The 2010 Pontiac G6 electrical issues described in these complaints cluster around several recurring failures that persist even after dealership and manufacturer recall work.
Brake lights operate in reverse logic: Owners report brake lights illuminating while driving without the pedal pressed, then extinguishing when the brake pedal is depressed. This inverted behavior triggers Service Traction Control and Service ESC warning lights, and prevents cruise control from engaging. One owner had GM recall 13036 applied in October 2014, only to see the exact same symptoms return within 12 months. When the dealership re-attempted the recall repair, it failed. GM Technical Support then suggested replacing all electrical wiring for the braking system, with estimates cited at $1,200 out of pocket after warranty work ended.
Headlights fail repeatedly due to melted connectors: Low-beam bulbs burn out repeatedly, failing within days to weeks of replacement. Owners discovered the root cause: connector pins spread, creating high resistance and excessive heat that melts the socket and wiring harness. Some replaced bulbs four times within five months before learning the harness itself melted. Even full headlight harness replacements provide only temporary relief.
Engine stalls on highways with no warning: Multiple owners report the vehicle stalling without warning during highway driving, with traffic approaching. Owners link the failure to a faulty relay connection from the trunk fuse box to the fuel pump. Replacing the fuse box, wiring harness, and fuel pump has failed to permanently fix the problem.
Electrical fire reported: One owner experienced battery cables igniting under the hood, smoking vehicle, and melted wiring after repeated headlight failures. The dealership declined warranty coverage beyond the initial two-week ownership period.
Failure modes owners describe
Brake lights malfunction (inverted logic)
Brake lights illuminate when brake pedal is not pressed, and fail to illuminate when pedal is depressed. Often accompanied by Service Traction Control and Service ESC warning lights. Cruise control may not engage or function properly. Problem recurs months after dealer repairs.
When: Various mileages reported; one owner noted failure at 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights stay on while driving without braking; Brake lights go off when brake pedal is pressed; Service Traction Control light illuminates; Service ESC light illuminates; Cruise control inoperative or disengages; Brake lights flicker intermittently
Codes mentioned: Service Traction Control, Service ESC
Repairs/costs cited: GM Technical Support suggested replacing all electrical wiring for braking system; some owners report dealerships charged $1,200 out of pocket after initial recall repair failed. Recall repair (GM 13036) performed once but problem recurred within 12 months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM Recall 13036 (2014); some owner VINs excluded from recall campaign 14V252000 per manufacturer statement
Headlight bulb and connector failure
Low-beam headlights burn out repeatedly. When replaced, bulbs fail again within days or weeks. Root cause: connectors melt due to loose terminal pins spreading, causing excessive heat buildup and corrosion. Wiring harness around bulb found melted. Bulb sockets corroded. Problem persists even after headlight harness replacement.
When: Failures reported at 59,000 miles and beyond; one owner replaced bulbs 4 times in 5 months
Symptoms owners cite: Low-beam headlights repeatedly burn out; Bulbs fail within 2 weeks to 24 hours after replacement; Headlight connector socket melted; Headlight wiring harness melted; Bulb terminals corroded; Interior of wires melted inside light assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced bulbs multiple times (4 sets in 5 months), headlight connectors, sockets, and harnesses; one owner reported $1,200+ invested in fixes. Multiple harness replacements described as 'temporary fix' that does not prevent recurrence.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Informal recall repair (described by owners as 'bandaid') involved replacing headlight bulb only, not addressing underlying wiring/corrosion issue
Engine stalling on highway (fuel pump relay failure)
Vehicle stalls without warning during highway driving, requiring restart. Owners report relay connection from trunk fuse box to fuel pump is faulty. Vehicle may not start on several occasions. Replacing fuse box, wiring harness, and fuses provides only temporary relief; problem recurs. Stalling episodes create serious safety hazard with traffic approaching.
When: One incident reported May 2016; problem described as ongoing for extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls briefly while driving on major highway; Vehicle fails to start on multiple occasions; Engine dies midway through driving; Cranking occurs but engine does not turn over
Repairs/costs cited: Owners replaced fuel pump, fuses, fuse box in trunk, and wiring harness; one reported $14,000 vehicle value. Problem persists despite multiple component replacements.
Battery and starting system intermittent failure
Vehicle cranks but does not turn over fully; takes multiple attempts before engine starts. Battery is new and strong; alternator confirmed functional. Owner suspects underlying electrical issue. Vehicle occasionally stalls at idle then restarts normally after standing.
When: No specific mileage stated; described as occurring intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cranks but does not turn over completely; Multiple start attempts needed before engine engages; Vehicle stalls at idle; No warning lights or OBD codes present
Electrical fire hazard (battery cable and wiring)
Battery cables became 'blazing with fire' under the hood; vehicle was smoking. Fire started after repeated headlight failures and melted wiring. Owner extinguished fire with water. Dealership refused further warranty work beyond initial two-week period, despite electrical engineering defect.
When: Occurred after approximately 2 months of repeated headlight issues
Symptoms owners cite: Battery cables ignited and burned; Smoke from under hood; Wires melted; Headlights melted in socket
Repairs/costs cited: Owner paid for headlight bulb replacement; dealership declined liability after two-week period. Vehicle has ongoing car payment despite fire damage.
Dashboard warning lights (multiple and intermittent)
Multiple warning indicators illuminate simultaneously and recur intermittently. ESC light stays on persistently. Airbag warning light comes on and stays on. Traction Control light illuminates. Some owners report all dashboard lights come on at once during driving.
When: Varied timing; one incident at 127,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Service ESC light illuminates; Service Traction Control light comes on; Service Airbag warning light illuminates and persists; Check Engine light illuminates; Low Tire Pressure Sensor light comes on; All warning indicators illuminate simultaneously; Dash lights come on and off intermittently
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Service Traction Control, Service Airbag, Check Engine
Repairs/costs cited: One independent mechanic replaced oxygen sensor and performed tune-up, but problem recurred. Dealership diagnostics inconclusive.
Power accessory failures and fuse blowing
Power adapter failed; fuses blow and spark when replaced. Radio and clock stopped working. Blinkers flash but do not produce audible signal. Key-in-ignition warning chime does not sound. Accessory lights malfunction.
When: August 2014 (radio/clock); October 3, 2014 (airbag light)
Symptoms owners cite: Power adapter failed; Fuses blow and spark when replaced; Radio quit working; Clock quit working; Blinkers flash silently (no audible signal); Key-in-ignition warning chime absent
Door lock solenoid failure
Door lock solenoid on driver's side failed, leaving occupant unable to open or close driver's door.
When: No specific timing stated
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's door lock solenoid inoperative; Unable to open or close driver's door
Airbag warning light and non-deployment concern
Service Airbag warning light illuminates and either stays on or comes on and off intermittently. Owner expressed concern that airbags may not deploy in accident based on reports from other owners who experienced failures during actual collisions.
When: October 2014 (one complaint)
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag warning light comes on; Service Airbag light stays on persistently; Service Airbag light cycles on and off
Codes mentioned: Service Airbag
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.