This technical bulletin provides a procedure to complete a terminal replacement or connector re connection to correct a condition of Diagnostic Information for Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System, Intermittent AIR BAG Indicator/Lamp Illuminated with DTC(s) B0012, B0013, B0015, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 or B0044 Set (Inspect and Replace Connector Position Assurance (CPA) Retainer)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Pontiac G6 airbags problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
3crashes
6injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
GENERAL MOTORS: DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION FOR INTERMITTENT RESTRAINTS, AIR BAG (SIR) INDICATOR/LAMP ON WITH DTC(S) B0012, B0013, B0016, B0016, B0019, B0020, B0022, B0023, B0026, B0033, B0040, B0042 OR B0044 SET. THIS MAY BE CAUSED BY A LOOSE, MISSING, OR BROKEN CONNECTOR POSITION ASSURANCE (CPA) RETAINER AT THE AIR BAG FOR THE SET DTC. INCLUDES TRAILBLAZER EXT. UPDATED 8/16/10. UPDATED 3/12/12.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Pontiac G6 airbag system shows serious reliability gaps across multiple failure modes. Owners report unprompted passenger-side airbag deployment without any crash or impact at 110,000 miles. More critically, several owners experienced complete airbag non-deployment during actual collisions—including one at 90 mph where a G6 struck from behind then hit another vehicle, cracking both front seat backs and injuring all four occupants without any airbag protection. Another driver rear-ended a truck at 35-40 mph with zero airbag deployment, and a third collision at 10-15 mph that resulted in front-end impact also saw no deployment despite damage requiring fan blade and radiator replacement.
Additionally, owners report persistent "Service Airbag" warning lights that stay on until the car shuts off, with intermittent versions that cycle on and off. A dealership told one owner this is a known issue with a service bulletin available but no recall. Owners note the warning light staying on also disables the horn. Owners express concern that the light's presence means the airbag system may fail if needed in an actual accident.
Same Pontiac G6 airbags reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Unexplained passenger airbag deployment
Passenger-side airbag deployed without any crash or impact. Vehicle was simply started, and the airbag light illuminated indicating deployment with no occupant in the seat.
When: 110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag deployed with no crash; Airbag warning light illuminated; No occupant in passenger seat
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer stated customer would have to pay for diagnosis and repair; vehicle not yet repaired
Airbag non-deployment in frontal collision
Front airbags failed to deploy in a severe two-vehicle collision where the G6 was struck from behind at 90 mph and then struck another vehicle on the driver's side. No occupant protection from airbags despite significant front-end damage.
When: 41,805 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy in high-impact rear collision; Vehicle struck at 90 mph; Cracked front seat backs in mid-lumbar area; Severe injuries to both front-seat occupants; Four occupants injured total
Airbag non-deployment in moderate-speed frontal collision
Front airbags failed to deploy after rear-end impact at 10-15 mph that resulted in front-end collision with another vehicle. Sufficient damage to require fan blade and radiator replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy; Rear collision pushed vehicle into front collision; Significant front-end damage; Injuries occurred
Repairs/costs cited: Fan blade and radiator required replacement
Airbag non-deployment in rear-end collision
Front airbags failed to deploy when driver rear-ended a pickup truck at 35-40 mph. Insurance company and police were surprised at airbag failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags did not deploy; Rear-end collision at 35-40 mph; Driver soreness and back pain; Facial bruise from glasses impact
Service airbag warning light illumination
Airbag warning light remains illuminated persistently or intermittently, appearing when vehicle is started and staying on until shut off. Owners report dealership states it is a common issue with a service bulletin but no recall. Warning light indicates airbag may not deploy if needed.
Symptoms owners cite: Service airbag warning light on; Warning light stays on until car turned off; Intermittent illumination; Horn does not work when light is on
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealership states common problem with service bulletin available but no recall issued
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had airbags trouble with your 2005 Pontiac G6?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2005 Pontiac G6?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 81,554 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Pontiac/G6.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.