VehicleVerdict

2006 Pontiac Solstice problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 288 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.5 times the median Solstice year — the 2006 model ranks #2 of 6 Solstice years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: airbags issues account for 62% of all reports (179 of 288), far ahead of transmission at 33.

288

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Solstice years?

Solstice NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted352 complaints2006: 288 complaints2007: 352 complaints2008: 189 complaints2009: 45 complaints2010: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints
Solstice NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Solstice years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Pontiac Solstice problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags17962%
Transmission3311%
Electrical System2810%
Engine93%
Seats83%
Brakes62%
Seat Belts41%
Other41%
Speed Control41%
Suspension41%
Steering21%
Lighting21%
Body & Structure21%
Latches & Locks10%
Fuel System10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2006 Pontiac Solstice have recalls?

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

17V061000AirbagsJanuary 26, 2017 · 91,007 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.

14E021000Electrical SystemApril 30, 2014 · 14,529 units

Defect

UCI-FRAM Group is recalling certain LS1328 ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1328, Duralast LS1328, Airtex 1S6097, and Carquest 53-27479, and LS1497 Ignition Switches sold as Wells LS1497, Duralast LS1497, Airtex 1S10961, and Carquest 53-27967, for use on various General Motors model and model year vehicles during repair and replacement of the original ignition switch. The weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the affected ignition switches to move out of the run position, turning off the engine and disabling the air bags.

Consequence

If the ignition switch moves from the run position to accessory, the car would stall and the air bags will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of personal injury to the occupants.

Remedy

UCI-FRAM Group has notified its purchasers to quarantine and return all inventory. Any switches already installed in vehicles will be replaced by GM dealers as part of NHTSA recall 14V-047, free of charge. UCI-Fram's purchasers should contact UCI-FRAM Group at 1-800-890-2075. GM vehicle owners requiring additional information on that recall campaign should contact GM at 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), 1-800-762-2737 (Pontiac) or 1-800-553-6000 (Saturn).

14V171000Electrical SystemApril 10, 2014 · 2,191,014 units

Defect

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Consequence

If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Remedy

General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

14V047000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2014 · 2,190,934 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 February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky 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. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

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 replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

07V589000TransmissionDecember 20, 2007 · 275,936 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.

Consequence

A REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE MAY CAUSE LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER AND POSSIBLY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PINION SEAL FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 1, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006 OR HTTP://WWW.CADILLAC.COM; PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM; AND SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876 OR HTTP://WWW.SATURN.COM.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

DAUGHTERS IN 2006 SOLSTICE. DRUNK DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT GOING 50 MPH AND HIT OUR DAUGHTERS MAKING A LEFT TURN. SEVERE IMPACT ON AN ANGLE (FRONT/LEFT SIDE) WITH 2 FOOT INTRUSION INTO OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. REQUIRED PROLONGED EXTRICATION; SERIOUS INJURY WITH BAYFLIGHT TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · November 1, 2009 · crash

MY WIFE SUGGESTED TO ME THAT THE ACCIDENT MAY HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY A MALFUNCTION TO THE CAR. I DIDN'T REALLY CONSIDER THAT A POSSIBILITY. HOWEVER, SHE HAS NEVER BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN THE ACCIDENT BEYOND SAYING "ALL OF A SUDDEN I LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR". WHILE I WAS LOOKING FOR THE CAR TITLE, WHICH…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 8, 2009 · crash

DAUGHTERS IN 2006 SOLSTICE. DRUNK DRIVER RAN RED LIGHT GOING 50 MPH AND HIT OUR DAUGHTERS MAKING A LEFT TURN. SEVERE IMPACT ON AN ANGLE (FRONT/LEFT SIDE) WITH 2 FOOT INTRUSION INTO OCCUPANT COMPARTMENT. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. REQUIRED PROLONGED EXTRICATION; SERIOUS INJURY WITH BAYFLIGHT TO…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 1, 2009 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 80 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED AS WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 31, 2012 · fire

THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER, THEY DIAGNOSED A FAULTY PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE. THEY SAID THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG PROBABLY WON'T WORK IN AN ACCIDENT. THE REPAIR ESTIMATE WAS OVER $800.00. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 33,598 MILES ON IT.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seats · September 4, 2016

2006 Pontiac Solstice — common questions

Is the 2006 Pontiac Solstice reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 288 complaints put the 2006 model at #2 of 6 Solstice years. It is one of the Solstice years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Solstice problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (179 complaints), transmission (33 complaints), electrical system (28 complaints).

Does the 2006 Pontiac Solstice have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Pontiac Solstice under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Solstice years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Solstice years to avoid are 2007, 2006, 2008. The cleanest record among Solstice years belongs to 2014.

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.