GM technical bulletin: 09203D: Front suspension lca ball joint bulletin this is a recurring problem with 2008-2009 Pontiac G8. GM hasn't issued a recall for this issue and its a safety issue. They released 4 revised control arms with better ball joints that needs replacing on all the G8. Instead of fixing the problem they released it as a technical service bulletin for dealers to take note of the issue. If the ball joints fail this can cause a serious accident or death. Cause: The rubber "boot" over the front end lower control arm ball joint may have become dislodged or torn compromising the seal. Moisture inside the ball joint seal may cause corrosion, shortening the service life of the component. #09-03-08-008: Knock clunk or click noise from front suspension over small bumps (replace front lower control and caster arms) - (Oct 5, 2009) subject: Knock, clunk or click noise from front suspension over small bumps (replace front lower control and caster arms) models: 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 attention: This bulletin is intended to correct a condition for front end knock, clunk or clicking. Vehicles previously repaired as part of campaign #09203A are to follow a different repair procedure as outlined under the correction section below.

- Cary, NC, USA

I brought my 2008 Pontiac GT to the dealer last month to have the control arms inspected. Car has 18,100 miles on it. The tech told me both lower ball joints were shot and they would overnight the parts. I told him there was a recall on ball joints but my VIN was not included. I also brought a copy of the tsb for the ball joints and told him I wanted all 4 control arms, not just the 2 lower ones. The exact wording of the tsb is "... and found to have one or more of the rubber boots improperly sealing should have all 4 front control arms replaced." The tech told me all 4 of my boots were fine and did not cause the ball joint failure, therefore since my boots were fine I am not entitled to the upper control arms. I asked how the 2 lower ball joints could fail in just 18,000 miles and was told maybe they were defective or maybe I abused the car, it wasn't the boots fault.

- Ridgefield, CT, USA

I have a 2008 Pontiac G8 GT. The issue is the front suspension. Around 43,000 miles the car started getting very bad sounds and vibrations coming from the front of the car. When applying the brake under certain speeds and conditions the car will go into a violent shake. When driving straight I'm fine but if I head into any kind of a curve in the road the steering wheel is shaking badly and the whole car shutters. I'm out of factory warranty so they couldn't do anything for me. I did have the dealership look at it and they have told me that indeed I do have bad ball joints & control arms and most likely strut bushing issues. They said I could purchase the parts myself but that the parts are on a very long backorder, 2-3 months are common place. The recommendation from the dealership was to wait for an aftermarket replacement part to come out (sometime in November) as even the backordered replacement parts from GM are failing after being put on the car. The car is getting worse and I'm afraid that the front end is going to fail on me sometime while I'm driving. I rely on this car for my job and there is no good fix for it out there and no GM recalls that I can find! I'm in desperate need of help!

- Gretna, NE, USA

Ball joint failure, both sides, front suspension. Loud clunking over irregular surfaces and bumps, vibration in front end, shaking/strong vibration during braking. Inspected by dealer, all ball joints on driver and passenger side failing. GM warranty personnel directed me to continue driving the vehicle, they refuse to cover a loaner or rental and declared that it is "a non-safety issue". since when are primary attachment points for the steering apparatus, spindle, brakes, and wheels not a safety concern? these people should be criminally indicted for spewing such irresponsible nonsense. Someone will get killed by one of the cars eventually. I can no longer safely use this vehicle as transportation for my family, these components are failing rapidly, and will likely cause an accident or injury when they fail completely. This issue demands a recall. This has the potential to be worse than the Explorer/Firestone tire debacle. GM knows about it, and appears to be expending more resources toward avoiding dealing with the issue, than toward resolution. Excuses ranging from "we have no parts in inventory" to "that's what happens when you drive in a cold part of the country", it's ridiculous. They built, marketed, and sold a substandard product, and are unwilling to stand behind the warranty, even at the expense of the operator and passenger's safety, and at the expense of other vehicles sharing the road. No wonder they have failed so miserably to regain a share in their home market, it's apparent that they just don't care.

- Brighton, MI, USA