Pontiac Gto problems
The Pontiac GTO is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-door, four-passenger automobile manufactured and marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over four generations from 1963 until 1974 in the United States — with a fifth generation made by GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, for the 2004 through 2006 model years.
The first generation of the GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market segment in the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO is considered by some to have started the trend with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.
For the 1964 and 1965 model years, the GTO was an optional package on the intermediate-sized Pontiac Lemans. The 1964 GTO vehicle identification number (VIN) started with 22, while the 1965 GTO VIN started with 237. The GTO became a separate model from 1966 through 1971 (VIN 242...). It became an optional package again for the 1972 and 1973 intermediate LeMans. For 1974, the GTO was an optional trim package on the compact-sized Ventura.
The GTO was selected as the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1968.
The GTO model was revived from 2004 to 2006 model years as a captive import for Pontiac, a left-hand drive version of the Holden Monaro, itself a coupé variant of the Holden Commodore.
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Pontiac Gto model years
Common Pontiac Gto problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Pontiac GTO cars, several common problems have been identified:
- Headliner Fabric Detachment: The headliner fabric in the Pontiac GTO is prone to detaching over time, affecting the interior appearance of the vehicle. To address this issue, the old headliner fabric needs to be completely removed and replaced with new fabric using the correct headliner adhesive.
- Split Stitching on Front Seats: The stitching on the side of the front seats, especially the driver's side, is prone to splitting open. To resolve this problem, the damaged seat needs to be professionally reupholstered.
- Premature Failure of Front Strut Mount Bearings: The bearings in the front strut mounts are prone to premature failure, leading to clunking noises when driving over bumps and screeching sounds when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. It is recommended to replace the OEM strut mounts with high-quality aftermarket replacements to address this issue effectively.
- Oil Starvation in Engine: Due to having a front sump, the engine in Pontiac GTO cars is susceptible to oil starvation, especially when driving at high RPMs and engaging in aggressive driving maneuvers like road racing and drifting. Improved Racing Products offers custom oil pan baffles that significantly enhance oil flow control and reduce the risk of oil starvation.
These common problems highlight some of the issues that Pontiac GTO owners may encounter and emphasize the importance of regular maintenance and potential upgrades to address these issues effectively.
Are Pontiac GTO reliable?
GTO owners have made 22 complaints over 3 model years. It ranks 5th in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems.
What year is the most sought after GTO?
1969
The most sought-after are Ram Air IV-powered Judges. But more specifically Judge convertibles. If there is a Holy Grail GTO it's the 1969 Judge Convertible with the Ram Air IV.
How long can a Pontiac GTO last?
That being said, these cars will handle A LOT of abuse! LS motors are very strong, and are made to last 100K+. They do have some common failures, which you can find here, but in general, they are very reliable. There are many cars on here that have some serious work done to them, and have high mileage.
What was so special about the Pontiac GTO?
It involved transforming the upcoming second-generation Pontiac Tempest (which reverted to a conventional front-engine with front transmission configuration) into a sporty car, with a larger 389 cu in (6.4 L) Pontiac V8 engine from the full-sized Pontiac Grand Prix hardtop coupe in place of the standard 326 cu in (5.3 ...
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Gto years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Gto cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Pontiac Gto model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Gto model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Gto years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac Gto car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Gto , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Gto vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Gto model years
A total of 14 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Gto model years
There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Gto model years
There were a total of 17 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Gto model years
There were a total of 2 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 615 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Gto . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Gto vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-28
- Date Complaint: 2023-02-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12U35L
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Vehicle loss of power 3rd & 4th clutch fail during driving Unsafe on the highway Automatic transmission 4L65E Know issue with most rear wheel drive cars
Pontiac Gto 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- Date Complaint: 2021-11-03
- VIN: 6G2VX12G34L
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Evap code for gas tank cap leaking
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2019-04-22
- VIN: 6G2VX12U85L
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GTO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN AND THE REDUCED PERFORMANCE MODE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LANDERS CHEVROLET CADILLAC OF JOPLIN (417-768-7900, LOCATED AT 4630 E 32ND ST, JOPLIN, MO 64804) WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE MANUFACTURER'S CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT IT WAS A SALVAGED TITLE; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000.
