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 2009 Pontiac G6 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that a friend had alerted him that his brake lights remained illuminated while driving. The contact also stated that the brake lights would go out upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. The contact then placed some dielectric grease on the brake wiring harness which repaired the brake light connection. The contact also stated that the front driver's side headlight also failed to operate without warning. The contact applied dielectric grease to the wiring harness however, the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Exterior Lighting, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control). The contact had spoken with the manufacturer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. …
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the rear brake lights stayed on continuously even when the brake pedal was not depressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and an unknown switch underneath the dashboard was replaced however, the failure recurred. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.
Well, we purchased a 2009 Pontiac G6 in November of 2021. We have been having problems with our light staying on, we were pull over a couple nights ago due to our lights not working. Also, our G6 pulls to the right and tweeters are the only speakers that work. Sometimes the driver door speaker will come on but that's in a blue moon. My step dad looked at my lights and noticed our wires were burnt and so was the connection piece. My fianc informed me the other day that when he was fueling up, that he had to turn the car off because he heard a weird noise coming from the inside of the gas tank. Also, when we purchased the vehicle the battery was put in wrong and rubbing up against our hood [redacted] near caught our car on fire. Sometimes the car with slowing idle and won't go until I have to put my foot all the way down to the floor. …
Headlights are burning, melting and charged connections and causing dim lights. These headlights were recently replaced with new OEM healing's for the second time and each replacement is burning out the connection. Please advise?
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the front passenger headlight failed without warning. The contact replaced the headlight, but the failure recurred. The contact discovered that the inside of the headlight casing melted and burned the wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the front driver and passenger doors would lock and unlock without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. While the headlights were being replaced, it was detected that the headlight sockets were burnt and melted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 126,349. The VIN was unknown.
The headlamp socket has blown out 3 light bulbs since January (it is now July). The socket has totally melted and parts of it have broken off making it impossible to replace the bulb again. The socket and bulb have burn marks on them.
Takata recall , my headlights started to go out around last year. I replace the bulbs which was no easy task all to find out that the wire harness in this make and model go bad .real bad where the wires in the headlights short out and corrode , I had to replace both headlights and to no avail they are going out again . I have never seen a car that I would have to replace the whole head light over and over again. This is a major safety concern you have to have lights that work in order to see to drive & it is the law to have fully functions headlights and turn signals. They can go out at anytime just by turning the car on or driving. …
I have replaced 6 bulbs both driver and passenger side low beam lights I thought they were blown but come to find out they short because they are melting. I have replaced the wiring and the headlight sockets just for them to melt again. I have called chevorlet and GM motors to see why this isn't a safety issue??? Tonight I drove down a very dangerous road (we've had a wreck on this road every night this week) in very dangerous fog and my headlights went out thank god one of my brights worked and I had a quick reaction going 55mph not everyone will and that is a shame because chevorlet & GM motors know that they have an issue as they told me in our phone conversations. The wires to my headlights are melting I try not to drive at night because I'm terrified they will catch on fire as I'm driving down the road. Now I am horrified that all lights will go out. This is a huge safety issue!! …
In 2010 I purchaced a 2009 Pontiac G6. I had it for a couple weeks and my head lights burned out. I then got a new one and it burned out again then the other side did the same thing over and over again. When replacing it I see the socket was burned and melted. To this day I have to replace the bulbs every couple weeks and they go out on my way to work and I work midnigh, so its very dangerous. I also have been online and seen hundreds of people who are having this problem and they chatch on fire. The car is a 2009 Pontiac G6 sadan here is the link to see all the other people having problems. I have also seen many new G6 cars on the road with one head light out and there brand new.I would hate to see them catch on fire or someone get in to a accident because they can't see at night. I also have received a ticket for it which I had to pay because Pontiac didnt build it right. …
Headlight complaints in other G6 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2009 Pontiac G6?
NHTSA has 190 complaints about the lights of the 2009 Pontiac G6, 27% of the model year's 713 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Pontiac G6 headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2009 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 2009 Pontiac G6 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 10 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.