Common Pontiac G8 Failures: Solutions, Problems And More!
The Pontiac G8 has everything you want in a full-size sedan: a big cabin, huge trunk space, and powerful engine options. Despite being discontinued in 2009, the Pontiac G8 has remained very popular with performance enthusiasts who praised the car’s superb acceleration and sharp handling. If you are interested in this car, we suggest you learn about the common faults of the Pontiac G8 .
The median price of a used Pontiac G8 ranges from $2,814 to $10,014, depending on condition, mileage, and equipment. The Pontiac G8 holds its value exceptionally well. The 2009 model is estimated to depreciate around 26% after five years.
How good is the Pontiac G8?
The Pontiac G8 has received high reliability marks on a number of review sites due to its proven performance. It earned an impressive 4.7 out of 5.0 star rating with owners.
The most positive feedback comes from owners who have owned their G8s for over a decade. With proper maintenance, the Pontiac G8 can last up to 250,000 miles. The average cost of ownership for full-size cars like the G8 is around $590. The severity and frequency of repairs needed are also around average.
Common Pontiac G8 Failures
The Pontiac G8 has had a few recalls and minor complaints over the years. These are some of the common Pontiac G8 failures.
1- Problems with the seat belt cables
When GM announced that it was recalling the 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G8s for problems with the seatbelt cables, it questioned the reliability of the car. According to the recall, the flexible steel cables, which connected the seat belts to the driver’s and front passenger’s seats, could bend if they sat on them.
This constant flexing could cause the cables to break. If the cables were to break, the seat belts would not be able to restrain the occupants in a collision , increasing the risk of injury. GM has offered to replace the seat belt tensioner assembly and cables free of charge. These replacement parts will reposition the tensioner and cables out of the way so the driver and passenger cannot sit on them.
Safety should be your top priority when buying a used car. If you have suspicions about the Pontiac G8 model you have chosen, do not hesitate to ask the seller about the car’s repair history. Knowing the worst car problems could save your life one day.
2- Problems with the ignition key
GM has issued a recall for certain 2008 and 2009 Pontiac G8s for engine safety concerns. The ignition keys issued to these affected vehicles could be knocked out of the “drive” position when struck by the driver. If the key is dislodged from its position, the engine, power steering and engine brake may stop working.
The airbag may not deploy in the event of an accident, increasing the risk of injury. The poor design of GM’s flip keys has been linked to three accidents and four injuries involving Camaro owners (the Camaro has also been named in this recall).
In response, the company has offered to convert faulty flip keys into traditional car keys by removing the spring-loaded mechanism that allowed the key blade to extend and retract.
A poorly designed wrench can cause accidents and injuries when it slips out of position. If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand Pontiac G8, you should first inspect the key fob that came with it. Make sure the key is not too loose when you insert it into the ignition.
3- Failures with the tire pressure control system and brake pedal position switch
GM has recalled 35,038 Pontiac G8s from 2008 to 2009 for failure to comply with federal motor vehicle safety regulations.
The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) in these cars are programmed with the wrong values, preventing the low tire pressure light from illuminating until the tire pressure drops below the tire pressure norm. federal security.
This problem is coupled with a faulty brake pedal position switch that causes the car’s brake lights to stay on even when not in use.
A constantly on brake light does more than just drain your battery. It can cause a vehicular collision. You may also lose some tires without the TPMS monitoring the tire pressure.
Fortunately, GM dealers have offered to reprogram the brake position sensor and remote door lock receiver to the correct values for free. Both components must be in good condition for you to drive safely.
4- Failures in the suspension
Some Pontiac G8 owners on the G8Board message board have reported a rattling noise coming from their suspension whenever their car hits a pothole. A rattling suspension could indicate a couple of things. One owner suspected a faulty control arm bushing. Another suspected a loose brake caliper.
There could be a possibility that the rattling sound is caused by a worn or broken stabilizer bar. The stabilizer bar is responsible for maintaining driving stability when cornering, decreasing the amount of weight transferred to the wheels.
A rattling noise can also indicate a bad shock absorber . Every time your Pontiac G8 hits a bump or pothole, the shock adjusts the rebound of the suspension to keep your tires hooked. If the shock absorber fails, it can compromise your car’s steering and braking ability.
Problems with the suspension system can be difficult to diagnose without mechanical knowledge, so we urge you to take your car in for a check if you notice rattling sounds.
In summary
Despite being discontinued in 2009, the Pontiac G8 has remained a top pick due to its long-term reliability and affordable price. Many long-term owners are satisfied with the sporty performance of their car and have very few complaints other than the usual oil change and minor maintenance.
Knowing the history of recalls and reliability problems of the Pontiac G8 can be useful when choosing the right model. If you want to buy a second-hand Pontiac G8, we encourage you to ask the seller about the car’s condition, mileage and repair history to avoid any unforeseen events.
