VehicleVerdict

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 365 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.1 times the median Grand Prix year — the 2006 model ranks #8 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 41 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (71), transmission (61), and lighting (48), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

365

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

33

Crash-involved

36

Fires reported

41

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Grand Prix years?

Grand Prix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted1,064 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 119 complaints1989: 202 complaints1990: 249 complaints1991: 242 complaints1992: 158 complaints1993: 185 complaints1994: 306 complaints1995: 245 complaints1996: 116 complaints1997: 1,064 complaints1998: 618 complaints1999: 500 complaints2000: 588 complaints2001: 427 complaints2002: 410 complaints2003: 137 complaints2004: 624 complaints2005: 209 complaints2006: 365 complaints2007: 323 complaints2008: 199 complaints
Grand Prix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Prix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System7119%
Transmission6117%
Lighting4813%
Steering4412%
Engine3810%
Brakes247%
Airbags195%
Visibility & Wipers113%
Suspension103%
Tires & Wheels103%
Speed Control92%
Other72%
Fuel System51%
Body & Structure41%
Seat Belts31%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HDM RELAY OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 1, 2015 · fire

“WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON STREET I WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A INTERSECTION WHEN A CHEVY MAXI VAN STRUCT ME WHEN RUNNING A RED LIGHT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. I SUSTAINED BODY INJURIES SUCH AS BACK AND NECK AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. I HAVE NEVER RECOVERED FROM…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · April 1, 2012 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HDM RELAY OVERHEATED AND MELTED THE FUSE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 1, 2015 · fire

“MY CAR STARTED ON FIRE WHILE ON A CITY ROAD BECAUSE OF THE POWER STEERING PUMP PULLEY COMPLETELY SPRUNG OFF SERPENTINE BELT MELTED COOLANT RESERVOIR MELTED FUSE BOX BE MELTED FROM THE FIRE HOW MANY OTHER THINGS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE POWER STEERING PUMP LEAKING FLUID AND HITTING MY EXHAUST…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 12, 2021 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 22, 2016 · fire

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 365 complaints put the 2006 model at #8 of 39 Grand Prix years. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Grand Prix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (71 complaints), transmission (61 complaints), lighting (48 complaints).

Does the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Grand Prix years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Prix years to avoid are 1997, 2004, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 1994, 1990, 1995, 1991, 2005, 1989, 2008, 1993, 1988. The cleanest record among Grand Prix years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.