Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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.
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....
1st issue with lighting: repeated issues with electrical connection to front head lights. Light bulbs tested and were OK. Mechanics would reconnect loose wiring to the headlights. More than 6 repairs by mechanics failed to solve problem in 9 years of ownership. 2nd issue with possible electrical - unknown cause: after owning car for 9 years, front of car "exploded" resulting in fire in front right quadrant of car and ultimately burning entire engine, front of car, front windows, front tires. Fireman stated cause of fire could have been short in electrical wiring too close to oil tank. Root cause of explosion unknown. No human injuries. Car was in motion less than 5 MPH pulling into owner's driveway when explosion occurred. No engine alert lights went off ahead of explosion. No warning system alerted to any problems with engine, sensors, heat, oil levels, etc.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, it was brought to the contact's attention that the passenger side headlight failed to illuminate and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the bulb was changed, however the failure recurred. The contact stated that while attempting to replace the bulb, it was witnessed that the headlight connector assembly had melted. The vehicle was not taken for diagnosis and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000. The VIN was not available.
I've had to replace the headlight bulbs almost every six months since I purchased the vehicle in 2010. They are constantly going out. I took it to an electrician. He replaced a piece in the wiring, then the other headlight, as soon as I fix one side the other headlight goes out. I know it has to be a manufacturers defect. I have owned this car almost 8 years this May. This is not a coincidence. The passenger side headlight is out now. I love this car, it rides great, but this headlight situation is frustrating.
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.
NHTSA investigations
Brake Light Malfunction
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Recall Query RQ13-001 on February 4, 2013 in response to complaints alleging that the brake lights do not operate properly on model year (MY) 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles. Complainants allege that the brake lights illuminate when the brake pedal is not depressed, and turn off once the brake pedal is applied.
Brake Light Switch/Sensor Malfunction
On May 14, 2014 General Motors (GM) announced a recall action (14V-252) involving model year (MY) 2004-12 Chevrolet Malibu, MY 2004-07 Malibu Maxx, MY 2005-10 Pontiac G6 and MY 2007-10 Saturn Aura vehicles.An increased resistance can develop in the Body Control Module connection systems and result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS, or brake light switch) circuit that can cause the brake lamps to…
Headlight complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2008 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 243 complaints about the lights of the 2008 Pontiac G6, 23% of the model year's 1,080 complaints. The component named most often is brake lights (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac G6 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 12 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.