Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Driving 60 MPH on freeway and had a blow out. Almost hit two cars as a result of control loss. Removed flat tire (front passenger) and noticed the inside of tire was excessively worn down to the metal while the rest of the tire still had plenty of tread. Tire still had half its life left. Asked tire company to return the tire to me but they sent it to recycler before I picked the car up. I did take a picture of the tire and it does show the inside wear. There is a corresponding mark on the shock where the tire rubbed the paint off in one specific area on the shock. I have no alignment problems which is what the dealer said caused the blow-out. There is no question that the rubbing is what caused the problem. I don't feel safe driving and will have to prematurely replace tires which wii be expensive. …
When replacing a "flat" tire on my 2006 Pontiac GTO with standard 17" wheels and original tires (approx. 26K miles), I noticed that the whole inner side of the tire was shredded beyond the belts. When I had the tire replaced, two additional tires were found in even worse condition - all were shredded on the inner side. One tire that had previously been replaced, was in good condition. I remember that when I bought the car, there was a manufacturer's service bulletin addressing "strut rub" on the inside of the front wheels. I made sure this was addressed and that the vehicle received an alignment at the dealership according to manufacturer's specs. Tires have been rotated at every oil change in accordance with maintenance procedures in the owner's manual. It appears that even though the manufacturer is aware of the defect, the solution is not a cure. …
2005 Pontiac GTO 6/22/08 had left tire rear blowout which resulted in a front end crash, the airbags didn't deploy,and injuries occurred. Also damage resulted to the sides and rear of the car. Insurance decided it was a total loss due to $17,000 in damage. A blowout also occurred 12/2007 on the left rear tire while on the interstate which didn't result in a crash or injuries.
History: the 2004-2005 Pontiac GTO is an imported version of the australia holden monaro. The holden manaro comes from the factory with 235/45r17 tires, tires that are generally 235mm (9.25") wide. However, when Pontiac specs the GTO for the us, they finally decided on a 10mm wider tire, a 245/45r17 bf goodrich g-force kdws tire. No changes were made to the suspension of the vehicle for us import though. Current problem: the larger tire causes rubbing on the front strut, namely and more commonly the passenger side strut. This is evidenced by a rubbing mark on the strut body and many times wear marks on the tires themselves. In some cases, front suspension binding has occurred. In other cases, tire replacement was necessary. This is due, in fact, to the increase in size of the tire that Pontiac has chosen to put on the imported version. …
I purchused my 2004 Pontiac GTO in November of 2004 I was one of the first to owen this car in 2004. However about 9,000 miles of me driving my car I had rear tire problems the camber and toe was not straigh. I took my car back to the dealer ship and they told me not there problem. I took my car to a number of diffrent alinment places and they all checked alinment and said it was off a little but not enough to were only on the inside of the rear tiers. I replace the tires my self. About 1,000 miles later my steering was shaking and front end, the first thing I thought it was my rotoers I went to replace and relize it was my front tires. Again I took to dealer and again they turn me away. I contacted Pontiac and GM they said the will sent an inspector to look at car that never happen> the dealer ship did not want to set up with me. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac GTO years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (68), 2005 (46) and 2006 (20) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 28% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Pontiac GTO wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for any Pontiac GTO model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac GTO wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 18,000 miles; 97% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (14 mentions), followed by the sidewall (13).
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.