Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Pontiac G6, and it carries 3 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 107 | 39% |
| Steering | 21 | 8% |
| Steering | 14 | 5% |
| Exterior lighting | 14 | 5% |
| Steering | 8 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 7 | 3% |
| Power train | 7 | 3% |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 6 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 2% |
| Air bags | 5 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I lost my low beams about a year ago and also one high beam. Just one month ago that headlight went out also. I have read that there are wiring problems r/t the Pontiac G6. I am unable to drive my car at night without
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost electric power steering assist. The electronic stability control (ESC) and traction control warning ligh
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The same issue that was recalled on every Aura from 2004-2007 Malibu 2004-2009 G6 2005-2009 Sudden loss of electric power steering randomly locks up when I'm driving.g.almost caused me to crash a total of 7 times with c
NHTSA complaint: Steering
My vehicle steering wheel began shaking every time I am stopped at stop light. It also jerks when I am driving. When I start the car, it sometimes the steering wheel gets very hard nad a power steering notice comes up i
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while turning into a park lot, the steering wheel became firm with the ESC warning light illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicl
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2010 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the message to "Service Power Steering" was displayed, and the electronic stability control (ESC) warning light was illuminated. The steerin
NHTSA complaint: Steering
i HAVE AN ISSUE WITH MY POWER STEERING AND EPS TURNING OFF AFTER MY CAR HAS BEEN CRANKED A MINIMUM OF 2 MIN MAYBE NOT EVEN THAT LONG. MY STEERING WHEEL ALSO ROTATES (LIKE SHAKING) WITHOUT THE CAR MOVING AND IF THE CAR I
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The power steering angle sensor malfunctioned/stopped working properly at approx. 197,000 miles. The part was taken out and replaced by a local GM dealership. With the sensor malfunctioning, we experienced intermittent l
NHTSA complaint: Steering
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2010 Pontiac G6. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu vehicles manufactured May 16, 2003, through October 11, 2012, 2004-2007 Malibu Maxx vehicles manufactured June 25, 2003, through April 5, 2007, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6 vehicles manufactured May 26, 2004, through January
Risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will attach the wiring harness to the BCM with a spacer, apply dielectric lubricant to both the BCM and harness connector and the BAS and harness connector, and will
Dorman Products, Inc. (Dorman) is recalling certain replacement intermediate steering shafts sold under the Dorman, OE Solutions, and Solutions brand names, part numbers 425-167, 2425167, and 7-3074, for installation on 2004-2012 Chevrolet Malibu, 2005-2010 Pontiac G6, and 2007-2009 Saturn Aura vehi
Risk: A joint bearing that fails prematurely may cause separation of the u-joint resulting in a complete loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dorman will notify owners, and dealers will refund the purchase price or replace the steering shafts, free of charge. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Dorman customer service a
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 igniti
Fix: 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 o
| Reliability raw | 64 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 70 | good |
| Maintenance | 88 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 60 | average |
| Performance | 49 | below average |
| Efficiency | 46 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other compact cars in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and steering is the most reported area with 107 of them (39%). There are 3 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 64/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 70/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2010 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.