Makes›Pontiac›G6›2008

2008 Pontiac G6

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
2dr Coupe FWD GT/Gtp, 4dr Sedan FWD /Se, 4dr Sedan FWD GT, 4dr Sedan FWD Gxp
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl, 3.9L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
Length
189 in
Curb weight
3,322–3,856 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
4 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

Nothing stands out against similar models in the data.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints487 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 75 for similar models — most often about the steering.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 32 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Pontiac G6 is a compact car offered with 4 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl and 3.9L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 189 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,413 lb (2dr Coupe FWD GT/Gtp).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 14% better than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.

It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 487 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 G6 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 G6 →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr Coupe FWD GT/Gtp189 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.4 / 60.6 in3,413 lb62/38
4dr Sedan FWD /Se189 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in60.2 / 60.6 in3,322 lb62/38
4dr Sedan FWD GT189 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in60.2 / 60.6 in3,400 lb62/38
4dr Sedan FWD Gxp189 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in60.2 / 60.6 in3,534 lb62/38
GT Convertible 2dr FWD189 in70.5 in57.1 in112.2 in59.8 / 60.2 in3,856 lb

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
G62.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 30 / 25+14%$2,700355
G63.5L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive18 / 29 / 220%$3,050404
G63.5L 6-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-9%$3,350444
G63.6L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 26 / 20-9%$3,350444
G63.9L 6-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-18%$3,700494
Spend $1,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
21.9 MPG2008 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Pontiac G6 under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Pontiac G6 (this car)25 MPGNot rated4
2008 Ford Mustang20 MPGNot rated4
2008 Honda Accord25 MPGNot rated8
2008 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated6
2008 Mazda 327 MPGNot rated0
2008 Volkswagen Golf/GTI25 MPGNot rated0
2008 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport22 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (4)

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
Risk
Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever And Linkage › Floor Shift · Apr 30, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V224000 · 1,131,113 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 29, 2014, that they are recalling 56,214 model year 2007 and 2008 Saturn Aura vehicles. On May 22, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 1,074,899 model year 2004-2008 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured from May 16, 2003, through October 5, 2007, model year 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured from June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, and model year 2005-2008 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured from May 26, 2004, through September 28, 2007, and equipped with 4-speed transmissions. The total number vehicles being recalled is now 1,131,113.
Risk
If the transmission shift cable fractures while the vehicle is being driven, the transmission gear selection may not match the indicated gear and the vehicle may move in an unintended or unexpected direction, increasing the risk of a crash. Furthermore, when the driver goes to stop and park the vehicle, despite selecting the ‘PARK’ position, the transmission may not be in ‘PARK.’ If the vehicle is not in the "PARK" position there is a risk the vehicle will roll away as the driver and other occupants exit the vehicle or anytime thereafter. A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of injury to exiting occupants and bystanders.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and GM dealers will replace the shift cable assembly and mounting bracket, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 14152.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Mar 31, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V153000 · 1,373,177 vehicles

Problem
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2006 Malibu Maxx, 2009-2010 HHR (non-turbo), 2010 Cobalt, 2008-2009 Saturn Aura and 2004-2007 Ion, and 2005-2009 Pontiac G6. In the affected vehicles, there may be a sudden loss of electric power steering (EPS) assist that could occur at any time while driving.
Risk
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will perform one of four bulletins. Parts are not currently available. GM expects to send an interim notification around May 28, 2014. When parts are available, owners will be mailed a second letter to come in to have the applicable bulletin applied. Bulletin 14115 covers model year 2004-2007 Saturn Ion, 2009-2010 Chevrolet HHR and 2010 Chevrolet Cobalts. Dealers will replace the EPS motor. Bulletin 14116 covers model year 2004-2006 Chevrolet Malibu and Malibu Maxx, 2005-2006 Pontiac G6 and 2008-2009 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from March 1, 2008, through June 27, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly. Bulletin 14117 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from February 1, 2008, through February 28, 2008. Dealers will replace the torque sensor assembly and EPS motor controller unit. Bulletin 14118 covers model year 2008 Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6 and Saturn Aura built from October 1, 2007, through January 31, 2008. Dealers will replace the EPS motor controller unit. The recall began on July 17, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Saturn at 1-800-553-6000, and Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668. GM's number for this recall is N140115. Note: GM bulletin number 14119 will be implemented for model year 2006-2008 and early production of 2009 Chevrolet HHR (non-turbo) and model year 2003 Saturn ION to provide EPS Motor replacement for the life of the vehicle.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Sep 18, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V460000 · 426,240 vehicles

Problem
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Fix
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-521-7300.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Pontiac G6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

487Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
13Involved a crash
9Involved a fire
9Injuries reported
115,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Steering212
Electrical System92
Exterior Lighting77
Air Bags58
Service Brakes41
Power Train39
Fuel/Propulsion System37
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)32
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/02: 123/04: 223/08: 123/10: 123/11: 123/12: 124/01: 224/02: 124/04: 124/06: 124/07: 124/10: 125/01: 125/03: 125/04: 125/08: 125/12: 126/02: 226/03: 126/04: 126/05: 126/08: 126/09: 126/10: 123/0223/1024/0124/0625/0125/0826/0326/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Pontiac G6 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Steering — 212 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  3. Electrical System — 92 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Exterior Lighting — 77 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 115,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac G6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other G6 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2010 G626–Not rated2192
2009 G626189 inNot rated3434
2007 G624189 inNot rated3529
2006 G624189 inNot rated4504
2005 G623189 inNot rated3143

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →