Pontiac G8 Reliability and Common Problems

The Pontiac G8 has everything you want in a full-size sedan—a large cabin, huge trunk space, and powerful engine options. Despite being discontinued in 2009, the Pontiac G8 has remained quite popular with performance enthusiasts who praised the car’s superb acceleration and sharp handling. The average price of a used Pontiac G8 ranges from $2,814 to $10,014, depending on its condition, mileage, and trim, according to Edmunds. The Pontiac G8 holds its value exceptionally well. AutoPadre estimates the 2009 model will depreciate by about 26% after five years.

Is the Pontiac G8 Reliable?

The Pontiac G8 has received high reliability ratings on a number of review sites because of its proven performance. It scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0 stars with owners on Cars.com. The most positive reviews came from owners who have had their G8s for over a decade. With proper maintenance, the Pontiac G8 can last up to 250,000 miles. The average ownership cost for full-size cars like the G8 is around $590. The severity and frequency of repairs needed are also right around average.

Common Pontiac G8 Problems

The Pontiac G8 has had a few recalls and minor complaints over the years. Here are some of the Pontiac G8’s most commonly reported problems.

Seat Belt Cables Prone to Bending

When GM announced they were recalling 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G8s for seat belt cable problems, it cast doubt on the car’s dependability. According to the recall, the flexible steel cables, which connected the seat belts to the driver seat and the front passenger seat, could be bent if they were sat on. This constant bending could cause the cables to break. If the cables snapped, the seat belts would be unable to restrain the occupants in the event of a collision, increasing their risk of injury. GM has offered to replace the seat belt tensioner assembly and cables for free. These replacement parts would reposition the tensioner and cables out of the way so that the driver and passenger couldn’t possibly sit on them.

Safety should be your top priority when buying a used car. If you have suspicions about your chosen Pontiac G8 model, don’t hesitate to ask the seller about the car’s repair history. Knowing a car’s worst problems could someday save your life.

Ignition Key Problems

GM has issued a recall for certain 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G8s over motor safety concerns. The flip keys issued to these affected vehicles could slip out of the “run” position when hit by the driver. If the key is knocked out of its position, the engine, power steering, and power braking may cease to operate. The airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury. GM’s poorly designed flip keys have been linked to three accidents and four injuries involving Camaro owners (Camaro was also named in this recall). In response, the company has offered to turn defective flip keys into traditional car keys by removing the spring mechanism that allowed the keyblade to extend and retract.

A poorly designed key could lead to accidents and injuries when it slips out of position. If you’re planning to buy a used Pontiac G8, you should first inspect the key fob that comes with it. Make sure the key doesn’t feel too loose when inserted in the ignition.

Faulty Tire Pressure Monitoring System and Brake Pedal Position Switch

GM has recalled 35,038 Pontiac G8s from 2008 to 2009 for failing to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) in these cars are programmed with incorrect values, preventing the low tire pressure light from illuminating until tire pressure falls below the federal safety standard. This issue is coupled with a defective brake pedal position switch that causes the car’s brake lights to stay on even if they aren’t in use.

A constantly illuminated brake light does more than just drain your battery. It can lead to a vehicular collision. You also stand to lose a few tires without the TPMS monitoring your tire pressure. Fortunately, GM dealers have offered to reprogram the brake position sensor and the remote control door lock receiver with the correct values for free. Both components have to be in good condition so you can drive safely.

Rattling Suspension

Some Pontiac G8 owners on the G8Board message board have reported a rattling noise coming from their suspension whenever their car hits a bump. A rattling suspension could indicate a couple of things. One owner suspected a faulty control arm bushing. Another suspected a loose brake caliper.

There might be a chance that the rattling sound is caused by a worn-out or broken sway bar. The sway bar is responsible for keeping your ride stable when turning a corner by decreasing the amount of weight transferred in the wheels. The rattling noise can also indicate a bad shock absorber. Whenever your Pontiac G8 hits a pothole or bump, the shock absorber adjusts the rebound of the suspension to keep your tires engaged. If the shock absorber fails, it can compromise your car’s steering and braking ability. Problems with the suspension system can be tricky to diagnose without a mechanical background, so we urge you to take your car shop for a checkup if you notice rattling sounds.

Despite being discontinued in 2009, the Pontiac G8 has remained a top pick due to its long-term reliability and affordable price. Many long-time owners are satisfied with their car’s sporty performance and have very few complaints apart from the usual oil change and minor maintenance. Knowing the Pontiac G8’s history of recalls and reliability problems can come in handy when choosing the right model. If you’re looking to buy a used Pontiac G8, we encourage you to ask your seller about the car’s condition, mileage, and repair history to avoid any unforeseen repairs.