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-20
- Date Complaint: 2018-08-29
- VIN: 6G2VX12U35L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR HAS FLUNG OPEN SEVERAL TIMES DUE TO THE WINDOW TRACK COMING UNGLUED FROM THE GLASS. IT HAS HAPPENED AT DRIVE UP WINDOWS, DRIVING DOWN THE STREET/HIGHWAY AND EVEN HAS FLUNG OPEN THE DOOR IN A TURN BEFORE. IN THE 2004-2006 PONTIAC GTOS BOTH FRONT SIDE WINDOWS COME DETACHED FROM THEIR FORWARD MOST BRACKET THAT KEEPS THE WINDOWS IN THEIR TRACKS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS IT ALLOWS THE WINDOW TO MOVE AND APPLY PRESSURE ONTO THE DOOR RELEASE MECHANISM OR LINKAGE. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHERE WHILE ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW IT HITS THE LINKAGE TO OPEN THE DOOR AND THE DOOR OPENS. IF GOING THROUGH A TURN AND ROLLING DOWN THE WINDOW THE DOOR CAN FLY OPEN AND YOU CAN POSSIBLY FALL OUT. ALSO IF THE DOOR OPENS INTO TRAFFIC OF SOME SORT LIKE IN CLOSE QUARTERS ON A 2 LANE ROAD THE VEHICLES DOOR COULD BE STRUCK AND INJURE THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER DEPENDING ON WHICH DOOR IS CURRENTLY AFFECTED.
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2018-07-18
- VIN: 6G2VX12U05L
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP IN MY YARD, HAVING TO GET IT TOWED TO THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT PAYING OVER $2,000 TO GET IT FIX. THEN AFTER A YEAR IT LOCKED UP AGAIN. BEEN SITTING IN MY GARAGE EVERY SINCE. I DON'T HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY TO CONTINUE TO GET THE PROBLEM FIX IF IT'S GONNA KEEP OCCURRING.
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2011-05-15
- Date Complaint: 2018-03-15
- VIN: 6G2VX12UX5L
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: PARKING BRAKE ENGAGES WITHOUT WARNING WHILE VEHICLE IS UNDERWAY. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS UNDERWAY AT 30MPH IN A STRAIGHT LINE, WITH NO WARNING, ONE OR BOTH OF THE PARKING (EMERGENCY) BRAKES MAY ENGAGE, LOCKING THE REAR WHEEL(S), AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SLOW ABRUPTLY OR SKID. THE CAR HAS TO BE DRIVEN WITH THE EMERGENCY BRAKES ENGAGED TO A SAFE PLACE OUT OF TRAFFIC. ONCE STOPPED, THE CONDITION CAN BE CLEARED BY DEPRESSING AND HOLDING THE PARKING BRAKE LATCH BUTTON AND VIGOROUSLY PUMPING THE HANDLE UP AND DOWN. ONCE THIS HAS HAPPENED, THE PARKING BRAKE (A FUNCTION PERFORMED BY THE EMERGENCY BRAKES) NO LONGER ENGAGES CONSISTENTLY. SEVERAL MECHANICAL DISASSEMBLIES AND INSPECTIONS HAVE NOT UNCOVERED THE CAUSE, NOR FULLY FIXED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES. A SINGLE, C-SHAPED, ONE-PIECE BRAKE SHOE THAT CONTACTS A DRUM BUILT WITHIN THE REAR BRAKE ROTOR PERFORMS THE EMERGENCY BRAKE FUNCTION ON EACH REAR WHEEL. AN EXPANDER SITS BETWEEN THE ENDS OF THE C AND PRESSES THE ENDS OF THE BRAKE SHOE OUTWARD WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LEVER IS PULLED . THE DESIGN OF THIS EXPANDER LOOKS POSSIBLY FAULTY; LITTLE MORE THAN FRICTION APPARENTLY HOLDS IT IN POSITION WITH THE ENDS OF THE BRAKE SHOE. IF IT WERE TO LOSE CONTACT, OR FALL OUT OF POSITION, IT MIGHT CAUSE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO ENGAGE UNEXPECTEDLY. THE PHOTOS ARE ONES OF THE BRAKE SHOES AND ROTORS DISCUSSED, RECENTLY REPLACED (AGAIN) IN HOPES OF SOLVING THIS PROBLEM.
