[mcpigm01]

I purchased my car in 2006 when I was a teen and I have always loved the looks of it but it has been a mechanical nightmare. It was in the dealer 9 times under warranty for the AC compressor locking up 3 times in 34k miles, the convertible top was replaced because it was leaking, I had a caliper lock up, I had fuel injectors leaking so it would hardly run, the rear end recall (they had to do it twice), and the starter went bad. Since it's been out of warranty I've had coils put on it, the seals on the top replaced, a piece on the truck replaced where the top wouldn't release from the truck and it couldn't open (my briefcase was in the truck full of stuff that i needed for a presentation at work, that was fun), the blower motor went out and took the blower resister with it was well as melting the wiring harness connector, and now,the paint if getting this weird dull film over it in some spots. I'm sure mines been more trouble than most but are any of these issues really common or is it just me?

 

[shreve1]

Only thing I had a problem with my 09 GXP is the actuators on top of the valve cover. I changed them out about 3 months ago.

 

[mcpigm01]

I wish I could say the same. I forgot to mention, I've also had to replace the exhaust manifold that cracked in two.

 

[Robssol]

I am the third owner of my 08 GXP. I haven't had any issues in the 12,000mi I have put on it, (just turned 44k) Carfax also did not have anything to add. So I am very happy with mine:thumbs:

You may just have a "lemon" It happens, even to Pontiacs occasionally:dunno:

 

[CavOfficer]

Issue free

Bought my 2008 N/A with 13 miles on it, since then it's been just regular maintenance over the ensuing 48k miles spread over 5 years.

 

[zzzybil]

woaaaa

top leaking on driver side floor from ???????? wish i knew WHERE TO LOOK ??????

and new problem with spec clutch engagement at FLOORBOARD - didn't know about spacers - trying to figure that out now

....really crazy list yuh got going there ....dang

 

[ChopTop]

I compliment you on keeping it this long. A few forum members over the years have had repeated issues/problems, but I believe they are the exceptions rather than the rule. Having a parts bin car has its benefits in that these parts have already proven to work in other GM vehicles.

Contact GMCustomerSvc via the PM and relate your issues and ask for advice. BTW, have you been taking it to the same dealer repeatedly? If so, I'd consider searching for a different dealership.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f11/list-positive-gm-pontiac-dealerships-50019/

 

[Radio Doc]

I purchased my car in 2006 when I was a teen and I have always loved the looks of it but it has been a mechanical nightmare. It was in the dealer 9 times under warranty for the AC compressor locking up 3 times in 34k miles, the convertible top was replaced because it was leaking, I had a caliper lock up, I had fuel injectors leaking so it would hardly run, the rear end recall (they had to do it twice), and the starter went bad. Since it's been out of warranty I've had coils put on it, the seals on the top replaced, a piece on the truck replaced where the top wouldn't release from the truck and it couldn't open (my briefcase was in the truck full of stuff that i needed for a presentation at work, that was fun), the blower motor went out and took the blower resister with it was well as melting the wiring harness connector, and now,the paint if getting this weird dull film over it in some spots. I'm sure mines been more trouble than most but are any of these issues really common or is it just me?

What you describe is somewhat typical for the first year of any new model and especially something as unique as our (very) limited production vehicles.

Although the only problem I've had in 24,000 miles with my '09 GXP was a couple of issues with the cruise control, it still shows its roots as a limited production, parts-bin, near-prototype car. I mean, having to take the fender off to change the battery???!!! C'mon :lol:

...but we love them anyway!...and bless Bob Lutz for being able to convince the General to bring them to market.

 

[wine_lover]

Had mine since Feb '09. 35,000 plus miles, no problems.

 

[chickenwire]

Convertible tops will leak on any vehicle. It's a moving part that rubs against other parts. The mechanical issues seem to be more problematic than most that I've read about here on the forum. Another member pointed out that you have to consider a lot of members come here and post here only when they are HAVING a problem and looking for an answer or advice. That can make it appear that MOST of these vehicles are problematic when that's not necessarily the case.

Issues with the trunk lid and top are probably more common than a lot of convertibles but that's to be expected on a first year of a very unique design.

In my case I've had to deal with the water pump and the catalytic converter issue. Outside of that I've been problem free for the last 14 months of 18 months of ownership.

(knocks on wood.)

 

[mcpigm01]

I figured as much, I don't really want to get rid of it for a couple of reasons. I don't want to unload all these problems on someone else and it's also cheaper to keep fixing it than make car payments again. I drive this daily back and forth to work so as you can Imagine, it was well north of 100k miles now. I've had it at a couple of different dealerships but once it was out of warranty I went back to the local mechanic shop I trust who told me time and time again to sell it. He has done work on my Navigator, my 71 chevelle, and my wife's XC90 and they have been great cars. When I told him that the solstice is what I purchased he just about died saying it is essentially the same thing as a cobalt and may have the same issues as a cobalt would. I guess I should have listened when he said to sell it but I love this little car.

 

[56XK140]

2008 Manual GXP. 32,000 miles. Only issue, passenger side door handle broke. Common issue. Warranty repair.

 

[GMCustomerSvc]

Contact GMCustomerSvc via the PM and relate your issues and ask for advice. BTW, have you been taking it to the same dealer repeatedly? If so, I'd consider searching for a different dealership.

http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f11/list-positive-gm-pontiac-dealerships-50019/

Hi mcpigm01

We can definitely see what we can do to assist you if you send us a PM. We look forward to hearing from you. Thanks so much for directing him to us ChopShop.

