Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Random failure of brake lights to either illuminate when the pedal is pressed or turn off when the pedal is released. On two separate occasions, a couple of months apart. I was notified by other drivers my brake lights appear to be working in reverse. When I come to a stop, they turn off when I pull away they turn on and stay on. After the first incident I had the vehicle serviced. They could not duplicate the problem. Apparently they were now working correctly. To be proactive. I asked them to replace the brake light switch with a genuine GM part. They did and they calibrated the switch to the car. This service was performed on 11/14/2023 - 144,621 miles. It appeared to have solved the problem initially. But re-surfaced this morning 12/29/2023. I was notified by another driver of the opposite on -off function again. I continued to work. …
I purchased my 2008 Pontiac Solstice on September 29, 2009. I didn't have a problem until I started it up and began to pull out of the nearby mall parking lot and as I went to press the brake, it made a low grinding noise, almost like the ABS was locking up except the light wasn't on, and I was merely cruising, not even on the gas pedal. I rear ended the person in front of me - not bad, just knocking off my Pontiac emblem on the hood, and denting it in slightly. The very next day, the same incident occurred. From these two wrecks alone, I received four tickets, resulting in my license being suspended, my insurance canceling on me, and setting me back a good couple of thousand dollars in court fees. I filed a claim with general motors in January once I did some research and found a bulletin on here about the brakes. …
While applying the brakes the car down shifts hard, locking up and jerking. Many others had reported this problem in online forums. Stating a power train or module issue. Very dangerous not knowing if your car my jerk into someone or something out of your control.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Solstice. While driving at approximately 20 MPH and attempting to stop, the brakes failed and caused the vehicle to crash into the rear of a second vehicle. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was taken to an independent brake specialist who was unable to locate the failure. On another occasion, the brakes failed and the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The failure only occurred when driving at low speeds and when depressing the brake pedal multiple times, causing the brake vacuum pump to malfunction. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000...updated 11/05/15
Brake failure car is garaged and not driven in the winter. The vehicle had been parked for 4 weeks at the time and when first driven the brakes were much weaker than normal and pulled the car severely to the right. Car was driven for one mile with no change. I inspected the brake rotors and found left front and right rear brakes were not working(cold rotors), right front and left rear rotors were hot. Two days later when backing out of garage to check again, there were no brakes. Peddle went to the floor and car was stopped using emergency brake. Brake fluid was checked and the level was normal and the fluid was clean. I pulled into street to test further and after traveling 30-50 feet the brakes began to work, the brake peddle was hard and brakes were functioning normally. Same day I visited the dealer, poage Chevrolet in wentzville, mo. …
When I apply the brakes to slow down or stop and the car gets to about 20mph the car suddenly brakes hard and jolts. If it were not for the seat belt one could go into the windshield. This happens with each braking. This is extremely dangerous. I see through research online that people have been reporting this issue with this car for years...why isn't there a recall? What is the problem? This is a small car if a semi or just any moving vehicle was close behind me when this happens I and my passenger would probably be crushed. The two engine indicator lights go on and the low engine power light also goes on and stays on. The repair facility seems to be stumped. Someone must know what causes this because it is not an isolated problem that we are experiencing.
NHTSA investigations
Inadequate brake power assist
In model year (my) 2007, Pontiac solstice and Saturn sky vehicles equipped with the 2.0l turbocharged engine used an auxiliary vacuum pump to supplement the engine as a source of vacuum to the brake booster during low vacuum conditions, such as immediately after a cold start.the vacuum pump operation was controlled by switches that sensed booster vacuum, turning the pump on when booster vacuum dropped below a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Solstice years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (37), 2007 (11) and 2006 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Solstice brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Pontiac Solstice 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 Solstice brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles; 85% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (9 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (4).
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.