Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. While driving 20 MPH, the contact was alerted by another driver that the vehicle was on fire. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and exited. The flames originated from the engine compartment. The contact was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A fire report was not filed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to auto zone where it was diagnosed that the power steering node was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. The VIN was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. While driving at an unknown speed, the headlights failed to illuminate. The contact stated that the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions. On the second occasion, it was diagnosed that an unknown component had melted. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car jerked to the right and put me and my kids into the ditch. This has happened twice. The second time it did it in the same direction(right) but when I hit the ditch smoke was coming into the heat vents while my kids were in the car. Brought it to the dealership they told me that my power steering line was broke and also I had a major oil leak and that it was a fire hazard. They then told me the price of how much to fix it. It is no longer under warranty. I don't feel I should have to pay for something that seems to be factory mistake. I've also had an incident of my car shutting off while driving. The ignition turned off while driving only going around a corner. I only had three keys on my ring at this time. This car has been the most dangerous car I've ever owned. The brakes and oil light constantly come on. …
The catalytic converter in my car needs replacement. I have been the only owner and have maintained it properly. The car has a little under 67,000 miles and occasionally loses power. It is a major safety issue as this happens sporadically. I can not with 100 percent certainty merge into traffic knowing that it will accelerate fast enough. I had a diagnostic run on the car and was told that the catalytic converter is the issue and needs replacement. I contacted the dealership in el paso, tx and they claim that some Pontiac G6 models (based on VIN) have been recalled, but that mine is not one of them. I have looked up related cases and don't understand why my car's VIN is not included. I love my car and it has served me well, until now. I hope that someone, anyone with some authority is reading this. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact was unable to start the vehicle. The contact had to apply pressure to the accelerator pedal for the vehicle to start. Also, upon exiting the vehicle, a strong fuel odor was detected around the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel pump was defective. The contact had the fuel pump replaced. The mechanic informed her that the vehicle May have been included in a recall; however, the VIN tool did not locate any recalls. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. On various occasions, while driving, the vehicle stalled. On one occasion, while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off in the middle of the highway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. On another occasion, while driving 5 MPH, the starter engaged independently and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact was concerned that due to the starter engaging independently, the vehicle could catch fire. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that either the fuel tank was fractured or there was a fuel pump leak. The contact also stated that the check engine light and traction control warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
For 2 yrs I have had temp gauge problems and a reading that says ck rse. Every time this ck rse shows up the temp gauge drops I explained this to the dealr on several occaisions they assured me that ck rse means ck rear seat entertainment center I don"t have rear seat entertainment center I am still having the same problems after being serviced ck rse still pops up on radio center and I still have temp gauge and air problems and the body of my car seems to leak water aroun doors and bumpers
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. While operating the vehicle, the instrument panel lights suddenly illuminated and flashed. In addition, the speed reduced and the rpms increased. The vehicle was repaired according to NHTSA campaign number 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control) in 2014, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 86,000.
I was driving and my car started to reduce speed, hesitate, and jerk when put my foot on the gas at a light to pull off or even with my foot on the gas pedal driving. My car couldn't pick up speed past 25 miles and sometime less. A message came up on my dash board stated flashing reduce engine speed. I was near auto zone when it happened so I asked to have a dianostic completed and it stated throttle/ pedal position sensor/ switch "e" circuit low input meaning code p2127.
Engine complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Pontiac G6, 4% of the model year's 1,080 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac G6 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.