Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Solstice. That contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that coolant leaked into the transmission due to the radiator that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred and the gears were difficult to shift. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000. Updated 4/30/15 the consumer stated the manufacturer did not offer any assistance due to the vehicle being out of warranty. Updated 10/23/2015
Tl contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Solstice. When the contact attempted to start the vehicle, it involuntarily accelerated. She had the vehicle towed to the dealer and they stated that the clutch was frozen to the drive wheel because the vehicle was not stored in a warm temperature. The technician added that water enters the clutch through the bell housing, which induces freezing (case number tac10739629). The dealer is in the process of developing a shield as a remedy. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure mileage was 6,300 and current mileage was 6,585. Updated 12/8/09 updated 12/09/09.
Rear differential fluid leak The 07204 recall pertains to certain Pontiac vehicles, specifically the 2007 Pontiac Solstice, where a faulty rear axle pinion seal may leak, potentially causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge, and the recall began on February 1, 2008. [redacted] Overview of Recall 07204 Vehicle Affected Model: 2007 Pontiac Solstice Manufacturer: General Motors (GM) Recall Details Recall Number: 07204 NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V589000 Date Announced: December 20, 2007 Total Vehicles Affected: Approximately 275,936 Issue Description The rear axle pinion seal may be faulty, leading to a potential fluid leak. This leak can cause rear differential failure, resulting in loss of motive power and possibly loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. …
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.
Drive axle seal leak. The rear differential is leaking due to a faulty pinion seal. I checked all recall information, and yes, it was recalled. I will notify the dealer of the recall and request that it be repaired at no cost. The vehicle was parked when I noticed the leak. Small amount on garage floor.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Solstice. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate and the check engine and thermostat warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failures, but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal
On certain passenger vehicles, the rear axle pinion seal does not meet all of the specifications and May experience a fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the pinion seal free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2008. Owners May contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006 or http://www.Cadillac.com; Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.Pontiac.com;…
NHTSA investigations
Failure of the rear differential
Odi evaluated two different alleged defects involving rear drivetrain components during this preliminary evaluation.GM is conducting a recall to address one of the defect conditions and odi has opened an engineering analysis to continue its investigation of the other alleged defect.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Solstice years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (28) and 2007 (24) model years. Transmission complaints make up 12% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Solstice transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 07V-589 (seal, Dec 20, 2007). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Solstice transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles; 67% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the driveline › differential unit (11 mentions), followed by the axle assembly › axle shaft › seal (8).
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.