Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while her fianc ' was driving behind her, he notified her that her rear driver's and passenger's side brake lights remained illuminated while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the rear passenger's and driver's side brake light bulbs were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact then received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number 14V252000 (Electrical system, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electrical Stability Control). Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving approximately 80 mph the cruise disconnected had erroneously deactivated and the brake lights had remained illuminated . The contact replaced brake sensors, emergency brake sensors and ABS Module but the failure continued to occur. The local dealer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000(ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); however, the failure recurred after the recall repair. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer declined to provide additional repairs under the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that an unknown wiring harness had failed. The independent mechanic informed the contact that he could not repair the vehicle for fear that the vehicle could catch on fire. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
No SE lights on dash. Shudder shifts intermittently between all gears both in automatic and manual driving mode. No shops have been able to diagnose what the actual problem is. Huge safety risk as there is no telling when it will actually happen and "stall" the car out in traffic when shifting. In searching the internet this is a common problem for 5+ years and there has not been a solution identified by GM.
This has been an issue that has been going on for a few years it has mostly been the driver side headlight a d o. 2 occasions both headlights have not work. On November 2023 my headlights on the driver's side would not work. Also, my turn signal didn't work at all which almost caused me an accident as I was making a turn not knowing that the turn signal was not working. I took my vehicle to Alden Buick GMC where they did inform me of issues with the headlight wiring they replaced a few wires and used a zip tie to fix it. On another occasion leaving work none of my headlights worked so I had to call my wife and have her drive in front of me so that I can make it home. Now on December I was driving on the highway at 1am and all of a sudden my headlights went off so the only thing I could do is use my fog lights and follow a car in front of me. …
About 6 months ago I believe I file a complaint about this same issue and here I am again. A few nights ago driving home from the movies with my kids out of nowhere my headlights go out so I had to use my fog lights to make it home. I can't understand how isn't this a safety issue and why hasn't anyone done anything about it or why isn't there a recall. What is the wait? Are we waiting for a tragedy to occur to then do something?? This is like the 3 or 4th time that it has happened. Where is the urgency on this matter?? Or will I have to make a petition with other G6 owners that also have had this issue?? Some feedback would be nice on what to do or do I have to continue to spend $$$ with 0 results. Would appreciate some response and some results.
The electrical harness going to the drivers door doesn't function properly in any way shape or form. My locks blow a fuse every time you hit the button my trunk pop works with my key fob but not the actual button. My passenger window only goes down if you open the door completely but then only goes up with the pass. Switch and my car radio stays on even if I shut the car off take the keys out and get out of the car... Me not being able to get windows down or trunk open in an emergency is extremely dangerous and unsafe in every way and so is the door locks not functioning properly.... I demand a safety recall be issued on the wiring harness immediately....
Problem with completed recall 14V252000. Symptoms have returned. In some vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection can cause voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. This may lead to: Brake lights illuminating without the brake pedal being pressed Brake lights not illuminating when the pedal is pressed Difficulty disengaging cruise control Gear shifter not moving out of PARK without the brake pedal pressed Disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), and panic braking assist ARFC ARFC +1 These failures increase the risk of a crash
While driving my 2008 Pontiac G6 Base, I lost electrician power to the vehicle, on my car it utilizes an electric power steering module instead of fluid and a pump. When I lost power to the car the wheel became stiff but when I regained power the steering column while the vehicle was in motion did what I can only describe as "Forced knockback or steering" as when I attempted to tightly turn the wheel or turn at all the car steering wheel would yank the wheel free from my hands and prevent turning. This is extremely dangerous and especially if the car would be at high speeds or speeds needed to reach normal highway travel like 50 to 65 mph.
Electrical complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 225 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Pontiac G6, 21% of the model year's 1,080 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac G6 electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 Pontiac G6, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Pontiac G6 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 6 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.