DecodedCars2010 Pontiac G6
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, FFV
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 22 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Overview
The 2010 Pontiac G6 is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl and 3.6L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (22 city / 33 highway), 10% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 192 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the steering.
What changed for 2010
- Engine dropped: 3.9L 6-cyl
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 G6 →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G6 | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 342 |
| G6 FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +10% | $2,600 | 342 |
| G6 | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 355 |
| G6 FFV | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +6% | $2,700 | 355 |
| G6 FFV | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 29 / 23 | -3% | $2,900 | 386 |
| G6 | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 / 29 / 22 | -7% | $3,050 | 404 |
| G6 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -15% | $3,350 | 444 |
| G6 | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S4) | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -24% | $3,700 | 494 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Pontiac G6 under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Pontiac G6 (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2010 Toyota Corolla | 30 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Honda Accord | 25 MPG | Not rated | 13 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Mazda 3 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · May 14, 2014
NHTSA campaign 14V252000 · 2,440,524 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 4, 2010, and 2007-2010 Saturn Aura vehicles manufactured April 24, 2006, through May 26, 2009. In the affected vehicles, increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit. These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the 'PARK' position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.
- 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 relearn the brake pedal home position, free of charge. The manufacturer distributed an Interim letter to customers on July 14, 2014. The recall began on August 18, 2014. Owners may contact General Motors customer service at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac), 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn). GM's number for this recall is 13036.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Gear Position Indication (Prndl) · Sep 18, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V460000 · 426,240 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- 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 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.
Not every 2010 Pontiac G6 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Pontiac G6 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Steering — 137 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
- Electrical System — 46 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 44 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 114,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Pontiac G6. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other G6 years
Compare all years →Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Pontiac. How we calculate this →