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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2009 Chevrolet Aveo vs 2009 Pontiac G6

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-06-14 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo edges this one on reliability data

Reliability data favors the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo (3.8 versus 3.4). These vehicles aren't a typical head-to-head comparison, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

More reliable

2009 Chevrolet Aveo

3.8/5
Reliability score
169 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$11,800 repair exposure
vs

2009 Pontiac G6

3.4/5
Reliability score
710 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$12,050 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo edges this comparison on reliability data (3.8 versus 3.4). These aren't a typical head-to-head, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

If you lean 2009 Chevrolet Aveo, know what you're getting into on engine and cruise control. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2009 Pontiac G6 sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2009 Pontiac G6? Watch the steering and electrical. The 2009 Chevrolet Aveo has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2009 Chevrolet Aveo
2009 Pontiac G6
steering
9 reports
severe · ~$700
293 reports
severe · ~$700
electrical
41 reports
severe · ~$850
134 reports
moderate · ~$850
lighting
6 reports
moderate · ~$250
97 reports
severe · ~$250
engine
39 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
10 reports
severe · ~$3,100
powertrain
11 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
37 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
airbags
8 reports
critical · ~$1,100
27 reports
severe · ~$1,100
brakes
No reports
24 reports
moderate · ~$450
cruise control
14 reports
moderate · ~$600
9 reports
moderate · ~$600
suspension
21 reports
moderate · ~$900
No reports

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo or the 2009 Pontiac G6?

Based on the NHTSA data we track, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo comes out ahead with a reliability score of 3.8 versus 3.4. The margin is narrow, so the verdict could shift if you weight specific categories differently or factor in your own use case.

What goes wrong more often on the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo?

Compared to the 2009 Pontiac G6, the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo sees more reported issues in engine and cruise control. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2009 Pontiac G6?

Compared to the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo, the 2009 Pontiac G6 has more complaints in steering and electrical. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $12,050 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. Verify each vehicle's federal record: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo on NHTSA · 2009 Pontiac G6 on NHTSA. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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