly the key transponder ignition / chip key anti theft shut down.
My son was driving a 2009 Pontiac G5 in a high school parking lot at approximately 40mph +/- and went to make sudden turn when the power steering completely failed. He slammed on the brakes and even pulled the e-brake to no avail and hit a block wall. As a result of this accident he sustained neck and back injuries as well as other bumps and bruises. The vehicle hit the wall at approximately a 20 degree angle hitting the driver side front corner at the headlight area. The impact resulted in major damage to the front corner panel, hood, driver door, radiator, and possible bent frame. After backing the car away from the wall the power steering started working again but with loss of fluids the vehicle had to be towed away and my son getting checked out for his injuries. …
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at 2 MPH, the steering wheel had become firm. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not towed or taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,400.
Not sure if ignition has ever been changed but I've been reading that there is a recall on my eps system as to that matter I have no power steering and would like to kno if it will be covered if I take it to gm dealership close to me
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G5. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that both the power steering motor and steering column needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. Upon investigating the cause of the failure, the contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V073000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
While traveling I lost assisted steering to my vehicle, this was while traveling at a low speed, and while cornering. This mechanical failure caused my vehicle to travel off the road causing personal damages. I've since learned of manufacture recalls that describe this situation. I've experienced it once prior while in traffic. other than towing it home I've no contact with any insurance or other people and I cannot seem to sell it in its current condition. The ignition problem is present every time I insert my key or remove it. I've not yet had any inspection done to it.
Related recalls (1)
Steering › Electric power assist system
General motors is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet cobalt and model year 2007-2010 Pontiac g5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering. The driver May experience a sudden loss of power steering assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the electric power steering motor free of charge. Owners are being notified on a rolling basis between March 29 through November 2010. A copy of the mailing schedule is located in the recall file.
NHTSA investigations
Electric Power Steering Failure
In a March 1, 2010 letter, General Motors Corporation (GM) provided a defect information report to NHTSA regarding a problem that could result in sudden loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2005 through 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt and MY 2007 through 2010 Pontiac G5 vehicles equipped with electric power steering (EPS).The letter indicates that the loss of steering assist could occur at any time while…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac G5 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (59), 2008 (23) and 2009 (12) model years. Steering complaints make up 31% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Pontiac G5 steering problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 10V-073 (electric power assist system, Mar 3, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac G5 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles; 46% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (1 mentions).
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.