Pontiac's lineup has 434 recorded NHTSA recalls across 17 models (1984–2010) and averages 3.9/5 for reliability on ForCar. Check any Pontiac's open recalls, owner complaints, MPG and NHTSA safety below — or decode its VIN for the exact build. Free, by model and year.
Are Pontiac cars reliable?
Short answer: yes, on balance. Across 17 Pontiac models we score on NHTSA data, the average comes to 3.9 out of 5, and 12 of them sit at 4★ or better. That's the lineup as a whole — individual model years vary far more than the badge does.
The strongest thing Pontiac builds by our score is the Wave at 4.5★, and the weakest the G5 at 3.5★. Owners complain about the steering more than anything else, while the most recalled system is fuel system.
A brand average can't tell you whether that car on the forecourt was wrecked, clocked or sitting on an unclaimed recall. Run its number through our free VIN check — that's the part the badge can't answer.
Each model's ForCar Reliability Score is built from NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency (25%) and complaint severity (35%) — not user reviews. Brand score = average of rated models.
Pontiac — VIN decoder & full model lineup
Pontiac builds one of the most recognized vehicle lineups on the road. Decode any Pontiac VIN below, or pick a model to see its recalls, reliability, specs, MPG and safety by year.
Buying or selling? See what used Pontiac models are worth, current used-market prices and how different models hold value over time.
All Pontiac models 17
Every Pontiac model we track, grouped by body type. Click any model for its VIN decoder, recalls, MPG, safety and ForCar Reliability Score — broken down by year.
Pontiac SUVs & crossovers 3
Pontiac Cars & sedans 10
Pontiac Minivans & vans 3
Pontiac More models 1
Pontiac recalls
Across the Pontiac lineup, ForCar tracks 434 recorded NHTSA recalls — each tied to a specific model and year. There's no single "Pontiac recall" number; open a model for its exact campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
| # | Pontiac model | Recalls | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Pontiac Grand Prix | 3.5 /5 | |
| 02 | Pontiac Montana | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Pontiac Vibe | 4.0 /5 | |
| 04 | Pontiac Grand Am | 3.5 /5 | |
| 05 | Pontiac Sunfire | 3.5 /5 | |
| 06 | Pontiac G6 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 07 | Pontiac Solstice | 4.0 /5 | |
| 08 | Pontiac G5 | 3.5 /5 | |
| 09 | Pontiac Bonneville | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Pontiac Aztek | 4.0 /5 |
Most-recalled system across Pontiac: Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices. Source: NHTSA recall campaigns — open any model for full details by year.
Is Pontiac reliable?
Across rated models, Pontiac averages a 3.9/5 ForCar Reliability Score, with 12 models rated 4★ or higher. Each model is scored from NHTSA crash-test safety, recall frequency and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury — not user reviews.
Pontiac models by owner-complaint volume (NHTSA):
| # | Pontiac model | Owner complaints | ForCar Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Pontiac G6 | 4.0 /5 | |
| 02 | Pontiac Grand Am | 3.5 /5 | |
| 03 | Pontiac Grand Prix | 3.5 /5 | |
| 04 | Pontiac Vibe | 4.0 /5 | |
| 05 | Pontiac Bonneville | 4.0 /5 | |
| 06 | Pontiac Sunfire | 3.5 /5 | |
| 07 | Pontiac Montana | 3.5 /5 | |
| 08 | Pontiac Solstice | 4.0 /5 | |
| 09 | Pontiac Torrent | 4.0 /5 | |
| 10 | Pontiac GTO | 4.0 /5 |
Higher complaint counts often track higher sales volume, not necessarily worse reliability — open a model for its complaints by year and best/worst-year analysis.
Most fuel-efficient Pontiac models
The most fuel-efficient Pontiac models by EPA combined MPG — hybrids and small engines lead. Open any model for its full city / highway / combined rating by engine and year.
| # | Model | Best combined MPG | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Pontiac Wave | Car | |
| 02 | Pontiac G5 | Car | |
| 03 | Pontiac G3 | Car | |
| 04 | Pontiac Vibe | Car | |
| 05 | Pontiac Sunfire | Car | |
| 06 | Pontiac Grand Am | Car | |
| 07 | Pontiac G6 | Car | |
| 08 | Pontiac Solstice | Car |
Best EPA combined rating per model (highest across engines and years). Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Comparing across the whole market? See the most fuel-efficient cars by class & budget, or calculate any model's real yearly fuel cost.
Safest Pontiac models
NHTSA safety rankings for Pontiac are being compiled — see the safest cars overall meanwhile.
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Get a Pontiac window sticker by VIN
Recreate any Pontiac's original Monroney label — MSRP, factory options, EPA MPG and safety — free from the VIN.
Pontiac window stickers →How to read a Pontiac VIN
Every Pontiac built since 1981 carries a unique 17-character VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). It encodes where and when the vehicle was made, its engine and body — here's what each part means:
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Pontiac and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled it.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
The remaining digits — engine (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard. Our VIN lookup reads every position for you — engine code, model year, assembly plant and country of build.
About Pontiac
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1926 |
| Headquarters | USA |
| Parent company | General Motors |
| Models tracked | 17 (1984–2010) |
Pontiac — frequently asked
How do I decode a Pontiac VIN for free?
Enter the 17-character VIN in the decoder at the top of this page. You'll get the exact year, trim, engine and plant, then can check that vehicle's recalls, MPG and safety — free, no signup.
How many Pontiac models are there?
ForCar tracks 17 Pontiac models spanning 1984–2010. See the full list above, ordered by how often each is searched.
Where is Pontiac made?
Pontiac is headquartered in USA, founded in 1926. Individual models are assembled at plants worldwide — the VIN's 11th character identifies the exact factory.
How do I check Pontiac recalls?
Recalls are tracked per model and year. Open any Pontiac model above to see its NHTSA recall campaigns, affected parts and the free dealer fix.
Which Pontiac is most reliable?
Reliability varies by model and year. Each model page shows its ForCar Reliability Score (from NHTSA safety, recalls and complaint severity) so you can compare directly.
What's the Pontiac warranty?
New Pontiac vehicles come with a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Pontiac dealer.