2005 Pontiac G4

The 2005 Pontiac G4, also known as the Pontiac Pursuit in Canada, was a compact car offered in sedan and coupe body styles. While praised for its fuel efficiency and affordability, it also had some common problem areas. Engine options included a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque and a 2.4L Ecotec inline-4 producing 170 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were typically paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often appreciated the G4’s sporty styling and responsive handling for an economy car, but reliability concerns and interior quality were frequent criticisms.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light illuminated (typically with a P0420 code), reduced engine performance, decreased fuel economy, and a sulfur smell from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacement of the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking around the valve cover, burning oil smell, and potentially low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Actuator Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, stalling, poor acceleration, and a check engine light (typically with a P0010 or P0011 code).
  • Solution: Replacement of the camshaft actuator solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Ecotec Inline-4

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup; rough running engine; check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard shifts between gears, especially 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd, slipping between gears, delayed engagement.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid change and filter replacement can help. More severe cases may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid/filter) to $2000+ (rebuild/replace)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially when accelerating. Can also cause stalling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (for both sides)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wheel Bearing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Humming or grinding noise that increases with speed. Loose steering and vibration.
  • Solution: Replacement of the wheel bearing(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per wheel
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, or moving very slowly. Clicking noise from the door when attempting to operate the window.
  • Solution: Replacement of the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, car stalls while driving, accessories not working, key gets stuck in the ignition.
  • Solution: Replacement of the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: Recall # 07V028000
• Instrument Cluster Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly, erratic readings, or complete failure of the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replacement or repair of the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, door panels, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing the affected panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity.

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard (expensive) or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) to $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the power door locks. Manual operation is still possible.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+ per door
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Pontiac G4/Pursuit, while economical, faces some common issues. Engine problems such as catalytic converter failure, valve cover gasket leaks, and timing chain issues (2.4L) can be costly. The 4-speed automatic transmission may experience harsh shifting or torque converter failure. Suspension problems include strut mount and wheel bearing failure. Electrical issues range from power window motor and ignition switch problems to instrument cluster failure. Rust can be a significant concern. Interior issues like dashboard cracking and door lock actuator failure can also occur. Severity ranges from minor annoyances to major repairs, with costs varying accordingly, but some repairs can be upwards of $1000+.