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 ↗2008 Pontiac G8 airbags problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,100 · see airbags across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
When does it fail?
Of the 22 airbags complaints filed for the 2008 Pontiac G8, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Airbags accounts for 31% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 6 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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
Owners describe a systematic failure of the passenger seat presence module (GM part 92225595) that triggers an airbag fault light and completely disables the vehicle's airbag system. The problem hits cars at unpredictable mileage—as low as 5,689 miles to over 130,000 miles—but typically between 30,000 and 100,000 miles, often shortly after the factory warranty expires.
When the fault activates, the entire SRS system goes inactive. Airbags will not deploy in a crash. Owners report the light comes on during startup or while driving, accompanied by an audible alarm. Diagnostic codes B0081 and U0170 consistently appear.
The repair runs $800–$1,200, requiring module replacement, passenger seat removal or cutting, and GM reprogramming. Dealers recommend replacing the faulty module with an updated part number, which GM openly supplies—a fact owners interpret as evidence GM knows about the design problem. Some require additional sensor replacement. One owner reported the main module had to be sourced from Australia due to dealer parts unavailability.
NHTSA issued Campaign 11V534000 in 2011 for airbag reprogramming, but owners consistently report the fault light returns after that recall is completed, requiring further out-of-pocket diagnosis and repair. Owners emphasize the safety risk: families driving without functioning airbags because the repair cost is prohibitive relative to the vehicle's resale value. Multiple owners report discovering this issue via online G8 forums, concluding the problem is far more widespread than formal complaints reflect.
Same Pontiac G8 airbags reports on nearby years: 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger Presence Module Malfunction
The passenger seat presence module (GM part 92225595) fails prematurely, triggering an airbag fault light and disabling the entire airbag system. Owners report the fault occurs on startup or while driving, with no mechanical wear or exposure that would normally cause such failure. An updated replacement part (different part number) is available from GM, indicating the manufacturer is aware of the defect.
When: Reported at mileage ranging from 5,689 miles to 130,000+ miles; most commonly in the 30,000–100,000 mile range. Failures occur early after warranty expiration.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag fault light illuminates on startup or while driving; Audible alarm sounds; Entire airbag SRS system deactivates; Airbags will not deploy in a crash; Passenger seat cannot detect occupant weight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosis recommends replacement of passenger presence module (GM part 92225595) with updated part; some cases also require passenger seat sensor (GM part 92220398) replacement. Repair costs reported between $800–$1,200 including parts and labor. Requires removal/cutting of passenger seat and GM reprogramming. One owner reported ordering main module from Australia due to parts unavailability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign ID 11V534000 (airbag reprogramming recall) was issued; however, owners report the fault light recurs after recall repair. GM has not issued a recall for the module failure itself. GM warranty coverage ends at 3 years; failures outside warranty are customer responsibility. GM supplied updated part number but has not mandated replacement. One owner stated GM responded 'We don't know' when asked why this wasn't recalled.
Airbag Warning Light Illumination — Intermittent or Persistent
The airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or continuously with no clear root cause found by dealerships. In some cases the failure is traced to a loose wire under the seat; in others, dealers cannot diagnose the problem.
When: Failures reported at mileage ranging from 30,000 to 103,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light illuminates intermittently or remains on; No airbag malfunction detected in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported a loose wire under the seat was the cause and resolved the issue. In other cases, no repair diagnosis was completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated no recalls were available to address the illuminated light. Not all cases were escalated to manufacturer.
Occupant Weight Detection Failure
The passenger airbag system does not reliably detect passenger weight or occupancy status. Owner weighing 134 lbs reports that GM and the dealership indicated the airbags 'may or may not detect' weight up to 125 lbs, and 'even weight over 125 lbs may or may not be detected,' which contradicts basic safety expectations for airbag systems.
When: Reported early ownership (approximately 3 months after purchase in July 2008 model).
Symptoms owners cite: Airbags only detect passenger weight intermittently; System does not reliably activate for passengers above threshold weight; No fault code or warning light in some cases
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM stated they trust whatever the dealership told the owner regarding weight thresholds.
Airbag Fault Recurrence After Recall Repair
After owners had their vehicles repaired under NHTSA Campaign 11V534000 (airbag system reprogramming), the airbag fault light returns, indicating the recall repair did not permanently resolve the underlying issue. Owners report the fault light reappears shortly after recall service.
When: Fault recurs within days to weeks after recall repair performed.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag fault light illuminates after recall repair; Airbag system disabled again despite recent dealer service
Repairs/costs cited: Owners are told an additional sensor or module replacement is needed, not covered under the original recall. Costs typically $800–$1,200.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 11V534000 issued for airbag reprogramming. GM has not extended the recall to cover post-repair sensor/module failures.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
With approximately 72,000 miles and less than 5 years old while driving my 2008 Pontiac g8 gt the air bag light came on. After checking with onstar the error codes were u0170 and b0081. There have been prior recalls associated with the programming on the air bag system and my car has had an airbag module replaced once already. A quick search on the internet shows numerous other people…
I went to go on a short trip, and as soon as the vehicle started the message," air bag fault" read in my driver information center. I took the vehicle to the dealership and they diagnosed the problem as the passenger presence module was faulty, part number 92225595. Quoted me about 800 dollars for the repair. Like others have posted on this site, when that message is displayed, that indicates…
Passenger airbag light fault remains illuminated indicating that the system is disabled. The passenger airbag sensor is known by gm as being defective and they would not replace it under warranty. The ABS, traction control, and stability control indicators are illuminated and will not function. The manufacturer suggested to check all fuses, the wiring harness, replace wheel bearings, and change…
The air bags stopped working. Dash and computer icons signaled failure. Made appointment at gm to inspect, they indicate the control module for the airbags is not working. After two weeks they cannot locate part to make repair. They will not offer a loaner car. They cannot advise when parts will be available. The car is not compliant with federal regulation, and they are not able to repair. This…
Tl*the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac g8. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag light illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who could figure out the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Keep getting air bag light on code u0170 and b0081 seems like this is a big safety problem with the Pontiac g8 needs a recall on this problem and replaced the rear ABS sensors and still have the issue with it not working and replaced them 2 times with new sensors
Air bag fault light comes on when car is started, which means that the air bags will not work. There is an air bag recall to this car, but they will not fix my car's fault light problem. This is a big safety defect that many gm have, according to your website. Thank you my car has 30,000 miles on it. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac g8. While the vehicle was stationary, the air bag indicator remained illuminated without warning. The vehicle was repaired, but the issue recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Had airbags trouble with your 2008 Pontiac G8?
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 2008 Pontiac G8?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most airbags failures cluster between 30,000 and 96,300 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 96,300. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/2008/Pontiac/G8.
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.