Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac G6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
How the Pontiac G6 and Chevrolet Silverado compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Pontiac G6 vs Chevrolet Silverado: The G6 averaged 981 complaints per year with 3,108 steering reports, while the Silverado averaged 823 per year with 2,521 engine complaints. Both have crash-related complaints (243 vs. 233). Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac G6 or Chevrolet Silverado more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac G6
The Pontiac G6 is a mid-size car that, based on owner complaints, can be demanding to live with. Over six years, it averaged about 981 complaints per year, with steering problems dominating the list at 3,108 reports. Owners frequently describe the power steering locking up or failing intermittently, which can make the car hard to control, especially at low speeds. Electrical and lighting issues are also common, often leaving drivers with non-working headlights or brake lights.
Chevrolet Silverado
The Chevrolet Silverado is a full-size pickup that, according to owner complaints, has its own set of reliability challenges. Over ten years, it averaged about 823 complaints per year, with engine and power train issues leading the way. Owners report problems like rough running, stalling, and transmission shifting into neutral unexpectedly. Electrical glitches and brake concerns also appear in the data, sometimes causing sudden loss of braking or engine shutdown while driving.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac G6 | Chevrolet Silverado |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,885 Better | 8,227 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 101 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 243 | 233 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 980.8 | 822.7 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 156 Better | 160 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 3 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Pontiac G6
- 01STEERING3,108
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM992
- 03EXTERIOR LIGHTING962
- 04SERVICE BRAKES729
- 05AIR BAGS409
Owners report the power steering suddenly locking up or failing intermittently, often with a warning light on the dash. This can happen while parked or driving, making it hard to turn the wheel and increasing crash risk.
Complaints include brake lights not working, multiple warning lights coming on, and headlights failing repeatedly. These issues can affect visibility and safety, and may be linked to wiring problems.
Headlights and brake lights often go out even after bulb replacement, with owners describing recurring electrical faults. Driving at night or signaling to others can become unreliable.
Some owners report brake lights not operating and warning indicators for traction and stability control. In one case, a driver experienced steering seizure and a crash where air bags did not deploy.
“WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED AND RUNNING THE POWER STEERING CONTROL ESC WILL BE ON ON THE DASH AND LOCK UP THE STEERING WHEEL AND I CAN'T TURN OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. WHEN THIS OCCURRED I USED TO BE ABLE TO TURN OFF THE CAR AND TURN IT BACK ON AND IT WOULD BE OFF.…”
“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 loss of power steering as well as shakin…”
Chevrolet Silverado
- 01ENGINE2,521
- 02POWER TRAIN2,347
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1,513
- 04SERVICE BRAKES1,222
- 05UNKNOWN OR OTHER858
Owners of newer Silverado models report engine shutdowns while driving, sometimes with messages like 'Return to Neutral' or 'Press Start'. Diesel models have had repeated excessive soot accumulation in the particulate filter, requiring dealer service.
Complaints include the vehicle suddenly shifting into neutral while driving slowly, such as in a parking garage, leaving the driver unable to accelerate. This can happen with very low mileage.
Reports describe sudden loss of normal braking, engine shut-off while driving, and screens going blank. These electrical faults can be dangerous because they affect core driving functions.
Owners report the brake pedal feeling firm but braking effectiveness reduced, or the truck shutting off entirely when barely applying throttle. This can lead to unexpected loss of stopping power.
“I purchased the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado with a 6.2L motor "new" from the dealer with 5700 miles on XXX. Roughly a month and 2500 miles later, my family and I were in the vehicle, 750 miles from home, returning from a vacation to [XXX] from the [XXX]/[XXX] ar…”
“My 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 with the 6.6L Duramax diesel has experienced three separate P2463 Diesel Particulate Filter excessive soot accumulation events at approximately 4,300, 5,500, and 10,280 miles. Each event required a Chevrolet dealer to perform…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Pontiac G6 — 31 recalls
The defect: 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…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The 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,…
The defect: 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 veh…
The 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.
The 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 at 1-800-523-2492.
The defect: 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.
