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Vehicle Stats/Pontiac/Solstice Reliability
NHTSA Official DataUpdated Sep 2026Methodology

Pontiac Solstice Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data

Poor reliability signalOur verdict from 726 complaints and 22 recalls on NHTSA record

Comparing used Pontiac Solstice options? We analyzed 5 model years (2006–2010) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.

726
Total Complaints
NHTSA filed
22
Safety Recalls
federal campaigns
28
Crash-Related
crash complaints
3
Fire-Related
fire complaints
24
Injuries Reported
across all years
5
Years Analyzed
2006–2010

Free VIN check

Found a Pontiac Solstice? Check that exact car.

Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.

  • Accident & damage history
  • Odometer rollback records
  • Open recalls & title brands
NMVTIS official data Instant results No signup for the preview
Quick Answer

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Pontiac Solstice has 726 owner complaints and 22 safety recalls across model years 2006–2010. The most reported issue area is AIR BAGS. 2007 drew the most complaints; 2010 drew the fewest.

Pontiac Solstice — key reliability facts
Make
Pontiac
Model
Solstice
Model years analyzed
2006–2010 (5 years)
Total NHTSA complaints
726
Safety recall campaigns
22
Crash-related complaints
28
Fire-related complaints
3
Worst model year (by complaints)
2007 (289 complaints)
Best model year (fewest complaints)
2010 (0 complaints)
Top reported issue area
AIR BAGS
Reliability signal
Poor
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) · Data last refreshed Sep 5, 2026
This Solstice has 22 open recall campaigns on record. Check whether yours is affected.Check my VIN free →

By model year

Pontiac Solstice: which years to avoid & which to buy

Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.

Years to avoid
2007289 complaints2006242 complaints2008159 complaints

These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.

Best years to buy
20100 complaints200936 complaints2008159 complaints

These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.

Looking at a 2007 Pontiac Solstice? It logged the most NHTSA complaints of any model year — averages won't tell you whether this exact car is affected.Check this VIN free →

Crash test ratings

NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings

New Car Assessment Program

NCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.

How to read NCAP stars
5 stars — Excellent
4 stars — Good
3 stars — Average
2 stars — Below average
1 star — Poor

Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings

What the complaint data suggests

Poor
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology

Data engine & NHTSA methodology by Eduard Batog, Co-founder & Data Engineer. How we calculate this.

The PONTIAC SOLSTICE has 726 NHTSA complaints and 22 recalls on record. 28 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Key findings
  • 726 total complaints filed with NHTSA
  • 22 federal recall campaigns
  • 28 crash-related complaints on record
Top concerns
  • Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
  • Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Verify service records for frequently complained components
Worst years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.

Best years

Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.

What to check before buying used
  • Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
  • Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
  • Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
  • Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect Complaint volume is influenced by sales volume — popular models naturally accumulate more complaints

Problems by model year (best vs. worst)

2006
242
2007
289
2008
159
2009
36
2010
0

Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026

Safety recalls

NHTSA safety recalls

22 recalls found

Safety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.

Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOctober 4, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOctober 4, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOctober 4, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOctober 4, 2014
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

#14V171000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITIONOctober 4, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V047000AIR BAGSOctober 2, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V047000AIR BAGSOctober 2, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V047000AIR BAGSOctober 2, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS

#14V047000AIR BAGSOctober 2, 2014
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#14E021000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#14E021000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Safety recall

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE

#07V454000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#14E021000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
Safety recall

POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL

#07V589000POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
Safety recall

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

#17V061000AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Safety recall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

#14E021000ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2006–2010. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.

Common problems

What goes wrong most often

The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 726 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.

01
AIR BAGS533 complaints
02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM76 complaints
03
POWER TRAIN56 complaints
04
SERVICE BRAKES52 complaints
05
SEATS39 complaints
06
HYDRAULIC31 complaints
07
ENGINE24 complaints
08
STRUCTURE15 complaints

Owner complaints

NHTSA complaint reports

726 total

These are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.

