Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 39,131 complaints for PONTIAC
Incident date: Jan 22, 2022
SUDDEN LOSS OF ELECTRIC POWER STEERING (EPS) ASSIST. THERE IS NO WARNING AND HAPPENS FREQUENTLY EVEN AFTER RESTARTING THE VEHICLE. THE ERRORS ON THE DASH ARE +POWER STEERING+ +SERVICE ESC+ AND +ESC OFF+ AFTER POWER STEERING IS LOST. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT WAS ADDRESSED WITH THE 2009 MODEL BUT YOU HAVE FAILED TO ADDRESS IT IN THE 2010 MODEL.
Incident date: Dec 15, 2021
The airbag safety indicator shows a fault, indicating the passenger airbag is not operational. I researched the cause since we have no local GM dealers and the forums show this issue was addressed by a recall notice. However, this care was not part of that recall. I will be happy to have it inspected but don't want to pay the outrageous prices for a dealer inspection, especially since the closest ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 27, 2019
Power-steering went out abruptly and had to be replaced. I wasn't aware of the recall several years prior to the incident. Upon further research acquired I learned of any refunds on any repairs for this situation.
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2007) - EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Jan 21, 2022
Incident date: Jul 15, 2021
The multifunction/turning signal switch is malfunctioning. It started in 2012 about a year after I purchased the car. The brights would randomly turn on without me touching the switch and then the brights would turn on when I'd use my turning signal. I delt with it for several years, but eventually it got so bad that the brights wouldn't even turn off at all. I would have to drive with my finger ... Read more
Incident date: Jan 16, 2022
The power steering went out on me. Sometimes it will work turning to the left but never the right. It says “power steering” on the radio. Upon doing some research I believe there is a recall on the eps, more specifically the torque sensor. I wanted to see if I was eligible. Thank you for your help.
Incident date: May 20, 2021
Head light connector is burning out too fast. Had to replace it 2x in 1 year.
Incident date: Jan 11, 2022
Steering wheel has un- commanded movement, steering system alert message present and power steering assist is inoperable. Causes difficulty making directional changes and maintaining vehicle control.
Incident date: Nov 17, 2021
Brakes, steering ,wheels, intake manifold gasket ,Thermostat,lighting ,a/c
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2002) - AIR BAGS
Jan 10, 2022
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
I was driving a red 2002 Pontiac. While sitting at a stop sign and the driver of a 2012 Ford Fiesta was going 55-60 MPH and ran in the back of my vehicle.
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 30, 2021
When I was gassing up my car, a fuel leak occurred in the gas tank and my car caught on fire. The gas station attendant used a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. I had 113,262 miles on my car. As you can see, the leak in the plastic gas tank caused the gas tank fuel pump to burn up and burn up its wiring harness. I don't want any money but I just thought the NHTSA should know. I do not n... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jan 5, 2022
My 2009 Pontiac G6 power steering has been intermittently going out over the past 3 years between my self and my grandfather who bought the vehicle brand new before gifting it to me. It's done so while driving several times but not consistently. It can be reset by turning the car off and back on but that doesn't negate the danger it poses while driving and having sudden loss of the power steering.... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2021
Please reference G.M. Bulletin 14116B or NHTSA recall on this vehicle for a defective Steering Torque Sensor. According to G.M., my car/VIN is not affected by this issue. The fact is it also has the defective Torque Sensor and it has disabled my power steering every winter since new on a cold day. I took it to the dealer when it was still under warranty in 2010, but the problem was not identified ... Read more
Incident date: Dec 8, 2021
Please reference G.M. Bulletin 14116B or NHTSA recall on this vehicle for a defective Steering Torque Sensor. According to G.M., my car/VIN is not affected by this issue. The fact is it also has the defective Torque Sensor and it has disabled my power steering every winter since new on a cold day. I took it to the dealer when it was still under warranty in 2010, but the problem was not identified ... Read more
Incident date: Sep 4, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 Pontiac G8. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, he noticed that the airbag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
Incident date: Dec 23, 2021
The contact's son owns a Pontiac G6. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, her son noticed that the steering wheel was locked. The power steering assists warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently and her son was able to take the vehicle to an unknown dealer who diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The contact stated tha... Read more
