Most common 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Share of the 239 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by model year
Best Grand Prix years: 2003, 1996, 2005. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2004. Compare all years →
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
Power steering fluid leaks - fires
General motors (GM) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in October of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this…
What 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say
Electrical system all 65 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. While traveling less than 15 MPH to enter a drive thru, the steering wheel locked to the right and the vehicle crashed into a wall. The contact had extreme difficulty unlocking the steering wheel and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The contact was able to get the vehicle to restart the next day and it was driven to a repair shop. The insurance company repaired the body work. The ignition switch failure and power steering failure were not inspected or diagnosed. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system), but the contact had not received the recall repair appointment. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 09e005000 (steering). A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. After the vehicle was shifted into the on position, all the warning indicators illuminated. Upon inspection of the hood, the contact noticed black smoke coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to betten baker Chevrolet, Buick, GMC (14120 north Land dr, big rapids, mi) where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and engine assembly would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 182,000. Updated 7/17/18
Transmission & drivetrain all 61 →
This is an issue it felt like someone hit us from behind and yet no one was there. Started driving and the next thing we know the car speedometer just slows down to 30 MPH. Luckily was able to get out of high speed lane before an 18 wheeler smashing into the rearend and would have killed my two kids!! This is bull crap Pontiac GM will not do anything about it!! This happened with a GM envoy that I purchased. I should have known better to purchase another GM product. There are way too many complaints regarding the transmission and steering for GM not to do anything about this this issue, the worst is they know about and will not do anything about it. Some people do not have that kind of money to just crap out and continue to crap out for a known issue!
I brought this car January 12th 2015 the next week I had to take it to the shop to get work done to the engine I got it back it ran good for like an month and I had to take to a different shop and they told me I need a new engine and my warranty company didn't want to cover it so I had to pay to get my after the warranty company said they would pay to get it fix that was almost 1500 for nothing I had to pay another 700 for engine and on July 27th 2015 the transmission stop going into drive and the lowest price I have for that is 2500 this alot of money to be making payments on and online all I am seeing is bad reviews of this car I need to know is there anything that can be done about this because this is ridiculous.
Lights all 48 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 55 MPH, the headlights suddenly failed. The failure recurred three times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hdm relay overheated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred where the fuse box was burned and caused a fire. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic who replaced the fuse box, the hdm relay, and battery, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 153,000. Djr
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac. Grand Prix. While driving at night, the low beam headlights illuminated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuse block had overheated and melted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix a good car?
Based on 239 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Grand Prix rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Grand Prix at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The electrical system — 65 complaints, 27% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › switch. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (61) and lights (48).
How many recalls does the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand Prix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 1996 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999 and 2004. See the full Pontiac Grand Prix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 92,000 miles; 18% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.