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.
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.