Incident date: Dec 11, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel locked up and could not be turned in either direction. The message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. After restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel operated as designed however, moments later the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the res... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(1999) - ENGINE
Dec 7, 2021
Incident date: Dec 5, 2021
valve covers leaks oil on to the exhaust and started a lil fire
Fire
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
Was leaving for a road trip and the rear passenger door would not latch when closed. We were an hour from home, so I had to use a bungee cord to hold the door closed for the drive back. My son had to sit in the middle seat. That door is rarely used. I have ordered the part and it should be here soon. The drivers door has become difficult to open and close but I am unable to locate the part as it ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 31, 2021
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 d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Oct 31, 2021
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 d... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 28, 2021
Service air bag light continually goes on and of randomly, at times does not recognize when someone is sitting in the passenger seat. This is a serious problem because when air bag light is on it disables the air bags which won’t deploy in a crash. I found that they recall the 2007 models for this exact problem, Now is the time to recall the 2008 for the exact same problem. This is a dealer only... Read more
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2002) - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nov 25, 2021
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
Fire
1 injured
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2002) - ENGINE
Nov 25, 2021
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
Fire
1 injured
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2002) - FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Nov 25, 2021
Incident date: Nov 24, 2021
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
Fire
1 injured
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Power steering has been going out all of a sudden. The steering wheel locks up and is difficult to turn. My safety and the safety of others around me was put at risk because I cannot easily turn the wheel and respond to a situation quickly if I needed to. I basically have to drive in a straight line and not turn. Turning the car on and off seems to help for a little while but the problem still con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 22, 2021
Power steering has been going out all of a sudden. The steering wheel locks up and is difficult to turn. My safety and the safety of others around me was put at risk because I cannot easily turn the wheel and respond to a situation quickly if I needed to. I basically have to drive in a straight line and not turn. Turning the car on and off seems to help for a little while but the problem still con... Read more
Incident date: Nov 11, 2021
The contact's friend owed a 2008 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while the owner was driving at an unknown speed when he fell asleep and rear-ended a semi-truck. The contact was seated at the front passenger side and the air bag did not deploy but the front driver side air bag did deploy. The contact stated the driver had a laceration on his right arm and she had lacerations on the top right f... Read more
Crash
2 injured
Incident date: Nov 15, 2021
NHTSA # 14V400, Mfg. Campaign # N140350 Was informed about this recall and called the number given to me by Pontiac (South County Buick GMC 2202 National City Blvd. National City CA 91950, (619) 477-4462) but all I got was endless automated messages. The one real person I talked to was rude and sounded like she was about to quit her job and gave me a number to call which was the same as the one I... Read more
Incident date: Feb 22, 2021
The electrical power steering randomly went out on my car causing it to lock up my steering wheel making it very hard to turn and putting me at major risk of multiple wrecks while driving and making turns. There is a recall for this issue for my car. However, my car’s vin number doesn’t fall under the recall. How can I have my car fixed if it’s having the exact same issue as the recall?
Incident date: Nov 1, 2021
Evap code for gas tank cap leaking
Incident date: Oct 26, 2021
While driving the power steering ceased / seized up - car filled with grey smoke that smelled like burning rubber. Had vehicle towed, told it was steering pump - every year before and after the 2007 had a steering recall ??
Incident date: Oct 25, 2021
My Solstice had recall # 14092 & 14133 for service airbag to passenger seat completed on 4/27/2018. As of 10/25/2019 the service airbag light is once again on and indicates that the passenger airbag is off. The recall part has malfunctioned. Please contact with another recall to fix this problem. My Solstice has 25,600 miles.
