2009 Pontiac G6

The 2009 Pontiac G6 was a mid-size sedan known for its sporty styling and relatively affordable price point. Engine options included a 2.4L inline-4, a 3.5L V6, and a 3.9L V6. The 2.4L produced around 164 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. Transmissions varied depending on the engine, with options including a 4-speed automatic and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often appreciate the G6’s handling and comfortable ride, while common complaints revolve around reliability issues and interior quality.

Engine

2.4L Inline-4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights and potential engine damage if not addressed.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels and addressing any leaks. If consumption is severe, piston ring replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain can stretch or fail, leading to engine misfires, rough running, and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replacing the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.5L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks due to failing intake manifold gaskets are a known issue. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, and milky oil.
  • Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks from the valve cover gaskets can occur.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$350+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.9L V6

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The 3.9L V6 with AFM sometimes experiences issues with lifter failure related to the AFM system, leading to misfires and rough running.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed lifters. Disabling AFM with aftermarket tuners is a way to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000-$4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Owners have reported hard or erratic shifting and transmission slipping, especially when shifting between gears.
  • Solution: Often, a fluid flush and filter change can help. In more severe cases, valve body repair or transmission replacement is necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can cause stalling, shuddering, and poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

6-Speed Automatic

• Delayed Engagement
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh engagement when shifting from park or neutral into drive or reverse.
  • Solution: Fluid flush and filter change. Valve body issues may also be the cause
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $800-$1,500+ (valve body replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut and Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn struts and shocks lead to a bouncy ride, poor handling, and increased braking distances.
  • Solution: Replacing the struts and/or shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature wear and tear on the sway bar links causing clunking or rattling noises from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replacing the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate or operating erratically.
  • Solution: Replacing the power window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350+ per window
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Switch Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The ignition switch can experience issues, leading to difficulty starting the vehicle or the engine stalling while driving.
  • Solution: Replacing the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200-$500+
  • Recalls: Recall #09V018000 for ignition switch replacement.
• Headlight Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights flickering or failing completely.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight bulbs or the headlight assembly, depending on the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can leak, get stuck, or fail to open/close properly.
  • Solution: Cleaning and lubricating the sunroof tracks, replacing damaged seals, or replacing the sunroof motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can be prone to cracking, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or using a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (cover) - $1,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door lock actuators can fail, preventing the doors from locking or unlocking electronically.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150-$300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Pontiac G6 has a range of potential issues, from engine and transmission problems to electrical and interior concerns. While some issues are minor and inexpensive to fix, others, like timing chain or transmission failures, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and carefully inspect any used G6 before purchasing it, paying close attention to engine noise, shifting quality, and the functionality of electrical components. The 2009 G6 has a single safety recall on the ignition switch.