AI Damage2009 Pontiac G3: common problems
Owners of the 2009 Pontiac G3 filed 18 complaints with NHTSA, most often about electrical system and engine. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 18
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Electrical system 22% of all complaints
- 2 Engine 22% of all complaints
- 3 Powertrain 22% of all complaints
- 4 Service brakes 17% of all complaints
- 5 Air bags 11% of all complaints
- 6 Vehicle speed control 11% of all complaints
- 7 Electronic stability control 6% of all complaints
- 8 Engine and cooling 6% of all complaints
- Electrical system: 4 complaints (22% of all).
- Engine: 4 complaints (22% of all).
- Powertrain: 4 complaints (22% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (17% of all).
- Air bags: 2 complaints (11% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 18 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
Frontal collision ,car was total loss, air bag did not go off. I'm convinced this had to do with gm ignition problem!
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.
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.
The contact checked the brake oil as well as underneath the vehicle to see if there was an oil leak. The contact waited a while and then resumed driving. The contact called the dealer (anthony buick gmc in gurnee, il) and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle.
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.
I was driving and the vehicle started overheating and smoking a lot. I pulled over and there was slushy fluid flowing from the car and I had to have it towed. I towed it to a nearby auto repair service professional for testing, and the test showed that the coolant was contaminated with transmission fluid and the…
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. Causes heating delay.
Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden loss of power and no throttle response. 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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,622 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 24% most complained about).
On average one model year of the G3 has 10 complaints (2 years in the data). This year has 18, above average.
What to check before buying
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Engine. Cold start, unusual noises, oil leaks and engine codes.
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Pontiac G3?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: electrical system, engine, powertrain. Total complaints: 18. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: A/C or heater (17%), warning lights, check engine (17%), overheating, coolant loss (11%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2009 Pontiac G3?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2009 Pontiac G3 from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2009 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.