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PONTIAC G8 (2008–2009) Manual — Codes, Tyres & Parts
Built 2008–2009 · all production years covered on this single page
6.0L V8 • Gasoline
2009
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TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Pontiac G8 (2008–2009) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.8
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Pontiac G8 (2008–2009) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Pontiac G8 (2008–2009) is powered by a 6.0L V8 engine. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (8)
NHTSA 15V399000
Seat Belts
Date: 23/06/2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable…
NHTSA 15V399000
Seat Belts
Date: 23/06/2015
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to October 22, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the flexible steel cable…
NHTSA 09V172000
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module
Date: 21/05/2009
GM IS RECALLING 35,038 MY 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORI…
NHTSA 09V172000
Service Brakes, Air › Antilock › Control Unit/Module
Date: 21/05/2009
GM IS RECALLING 35,038 MY 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT" AND FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLES SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORI…
NHTSA 14V540000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 09/09/2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidenta…
NHTSA 14V540000
Electrical System › Ignition
Date: 09/09/2014
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Chevrolet Caprice vehicles manufactured October 15, 2010, to December 6, 2013, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 vehicles manufactured July 25, 2007, to February 18, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the driver may accidenta…
NHTSA 11V534000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 04/11/2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2009. A 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE (ATD) IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST EXCEEDED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA (HIC) REQUI…
NHTSA 11V534000
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Date: 04/11/2011
GENERAL MOTORS (GM) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 PONTIAC G8 VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2007 THROUGH JANUARY 22, 2009. A 5TH PERCENTILE FEMALE ANTHROPOMORPHIC TEST DEVICE (ATD) IN A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST EXCEEDED THE HEAD INJURY CRITERIA (HIC) REQUI…
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
120 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Pontiac G8 across model years 2008–2009. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
4 crash reports 1 fire 5 injuries
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 200960
Model year 200860
Most reported components (all years)
Air Bags58
Electrical System19
Suspension12
Engine8
Steering8
Service Brakes6
Sample reports
LEFT FRONT WHEEL BEARING ASS'Y HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE OF MOAN/ROARING NOISE THAT INCREASES AND DECREASES AS SPEED INCREASES AND DECREASES. NOISE BECOMES NOTICEABLY LOUDER AS YOU MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN - WHICH CAUSES THE LEFT FR… (MY 2009)
WITH APPROXIMATELY 72,000 MILES AND LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD WHILE DRIVING MY 2008 PONTIAC G8 GT THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER CHECKING WITH ONSTAR THE ERROR CODES WERE U0170 AND B0081. THERE HAVE BEEN PRIOR RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE… (MY 2008)
WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY ON HIGHWAY, AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE LIGHT ACTIVATED AT 68000 MILES, WHICH DISABLED AIRBAG SYSTEM ON THE CAR. GM DEALER READ AIRBAG FAULT CODE WHICH INDICATED CLOCKSPRING FAULT. (P/N 92184056) DEALER REPORTED THIS IS… (MY 2009)
Was leaving for a road trip and the rear passenger door would not latch when closed. We were an hour from home, so I had to use a bungee cord to hold the door closed for the drive back. My son had to sit in the middle seat. That door is… (MY 2009)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 2008–2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pontiac G8 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 8 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEAT BELTS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Pontiac G8?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Pontiac G8?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Pontiac G8?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are brakes problems common on the Pontiac G8?
Yes — 19 of 117 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT FAULT REMAINS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE SYSTEM IS DISABLED. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SENSOR IS KNOWN BY GM AS BEING DEFECTIVE AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE IT UNDER WARRANTY. T…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are electrical problems common on the Pontiac G8?
Yes — 54 of 117 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the electrical. One owner reported: “The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the key was accidentally bumped, and the ignition switch was knocked out of the run position, turning off the engine. …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are airbags problems common on the Pontiac G8?
Yes — 56 of 117 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the airbags. One owner reported: “WAS DRIVING ON BOTH HIGHWAY & NEIGHBORHOOD STREETS AND THE AIR BAG FAULT LIGHT & WARNING TONE CAME ON. AFTER MANY DIAGNOSIS DRIVE TESTS, I LEARNED THAT EVERY TIME MAKING A COMPLETE LEFT U-TURN THE AI…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Pontiac G8 (2008–2009)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Pontiac G8 (2008–2009) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Pontiac G8 (2008–2009) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Bookmark this page to consult it at the workshop or when buying parts. TroubleAtlas updates its technical data continuously — check back for new information on the Pontiac G8 (2008–2009).