Engine complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. While the cruise control was activated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the ESC, traction control, and engine warning indicators illuminated. The cruise control deactivated independently. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road where the engine was turned off. The vehicle was restarted and the gear lever failed to shift from park into the drive position until after several attempts. The vehicle resumed normal operation; however, the warning indicators remained illuminated. The vehicle was serviced previously per NHTSA campaign number: 14V252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The recall remedy was insufficient and the failure recurred. …
Purchased car used in 2013 car will not start sometimes car will loose power steering and jerk going down the road lose gas indicator and speedometer has happened several times in 4 years not the battery or the alternator possibly theft deterrent device seems to be a theme with this make and model however no recall by Pontiac probably because they are out of business and dont care
I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 3.9L almost 4 years ago. I have experienced white smoke pouring from under my hood 3 times so far. I've taken it to the dealership and first time was informed it was a bad power steering hose leaking onto the exhaust- preCat area. The second repair dealership said it was a faulty hose. The third time dealer said it was a bad motor mount. After extensive research online, found out several years of G6 cars have the high pressure power steering hose about 1 inch from the exhaust pipe. This is causing the hose to melt due to the heat. GMC started making heat protective wrap around these hoses which still does not solve the problem-still burns thru. With a simple online search 2006-2010 G6 with the v-6 engines are still having this problem, costing owners money/time and safety issues. …
Taking off to a slow roll without giving it any gas and turning right or left, the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn. There is absolutely no power steering. It lasts as long until you you give it gas and then the power steering will start working again. While at a steady maintained speed on flat level ground and while at a steady maintained speed going up hill rpm between 2,000-2,500 , the vehicle begins to shake/buck/shudder/stall. Give it some gas and it begins to run smoothly again after about 3 seconds.
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.
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle failed to start and the vehicle was smoking. There was an abnormal burning odor after the failure. The power steering and brakes became inoperable. The steering wheel was difficult to turn. The failure persisted over time. The check engine warning light and ABS warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed. The Fire Department was on the scene. The Police advised the contact to go through civil court. The contact believed that the wiring and transmissions were the cause of the failure. The power steering rack was replaced by an independent mechanic. The service center was no longer communicating with the contact and requested that the vehicle be removed from the property. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the air bag warning light and check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn, and the vehicle was nearly involved in a T-bone crash. The contact forcefully turned the steering wheel to regain control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, it was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 251,000.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac G6 years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (88), 2007 (58), 2008 (45), 2009 (32) and 2005 (30) model years. Engine complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Pontiac G6 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Pontiac G6 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac G6 engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (10 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (8).
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.