Airbag complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact called the dealer, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that an electrical sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
My issue is with the initial recall of the air bag system. Why is the air bag replaced only one time when this is an ongoing problem. My air bag system needs replaced for the second time but it is not covered. I don't understand the logic behind not continually correcting an ongoing problem. Can you please help me? [redacted]
The passenger seat air bag sensor is inoperative after having the recall completed April of 2022. When the vehicle was in for the recall, the sensor was fine, so the reinforcement strip was added. According to the recall reference N162080281, there is a 12 month warranty on the repair. Below is the wording from the recall. "Dealers are to inspect the PPS sensor mat for damage. If the mat is undamaged and functioning correctly, dealers will add a reinforcement strip to the sensor mat. If the mat is damaged, dealers will install a new PPS mat with the reinforcement strip. Please note that GM's standard 1 year/12,000 mile service part warranty applies to both the sensor mat and the reinforcement strip, regardless of which repair procedure is used. …
The passenger presence sensor was fixed by the GM dealer after the safety recall was issued, but has failed again and now doesn't work. because the failure occurred more than 1 year after the dealer fixed it the first time, it is not covered for repair. Worse, if i was to order a new part and have it installed it still needs to go back to the dealer to have it programmed so there is no way to have this issue addressed without involving and paying a dealer who failed to fix the issue correctly the first time. reading in forums, many solstice owners report sensors failing a few years after recall repair.
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated while driving. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated while a passenger was seated in the seat. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated they needed to order parts for a switch for the passenger's side air bag failure. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that they would order the parts and contact him when the parts arrived. The contact stated that he had been waiting for several months. The contact stated that he notified the manufacturer of the failure and they called the dealer who stated that they were still waiting for the parts. The contact stated that this was over 6-months ago. …
The contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Solstice. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), 14V171000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and 17V061000 (AIR BAGS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact verified that the key could be removed while the ignition was not in the "OFF" position. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times over the years, but the contact was informed that the parts were not available for the recall repairs. Recently, the dealer informed the contact that the parts would not be available, and the recall repairs would never be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
I purchased a 2006 Pontiac Solstice from a Lexus dealership in 2020. No known issues were discussed when I purchased the vehicle. The ignition switch turned off while I was driving around a curve which caused engine to stall, and my steering wheel to locked up preventing me from turning. I crashed into a guardrail at 60 mph and my car spun, hitting the back as well. The car is totaled. My airbag did NOT deploy in the crash, resulting in worsened injuries. Thankfully no other cars were involved, but the faulty ignition switch put my safety at risk. The car is available for inspection, and is currently in the hands of my insurance agency who has inspected and totaled it. I did not drive much, and had not experienced this issue prior with my car.
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. The contact stated that the "Service Air Bag" message was displayed. Additionally, the air bag light remained off while the front passenger's seat was occupied. Additionally, a beeping sound engaged, and the SRS warning light was illuminated while starting the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V061000 (Air Bags) however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,126.
Related recalls (2)
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
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.
Remedy: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018.
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect.
NHTSA investigations
Passenger Sensing System Sensor Mat
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) received a petition requesting the opening of an investigation into the air bag system on model year 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky, the subject vehicles.The petitioner raised the issue of failure of the Passenger Sensing System for the front passenger seating position.On January 26, 2017, General Motors filed a defect information report recalling the…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Solstice years have airbag problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (226), 2006 (178), 2008 (99) and 2009 (32) model years. Airbag complaints make up 78% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Solstice airbag problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 17V-061 (occupant classification, Jan 26, 2017); 14V-047 (air bags, Feb 10, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Solstice airbag problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles; 63% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the frontal (10 mentions), followed by the sensor › occupant classification › front passenger (6).
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.