Best and worst Pontiac G6 years — which to avoid

Buying a used Pontiac G6 can be a perfect choice for an affordable daily driver and the only problem here is avoiding troublesome model years. Even though the brand only made the G6 in a single generation and a few model years, some were sadly affected by power steering and suspension issues.

So, if you want to buy one, this guide on the best and worst Pontiac G6 years should do the trick. Through it, you’ll find information on common G6 problems and years that were mostly affected so you can make a comfortable buying decision. Our team examined all the records and complaints on the G6 via NHTSA ratings and other reputable sources, and we’ll tell you everything about it in this guide.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Pontiac G6 years

While evaluating the best and worst Pontiac G6 model years, our team used information stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We obtained details of common driver complaints there, as well as some recall logs to see which models struggled with problems so severe they had to be called in for repairs.

We also used statements from current and previous G6 owners on Pontiac forums, as well as ratings left by drivers on sites like Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports. All of that, coupled with the safety ratings of certain models, helped us create this table with the best and worst model years:

Most common Pontiac G6 problems

Pontiac G6 was produced in just six model years, with the final 2010 model being deemed the most reliable one. During that production span, some model-specific issues reflected on the reliability of the model as a whole, and some model years were plagued by the following problems:

1. Power steering issues

This one may be the most dangerous one when it comes to your driving safety, so it’s crucial to inspect the power steering assist system before buying a used G6. The thing is – the power steering assist system on these cars is prone to suddenly failing, which may put you in an awkward position while driving.

If you are on a highway, it may be a bit easier to control your ride, but this issue makes a real problem in case you need to take frequent turns. The problem was mostly present in the 2006 Pontiac G6 and GM issued an official recall in 2014 to fix this issue on affected models.

Some drivers have also reported seeing a power steering fluid leak but this issue wasn’t as commonly reported as a failure of the steering assist system. So, at least you know which of the car’s systems you should thoroughly inspect before buying a used G6.

2. Problems with malfunctioning interior accessories

This one wasn’t as bad as the malfunction of the power steering system, but it wasn’t harmless for drivers either. Having all of your car’s interior accessories at your disposal is important for keeping control over the car’s features, and sadly that wasn’t so easy on all used G6 models.

To name a few of these issues, there’s the situation with improperly attached mirror hinges, failed dashboard lights, and an inoperable cruise control feature. Drivers also reported having struggled with the A/C and CD player switches, and this can grow into a much bigger issue if this leads to keeping your focus out of the road.

3. Brake apply sensor fault

The short circuit of the brake apply sensor made it a drag for G6 drivers to properly use the cruise control feature. The system simply didn’t recognize the usage of a braking pedal, and not only is this bad for the cruise control system but also for your driving safety.

Namely, some drivers reported issues like brake lights glowing even though the brake pedal hasn’t been pressed. As you can probably guess, this is a bad thing for driving safety. To make things even worse, brake lights sometimes didn’t glow up even if the pedal was pressed which led to driving confusion and even potential accidents.

GM issued a recall in 2014 to solve this issue for 2005 to 2010 models as it was a model-wise problem that occurred in every generation year.

4. Gear shift cable damage

The gear shift cable is responsible for gear position indication, and it can lead to several problems if it malfunctions. This happened on a few G6 models where the position of the gear shift lever didn’t match the actual position of the transmission gear.

We know this may sound confusing but think of it this way – you may think you’ve turned the gear shifter into the park mode, while it wasn’t really the case. Because of this issue, the rollaway risk was created as yet another problem that G6 owners had to deal with. That’s why many of the drivers resorted to parking uphill with a curb, and while it can be a practical way of tackling the issue, the root cause of the problem was still there.

Fortunately, GM issued a recall in 2012 to fix this problem for 2008 to 2010 G6 vehicles affected by the issue.

Worst Pontiac G6 years to avoid?

Our team recommends you go through all these issues before even considering buying a used G6, but we know that you mostly want to hear an answer to the following question – what are the worst Pontiac G6 years?

The worst Pontiac G6 years are 2005 and 2006, but here’s a complete list:

• 2005
• 2006
• 2007
• 2008

You also need to know about the specifics to apply this information as a buying reference, so we’ll tell you why certain model years are best avoided in more detail.

First-generation Pontiac G6 (2006-2008 model years)

Out of six production models of the G6 released by Pontiac, three models are best avoided due to their reliability problems. The worst model year by far is the 2006 G6 due to all the steering system problems and issues with faulty interior accessories.

There have also been some reports of engine problems such as the no-start condition and engine cranking without starting. There’s also the reported problem of the V6 engine losing power, so it’s worth checking the spark plugs and the condition of the throttle body before buying one.

Besides the 2006 model, the 2007 G6 was also pretty bad, and the biggest issues with this model were steering problems and issues with the lights.

What are the best Pontiac G6 years to buy?

While there have been quite a few problematic G6 models, not all of these were so unreliable. Some model years only had a few issues or no problems reported at all, making it a shame that this model was canceled.

Still, you can make use of that fact and the lower market value of the car to get a reliable daily driver as long as you go for one of these models:

• 2005
• 2009
• 2010

The best Pontiac G6 year is by far the 2010 one, so we’ll explain why that one makes a better purchase option than all of the previous ones.

2010 Pontiac G6

We recommend getting the 2010 model since it was a facelift edition and a lot of the issues of previous models were sorted out. It’s a safe bet if you don’t want to spend too much time visiting your mechanic and it will probably be the most sought-after version of the G6.

This one also had a few issues including problems with headlight operation, electrical issues, and interior accessory faults. Even so, most of the severe issues of the previous models like poor engine operation or a faulty brake light switch have been fixed or at least sorted out through recalls by the time this model came out.

As the most reliable G6 model, the 2010 G6 also showcased its reliability through decent safety ratings and crash test results, smooth transmission shifts, and smooth engine RPMs when idle.

Is the Pontiac G6 worth buying?

Overall, Pontiac G6 is worth buying if you pick one of the reliable model years, especially when it comes to coupe models with a sporty exterior design. The choice of engines offers something for everyone’s taste and it’s a car that’s not so common on US roads, making it a great pick if you wish to stay unique.

We only had to warn you about some common problems and the infamous power steering loss, so hopefully, this guide answers your questions and points toward the best G6 models you can buy.

Curious to dive deeper into your next car choice? Don’t miss our detailed looks into Buick Lucerne years to avoid, Cadillac ATS years to avoid, and Lincoln MKZ years to avoid. These insights could be the deciding factor in your car buying journey.