The 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 no…
The 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 instruct…
The defect: 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…
The risk: Any of the above failure conditions increases the risk of a crash.
The 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,…
Chevrolet Silverado — 101 recalls
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 vehicles. These vehicles may not have received an owner's manual during production. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, “Child Re…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will provide the owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 30, 2025. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is N252532020. Vehicle Identifi…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, and GMC Sierra 3500 vehicles with gasoline engines and dual fuel tanks (RPOs L8T and N2N). The rear fuel pump may not transfer adequate fuel to the front tank, causing an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: The vehicle's engine control module (ECM) will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782…
The defect: General Motors has decided that certain 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 2025-2026 Cadillac OPTIQ, Chevrolet Colorado, Equinox EV, GMC Canyon, 2026 Buick Enclave, Envision, Cadillac CT5, Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade IQ, Escalade IQL, LYRIQ, VISTIQ, Chevrolet Blazer EV, Corvette Convertible, Corvette Cou…
The risk: Without an owner's manual to consult, owners may not know how to safely use and operate the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
The fix: Dealers will reset the vehicle radio, which will facilitate automatic download of the electronic owner’s manual, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-866-467-970…
The defect: General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and GMC Sierra 2500 vehicles equipped with the enhanced towing option and 20-inch accessory tire/wheel package. The tire information label may state the incorrect rear tire pressure, resulting in underinflated tires an…
The risk: Driving with underinflated tires can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect, update the engine control module (ECM) software, apply a tire label overlay, inflate tires to the correct pressure, and perform a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS) re-learn process as necessary, free of charge. Owne…
Buyer analysis
Pontiac G6 or Chevrolet Silverado: which should you buy?
The Chevrolet Silverado has fewer complaints per year (about 823) than the Pontiac G6 (about 981), but both have serious safety-related patterns. The G6's issues cluster around steering and lighting, while the Silverado's involve engine, power train, and brake failures. In practice, the Silverado's problems may be more complex and costly, but the G6's steering lock-ups can be immediately dangerous.
Key differences
- The Pontiac G6 is a car with a dominant steering defect pattern (3,108 complaints), while the Silverado is a truck with engine and power train issues leading (2,521 and 2,347 complaints).
- G6 owners frequently report power steering lock-up and lighting failures; Silverado owners report engine shutdowns, transmission slipping into neutral, and brake loss.
- The Silverado has more recalls (101 vs. 31) but a lower complaint rate per year, suggesting different types of problems.
- Crash-related complaints are similar in count (243 for G6, 233 for Silverado), but the G6's are often tied to steering, while the Silverado's involve brakes and engine stalls.
- Test the power steering at low speeds and while parked; listen for whining or feel for sudden stiffness, and check for a steering warning light.
- Inspect all exterior lights, including brake lights and headlights, for function and signs of recurring bulb failures or wiring repairs.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any hesitation, rough running, or sudden engine shutdown; check for stored codes related to the diesel particulate filter if equipped.
- Test the brakes firmly and note any loss of braking power or unusual pedal feel; also check for transmission slipping or unexpected neutral engagement.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially for steering (G6) and fuel pump or brake issues (Silverado).
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the specific problem areas: steering and electrical for the G6; engine, transmission, and brakes for the Silverado.
- During the test drive, deliberately test the power steering at low speeds (G6) and the transmission engagement and braking (Silverado).
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly for any repairs related to the reported complaint areas.
- Verify that all safety recalls have been completed by checking the NHTSA website with the VIN.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Pontiac G6 or Chevrolet Silverado in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac G6 vs Chevrolet Silverado
- Pontiac G6 total complaints
- 5,885
- Chevrolet Silverado total complaints
- 8,227
- Pontiac G6 total recalls
- 31
- Chevrolet Silverado total recalls
- 101
- Pontiac G6 avg complaints/year
- 980.8
- Chevrolet Silverado avg complaints/year
- 822.7
- More reliable overall
- Chevrolet Silverado
- Pontiac G6 top complaint area
- STEERING
- Chevrolet Silverado top complaint area
- ENGINE