This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Pontiac G5 steering problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering 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.
This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel which may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2009 Pontiac G5 steering system shows a clear pattern of power-steering failures, both sudden and recurring. Owners report the power-steering warning light illuminating followed by complete or near-complete loss of assist—sometimes temporary (turned off, waited, restarted and assist returned), other times persistent. Several drivers encountered this at highway speeds or during turns, requiring extreme force to steer and creating immediate safety hazards. One incident resulted in a crash when power steering failed mid-turn at 40 mph.
Steering column rattling appears as a secondary issue; one owner had the column replaced twice by a dealer without resolving it. A third complaint mentions front-end rattling that vanishes with speed changes or slight steering input, though the owner ruled out rack-and-pinion involvement.
Multiple owners point to NHTSA recalls (14V171000, 14V047000, 14V153000, 10V073000) as proof the manufacturer knew of the defect, yet report their specific VINs excluded from coverage or parts unavailable for ordered repairs. One owner was charged for a power-steering motor replacement after a prior recall repair. Dealers and the manufacturer reportedly ignored repair requests or failed to keep the problem from recurring.
Same Pontiac G5 steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Power-steering loss — sudden and intermittent
The power-steering system loses assist either completely or partially during normal driving. In some cases the failure is temporary and reversible (turn off, wait, restart); in others it persists. Warning light precedes the loss.
When: As low as 4,000 miles reported; 11,000–35,000 miles in other instances. One owner reported recurrence after 2010 recall repair.
Symptoms owners cite: Power-steering warning light illuminates; Sudden loss of power-steering assist while driving; Extreme force required to turn wheel; Failure intermittent; may self-clear after vehicle restart; Occurs at city, interstate, and turning speeds (30–50 mph documented)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed power-steering motor replacement under recall (2010). One owner reports being charged for post-recall repair of the same component. Parts unavailable for at least one recall (14V153000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recalls: 10V073000 (Steering), 14V047000 (Air Bags, Electrical System), 14V171000 (Electrical System), 14V153000 (Steering). Owners report VINs excluded from coverage or recall incomplete. Manufacturer notified in multiple instances but provided no assistance or repair authorization when VIN not covered.
Steering column rattling
A rattling noise originates from the steering column or front area of the vehicle. Dealer replacement of the steering column on two occasions did not resolve it permanently.
When: 11,000 miles at first occurrence; persistent through 37,000 miles by final update.
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from steering column or front of vehicle; Noise comes and goes intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replaced twice by dealer; noise recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no further assistance provided.
Front-end rattle unrelated to suspension or tires
A rattling sound from the front of the vehicle that does not originate in wheels, tires, or rack-and-pinion. Owner reports the rattle vanishes temporarily with speed changes or minor steering inputs.
When: Noticed in 2017; intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling from front of car, on and off; Rattle disappears with speed change or slight steering wheel movement; Does not originate in tires, wheels, or rack-and-pinion per owner diagnosis
Repairs/costs cited: None reported.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2009 Pontiac G5?
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 steering problem on the 2009 Pontiac G5?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 11,000 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,000; a quarter make it past 75,000. 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 $700 for steering 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 steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering 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/2009/Pontiac/G5.
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.