AIR BAGSAug 2023

The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an electrical sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

AIR BAGSSep 2022

My issue is with the initial recall of the air bag system. Why is the air bag replaced only one time when this is an ongoing problem. My air bag system needs replaced for the second time but it is not covered. I don't understand the logic behind not continually correcting an ongoing problem. Can you please help me? [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

AIR BAGSOct 2021

My Solstice had recall # 14092 & 14133 for service airbag to passenger seat completed on 4/27/2018. As of 10/25/2019 the service airbag light is once again on and indicates that the passenger airbag is off. The recall part has malfunctioned. Please contact with another recall to fix this problem. My Solstice has 25,600 miles.

AIR BAGSAug 2021

Over the years I've received multiple info cards from dealerships concerning this recall. I return their request for having recall work scheduled. The dealerships then return my call usually in a few days saying they are unable to aquire parts for recall work. So far no dealership has been able to do the install due to parts shortage. Where do I go from here?

AIR BAGSApr 2021

PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND IS ALWAYS ON. DRIVER INFO DISPLAY INDICATES "SERVICE AIRBAG" EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. PPS MAT RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN PERFORMED. THE REINFORCEMENT REPAIR HAS FAILED. THE EXACT SAME PPS MAT IS USED ON THE CADILLAC CTS, AND THE RECALL FOR THAT WAS TO REPLACE THE SENSOR BECAUSE IT WAS DETERMINED THE MATERIAL MAY FATIGUE AND CRACK. THUS IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE PPS MAT AND THEREFORE SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED, NOT REPAIRED IN THE SOLSTICE/SKY. A TAPE-ON REINFORCEMENT STRIP IS NOT SUFFICIENT.

AIR BAGSDec 2020

PASSENGER AIRBAG INDICATOR LIGHT ALWAYS ON. DRIVER INFO DISPLAY ALWAYS INDICATES "SERVICE AIRBAG" (WITH ALERT TONE) EVERY TIME I START THE CAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS RELATED RECALL 17V061000 FOR FAILURES IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR PPS MAT. SOLSTICE REPAIR WAS ADDED REINFORCED TAPE. CTS REPAIR FOR SAME ISSUE WAS TO REPLACE THE SENSOR. MANY SOLSTICE/SKY OWNERS ARE COMPLAINING THE RECALL REPAIR JOB FAILED A YEAR AFTER THE FIX, RESULTING IN NEED TO REPLACE THE SENSOR MAT. AS THE PPS MAT IS AN FMVSS MANDATED SAFETY FEATURE, IT SHOULD BE [AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN] REPLACED ENTIRELY, NOT JUST REPAIRED WITH REINFORCED TAPE. GM INDICATES THE RECALL REPAIR WAS ALREADY PERFORMED, SO I WILL HAVE TO PAY NEARLY $800 TO HAVE THE SENSOR REPLACED IN ORDER TO CLEAR THE FAILURE INDICATORS. THIS IS UNREASONABLE. ONE CANNOT EXPECT REINFORCED TAPE TO PREVENT AN UNKNOWN FATIGUE CONDITION ON AN 8-10 YEAR OLD SENSOR. REPLACEMENT WITH A DIFFERENT DESIGN AS IN THE CTS IS THE ONLY CERTAIN SOLUTION AND NHSTA SHOULD NOT HAVE ALLOWED GM TO USE REINFORCED TAPE.

