2007 Pontiac G5

The 2007 Pontiac G5 was a compact car offered as a coupe or sedan. It’s generally regarded as a budget-friendly vehicle with decent fuel economy. Some owners appreciate its sporty styling, while others find the interior materials cheap and the ride quality harsh. The G5 came with two engine options: a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 producing 148 horsepower and 152 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.4L Ecotec inline-4 producing 173 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Both engines could be paired with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Cylinder Head Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak near the cylinder head, overheating, white smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the cylinder head or gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Check engine light (typically P0420 code), reduced fuel economy, poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Ecotec Inline-4

• High Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Rapidly decreasing oil levels, needing to add oil frequently between changes, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: In some cases, a piston ring replacement can help, but engine replacement might be needed if the cylinder walls are worn.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ (Engine Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise from the engine, especially on startup; check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, tensioners, and guides.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Hard or delayed shifts, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: Could be due to low fluid, a faulty solenoid, or a worn transmission. A fluid flush might help, but often requires a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200 (Fluid Flush), $2000 - $4000+ (Rebuild/Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual Transmission

• Grinding Gears
  • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, particularly into 2nd or 3rd gear.
  • Solution: May require replacing the synchronizers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, bottoming out over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+ (per axle)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Broken or Worn Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits lower on one side, clunking noises when driving, poor handling.
  • Solution: Replace the coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per axle)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Ignition Switch Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Car stalls, key gets stuck in the ignition, or the car won’t start.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: Recall # 14V047000
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moves slowly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (per window)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Body Control Module (BCM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical problems, such as lights not working, power windows failing, or the car not starting.
  • Solution: Replace the BCM.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the rocker panels, rear wheel wells, and around the door seams.
  • Solution: Repairing rust can range from sanding and painting small spots to replacing entire body panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
  • Solution: Replacing the dashboard is the most thorough solution, but dashboard covers are a less expensive option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ (Dashboard Cover), $800 - $1500+ (Dashboard Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 Pontiac G5 can be a decent used car, but potential buyers should be aware of its common issues. Engine problems like cylinder head issues, high oil consumption, and timing chain problems can be costly to repair, with engine replacements potentially reaching $4000 or more. Transmission issues, particularly with the automatic, can also lead to expensive repairs. Electrical problems relating to the ignition switch may exist, and a recall was issued for this. Suspension and exterior rust are other areas to inspect carefully. Overall, the severity and cost of potential repairs on a 2007 Pontiac G5 can vary widely, so a thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic is recommended before purchase.