2006 Pontiac Montana: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 37 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (14% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2010
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When having my oil changed at a garage while the vehicle was on the lift both frame rails had severe rust damage. Since this is what gives the unibody frame it's strength, why didn't gm zinc coat them or apply rust proofing? I live in southeast michigan where they use salt on the roads in winter. Seeing gm is also in michigan you would think they would be aware of this and act accordingly? The only reason I can think of is to save money, increase profits, at the expense of the vehicle being safe for the consumer. I don't see designing the frame rails to last for 20-25 years for safety reasons as being unreasonable.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Oct 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac montana. While driving 35 mph, there was an abnormal rubbing sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated that the rear suspension detached from the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics and the contact was informed that the failure was due to excessive corrosion of the subframe. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2019
“When it's cold and you start the vehicle I get a message reduced engine power. You have to immediately shut it off. Som etimes when you are driving down the road and it is warmed up it will do this and you have to find a safe place to pull over because if you try to give it gas it won't go anyways. I think it is a safety hazard because it can happen when you are going 70 mph on the interstate and cars are right on your ass. Luckily I wasn't on the interstate but I was on a highway going 60mph when it happened.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2019
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“When starting the vehicle, or after awhile when you are driving the vehicle it will come up and read reduced engine power then you have to stop because it will not let you accelerate the gas pedal. Sometimes when you turn it off and restart it, it will be fine and sometimes you have to wait about 10 minutes then restart. It doesn't matter if you are on a side street or on the highway, it just randomly does this.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“The dash keeps telling me that the traction control and stability system need to be checked. I have wiring issues for the passenger side front lights, they come on and off. Fuel gauge does not read properly all the time and now most recently the passenger seat belt alarm does not register that the seat belt is connected. The vehicle experiences these issues moving and stationary.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2018
“Tires are showing signs of extreme sidewall splits that could have led to tire blowout at highway speeds. Tires will be taken back to store where bought although not optimistic they will replace them. Dunlop signature series ii all season”Owner report · Tires · Dec 2015
“I have bought a 2006 pontiac montana sv6 from a dealer within 10 days of having the van the ball joint fell completely out while we were driving home with kids in car dealer fixed it free of charge but I had to pay the towing bill....I change all 4 tires and now my van is making a squeaking and clunking sound ...I believe it is the rear def.also none of my power doors work and the back windshield wiper keeps burning out now the dealer will not help me fix the problem with out paying more money please help me with some advice in what to do I've only had van for 3 mnths and I bought the van for 3500.00 dollars van...thanks sincerely a pontiac owner. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2015
“Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac montana. The contact stated that the transmission failed. As a result, the vehicle decelerated and jerked violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. In addition, the contact stated that the fuel cap failure light and engine warning light illuminated. The independent mechanic replaced the fuel cap several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 106,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2015
“While driving the car brake on its own. This has happened several time in the past couple of months. I plug in the computer to check the trouble codes and I have pulled 8 different codes. My family refuses to drive the vehicle because of the hazard. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes · Aug 2013
“Traction control and anti-lock brakes both keep going out with both lights on. Both reset after shut down but come back on after 1-2 mins. *tr”Owner report · Traction Control System · Jun 2013
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE BRAUN CORPORATION HAS NOTIFIED NHTSA ABOUT A DEFECT IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2008 GENERAL MOTORS MOBILITY CONVERSION, HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE LOW FLOOR MINIVANS. DURING CONVERSION, THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER SIDE TRAILING ARM MODIFICATION MAY NOT HAVE BEEN ADEQUATELY WELDED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND WILL HAVE A SUPPLY OF RETROFIT PARTS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 4, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BRAUN AT 1-800-488-0359.
CERTAIN TRUCKS AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SHIPPED WITH TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABELS LISTING AN INACCCURATE VEHICLE CAPACITY WEIGHT.
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH CORRECTED LABELS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. AT THE CUSTOMER'S OPTION, A DEALER CAN INSTALL THE LABEL FOR THEM. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, GMC AT 1-866-996-9463, HUMMER AT 1-800-732-5493, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, SATURN AT 1-800-972-8876, OR ISUZU AT 1-800-255-6727.
How other years compare
Check your exact Montana by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Pontiac Montana reliable?
NHTSA has 37 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2006 Pontiac Montana. The most complained-about area is structure (14% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2006 Pontiac Montana problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 81,102 miles or less.
Does the 2006 Pontiac Montana have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:rear. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.