Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. While the vehicle was parked, it caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department, but they were unable to determine what caused the fire. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the battery warning indicator illuminated and white smoke appeared from the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 228,000. The VIN was not provided.
My car started on fire while on a city road because of the power steering pump pulley completely sprung off serpentine belt melted coolant reservoir melted fuse box be melted from the fire how many other things something to do with the power steering pump leaking fluid and hitting my exhaust causing a fire in my car
Pontiac Grand Prix that I owned was flipped two times and still runs but the cars air bags never went off. Plus had a varity or electr problems. And speed rpms never seemedto work properly. But dont get me wrong I love the car to deasth but its saftey has become an issue.
Vehicle was stationary, had been parked approximately 10 minutes. The vehicle caught fire and was a total loss. The cause is unknown, but we believe it has something to due with the recall about Grand Prix's catching fire.
I have been having startup issues with my car. When trying to start the car, it makes a clicking sound and will not turn on. I have to jump start my car witb a halo portable charger, every single time I want to drive it. Sometimes my car cuts off and loses power while I'm driving which has almost caused me an accident twice! My car has randomly cut off in motion while I was on the highway, approaching an intersection, and on a rural road in another city. I have called before and was told to file a complaint online. This issue started happening a year ago but only occasionally. Now this happens frequently. I assumed I had a bad battery or alternator or starter, so I replaced all three parts, including spark plugs, wires and air filters. I'm still having the same issue and need this resolved. …
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and the electronic throttle and reduced engine power warning messages illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact mentioned that the vehicle started experiencing the failure after being repaired according to NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure recurred multiple times. In addition, the contact mentioned that the headlights failed to illuminate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 115,000.
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix: vehicle engine shuts off while driving regardless of the speed you are going example: 10-65mph, steering wheel locks up so you can't pull to the side of the road to avoid crash. A month or so before engine started shutting off my airbag light an tone was appearing and alarming... I've almost been crashed into 4 times by semi's an school buses. This is very serious an dangerous it almost caused my life an I am 7 months pregnant with a 6 year old who has also been in the car with me. I hope this gets resolved I wasn't warned of any recall good thing I started googling an found out that there has been a recall on my ignition/electrical system.
Engine complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, 16% of the model year's 239 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 127,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 8 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.