NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 36 owner complaints for the 2009 Pontiac Solstice. Most complaints involve air bags (32) and electrical system (6). The EPA rates it 21–22 mpg combined.
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.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solstice Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | $3,500 | 404 |
| Solstice Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Solstice Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Solstice Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 25 | 21 | $2,950 | 423 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
4 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 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.
Owners filed 36 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are air bags (32), electrical system (6), seats (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Pontiac Solstice at 21–22 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).