2010 Pontiac G6
The 2010 Pontiac G6 was a mid-size sedan, coupe, and convertible offering a blend of style and value. Engine options included a 2.4L inline-4 producing 164 hp and 163 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5L V6 producing 219 hp and 219 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6L V6 producing 252 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic (2.4L and 3.5L) and a 6-speed automatic (3.6L). Owners generally appreciated the G6’s sporty styling and comfortable ride, but some common complaints included electrical issues and some reliability concerns.
Engine
2.4L Inline-4
- Excessive Oil Consumption
- Description/Symptoms: Some 2.4L engines experience high oil consumption, leading to low oil levels, potential engine damage, and the need for frequent oil top-offs. This can manifest as blue smoke from the exhaust.
- Solution: The issue can be addressed with a piston ring replacement or, in severe cases, engine replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The timing chain on the 2.4L engine can stretch or fail, leading to rough running, misfires, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioner, and guides is the typical fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.5L V6
- Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can leak, causing a vacuum leak, rough idle, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the intake manifold gasket is the standard repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
3.6L V6
- Timing Chain Wear/Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Similar to the 2.4L, the 3.6L V6 can experience timing chain wear or failure, resulting in similar symptoms: rough running, misfires, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replacing the timing chain, tensioners, and guides is the usual repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (paired with 2.4L and 3.5L)
- Harsh Shifting/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The 4-speed automatic transmission can exhibit harsh shifting, slipping between gears, or complete failure. This can be due to worn clutches or valve body issues.
- Solution: Depending on the severity, solutions range from a transmission fluid flush and filter change to a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic (paired with 3.6L)
- Torque Converter Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The torque converter in the 6-speed automatic can fail, causing shuddering, stalling, or a loss of power.
- Solution: Replacing the torque converter is the typical fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The front strut mounts are prone to wear and failure, resulting in clunking noises, especially when going over bumps.
- Solution: Replacing the strut mounts is the fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Rear Suspension Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension can sag over time, especially if the vehicle is frequently loaded with passengers or cargo.
- Solution: Replacing the rear springs or shocks/struts is the solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate intermittently. This is often due to a faulty window motor or regulator.
- Solution: Replacing the window motor or regulator is the fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Lock Actuator Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Door locks may fail to lock or unlock, or they may make a buzzing sound. This is typically due to a faulty door lock actuator.
- Solution: Replacing the door lock actuator is the fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per door
- Recalls: None Found
- Key Fob Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Key fobs may stop working or become unreliable. This can be due to a dead battery, programming issues, or a faulty fob.
- Solution: Try replacing the battery first. If that doesn’t work, reprogramming or replacing the fob may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10 (battery) - $100+ (reprogramming/replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Headlight Condensation
- Description/Symptoms: Moisture can accumulate inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs.
- Solution: Removing the headlight and sealing the seams may help. In severe cases, headlight replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (sealing) - $400+ (replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Sunroofs can leak, fail to open or close properly, or make excessive noise. This can be due to clogged drain tubes, motor failure, or track damage.
- Solution: Cleaning the drain tubes, lubricating the tracks, or replacing the motor or track components may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 (drain cleaning) - $500+ (motor/track repair)
- Recalls: None Found
- Air Conditioning Problems
- Description/Symptoms: Air conditioning systems can develop leaks, compressor failure, or blower motor issues, resulting in weak or no cold air.
- Solution: Leak testing, refrigerant recharge, compressor replacement, or blower motor replacement may be necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (recharge) - $1,000+ (compressor replacement)
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2010 Pontiac G6, while offering attractive styling and decent performance, is prone to several common issues. Engine problems like oil consumption and timing chain issues can be costly to repair, as can transmission problems. Electrical issues are also frequent and can be frustrating. Suspension issues are typical for a car of this age. While some issues are minor, others can be significant, making a thorough inspection crucial before purchasing a used G6. Repair costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor repairs to several thousand for major engine or transmission work.