2006 Pontiac Solstice Problems
Shopping for a used 2006 Pontiac Solstice? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 242 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2006 Pontiac Solstice has 242 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2006 Pontiac Solstice Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2006 Pontiac Solstice trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2006 Pontiac Solstice Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice has 242 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Solstice
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 242
- Crash-related complaints
- 9
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2006 Pontiac Solstice problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2006 Pontiac Solstice?
The 2006 Pontiac Solstice shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2006 Pontiac Solstice
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system and verify no open recalls related to airbags.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and transmission components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Pontiac Solstice, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 242 NHTSA complaints for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, the data suggests a high concentration of issues related to airbag malfunctions, with 177 complaints. Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain problems each account for 28 complaints. The vehicle has 5 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low, so these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag malfunctions dominate complaints with 177 reports.
- Electrical faults and transmission/drivetrain issues each have 28 complaints.
- There are 5 recalls and 9 crash-related complaints for the 2006 model year.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
Full breakdown
All 2006 Pontiac Solstice complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 177 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 28 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 9 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
HEADLAMP HOUSING IS CRACKING AND ALLOWING MOISTURE TO GET INTO HEADLIGHT AREA. IT MAKES THE LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING VERY POOR AND IS A NIGHT HAZARD.
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repai…
Hello i would like to make an agreement with someone to recover a seized vehicle by cbp at the border I made a mistake and i really want to fix it because i really need the car for work but all proof of ownership is inside the vehicle under the driver seat on a red docs bag the…
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the passenger’s side seat sensor air bag warning light was not illuminated; however, the passenger’s side seat was occupied. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in NHTSA Camp…
Passenger seat position sensor for the air bag system has failed. This sensor was inspected and supposedly "reinforced" under the GM Recall on this item in 2018, vehicle mileage 22390. It is now 2023, with the vehicle mileage at 25,131. The passenger seat in this vehicle is u…
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that the "Service Air Bag" message was displayed. Additionally, the air bag light remained off while the front passenger's seat was occupied. Additionally, a beeping sound engaged, and the SRS warning light was illumina…
Service airbag indication. Passenger airbag light OFF. Previous recall completed in 2018 at 87k miles. Vehicle is at 104k miles and PPS sensor failed again. Previous completed recall for this issue is N17V061000. Failure is the same, dealer refuses to repair a second time. Issue …
The electric system appears to be unsafe, the ignition doesn't turn over and drains the battery every day. I'm also worried about the airbags and other recalls on this car. I contacted the dealer "Dave Kirk Automotive" in Crossville, TN weeks ago. They took the vin # and loo…
I purchased a 2006 Pontiac Solstice from a Lexus dealership in 2020. No known issues were discussed when I purchased the vehicle. The ignition switch turned off while I was driving around a curve which caused engine to stall, and my steering wheel to locked up preventing me from …
my car had a recall on it when I bought it for the air bag sensor in the pass seat. I took it in and they patched it...not fixed it but a patch... it has been sat in about 20 times since and now has the light on. I will not pay them to repatch or fix this as they should of fixed …
CAR HAS LESS THAN 10000 MILES AND THE SERVICE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. MANUAL SAYS NEVER NEEDS SERVICE. THE IDIOT LIGHT ALSO CAME ON SHOWING THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT
WENT FOR DQ, WIFE PURCHASED OUR ICE CREAM. UPON HER RETURN TO THE CAR AND SITTING DOWN, THE DASH PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR LIGHT STATED SYSTEM WAS "OFF" WITH HER SITTING IN THE SEAT ENGINE RUNNING. THIS CONDITION CONTINUED ON THE DRIVE HOME. NO SIR FAILURE LIGHT INDICATED. …
AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS REPLACED BY GM DEALER AND SOMETIMES WORKS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T, HAS DONE THIS SINCE BEING REPLACED NO MATTER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION.
THE SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT FOR THE PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILED. THIS CAUSES THE SERVICE AIRBAG LIGHT TO REMAIN ON. I DO NOT KNOW IF AIRBAG WILL WORK OR NOT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC SOLSTICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500. *TR CONSUMER STATED I HAD A RECALL FOR …
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN MY VEHICLE FAILED AT AROUND 51800 MILES . WITH THIS TYPE OF A SAFETY ISSUE ANY PASSENGER IN THE CAR FACES ADDED RISK IF AN ACCIDENT WERE TO OCCUR AND THE WEIGHT SENSOR FOR THE PASSENGER SEAT DOSEN'T WORK COULD END CATASTROPHICALLY. IT IS MY UNDERST…
DRIVE AXLE SEAL LEAK. THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS LEAKING DUE TO A FAULTY PINION SEAL. I CHECKED ALL RECALL INFORMATION, AND YES, IT WAS RECALLED. I WILL NOTIFY THE DEALER OF THE RECALL AND REQUEST THAT IT BE REPAIRED AT NO COST. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN I NOTICED THE LEAK. …
I TOOK MY SOLSTICE IN TO DEALERSHIP FOR IGNITION AND AIRBAG RECALL SEPT 2018. THEY FIXED IGNITION BUT SAID I NEEDED A NEW PART FOR THE AIRBAG SENSOR (MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON). IT HAS BEEN 9 MONTHS AND I HAVE REPEATEDLY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP (FREDERICK MD) BUT THEY TELL ME TH…
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY (WITHIN A COUPLE HUNDRED MILES) AFTER RECEIVING PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL 17036 PASSENGER PRESENCE SYSTEM TO ADD A REINFORCEMENT STRIP TO THE PASSENGER PPS SENSOR MAT, MY "SERVICE AIR BAG" LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I VISITED MY DEALERSHIP, THEY DENIED THAT THEIR SERVICE …
IN MAY OF 2017 DASH WARNING SHOWED SERVICE AIRBAG REMAINED ON. TOOK TO DEALER AND IT AS REPLACED FOR $991.20 PLUS TAX. IN 2018 RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE THAT STATED I WOULD BE REIMBURSED AS PART WAS RECALLED. TOOK CAR TO DEALER TO SEE ABOUT REIMBURSEMENT AND DID PAPER WORK ON 7/1…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice.
Safety recalls
2006 Pontiac Solstice recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
AIR BAGS
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2006 Pontiac Solstice buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Pontiac Solstice reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 242 owner complaints, 9 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Pontiac Solstice shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Pontiac Solstice?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (177 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (28 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (28 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Pontiac Solstice?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Pontiac Solstice?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, NHTSA complaints include 9 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 242 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Pontiac Solstice have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Pontiac Solstice?▾
The 2006 Pontiac Solstice shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Solstice reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Pontiac Solstice based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.