repaired · 2017 Q4
Seat belts
Risk. If the cable breaks, the seat occupant may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
2008 Pontiac G8Problems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 71 owner complaints about the 2008 Pontiac G8, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-399 the manufacturer reports only 43% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 9, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Gm4life at English Wikipedia, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Pontiac G8 has problems
71 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
25Air bags
14Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
10Suspension
8Steering2 crash/fire/injury
8Power train
5Engine
2Service brakes
2Seat belts
2Seats
109 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 25 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 14 | 1 |
| Suspension | 10 | 0 |
| Steering | 8 | 2 |
| Power train | 8 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 |
| 9 other systems | 10 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 Pontiac G8 recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
no report yet
Frontal: sensor/control module-inactive
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THIS DELAY MAY RESULT IN INCREASED HEAD INJURY TO CERTAIN FRONT SEAT OCCUPANTS.
no report yet
Antilock: control unit/module
Risk. INAPPROPRIATE, NON-STANDARD LIGHTS COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH OR DRIVING ON A SIGNIFICANTLY UNDER-INFLATED TIRE CAUSES THE TIRE TO OVERHEAT AND CAN…
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pontiac.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
72kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 23 air bags complaints. 78% were reported before 100,000 miles.
3under 30k miles18under 100k miles5100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other G8 year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the G8 median. How we score
'08'09'10
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Pontiac G8 safety ratings
2008 Pontiac G8 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What G8 owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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 AIRBAG FAULT INDICATOR WOULD DISAPPEAR. HOWEVER ONCE COMPLETING THE FULL LEFT U-TURN, AND DRIVING…
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. THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND STABILITY CONTROL INDICATORS ARE ILLUMINATED AND WILL NOT FUNCTION. THE…
KEEP GETTING AIR BAG LIGHT ON CODE U0170 AND B0081 SEEMS LIKE THIS IS A BIG SAFETY PROBLEM WITH THE PONTIAC G8 NEEDS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND REPLACED THE REAR ABS SENSORS AND STILL HAVE THE ISSUE WITH IT NOT WORKING AND REPLACED THEM 2 TIMES WITH NEW SENSORS
Own a 2008 G8?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.