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-10
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: INNER TIRE WEAR
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-23
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-02
- VIN: 6G2VX12U85L
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SEAT BELT IS FULLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT. WHEN GETTING INTO CAR AND PLACING SEAT BELT ON, IT FULLY EXTENDED AND WOULD NOT RETRACT.
Pontiac Gto 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2016-08-19
- VIN: 2G2WP522141
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN USED FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEATER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE REMAINED ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF OR ON. THERE WAS ALSO CONDENSATION ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE ABNORMAL CONDENSATION ORIGINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Pontiac Gto 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-01
- Date Complaint: 2016-05-04
- VIN: 1G2ZH558264
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY 2006 PONTIAC CABLE SHIFTER WAS INSPECTED SOME TIME ON NOVEMBER 2014! PROBLEM IS THE CABLE SHIFTER ON MAY 1 2016! THE CABLE SHIFTER WAS OUT OF POSITION AND MY CAR WOUDN'T START! IF THE TABS WERE TO FRACTURE AND SEPARATE, THE SHIFT LEVER AND THE ACTUAL POSITION OF THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT MATCH. THE DRIVER WOULD BE ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER TO 'PARK' AND REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY, BUT THE TRANSMISSION GEAR MAY NOT BE IN 'PARK.' THE VEHICLE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL AWAY AFTER THE DRIVER HAS EXITED THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR! I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHO SUPPOSEDLY INSPECTED THAT PART OR EVEN FIXED SAID THAT THEY ARE LIABLE SINCE IT WAS ALREADY DONE IN NOVEMBER OF 2014! I WOULD TO SEND A COMPLAINT REGARDING ROBERT BROGDEN BUICK GMC AT 913-782-1500 THEY DID NOT REPAIR OR REPLACE THIS PART!! IF THEY DID IT WAS A DEFECT PART! THEY ARE REFUSING TO FIX THE PROBLEM
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-17
- Date Complaint: 2015-12-21
- VIN: 6G2VX112U95
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: IRREGULAR FRONT TIRE WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRES DOWN TO THE STEEL BELTS CAUSING BLOW OUT AND FLATS. NUMEROUS WHEEL ALIGNMENTS HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM. WHY HAS GM NOT PUT OUT A RECALL ON THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE? LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL WHEN THIS OCCURS. SOME ONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR LOSE THEIR LIFE. I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED BUT MANAGED TO STAY ON THE ROAD.
Pontiac Gto 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-18
- Date Complaint: 2015-11-09
- VIN: 6G2VX12G54L
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: AFTER OWNING THE CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS, THE SEAT BACK LATCHES STARTED STICKING SO ANYONE WHO WAS IN THE BACK SEAT HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OUT OR GETTING IN FOR THAT MATTER! AFTER A TIME THE LATCHES STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER SO IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE BACK SEAT IF THEY WERE ABLE TO GET IN. THE POWER SEATS HAD TO BE MOVED ALL THE WAY FORWARD, JUST TO GIVE A SMALL SPACE FOR PASSENGERS TO SQUEEZE OUT. IN A CRASH, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO GET SOMEONE OUT OF THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN HARM. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SO IT STILL REMAINS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR AS THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. ALL THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-30
- VIN: 6G2VX12U25L
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GTO. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LEAK OIL AND WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER FLUID LINE FRACTURED AND THE ROCKING PINION NUT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Pontiac Gto 2006
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-10
- Date Complaint: 2015-07-13
- VIN: 6G2VX12U86L
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 PONTIAC GTO. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT FROM THE NEUTRAL POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CLUTCH SLAVE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. MA 10/19/2015
Pontiac Gto 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2015-05-20
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT ON AFTER MINOR IMPACT WHILE PARKING
Recalls Pontiac Gto
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Gto.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac Gto 1968
- Report Received Date: 1968-02-13
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
Latest negative Pontiac Gto car reviews
Latest positive Pontiac Gto car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2004
I'm so glad to hear that you're enjoying your car! It sounds like you've had quite a few different cars over the years, but this one really stands out to you. The seats seem to be a particular highlight, and it's great to hear that you find it fun to drive with plenty of power. It's also good to know that you're not too concerned about trunk space or passenger comfort, and that the sound system is up to your standards. Thanks for sharing your positive experience, and I hope you continue to enjoy your car for many years to come!
