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2009 Pontiac G6 transmission problems

46 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 78,000. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
6%
typical mileage
78,000
crashes
3
recalls
2

Which part fails

Owners did not name a specific part.

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Pontiac G6 transmission problems in other years

200520062007200820092010

Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 Pontiac G6 transmission

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Jerking 8Won't shift 6Transmission failure 6

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported September 18, 2012 · 426,240 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Saturn Aura and model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Malibu and Pontiac G6 vehicles, equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission. On these vehicles, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end may fracture and separate.
Risk
If the tabs were to fracture and separate, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. The driver would be able to move the shifter to 'PARK' and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in 'PARK.' The vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. This service will be performed free of charge. Notification to owners began on on November 9, 2012. Owners were instructed to not bring their vehicles for repair until January 2013. Owners may contact General Motors at 1‑800‑521‑7300.

Recall number 12V460000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: lever and linkage: column shiftReported March 6, 2009 · 276,729 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General motors is recalling 276,729 my 2009 buick enclave, chevrolet cobalt, hhr, malibu, traverse, gmc acadia, pontiac g5, g6 and saturn aura and outlook passenger vehicles. These vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicles safety standard 102, "transmission shift position sequence, starter interlock, and transmission braking effect", and fmvss 114, "theft protection and rollaway prevention". On some of these vehicles, the transmission shift cable adjustment clip may not be fully engaged. If the clip is not fully engaged, the shift lever and the actual position of the transmission gear may not match. With this condition, the drive could move the shifter to "park" and remove the ignition key, but the transmission gear may not be in "park".
Risk
The driver may not be able to restart the vehicle and the vehicle could roll away after the driver has exited the vehicle, resulting in a possible crash without prior warning.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and ensure that the shift cable adjustment clip is fully engaged. In the event that the clip does not engage, the shift cable will be replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on or before march 24, 2009. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080, chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, gmc at 1‑866‑996‑9463, pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 and saturn at 1‑800‑972‑8876 or at www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall number 09V073000 · Recall details

What 2009 Pontiac G6 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · OH · 2 injuries

I purchased a used 2009 Pontiac G6 for my son less than 7 days ago (3 ). While driving on the highway attempting to exit the ramp, the steering wheel began to get very hard to turn. We nearly crashed! Just yesterday placed the car in park. Although the shifter showed it was in P for park as well as on the dash, the car began consistently moving in reverse. This vehicle is a safety hazard for my child and due to it being a used vehicle Im not protected by a warranty. The 2009 Pontiac G6 recall list states that these issues are known, yet his VIN was not listed I believe it should’ve been. We need contacted ASAP.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · 107,737 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was turned off, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality. The failure became more persistent over time, and several attempts were needed for the power steering feature to become operable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle had experienced Mass Air Flow Sensor, Power Train System, Catalytic Converter Efficiency, ABS, Wheel Speed Sensor, Wheel Hub, Wheel Bearing, and TPMS failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and became aware of several recalls related to the year, make, and model vehicle; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,737

Filed Nov 24, 2024 · Transmission · AL

The drivetrain: automatic transmission parking lock cable (or shift cable) malfunctioned. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. I am able to put the car in 'park' and remove the key. However, when I attempt to start the vehicle, it won't start because the battery gets drained. I have to constantly get a jump off. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because I never know how much the battery has been drained, and the vehicle shuts off in trafffic. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. The vehicle has only been inspected by an independent service center. There have been no warning signs of the problem before shutting off or not starting. The vehicle was purchased in 2019, and the first occurrence was the same year. We knew something was draining the battery. We just did not know what. So we would not let the vehicle sit for more than a day without starting it, and we would always be prepared to charge the battery.

Filed Jun 2, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · NY

The car steering wheel gets super loose over bumps. The car shuts off at anytime when driving. I got it check, there’s a unknown problem with electrical system

Filed Mar 27, 2023 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 107,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V252000 (Electrical System, Stability Control, Vehicle Speed Control, Electronic Stability Control); however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the transmission gear shifter failed to shift between gears and ceased. The air bag warning light illuminated intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that the brake stop lights failed to illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Oct 26, 2022 · Transmission · 141,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while in reverse, the vehicle continued to reverse and failed to stop. The gear shifter failed to shift to the intended gear, causing the contact to use the parking brake while depressing the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the gear shifter cable had failed and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that due to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V460000 (Power Train) there was a delay in retrieving the part for the repair. The vehicle had been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ

The power steering mechanism stopped working, therefore I cannot turn the wheel. The gear shifter/drive train stopped working, therefore I cannot go into reverse, I am stuck in 3rd gear. It is unsafe because when I go to turn I cannot turn the wheel at times. I have issues braking. All of these issues are recalls on the vehicle. GM states that the recalls were performed seven years ago in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I have no way to verify that information nor any assurances that the parts used weren't faulty. I request new repairs under the recall warnings.

Filed Jun 25, 2019 · Transmission · 129,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac g6. The contact stated that the vehicle would not shift into park. While in a parking lot, the gear shifter would not move into park. The contact called an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new transmission shifter cable. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Filed Jun 5, 2019 · Transmission · 69,000 miles · NM

The transmission will not shift about 3rd gear and has no reverse, I have research this and have found other gm transmissions have been recalled. I have contacted the dealer multiply times without any response.

Filed May 1, 2019 · Transmission · 177,722 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac g6. When the gear was shifted into drive from reverse, the vehicle remained in reverse. The transmission indicator illuminated and the vehicle shut down in reverse and would not restart. The vehicle was checked by an independent mechanic at the contact's residence. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in an unknown recall. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 177,722.

Questions about the 2009 Pontiac G6 transmission

Does the 2009 Pontiac G6 have transmission problems?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the transmission of the 2009 Pontiac G6, 6% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2009 Pontiac G6 transmission problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 78,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Pontiac G6 transmission?

Yes, 2 recalls: 12V460000, 09V073000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac G6 have bad transmission?

The Pontiac G6 model years with the most transmission complaints are 2007 (98 complaints), 2006 (89 complaints) and 2008 (83 complaints).

Other 2009 Pontiac G6 problems

Steering 296Lights 190Electrical 178Brakes 77Fuel system 46Airbags 40Acceleration 35Engine 32Driver assistance 22Seats 12Wheels 12Locks 9Body 7Visibility 7Suspension 6Tires 3Seat belts 2

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