2008 Pontiac Solstice recalls and problems

The 2008 Pontiac Solstice has 4 safety recalls and 159 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
159
Crashes / fires
7 / 0
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 Pontiac Solstice vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 Pontiac Solstice recalls

Recall 17V-061: Air Bags

Reported Jan 26, 2017 · 91,007 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. The Passenger Air Bag Suppression System (PPS) sensor may become bent or damaged within the front passenger seat, possibly disabling the front passenger air bag.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the front passenger air bag does not deploy as intended, the front passenger has an increased risk of injury.

Fix: The remedy for this recall is still under development. A permanent remedy is currently under development. The recall began February 26, 2018. Owners may contact Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn customer service at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for this recall is 17036.

Recall 14V-171: Electrical System

Reported Apr 10, 2014 · 2,191,014 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHR, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstice, 2003-2007 Saturn Ion, and 2007-2010 Saturn Sky vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "Off" position.

Risk: If the key can be removed from the ignition when the ignition is not in the "off" position, the vehicle could roll away: (a) for an automatic transmission, if the transmission is not in the "Park" position; or (b) for a manual transmission, if the parking brake is not engaged and the transmission is not in the "Reverse" position. This potential for rollaway increases the risk for a crash and occupant or pedestrian injuries.

Fix: General Motors will notify owners, and for vehicles that were built with the defective ignition cylinder and have not previously had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will replace the ignition cylinder and cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. For vehicles that were built with the redesigned ignition cylinder or had the ignition cylinder replaced with the redesigned part, dealers will cut and, if necessary, re-learn two ignition/door keys for each vehicle. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Chevrolet owners may contact General Motors at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac owners at 1-800-762-2737, and Saturn owners at 1-800-553-6000. General Motors' number for this recall is 14113 for the ignition lock cylinder and key replacement, and 14133 for only key replacements. Note: Until a vehicle has been remedied, owners and operators are advised that when exiting, to be sure that the vehicle is in "Park," or in the case of a manual transmission, that the vehicle is in the "Reverse" position and the parking brake is engaged.

Recall 14V-047: Air Bags, Electrical System

Reported Feb 10, 2014 · 2,190,934 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on February 10, 2014 that they are recalling 619,122 model year 2005-2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, and 2007 Pontiac G5 vehicles. On February 25, 2014, GM increased the recall to include an additional 748,024 model year 2006-2007 Chevrolet HHR and Pontiac Solstice vehicles and 2003-2007 Saturn Ion vehicles and 2007 Saturn Sky vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine. On March 27, 2014, GM notified the agency that the defective ignition switches may have been used as service replacement parts on other vehicles, and as a result GM will be recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Chevrolet Cobalt, Saturn Sky, and Pontiac G5 and Solstice, and 2008-2011 Chevrolet HHR vehicles. The part numbers for the service parts are 10392423 (a/k/a ACDelco D1461F), 10392737, 15857948, 15854953, 15896640, and 25846762. This expansion represents an additional 823,788 vehicles.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of charge. An interim notification was issued to owners of 2007 and earlier models on March 10, 2014, informing them of the safety defect. Owners of 2008 and later vehicles will be mailed an interim letter on April 21, 2014. All affected owners will receive another letter once parts are available. The recall began on April 18, 2014. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737 or Saturn at 1-800-553-6000. GM's number for the initial recall is 13454 and 14063 for the expansion. GM’s recall number for the vehicles that may have received the replacement parts is 14092. Note: Until the recall repairs have been performed, it is very important that customers remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the vehicle key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. Always wear your seatbelt.

Recall 07V-454: Seat Belts

Reported Sep 26, 2007 · 1,482 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 207, "seating systems." and standard no. 210, "seat belt assembly anchorages." these vehicles may have one to four inboard seat stud fasteners that do not meet specification for strength.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the seat and seat belt assembly may not restrain the occupant as intended and could result in injury to the occupant.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the inboard seat studs and, if necessary, remove the stud and install a bolt free of charge. The recall began on october 10, 2007. Owners may contact pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 and saturn at 1-800-972-8876.

2008 Pontiac Solstice problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Air Bags99
Service Brakes, Hydraulic29
Electrical System15
Seats10
Structure7
Service Brakes7
Engine5
Power Train3
Equipment2
Unknown or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Engine and Engine Cooling2

Most reported parts

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 8
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 4
  • Structure › Body — 4
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components — 1
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Power Assist — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 27,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2008 Pontiac Solstice complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Air Bags · reported May 27, 2025
The passenger presence sensor was fixed by the GM dealer after the safety recall was issued, but has failed again and now doesn't work. because the failure occurred more than 1 year after the dealer fixed it the first time, it is not covered for repair. Worse, if i was to order a new part and have it installed it still needs to go back to the dealer to have it programmed so there is no way to have this issue addressed without involving and paying a dealer who failed to fix the issue correctly the first time. reading in forums, many solstice owners report sensors failing a few years after…
Service Brakes · reported Dec 29, 2023
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…
Electrical System · reported Apr 21, 2022
There is an issue with all Saturn Sky’s and Pontiac Solstice’s that cause the wiring harness for the A/C FAN to melt, or even ignite. This is the same harness that was used on 2006-2010 Hummer H3 vehicles manufactured February 5, 2005, to May 24, 2010, and 2009-2010 Hummer H3T vehicles manufactured May 21, 2008, to May 24, 2010. This recall was never extended to Pontiac or Saturn. - If the blower motor connector module overheats, it can increase the risk of a fire. I’ve seen several reports of other owners dealing with this melted harness, and even a recently reported fire.
Air Bags · reported Aug 25, 2020
The contact owns a 2008 pontiac solstice. The contact stated that she had received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 17v061000 (Air bags). The contact mentioned that she called the number provided in the recall notice and a representative informed her that her air bags were fine due to the fact that her air bag warning light had not illuminated. The contact was then informed that there was no need to have the vehicle serviced. Shortly after receiving the letter, the contact then stated that her passenger air bag off and service air bag warning messages had illuminated on her…
Air Bags · reported Jul 12, 2020
Due to recall had pps mat work performed (Without air bag light ever coming on), only to have passenger side airbag warning light come on two years after recall work. Airbag light now comes on upon startup. Dealer says total sensor replacement required. Pps mat failed - recall did not work. Use vehicle only in summers putting limited mileage on

Other Pontiac Solstice years

Compare all Pontiac Solstice years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Pontiac Solstice have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Solstice: 17V-061 (air bags), 14V-171 (electrical system), 14V-047 (air bags, electrical system), 07V-454 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pontiac Solstice?

Owners report air bags problems most often (99 reports), followed by service brakes, hydraulic (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 27,200 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.