Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Pontiac G8 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving the vehicle the front suspension shakes and clunks while driving at any speed. Both ball joins have tears in the rubber boots which I'm sure causes water and road debre to enter ball joint and corrode. This is a huge safety concern for me and when a ball joint lets go it can be fatal sending the car in any unchosen direction. Please note this is happening to every single Pontiac G8 owner I've come across. This is life threatening, ball joint lets go on the highway and the car will go into a roll. Thank you for your time and consideration
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle pulled to the left and vibrated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the sway bar, tie rod, and hob needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000. Updated 07/27/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. While driving at 55 MPH, the contact heard a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front passenger's side ball joints and control arm needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000.
In April 2009 my Pontiac G8 began making groaning and cracking noises. Observation indicate that noise is coming from the front of the car and is most prevalent when the car is warm. Research on the numerous websites indicate that this is not an uncommon problem. Unfortunately, the dealers don't seem to understand the severity of the problem and the potential safety impact of losing control of the automobile. So far the most common response seems to be to ignore it or provide a piece meal solution. I believe it is only a matter of time before the steering is effected and an accident occurs. It seems the gt models are most effected with no mention of the v6 or the gxp editions having problems. The gxp has improved front suspension and the v6 is lighter. …
I recently encountered a clunking/knocking noise in the front drivers side of the vehicle when going over small bumps, as well as severe shaking/vibration when braking and steering. This made it difficult to control the vehicle, especially at higher speeds and on freeway curves. Since the vehicle is no longer under warranty, I took the vehicle to a trusted local mechanic. They informed me that the front lower control arms needed replacement. After doing some additional research, it appears there were both a service bulletin and a customer satisfaction campaign for issues with the G8 suspension, specifically the lower control arms. These issues included problems with the rubber boot over the front end lower control arm ball joint, which May become dislodged or torn compromising the seal. …
At 23,000 miles my lower front right ball joint went bad and a wobble was noticed when braking hard. Dealer informed me that ball joint was bad and this a common problem and some vehicles have been recalled but my car was not on the recall or campaign list. The ball joint problem is a well documented problem within the G8 community but is not being taken seriously by the dealers or GM. This is a huge safety issue, this problem could eventually cause serious injuries. They have redesigned replacement control arms/ball joints to correct the problem but they have limited inventory. This recall should be made public to inform the consumer of the potential failure and destruction that could take place. This recall should be opened up to all G8's not just be VIN number. Obviously there are more cars that have defective parts that are not being included in this recall.
While making a some what sharp turn to the left on a freeway at approx 60 miles per hour (legal speed for situation) noted vibration in right front suspension. It felt like the tire was attempting to come off the rim.. I backed off and the problem dissipated. I took the car to the dealership and it was determined that the right front rear lower support arm had severe play in the ball joint. The same issue is present with less wear in the front left lower control arm. The play has caused premature wear in the right front tire. Tires have been rotated regularly at the dealership at suggested 5,000 mile time frame. The dealership did not detect any problem in the suspension during any of the scheduled maintenances. Considering the mileage on the car there is unreasonable wear occurring in suspension part creating a dangerous situation.
My 2009 Pontiac g8gt with 14,000 miles has had a front end shake in it since new. Have had it back to the dealer 8 times to have it fixed to no avail. He car has started to wander back and forth while driving on the highway so I decided today I was inspecting it to see if I could find anything. The last time I had it to the dealer I told them I could her the front strut bushings going bad this was about 1000 miles ago. Today during my inspection I found that both front strut bushings are bad. I was checking a couple of forum boards today and this seems to be a very common problem for this car and Pontiac an GM are well aware of it. Why haven't they are anybody made GM step up and fix this before somebody get hurt or killed?
My Pontiac G8 gt has experienced premature and potentially dangerous wear and failure from all four of the front ball joints -- upper and lower control arms. GM has stated that this wear is from a bad "boot design", but there are numerous vehicles with multiple boot replacements and control arm replacements that have then gone bad -- once again. This therefore points to the ball joint design as being the primary cause of the premature wear and failure! There needs to be a recall on all four of the control arms for this vehicle before someone gets killed by a faulty ball joint breaking!
Above about 40 MPH the steering wheel has a shake and the dealer keeps telling me that they do not feel it, seems like they want nothing to do with it. This is a widespread problem that seems like GM wants nothing to do with. This is a link to a 30 page thread of people complaining about the problem and almost every person that is having the issue has not been resolved. This is currently an annoyance but it May be a sign of a failing steering / suspension part. Http://www.g8board.com/forums/showthread.php?t=46325.
Suspension complaints in other G8 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2009 Pontiac G8?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2009 Pontiac G8, 14% of the model year's 144 complaints. The component named most often is front (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Pontiac G8 suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2009 Pontiac G8, 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 G8 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 30,000 miles, and 45% before 25,000 miles.
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.