There's always the potential for something to be wrong with your G8 when it leaves the factory. If (or when) that happens, Pontiac will send out 1 of 2 different types of notices: recalls and technical service bulletins. Since the G8 line of performance cars is still relatively new, you may eventually see one of these notices. We haven't heard of (or received) any recall notices. But, we have heard about a number of technical service bulletins being issued to various owners. First, let me explain the difference between the two notices.
Recalls Vs. Technical Service Bulletins
If Pontiac ever issues a recall on their G8, you'll receive a letter in the mail if you own the particular model that the recall affects. If you don't own the model in question, you won't get a notice. Technical service bulletins (TSBs) work differently. You won't know about a TSB until you take your G8 into the shop to get serviced. These are items that don't involve safety issues or emissions problems. Instead, they simply address problems that may have been overlooked or ignored during the design phase of your G8. It's not encouraging to think about, but it does happen.
Pontiac will distribute TSBs to dealerships. When you take your G8 in to get serviced or have something repaired, the service department at the dealership will run a GMVIS history check. They do this to find out whether there are any outstanding procedures that need to be done on your car. The procedures typically show up in the GMVIS history while your G8 is still under warranty. Once the warranty expires, the procedures will drop from the GMVIS. By contrast, recalls are considered "open" until the repairs or modifications have been completed.
Recent G8 TSBs
Again, we haven't received any notifications of recalls. But, we have seen a number of TSBs issued. For example, recent TSBs have included recalibrating the Transmission Control Module (TCM) and reprogramming the Engine Control Module (ECM). The last thing we heard was that this TSB (it dealt with both the TCM and ECM) affected just over 2,700 G8 Base V6 models.
Another recent example is a TSB dealing with the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). Apparently, some 2008 G8's were having a minor issue with the passenger seat belt chime triggering when the seat was unoccupied. According to the TSB, this typically happened when the interior of the G8 was below 32 degrees (Fahrenheit) or above 104 degrees.
Getting It Fixed For Free
If you can match a problem that you're having with your G8 with an outstanding TSB, you can have the problem resolved by your Pontiac dealership for free. But, that requires that your G8 is still under warranty and the technician can duplicate the problem you describe.
Another quick note that may catch you by surprise: if the dealership notices a TSB that shows up on the GMVIS history of your G8, there's a good chance he'll fix the problem without even notifying you (he's not required to notify you). If you've completed any aftermarket enhancements to your G8, the fix can potentially expose you to warranty issues. Just keep that in mind.
We're hoping we never see a recall on the G8. But, TSBs are common. A lot of G8 owners think they've received a recall when it's actually just a TSB. Now, you know the difference.
