2009 Pontiac G6 Transmission Problems

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  26%
• 25k–50k
  26%
• 50k–75k
  1233%
• 75k–100k
  1131%
• 100k–150k
  719%
• 150k+
  26%

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 while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was turned off, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The failure became more persistent over time, and several attempts were needed for the power steering feature to become operable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced Mass Air Flow Sensor, Power Train System, Catalytic Converter Efficiency, ABS, Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Hub, Wheel Bearing, and TPMS failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of several recalls related to the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,737

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while in reverse, the vehicle continued to reverse and failed to stop. The gear shifter failed to shift to the intended gear, causing the contact to use the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shifter cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that due to NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train) there was a delay in retrieving the part for the repair. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake stop lights failed to illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

The drivetrain: automatic transmission parking lock cable (or shift cable) malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am able to put the car in 'park' and remove the key. However, when I attempt to start the vehicle, it won't start because the battery gets drained. I have to constantly get a jump off. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because I never know how much the battery has been drained, and the vehicle shuts off in trafffic. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has only been inspected by an independent service center. There have been no warning signs of the problem before shutting off or not starting. The vehicle was purchased in 2019, and the first occurrence was the same year. We knew something was draining the battery. We just did not know what. …

I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 for my son less than 7 days ago (3 ). While driving on the highway attempting to exit the ramp, the steering wheel began to get very hard to turn. We nearly crashed! Just yesterday placed the car in park. Although the shifter showed it was in P for park as well as on the dash, the car began consistently moving in reverse. This vehicle is a safety hazard for my child and due to it being a used vehicle Im not protected by a warranty. The 2009 Pontiac G6 recall list states that these issues are known, yet his VIN was not listed I believe it should've been. We need contacted ASAP.

The power steering mechanism stopped working, therefore I cannot turn the wheel. The gear shifter/drive train stopped working, therefore I cannot go into reverse, I am stuck in 3rd gear. It is unsafe because when I go to turn I cannot turn the wheel at times. I have issues braking. All of these issues are recalls on the vehicle. GM states that the recalls were performed seven years ago in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I have no way to verify that information nor any assurances that the parts used weren't faulty. I request new repairs under the recall warnings.

Intermittent very hard up shifts (including changes from park-drive etc), cruise flys off and stops working while going down road, speedometer stops working and flickers randomly, car flashes "power steering" on radio panel and "error" on odometer read, hard turning, car loses power as it revs to realize it needs to shift (automatic transmission) initially, restarting car would help for awhile, but now the problem is consistent. GM dealership could not diagnose problem and thought it was loose wiring. After not being able to trace the communication errors the dealership simply gave it back with no fix or answers. Major issue considering the car has only 36500 miles to date with an issue clearly other Pontiac G6 owners have had to deal with as well. The inconsistent issue has contributed to a recent car accident.

When I went to put the car in park, all of a sudden there was no resistance in the shift lever, it moved back and forth freely in the casing. Car would not go into park or any other gear. It broke in drive and would not restart. Had to use the emergency brake to keep it from rolling forward, had to have it towed . The dealer said we needed to replace the shift cable, and said the part was a g.m. Recall part. However, our car wasn't covered on the recall. I don't understand how a part can be recalled, but not all cars with the part are included in the recall, it just doesn't make any sense at all to me. I had to pay the g.m dealer $306. To have the car fixed. I really want my money back, I work hard for it, and this just isn't right. We did notify g.m. And they told us to notify you. Thank you

I was driving up an incline on I-287 in nj when my RPM's skyrocketed and by car's check engine light came on and my traction control light as flashed. My car began losing speed and became hard to control due to a loss of traction. Upon a visit to my mechanic it was found to be my catalytic converter. I have looked online and discovered the G6 from 04-10 have been known to experience this problem but yet GM has failed to make a recall. I would appreciate if you could look further into the situation. I was fortunate to be able to get my 4 way flashers on and avoid an accident narrowly. If my car had stalled like some of the other people I have read about who have had this problem it could have been fatal.

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle exhibited a loud and abnormal popping noise. The vehicle then veered to the right and traveled over a curb. The contact sustained injuries to the head and back. A police report was not filed. The contact soon discovered that passenger's side rear tire had failed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the transmission, transmission pin, cv joint, wheel alignment and axle had to be replaced. The vehicle was also leaking transmission fluid. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Related recalls

Transmission complaints in other G6 years