This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Pontiac G6 engine problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 10 engine complaints filed for the 2009 Pontiac G6, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Pontiac G6 we track for engine problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (10).
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 engine 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 bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of this 2009 Pontiac G6 describe repeated engine stalling without warning, sometimes at highway speed (45 mph), with the car refusing to restart afterward. Multiple visits to GM dealerships across different locations have failed to identify root cause or lasting repair. One owner reported this stalling pattern occurring 6–8 times over several months at low mileage (46,000 miles at purchase). Another had the issue recurr after dealer parts replacement (sensor and module).
Separate complaints cite an engine knock or rapping noise audible for several minutes after cold start on a fresh rebuild (3,000 miles), suspected to be timing chain or tensioner related but undiagnosed by the dealer. One owner reported loss of engine performance (stuck at 5 mph) traced to catalytic converter failure, which recurred multiple times even after replacement. Cooling system issues include overheating, antifreeze leakage, and pressure buildup in the radiator. Two owners also note carbon monoxide odor during operation and electrical symptoms (lights dimming when accessories run), suggesting possible exhaust or electrical system faults. One owner developed bronchitis attributed to carbon monoxide exposure.
Dealer involvement has been inconsistent—some replaced parts or components (belt tensioner pulley, temperature gauge, sensor, module) without solving the underlying problem, while others could not diagnose the stalling issue at all.
Same Pontiac G6 engine reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling—no restart
Engine shuts off suddenly during driving, most commonly at highway speeds (45 mph), and will not crank or start afterward. Occurs without warning or prior symptoms. One owner experienced this 6–8 times over several months; another had recurrence within a month despite prior repair.
When: 46,000 miles at purchase, recurring at unknown intervals; 45 mph cruising speed noted
Symptoms owners cite: sudden engine shutdown while driving; engine will not crank or restart; no warning before failure; repeated failures despite dealer visits
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had sensor (15865791) and module (12612397) replaced but failure recurred. Most dealership diagnoses were inconclusive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM called; no resolution provided. Manufacturer notification received in some cases but no action recorded.
Engine knock or rapping noise—timing chain suspected
Loud rapping noise from engine audible for several minutes after cold start, then gradually subsides. Owner suspects timing chain, tensioner, or guide wear. Occurs on low-mileage engine (3,000 miles on rebuild). Dealer inspected but offered no diagnosis, advised to wait until noise becomes severe.
When: 3,000 miles; 11/5/2016
Symptoms owners cite: loud rapping or knocking noise after cold start; noise lasts several minutes then fades; present on rebuilt or recent engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM dealer investigated but did not identify cause.
Loss of engine power—catalytic converter failure
Vehicle fails to accelerate beyond 5 mph without warning during low-speed driving. Diagnosed as catalytic converter failure at independent shop. Failure recurred multiple times even after replacement.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: unable to accelerate; vehicle stuck at 5 mph; loss of engine power without warning
Repairs/costs cited: Catalytic converter replaced at independent mechanic. Failure recurred numerous times post-repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but no action indicated.
Carbon monoxide odor during operation
Odor of carbon monoxide detectable when engine is running, present throughout vehicle operation. Owner at approximately 200,000 miles developed bronchitis attributed to CO exposure and required medical attention.
When: Approximately 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: strong carbon monoxide odor during operation; odor persists entire time engine runs; owner developed bronchitis
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired. No dealer involvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified only; no repair or recall mentioned.
Cooling system overheating and leakage
Antifreeze leakage from cooling system accompanied by overheating and pressure buildup in radiator. In one instance, cooling fans activated independently after NHTSA recall service (Campaign 14V252000), causing air conditioner failure and spurious tire pressure warning light. Temperature gauge replacement did not resolve the issue.
When: 88,000 miles (temperature sensor case); timing unknown for other cooling failures
Symptoms owners cite: antifreeze leakage; engine overheating; radiator pressure buildup; independent cooling fan activation (post-recall service); air conditioner failure
Repairs/costs cited: Temperature gauge replaced at dealer. Failure persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service performed under NHTSA Campaign 14V252000 preceded the cooling fan malfunction.
Belt tensioner pulley failure—recurrent stalling
Vehicle stalled while driving at unknown speed. Belt tensioner pulley diagnosed as cause and replaced. Failure recurred after repair.
When: Approximately 22,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle stalling while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Belt tensioner pulley replaced. Failure recurred.
Electrical system malfunction—dimming lights and accessory interference
Lights dim and flicker when air conditioning, heat, windows, or door locks operate. Suggests electrical system fault. One owner also reported door locks cycling on their own while dealership had vehicle.
When: Low mileage (46,000 at purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: lights dim and brighten when AC/heat activated; lights dim when windows operate; lights dim when doors lock/unlock; door locks cycle on their own
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Pontiac g6. The contact stated that after the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14v252000 (electrical system, electronic stability control, exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control), the cooling fans activated independently causing the air conditioner to fail. In addition, the tire pressure warning light illuminated, but the…
Had engine trouble with your 2009 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 engine problem on the 2009 Pontiac G6?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 40,470 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 46,620. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,470; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/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.