Read 14 more owner reports
SEATSJul 2020

ALMOST 36K MILES AND THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASH WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY WITH A PARTNER (ADULT OVER 150 LBS) AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG TURNED OFF, I WENT OUT OF THE HIGHWAY FOR HIS SAFETY AND DRIVE SLOWER OUR WAY BACK TO WORK, BUT SUDDENDLY HE KIND OF ACCOMODATE HIMSELF ON THE SEAT AND THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT DISAPPERED, SO I ASKED HIM TO MOVE/CHANGE HIS SITTING POSITION ON THE SEAT AND THIS WAY THE LIGHT RETURNED AND THEN DISAPPEARD WHEN HE CHANGED RANDOMLY HIS WEIGHT OVER THE SEAT. RIGHT NOW THE LIGHT IS PERMANENT ON MY DASHBOARD NO MARE THER IS NO WEIGHT ON THE PASSENGER SIT OR SOMEONE OVER 150 POUNDS SITS AND CHANGES SITTING POSITION. MY CAR ATTENDED THE RECALL 17036 AUG 2018 AT THAT TIME THE PROBLEM WAS NOT PRESENT ON MY PPS SO THEY PROCEED TO MAKE THE REINFORCEMENT, BUT NOW IT APPEARED THE DEALER WANTS TO CHARGE ME THE DIAGNOSTIC AND IF THE PPS IS THE FAILURE (AS IT SEEMS TO BE); THE PPS COST, AS IS OVER A YEAR SINCE THE RECALL WAS ATTENDED AND THE PART IS OUT OF WARRANTY.

AIR BAGSSep 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER (DON MEALEY CHEVROLET, 17185 FL-50, CLERMONT, FL 34711, 352-394-6176) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD GIVE THE CONTACT A CALL BACK. THE CONTACT HAD NOT HEARD BACK FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

AIR BAGSSep 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED CHEVROLET BUICK MARBLE FALLS AT (830) 693-2777 (LOCATED AT 2301 US-281, MARBLE FALLS, TX 78654) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

AIR BAGSAug 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MCSWEENEY CADILLAC GMC (35500 ALABAMA HIGHWAY 21 B, TALLADEGA, ALABAMA 35160, (256)474-4473) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

AIR BAGSMay 2018

I PUTCHASED THE CAR ON NOVEMBER 25, 2015 FROM CYNTHIA WALKER. THE VEHICLE HAD 30,000 MI, EXTENDED WARRANTY AND WAS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION (I RECEIVED ALL PREVIOUS SERVICE RECORDS. IN AUGUST, 2016 I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND A WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE DASH AND A "SERVICE AIR BAG" MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED. I TOOK THE CAR TO AUTONATION CHEVROLET DEALER IN PEORIA, AZ FOR REPAIR. I WAS TOLD THE AIR BAG WAS NOT COVERED BY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND CHARGED $89.95 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THEY SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW WHAT WAS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I CALLED THE GM HOTLINE ON AUGUST 27, 2016 TO REPORT THE PROBLEM. IT TOOK 4 CALLS FOR ME TO FINALLY GET A RESPONSE FROM BRENDALIN (NO LAST NAME GIVEN). SHE TOLD BE THEY COULD DO NOTHING. CASE #8-233933284 IN MARCH, 2017 AND IN MAY, 2017 I RECEIVED LETTERS FROM GM SAYING THE CAR HAD AN AIR BAG PROBLEM AND WAS SUBJECT TO A RECALL. IT TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO A GM DEALER FOR REPAIRS AT NO COST TO ME. I TOOK THE CAR TO RICE MOTORS, 1306 WEST MAIN, CARMI, IL 62821. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO RICE MOTORS 6 TIMES, THE LAST TIME ON APRIL 12, 2018. EACH TIME THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND THE WARNING LIGHT AND MESSAGE WOULD RE-APPEAR WITHING A FEW MILES OF DRIVING. ON APRIL 21, 2018 THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME WITH THE ASSURANCE FROM RICE MOTORS THAT IT HAD BEEN REPAIRED. THE THIRD TIME THAT I DROVE IT (ON MAY 5, 2018) THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE SAME SERVICE AIR BAG MESSAGE ON THE DASH. ON APRIL 9, 2018 I CALLED THE GM HOTLINE AND WAS REFERRED TO MICHAEL (PHONE NO. 866.790.5600 EXT 5924164). CASE #8-4070737444 SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE TALKED TO MICHAEL 7 TIMES ASKING FOR HELP IN RESOLVING THIS PROBLEM. HE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO ASSIST IN ANY WAY. AT THIS POINT I HAVE A CAR THAT I CANNOT DRIVE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF SAFETY CONCERNS. MULTIPLE TRIPS TO THE GM DEALERS HAVE SHOWN THEIR INABILITY TO MAKE THE CAR USABLE.

