2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

◆ Worse than typical
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Grand Prix Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2006 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1981: 0 complaints 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 3 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1988: 88 complaints 1988 1989: 139 complaints 1990: 176 complaints 1991: 172 complaints 1992: 114 complaints 1992 1993: 131 complaints 1994: 213 complaints 1995: 169 complaints 1996: 79 complaints 1996 1997: 810 complaints 1998: 499 complaints 1999: 412 complaints 2000: 461 complaints 2000 2001: 308 complaints 2002: 330 complaints 2003: 106 complaints 2004: 454 complaints 2004 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 239 complaints 2006 2007: 220 complaints 2008: 142 complaints 2008
2006: 239 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19832
19843
19853
19862
19872
198888
1989139
1990176
1991172
1992114
1993131
1994213
1995169
199679
1997810
1998499
1999412
2000461
2001308
2002330
2003106
2004454
2005148
2006239
2007220
2008142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 25%

25% of complaints: electrical system — 59 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

LOW HEAD LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING THEN WENT OUT, STILL HAD HIGH BEAMS.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140724

POWER TRAIN 20%

20% of complaints: power train — 48 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WHILE DRIVING MY CAR ON STREET I WAS STRUCK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN A INTERSECTION WHEN A CHEVY MAXI VAN STRUCT ME WHEN RUNNING A RED LIGHT. MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND MY VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171129

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 19%

19% of complaints: exterior lighting — 45 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
STEERING 15%

15% of complaints: steering — 36 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH A DEER CROSSING THE ROAD CAUSED THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE STEERING AS SHE AVOIDED HITTING THE DEER. ALSO, THE BRAKES FAILED AND SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20070501

ENGINE 13%

13% of complaints: engine — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

2006 — complaint volume: 239
R 20090223 — steering

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEM

Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT D

Campaign 09E005000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20090513 — PE (closed 20091002)

POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS - FIRES

R 20140908 — electrical system

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.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20170424 — RQ (closed 20210329)

Loss of Headlights

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (59 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (48 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (45 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 09E005000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 1988 ▲ 2003

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ■ 1998 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.