2009 Pontiac G3: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Air pressure warning light remains constantly on (blinking) after 8-9 years of ownership. Multiple mechanics point to computer issue. All sensors confirmed as working, air pressure is correct in tires.”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Jan 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac g3. As soon as the vehicle was purchased, it needed an oil change and constantly experienced engine failures. The contact stated that the thermostat was sealed shut, the heater hose was hot, the engine overheated, oil was mixed in with the coolant, and the check engine oil warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to arc auto store (95 design dr, north kansas city, mo 64116, (816) 474-2277) where a new tie rod, heater hose, thermostat, and water pump were installed; however, the failures recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 182,000. The VIN was unknown.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2009 pontiac g3. While driving at an unknown speed, the brake warning light illuminated and the brakes failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v460000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Leaking water pump - appears to be a seal. Vehicle has not reached max miles/km's but has passed the 5 year warranty but should not be failing for such a low amount of miles/km's. *tr causes heating delay. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2014
“2009 pontiac g3. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden loss of power and no throttle response. *smd the consumer stated for over a year, he had to take the vehicle to the dealer numerous times, for the issue. Each time, the dealer was unable to find a problem. The last time, the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, they found the throttle body was thirty, cleaned it, and stated the vehicle should be fine. However, the vehicle lost power again. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A diagnosis revealed, the computer was not recognizing the idle speed and the idle line had to be re-calibrated. The next day, the vehicle lost power again. *jb”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jul 2014
“Traveling north on I-81 near bristol, va. Had cruise control on, driving in left lane when suddenly, the engine coughed and sputtered and I lost all acceleration. I was able to coast across three lanes of traffic and drift off the next exit, thank god! The dealer in bristol said it was a throttle problem and would be covered under the power train warranty. They called later to say they had to replace a power harness also, and it would be $990.00. When I finally got the car back the air conditioner was not working. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2014
“Have had repeated problems with electronics in steering wheel. Horn,cruise,stereo controls all went out at one time . Air bags turn themselves on and off randomly while car is being driven with passengers in both front seats. I feel this may be ignition switch related. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2013
“I had a couple electrical problems with this vehicle. Fist had to repair the ac 3 times, radio twice (replaced it on the second time). Two months ago breaking lights stopped working. Went to the dealer and got it fixed (took it to midas but they could not figure out what the problem was). Then I notice that it would work only when I push the break pedal strongly and sometimes it would not work at all. Now they are not working again and I will take it to the dealer to repair. All the 3 braking lights do not work. It is not the fuse that you can easily access. Interesting when I took it to the dealer the knew about the problem when I described it. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2013
“Frontal collision ,car was total loss, air bag did not go off. I'm convinced this had to do with gm ignition problem! *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2011
“Three times now I have been driving and have lost power (acceleration) of my vehicle . The first time I was on the "freeway" and almost was killed by a truck and the other two times I was in driving in "walmart"parking lot. Secondly, my lights have twice flashed (dome light and dashboard) for no reason. Thirdly,the passenger sign speaker has now been replaced three times and still does not work correctly. Fourthly, one time the car did not want to start -up. I am very disappointed since this was my first "new car" purchase!!! *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS module, free of charge, in any vehicle that did not have its module replaced under a previous customer satisfaction campaign. The recall began in late September 2014. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), and 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac). GM's number for this recall is 14505.
Check your exact G3 by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Pontiac G3 reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Pontiac G3. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2009 Pontiac G3 have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:fluid. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.