AIR BAGSFeb 2018

RECALL ISSUED MARCH 2017, 17036 STILL NO FIX

AIR BAGSOct 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF UPDATED 8/3/18*JB

AIR BAGSSep 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (LANCASTER MOTOR COMPANY, 1616 CHARLOTTE HWY, LANCASTER, SC 29720, (803) 283-4118) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 11/06/17*LJ UPDATED 11/07/2017*JS

AIR BAGSMar 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGSJul 2016

AIR BAG SENSOR FOR PASSENGER SEAT WENT OUT WITH JUST OVER 30,000 MILES ON CAR. EVERYONE WHOM I KNOW WITH A PONTIAC SOLSTICE OR SATURN SKY HAS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE DISABLES THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND MAKES IT UNSAFE FOR PASSENGER TO RIDE IN CAR. SENSOR IN SEAT WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING WITH MY WIFE IN THE SEAT. SHE WEIGHS 125 POUNDS SO IT WAS NOT A LOADING ISSUE.

AIR BAGSJul 2016

PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR HAS FAILED. OUT OF WARRANTY REPAIR IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND PUTS MY PASSENGERS AT EXTREME RISK IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT.

AIR BAGSDec 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE ON BUT REMAINED OFF, WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER PRESENCE MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

AIR BAGSSep 2015

I WAS DRIVING MY CAR THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND WHILE PARKED AT A LIGHT, THE "SERVICE AIRBAG" WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON MY DASH, AND HAS REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVER SINCE. IT IS NOT THE FUSE, AND IT DOES NOT MATTER IF SOMEONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OR NOT. (SOLSTICES HAVE A LIGHT THAT ILLUMINATES WHEN SOMEONE IS IN PASSENGER SEAT SAYING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS ON, BECAUSE THE SENSOR DETECTS A PASSENGER.)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATSAug 2015

SERVICE AIR BAG NOTICE DISPLAYED, RED AIR BAD WARNING IDIOT LIGHT ON AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWS OFF EVEN THOUGH A PASSENGER WAS IN THE SEAT. TRIED POWERING THE CAR OFF AND ON WITH SAME RESULT. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE IS THE PASSENGER IS NOT PROTECTED WHILE RIDING IN THE VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE READ THAT MANY REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE HAVE BEEN REPORTED AND NO SAFETY RECALLS HAVE BEEN ISSUED.

Showing 20 of 726 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database

Check the exact car

Before you buy, check the exact Pontiac Solstice

These pages show model-year patterns across 5 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.

The basics

How to read this data

Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Pontiac Solstice, in plain English.

01

What is an NHTSA Complaint?

An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Pontiac Solstice has 726 complaints on record across 5 model years.

02

What is a Safety Recall?

A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Pontiac Solstice has 22 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.

03

What Are Crash Complaints?

Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 28 of the Pontiac Solstice's 726 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.

04

How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?

The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.

05

Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?

Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.

06

Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN

Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Pontiac Solstice vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Pontiac Solstice vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.

07

What Are NHTSA Investigations?

When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Pontiac Solstice has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.

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By state

Check a Pontiac Solstice by state

Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Pontiac Solstice.

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Research more

Keep researching before you buy

Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.

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Pontiac Solstice reliability — frequently asked questions

Is the Pontiac Solstice reliable?

Poor. The Pontiac Solstice has 726 NHTSA owner complaints and 22 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is AIR BAGS. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.

Which Pontiac Solstice years to avoid?

Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2007 (289 complaints), 2006 (242 complaints), 2008 (159 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.

What are the most common Pontiac Solstice problems?

Top reported issues: AIR BAGS (533 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (76 complaints); POWER TRAIN (56 complaints).

Does the Pontiac Solstice have recalls?

Yes — 22 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Pontiac Solstice. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

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