VehicleVerdict

2006 Pontiac Montana problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2006 Pontiac Montana sits mid-pack among Montana years: 61 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 90, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (14), engine (7), and suspension (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

61

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Montana years?

Montana NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted329 complaints1997: 25 complaints1998: 62 complaints1999: 329 complaints2000: 310 complaints2001: 208 complaints2002: 161 complaints2003: 117 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 130 complaints2006: 61 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 2 complaints
Montana NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Montana years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Pontiac Montana problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1423%
Engine711%
Suspension610%
Body & Structure58%
Brakes58%
Lighting47%
Transmission47%
Tires & Wheels47%
Fuel System47%
Steering35%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Latches & Locks12%
Other12%
Seat Belts12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2006 Pontiac Montana have recalls?

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

10V110000SuspensionMarch 19, 2010 · 5,375 units

Defect

THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.

Consequence

A SQUEAKING OR CLUNKING NOISE MAY DEVELOP. THE TRAILING ARM BUSHINGS MAY PREMATURELY WEAR AND THE TRAILING ARM MAY FRACTURE OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING THE REAR AXLE TO BECOME PARTIALLY SEPARATED FROM THE CHASSIS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.

05V552000OtherDecember 7, 2005 · 32,068 units

Defect

CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.

Consequence

A MISPRINTED LABEL COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER VEHICLE LOADING SPECIFICATIONS OR TIRE INFLATION WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WE'VE BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE VAN DECELERATING ON ITS OWN AND HAVING TO LAY DOWN ON THE GAS TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. STILL HAVN'T FOUND OUT WHAT IT IS. NOW OUR "AWD DISABLED" LIGHT CAME ON. THIS WORRIES ME BECAUSE WE LIVE IN MN AND HAVE TERRIBLE ROADS IN THE WINTER. THAT IS ONE REASON WE BOUGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 2, 2011

“WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY WHEN GOT A MESSAGE ON DIC SAYING "ENGINE POWER REDUCED" SECONDS LATER VEHICLE DROPPED TO 10 MPH AND WOULD NOT GO ANY FASTER. RPM DROPPED TO 300. ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED.DEALER SAID IT WAS AN APP SENSOR, REPLACED AND HAPPENED AGAIN. SAID IT WAS A MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR, REPLACED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 27, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC MONTANA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL RUBBING SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION DETACHED FROM THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SEVERAL INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND THE CONTACT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 26, 2019

“BRAKING PROBLEMS. VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER AND SHAKE. WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN QUICKLY WHEN BRAKING. HAD TWO LEFT FRONT WHEEL HUB REPLACED. PROBLEM STARTED AROUND 15,000 MILES. HAD TO REMOVE & REFINISH FRONT BRAKE ROTORS. HAD TO REMOVE AND RESURFACE REAR ROTORS. ALL WORK HAD BE DONE WITH UNDER 25,000 MILES…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 1, 2007

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC MONTANA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DASHBOARDD DEVELOPED CRACKS IN SEVERAL AREAS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 10, 2011

2006 Pontiac Montana — common questions

Is the 2006 Pontiac Montana reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 61 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Montana year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2006 Montana problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (7 complaints), suspension (6 complaints).

Does the 2006 Pontiac Montana have recalls?

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

Is the 2006 Pontiac Montana under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Pontiac Montana years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Montana years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. The cleanest record among Montana years belongs to 2007.

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.