Incident date: Oct 29, 2021
All rear lights do not work. I have had the bulbs and fuses replaced the only lights that work are the side markers. Front headlights, I have had the bulbs, fuses, and all components replaced or checked to determine why front passenger headlight was working intermittently and now longer works at all high or low beams, driver side front only high beam works. I was informed there was a recall on ... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
THE STEERING IS VERY BAD AFTER SERVICING THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS WHICH IS A RECALL ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK PAGE ALSO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. WINDOWS WONT GO UP OR DOWN DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS AND GM SAID THAT YOUR RECALLS ARE INCORRECT!!!! I KNOW THAT THESE RECALLS ARE INDEED NEEDED SEVERELY. PLEASE HELP... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
THE STEERING IS VERY BAD AFTER SERVICING THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS WHICH IS A RECALL ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK PAGE ALSO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. WINDOWS WONT GO UP OR DOWN DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS AND GM SAID THAT YOUR RECALLS ARE INCORRECT!!!! I KNOW THAT THESE RECALLS ARE INDEED NEEDED SEVERELY. PLEASE HELP... Read more
Incident date: Oct 22, 2021
THE STEERING IS VERY BAD AFTER SERVICING THE VEHICLE AND SEVERAL ALIGNMENTS WHICH IS A RECALL ON THE KELLEY BLUE BOOK PAGE ALSO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTIONING. WINDOWS WONT GO UP OR DOWN DOOR LOCKS UNLOCK AND LOCK AUTOMATICALLY, LIGHTS GO OFF AND ON HEADLIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS AND GM SAID THAT YOUR RECALLS ARE INCORRECT!!!! I KNOW THAT THESE RECALLS ARE INDEED NEEDED SEVERELY. PLEASE HELP... Read more
Incident date: Oct 8, 2021
While driving my steering wheel will lock up n my car will reduce speed no warning lights to check engine lights on ..my saftey and my childs safety were at risk while driving her to school on a busy street
Incident date: Sep 24, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac G6. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked in the garage and when her husband went into the garage the next day, he smelled a strong gasoline odor. The contact stated that the odor was coming from underneath the driver’s seat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and advised the contact to t... Read more
Incident date: Sep 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2006 Pontiac Torrent. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the power steering failed to operate as designed, the brakes seized, and the vehicle lost motive power with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact poured water onto the onboard computer, located on top of the engine to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic a... Read more
Incident date: Sep 11, 2021
Power steering stopped working and message came on dash
Incident date: Sep 7, 2021
The shifter is not going into the correct gear. This year vehicle has had (2) different recalls for this issue.
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
The contact owned a 2009 Pontiac G6. The contact stated while driving at 30-35 mph, the contact was in the right turn lane when making a turn a vehicle in front of them was making a left turn but did not see the contact which caused the contact to crash into the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact did not have time to stop. The contact was concerned that no air bags deployed. There wa... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2009 PONTIAC G8. The contact stated that at start-up, the airbag default warning light was illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact proceeded to drive and noticed that the light was no longer on the instrument panel. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2021
Taking off to a slow roll without giving it any gas and turning right or left, the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn. There is absolutely no power steering. It lasts as long until you you give it gas and then the power steering will start working again. While at a steady maintained speed on flat level ground and while at a steady maintained speed going up hill rpm between 2,000-2,500 ,... Read more
Incident date: Apr 20, 2021
Taking off to a slow roll without giving it any gas and turning right or left, the steering wheel is extremely difficult to turn. There is absolutely no power steering. It lasts as long until you you give it gas and then the power steering will start working again. While at a steady maintained speed on flat level ground and while at a steady maintained speed going up hill rpm between 2,000-2,500 ,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 23, 2021
Driving the vehical down the road the steering gets hard and wont come back right away and also does it in turns and makes it hard to turn and almost hit someone its has the electronic power steering module
PONTIAC
GRAND PRIX
(2008) - UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 21, 2021
Incident date: Aug 21, 2021
Car cuts off without notice while driving . Starts back up but eventually shuts off again . Also when put in reverse it shuts off
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The electrical harness going to the drivers door doesn't function properly in any way shape or form. My locks blow a fuse every time you hit the button my trunk pop works with my key fob but not the actual button. My passenger window only goes down if you open the door completely but then only goes up with the pass. Switch and my car radio stays on even if I shut the car off take the keys out and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The electrical harness going to the drivers door doesn't function properly in any way shape or form. My locks blow a fuse every time you hit the button my trunk pop works with my key fob but not the actual button. My passenger window only goes down if you open the door completely but then only goes up with the pass. Switch and my car radio stays on even if I shut the car off take the keys out and ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2021
The electrical harness going to the drivers door doesn't function properly in any way shape or form. My locks blow a fuse every time you hit the button my trunk pop works with my key fob but not the actual button. My passenger window only goes down if you open the door completely but then only goes up with the pass. Switch and my car radio stays on even if I shut the car off take the keys out and ... Read more