Research · Two Seaters

2006 Pontiac SolsticeRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 243 owner complaints for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice. Most complaints involve air bags (178) and electrical system (28). The EPA rates it 21 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Jan 2017
Owner complaints
243
Top: air bags
Fuel cost / yr
$3,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: occupant classification

Remedy pending

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.

Air bagsReported Jan 26, 2017NHTSA 17V061000

Electrical system: switch

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Apr 30, 2014NHTSA 14E021000

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Apr 10, 2014NHTSA 14V171000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

243 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jan 2006 – Sep 2026
  1. Air bags178
  2. Electrical system28
  3. Power train28
  4. Seats8
  5. Engine7
  6. Seat belts4
  7. Service brakes4
  8. Suspension4
  9. Vehicle speed control4

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Solstice model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2006243
2007291
2008159
200936
20100
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
8
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Air bags

178 reports3 crashes
“I have an alarm on my car that states the air bag needs service. I utilized a code reader which indicated there is a failure with the passenger air bag system. I checked for recalls and found one ( NHTSA : 17V061). The vehicle is a 2006 Pontiac Soltice. I contacted three local GM dealers about making a repair. All stated they do not make repairs only on types of vehicles they sell. Thet do not repair Pontiacs. I contacted GM at [XXX]. The representative stated the recall had been completed, which I strongly dispute. I told the representative I have no knowledge of any such repair being performed. The representative generated a case number, case #XXX. She told me it would be up to me to find a dealer to make the repairs. I am totally dissatisfied with the response from GM and its dealers and would ask for any assistance you can provide.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2026Air bagsODI 11761835

Electrical system

28 reports3 crashes1 fire
“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 looked up the recalls. This was a month ago. They said they would get the parts and call me. No one at the dealer has contacted me again. They know there are serious recalls on this vehicle. I need help on this. I'm 74, the car only has 39000 miles on it. This needs to be fixed at once.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Dec 3, 2022Electrical system, Air bags, EngineODI 11495876

Power train

28 reports1 crash
“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. SMALL AMOUNT ON GARAGE FLOOR.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 26, 2019Power trainODI 11246587
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Two Seaters
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 5-spd · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Solstice
Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
192421$3,700423
Solstice
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive
172621$3,700423
  • Solstice
    Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Solstice
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    17 city · 26 hwy · $3,700/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Pontiac Solstice as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 1855
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Solstice questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Pontiac Solstice have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Pontiac Solstice problems?

Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (178), electrical system (28), power train (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Pontiac Solstice get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Pontiac Solstice at 21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026