2006 Pontiac Montana problems & reliability
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac Montana, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (3 injured).
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 8 | 22% |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 14% |
| Engine | 5 | 14% |
| Structure | 5 | 14% |
| Suspension | 5 | 14% |
| Power Train | 4 | 11% |
| Exterior Lighting | 3 | 8% |
| Steering | 3 | 8% |
| Tires | 3 | 8% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 2 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 81,102 miles (middle 50% between 62,497 and 120,444 miles), based on 28 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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…”
Unknown OR Other · filed Oct 10, 2020
“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…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Feb 2, 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…”
Suspension · filed Dec 5, 2019
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- POWER SLIDING DOOR
Engineering Analysis EA07019 · opened Dec 11, 2007 · closed Feb 23, 2009
- POWER SLIDING DOOR OPENING
Preliminary Evaluation PE07044 · opened Aug 16, 2007 · closed Dec 11, 2007
Technical service bulletins
669 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Pontiac Montana. The 10 most recent:
This PI directs technician to training regarding sliding door operation.
PIT3532C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 30, 2026
This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
PIP5601C · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 18, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
PIT5074R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2025
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or…
PIP5358D · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 20, 2025
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8…
PIP4723J · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Oct 25, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician…
PIT5099H · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 12, 2024
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
02-00-89-002X · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 9, 2024
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2006 Pontiac Montana has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2006 Pontiac Montana?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 81,102 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.