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Vehicle year: 2004
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with my GTO that I purchased back in December 2012. It was a one owner clean carfax car, but unfortunately, it developed some strange problems. For example, the rocker panels would fill with water and cause the interior floor to flood after it rained. However, I was able to solve this issue by removing the drain plugs. Additionally, the horn would go off randomly by itself and the airbag fault alarm was triggered by the airbag sensor located under the passenger seat. But don't worry, I had all of these issues resolved and the car has been running great ever since! Thanks for listening.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Re-introduced in 2004, the GTO received great reviews for its driving experience, interior and build quality. However, the exterior styling left many underwhelmed. As someone who fondly recalls the GTO's of the muscle car era, I too felt that the new version didn't quite live up to the memory. Unfortunately, sales didn't meet GM's expectations. It's a shame that so many missed out on such a great car. If you open the hood, you'll find one of the best motors on the planet - the General Motors LS2, a 400 horsepower V8 that can take you from 0 to 60 in under 5 seconds. The GTO's stealth looks combined with the LS2 power plant make for a modern muscle car with capabilities that require a deeper look to fully appreciate.
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Vehicle year: 2006
Your '06 6-speed in Spice Red is one of the nicest cars GM could have offered. The interior is very original and as comfortable as a new Cadillac. It's worth noting that NOTHING on the inside was borrowed from any other US GM cars, since it's Holden. The only issue I've had are the stock struts, but they're not difficult to replace. It's important to note that replacement parts can be difficult to find since they can only be sourced from Australia. However, if you find them here in the US, you'll pay through the nose. Overall, it's an absolutely amazing and powerful car that just needs proper care!
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Vehicle year: 2005
The GTO is a blast to drive! If you're looking for a car with muscle and don't need all the extra features, this is the car for you. Comparable performance from other makes will cost you a lot more. The GTO has plenty of power and handles superbly. I upgraded from an '04 to an '05 and the hood scoops and rear-end redesign are great style improvements. The engine is more powerful and the brakes are much improved, living up to the GTO name. There were some minor issues with the shifter sticking or not catching in reverse, and the idle pulley seized within the first 30 miles. Additionally, there was an accelerator sensor malfunction at 300 miles. The electronic throttle takes some getting used to, and parts are still not readily available for repairs.
Are you having problems with your Pontiac Gto?
Stuart Mayer 2024-09-25
Vehicle year: 2005
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my thoughts on the car I recently purchased. While I was initially excited about it, I have to admit that it hasn't quite lived up to my expectations. I've owned a Dodge SRT-4 in the past, which was much faster than my current six-speed GTO and cost over 10k less. However, I will say that the interior of the car is quite nice. I do wish that they had put more effort into the engine though. Thanks for listening!
Zakary Hauck 2024-04-19
Vehicle year: 2005
If you are considering purchasing a vehicle, I would recommend looking into other options besides this one if you are a fan of Toyota/Nissan or Honda. Unfortunately, I experienced a few issues with my GTO after only 1300 miles. The first two problems were related to the LSD/Differential, which caused a whining noise and occasional knocking sound when shifting. The third issue was with the clutch sticking. It seems that the LSD/Diff problem has been present since the Camaro/Firebird days and now affects the GTO as well. It is disappointing to have these problems so early on, especially considering that this issue has been around in GM for over 10 years. It is my personal opinion that GM has a poor quality control program. As a result, I have decided to explore other options and will not be purchasing an American car again.