Jackie
GM Customer Care

 

[rob the elder]

I figured as much, I don't really want to get rid of it for a couple of reasons. I don't want to unload all these problems on someone else and it's also cheaper to keep fixing it than make car payments again. I drive this daily back and forth to work so as you can Imagine, it was well north of 100k miles now. I've had it at a couple of different dealerships but once it was out of warranty I went back to the local mechanic shop I trust who told me time and time again to sell it. He has done work on my Navigator, my 71 chevelle, and my wife's XC90 and they have been great cars. When I told him that the solstice is what I purchased he just about died saying it is essentially the same thing as a cobalt and may have the same issues as a cobalt would. I guess I should have listened when he said to sell it but I love this little car.

There are many instances of NAs going well over 100k miles with few issues. I remember a couple at twice that number with only "normal" repairs, clutch, water pump.

Some of your issues might have been due to lack of experience with the car by the shop doing the maintenance. Leaking top is usually lack of adjustment of the top and or windows. Sounds like you like the car and have mostly sorted it out.:thumbs:

 

[kwtoxman]

I purchased my car in 2006 when I was a teen and I have always loved the looks of it but it has been a mechanical nightmare. It was in the dealer 9 times under warranty for the AC compressor locking up 3 times in 34k miles, the convertible top was replaced because it was leaking, I had a caliper lock up, I had fuel injectors leaking so it would hardly run, the rear end recall (they had to do it twice), and the starter went bad. Since it's been out of warranty I've had coils put on it, the seals on the top replaced, a piece on the truck replaced where the top wouldn't release from the truck and it couldn't open (my briefcase was in the truck full of stuff that i needed for a presentation at work, that was fun), the blower motor went out and took the blower resister with it was well as melting the wiring harness connector, and now,the paint if getting this weird dull film over it in some spots. I'm sure mines been more trouble than most but are any of these issues really common or is it just me?

Lots of common issues there, unfortunately. And buying a first year model run will have more problems than other years.

Run the defrost on the heater (at least partly) all the time so the AC compressor cycles, otherwise non-use can cause it to lock up.

The top was redesigned sometime after the 06's.

Calipers can lock up from contaminated brake fluid, ice, and corrosion. Rare to see on a solstice (but I've seen it) but somewhat common on cars in general.

Rear end is very common on 06's.

Starter problems are rare and not known.

As for coils, it depends on mileage and how much spraying of water under the hood you have done when washing the car

Roof weatherstripping was redesigned after 06.

Trunk not opening is a known issue.

Blow motor and associated wiring problems are known.

You have a lot of patience. My 07 has had no problems, but it is a low mileage garage car. I had every running update I could find put onto it as well, including top railing/weatherstripping, etc.

 

[mysolst]

2006
50,000 miles
Only one problem...the passenger door lock broke. Not all the 2006 cars had issues, sorry to hear about yours.

 

[mcpigm01]

Some of your issues might have been due to lack of experience with the car by the shop doing the maintenance.:thumbs:

My mechanic knew what he was doing I can guarantee that because when it was under warranty I went to him and he had to fix things the dealers did wrong. The dealer kept replacing the compressor, when it locked up a 3rd time I took it to him. And he replaced it and some sort of line that was screwed up that caused the compressor to be deprived of oil and it hasn't locked up since. The second time I had the seal replaced in the rear end I had him do it and it hasnt leaked since. I know he knows what he's doing. He's probably the best, most honest mechanic I know. The main reason I stopped going to the dealer was because on my 2008 navigator I went to the dealer when it wouldn't start and the told me the engine needed replacing with 45k miles on it. I wasn't hearing that. I went to my mechanic and he replaced some 150 dollar piece that was keeping the car from starting because it thought it was being stolen. So, I know he's good. So, after all that I just kinda wrote off all dealers.

 

[TX08manualGXP]

Sorry all this has happened to you but sometimes you do end up with a vehicle that becomes a problem child. I've probably purchased 15 new vehicles in my lifetime and a few have had problems like blower motors, fuel tank baffles, broken water pump brackets, electrical issues in the first year but out of those 15 I've had a few that went over 100k miles with nothing but oil changes. The fact that you had so many problems to one car is a bit bizzare like some of the guys said, it could have been an experience issue. My wife bought a scion IQ and it was the first one the dealer ever sold and 2 days after I bought it I had to get a front end alignment, found a wire sticking out of the dash and blower motor went out at 14k and each time we brought it in, the mechanic said that this was the 1st one he had ever worked on. Probably the same with you. I have an 06 and an 08 GXP and have had a few issues with the 06 but if I could, I'd buy a 3rd one in a minute.

 

[idkfa]

I don't think I've had a single 'natural' issue crop up with 70k+ of beating the crap out of it. Oh, I did have the common issue with the hub bolts backing out due to autocrossing but a little locktite and I haven't even replaced that hub yet. Oh and stuff like having to grease the sway bar bushings.

Now, I've sure created a number of issues with my various experiments but I haven't even had any the front plastic air vanes on for the past 30-40k. Mostly leaks and squeaks though and nothing that ever put her out.

These cars do see very hit or miss and I'd agree especially so on a first year.

 

[njtex]

My '07's been good after the rear Diff recall but it only has 15k miles.