Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac G6 vs FORD F 150
How the Pontiac G6 and FORD F 150 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 FORD F 150: The G6 averaged 980.8 complaints per year over 6 years, with steering dominating at 3,108 complaints. The F-150 averaged 1,162.1 per year over 10 years, led by power train at 3,648. Both show serious failure patterns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac G6 or FORD F 150 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, in ownership terms, demands attention to its steering and electrical systems. Over six years, owners filed 5,885 complaints, with steering alone accounting for 3,108—more than half. The pattern suggests that power steering loss and electrical gremlins are common, potentially leaving you without steering assist or working lights.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup with a high complaint volume—11,621 over ten years—but spread across many systems. Power train complaints dominate (3,648), often involving transmission limp mode and lead frame failures. Electrical issues (2,100) and unknown problems (1,431) also appear, indicating that while issues are frequent, they vary widely.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac G6 | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 5,885 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 31 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 243 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 980.8 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 156 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 6 | 1 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 control module locking the wheel while parked or causing intermittent loss of assist, sometimes requiring a restart. A failed steering angle sensor can also cause shaking and loss of power steering, which is dangerous at speed.
Complaints include brake lights not working, warning lights for traction and stability control illuminating, and headlights failing repeatedly even after bulb replacement. These electrical faults can compromise visibility and safety systems.
Headlights and brake lights go out intermittently, with owners describing recurring failures despite new bulbs and relays. This reduces nighttime visibility and increases collision risk.
One owner reported that during a steering seizure, the car crashed into a barrier and the air bags did not deploy. While brake complaints are fewer, the linked nature of steering and braking failures is concerning.
“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…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners describe transmission limp mode, stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures that can cause sudden loss of power. One owner said a lead frame issue 'nearly ended my life,' highlighting the safety risk.
The lead frame issue also appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. These faults can leave the truck in a reduced-power state on the highway.
A rear window defroster short caused the back window to shatter outward, according to one report. Such unpredictable failures add to ownership uncertainty.
While not detailed in the sample, exterior lighting is a top complaint area, suggesting owners experience lighting failures that affect visibility.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
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,…
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Pontiac G6 or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Pontiac G6 has fewer complaints per year (980.8) than the Ford F-150 (1,162.1), but the G6's complaints are heavily concentrated in steering, a critical safety system. The F-150's higher annual rate is spread across power train and electrical issues, meaning you're more likely to face varied repairs but perhaps less chance of a single catastrophic steering failure.
Key differences
- Pontiac G6 steering complaints (3,108) are more than half of all complaints, while F-150 power train complaints (3,648) are about a third.
- G6 owners report power steering lock-up and loss of assist; F-150 owners report transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Both have electrical issues, but G6 complaints include brake lights and headlights failing, while F-150 electrical complaints often tie to the lead frame.
- The G6 has 6 deaths and 156 injuries in complaints; the F-150 has 1 death and 297 injuries, though complaint counts differ.
- During a test drive, check for any hesitation or stiffness in steering, and ask if the power steering control module or angle sensor has been replaced.
- Inspect all exterior lights, including brake lights and headlights, for proper function, and look for signs of repeated bulb replacements or wiring repairs.
- Test the transmission through all gears, looking for harsh shifts, limp mode, or getting stuck in a gear; ask about lead frame replacement history.
- Check the rear window defroster operation and inspect the rear window for cracks or signs of shattering; also verify all electrical features work.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls, especially steering-related for the G6 and power train-related for the F-150.
- Have a mechanic inspect the power steering system (G6) or transmission and lead frame (F-150) specifically.
- Test all electrical components: lights, warning indicators, and accessories, during the test drive.
- Ask the seller for maintenance records, particularly any repairs related to steering, transmission, or electrical systems.
- During the test drive, pay attention to any warning lights, unusual noises, or changes in steering or shifting behavior.
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 FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac G6 vs FORD F 150
- Pontiac G6 total complaints
- 5,885
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Pontiac G6 total recalls
- 31
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Pontiac G6 avg complaints/year
- 980.8
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac G6
- Pontiac G6 top complaint area
- STEERING
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN