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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice has 7 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Ignition switch can move out of "run," stalling the engine and Passenger airbag suppression (PPS) sensor mat fails, disabling passenger airbag. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $400. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 7 Known Issues
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On the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, nHTSA campaign 14V047—not 14V355—supports the frozen ignition-switch safety identity. It covers 2006-2007 Solstice vehicles whose switch can move out of run under key-ring weight or jarring and an expansion for certain 2008-2010 Solstice vehicles that may contain defective service-replacement switches. Moving out of run can shut off the engine and disable airbag deployment. Campaign 14V171 is a separate ignition-lock-cylinder/key-removal rollaway identity and is not substituted for this page.
Common Symptoms
VIN and 14V047 completion checked
unexpected movement out of run documented
2006-2007 original population separated from service-part expansion
14V171 rollaway identity kept separate
How to Fix
Check the VIN and completion history for NHTSA 14V047 with NHTSA and a GM dealer. Until applicability and completion are confirmed, minimize key-ring weight and stop using a switch that moves unexpectedly; if the engine shuts off, steer and brake deliberately to a safe stop. Ask the dealer to confirm the currently available remedy and any charge rather than relying on the 2014 owner letter. Do not buy an ignition switch, cylinder or key set from this page; campaign applicability, prior repair, part number, programming and VIN fitment must be verified first.
On the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, as the car ages, carbon "coking" builds up in the electronic throttle body, slowing the throttle plate response. The throttle actuator control (TAC) system detects a correlation fault between pedal and throttle and drops the car into Reduced Engine Power limp mode. A weak battery, corroded engine ground strap, or dirty MAF can trigger the same symptom and false codes.
Common Symptoms
"Reduced Engine Power" or "Engine Power Reduced" message
Limp mode / severely limited acceleration
Service traction control light
Rough or hesitant throttle response
How to Fix
Clean (or replace) the throttle body, clean the MAF, and service the notorious driver-side engine ground strap and battery. A battery disconnect/relearn often clears the fault after cleaning. Persistent faults may require throttle body or pedal-position sensor replacement.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
CRC 05078 throttle body and air-intake cleaner, 12 oz
Chemical service item for gasoline throttle bodies; follow CRC and GM procedures, keep it off the MAF sensor and electronic actuator, and do not treat cleaning as a guaranteed TAC repair.
On the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, nHTSA campaign 17V061 and GM recall bulletin 17036 support the frozen 2006-2010 passenger-presence-system identity. Repeated occupant pressure can bend and damage the flexible sensor mat printed conductor, producing an open circuit; with an active PPS fault, the sensing and diagnostic module suppresses the front passenger airbag. The permanent 2018 remedy directs inspection/testing, reinforcement of a functioning mat, or replacement plus reinforcement when the mat is not functioning.
Common Symptoms
passenger airbag status observed with an adult seated
PPS and airbag fault state diagnosed
VIN and 17V061 completion checked
temporary and permanent repairs distinguished
How to Fix
Do not place an adult passenger in the seat when the airbag-off indicator or Service Airbag warning shows an active PPS fault. Check the VIN and recall-completion history for 17V061 with NHTSA and a GM dealer. Ask the dealer to confirm the currently available inspection/remedy and any charge; prior temporary repair did not necessarily close the recall. Do not buy a sensor mat, PPS module, reinforcement or seat part from this page; campaign applicability, diagnostic state, part number, programming and VIN fitment must be verified first.
On the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, the Solstice has no conventional mechanical/interior trunk (rear deck) release; it opens only electrically via the key fob or door-mounted button. If the battery dies, owners commonly find the trunk locked shut with jumper cables or the battery itself trapped inside. The fob buttons are also known to wear out, compounding the lockout.
Common Symptoms
Trunk will not open when battery is dead
Key fob trunk button unresponsive
Battery/jumper cables locked inside trunk
How to Fix
Restore power by connecting jumper cables or a charger to the underhood remote terminals to operate the release, or use the emergency procedure: remove the left rear wheel and wheelhouse liner, remove the pressure-relief valve, reach in and pull the child-safety release cable to unlatch the deck. Worn fob membranes can be replaced cheaply.
On the 2006-2009 Pontiac Solstice all, 2006-2009 Solstice (and Saturn Sky/Opel GT — all Kappa platform) has the trunk lid integrate with the soft top stowage; with the top down, the trunk seal is exposed and frequently leaks in rain. Tiny trunk space (only 3.8 cu ft with top stowed) compounds the issue. Water pools at the spare tire area and rusts the floor panel.
Inspect trunk seal annually; replace if cracked ($60-$120 part). 3M weatherstrip adhesive helps reseal. Always check spare tire well after heavy rain. Some owners install a small bilge-pump style drain. Permanent fix is to confirm rain gutters at the top stowage area aren't clogged.
On the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, the folding soft top is finicky and a frequent source of leaks. Water enters the trunk through the holes in the rear deck that accept the top's buttress pins (the seals don't fully seal) and through a slit in the trunk-lid hose that hides the top's flip cable. Owners also report wind noise and water at the back window when the top's drive-link socket falls out of adjustment, making the top hard to raise or stow.
Common Symptoms
Water pooling in the trunk after rain or a wash
Water leak/wind noise at the rear window
Top difficult to raise or won't stow fully
Damp carpet behind the seats
How to Fix
Reseal or replace the buttress-pin grommets and the trunk-lid cable hose, and clear/route the top's drainage. If the top won't stow or seal, readjust or reconnect the drive-link socket on the convertible top arm. Keep the trunk weatherstrip and rear deck seals in good condition.
On the 2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice, early Solstices are widely reported to develop a driveline clunk on take-up and shifting at low speed, plus a gear whine from the rear differential that changes with throttle. The clunk is partly an inherent design characteristic, but axle clunk/chatter on turns is caused by stick-slip of the limited-slip clutch plates from insufficient friction-modifier additive. GM addressed it with a redesign adding a rigid member to align the differential and driveshaft.
Common Symptoms
Clunk when taking off or shifting at low speed
Whine/gear noise from rear that varies with throttle
Chatter or shudder during tight low-speed turns
How to Fix
GM issued TSBs covering the noise; the common fix for chatter-on-turns is a differential fluid drain and refill with the correct limited-slip additive (owners frequently use Royal Purple or a synthetic with friction modifier). Later cars received the driveline alignment redesign.
What you need to fix it
Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.
GM 88862624 DEXRON LS 75W-90 gear oil, 32 oz
2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice limited-slip differential service under the applicable GM bulletin; verify required quantity and do not add a separate friction modifier.
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.
Campaign #17V06100026/01/2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
Campaign #14V17100010/04/2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
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What are the most common Pontiac Solstice problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2006 Pontiac Solstice has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Ignition switch can move out of "run," stalling the engine, Passenger airbag suppression (PPS) sensor mat fails, disabling passenger airbag, No interior trunk release - trunk becomes impossible to open with a dead battery. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Pontiac Solstice reliable?
The 2006 Pontiac Solstice has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Ignition switch can move out of "run," stalling the engine and Passenger airbag suppression (PPS) sensor mat fails, disabling passenger airbag. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Pontiac Solstice problems?
Repair costs for known Pontiac Solstice issues range from $0 to $400, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice Ignition switch can move out of "run," stalling the engine?
NHTSA campaign 14V047—not 14V355—supports the frozen ignition-switch safety identity. It covers 2006-2007 Solstice vehicles whose switch can move out of run under key-ring weight or jarring and an expansion for certain 2008-2010 Solstice vehicles that may contain defective servic… Severity: high.
What is the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice Passenger airbag suppression (PPS) sensor mat fails, disabling passenger airbag?
NHTSA campaign 17V061 and GM recall bulletin 17036 support the frozen 2006-2010 passenger-presence-system identity. Repeated occupant pressure can bend and damage the flexible sensor mat printed conductor, producing an open circuit; with an active PPS fault, the sensing and diagn… Severity: high.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
Campaign #14E02100030/04/2014
AIR BAGS
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.
Campaign #14V04700010/02/2014
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR AXLE PINION SEAL DOES NOT MEET ALL OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND MAY EXPERIENCE A FLUID LEAK.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What is the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice No interior trunk release - trunk becomes impossible to open with a dead battery?
The Solstice has no conventional mechanical/interior trunk (rear deck) release; it opens only electrically via the key fob or door-mounted button. If the battery dies, owners commonly find the trunk locked shut with jumper cables or the battery itself trapped inside. The fob butt… Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice "Reduced Engine Power" limp mode from throttle body coking / TAC faults?
As the car ages, carbon "coking" builds up in the electronic throttle body, slowing the throttle plate response. The throttle actuator control (TAC) system detects a correlation fault between pedal and throttle and drops the car into Reduced Engine Power limp mode. A weak battery… Repairs typically run $100-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2006-2009 Pontiac Solstice Solstice Trunk Leak with Top Down (Kappa Platform)?
2006-2009 Solstice (and Saturn Sky/Opel GT — all Kappa platform) has the trunk lid integrate with the soft top stowage; with the top down, the trunk seal is exposed and frequently leaks in rain. Tiny trunk space (only 3.8 cu ft with top stowed) compounds the issue. Water pools at… Repairs typically run $0-$200. Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice Convertible top water leaks into trunk and around rear window?
The folding soft top is finicky and a frequent source of leaks. Water enters the trunk through the holes in the rear deck that accept the top's buttress pins (the seals don't fully seal) and through a slit in the trunk-lid hose that hides the top's flip cable. Owners also report… Severity: low.
What is the 2006-2008 Pontiac Solstice Rear differential/driveline clunk and gear whine?
Early Solstices are widely reported to develop a driveline clunk on take-up and shifting at low speed, plus a gear whine from the rear differential that changes with throttle. The clunk is partly an inherent design characteristic, but axle clunk/chatter on turns is caused by stic… Repairs typically run $50-$150. Severity: low.
