Pontiac models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Am | 1973-1975, 1978-1980, 1985-2005 | 1999-2005 Grand Ams are in GM's key-ring ignition recall 14V400000. |
| Grand Prix | 1962-2008 | 1997-2004 cars with the 3.8 V6 had oil-on-exhaust fire recalls; 2004-2008 cars are in ignition recall 14V400000. |
| G6 | 2005-2010 | The last Pontiac ever built was a white G6 on January 4, 2010; 2005-2009 G6s are in power steering recall 14V153000. |
| Vibe | 2003-2010 | Built with Toyota as the Corolla Matrix's twin; 2009-2010 1.8L Vibes in Illinois had a frozen brake vacuum port recall. |
| Sunfire | 1995-2005 | Pontiac's compact twin of the Chevrolet Cavalier. |
| Aztek | 2001-2005 | A crossover built on the same platform as the Buick Rendezvous. |
| Solstice | 2006-2010 | Two-seat roadster included in the Cobalt ignition switch recall, 14V047000. |
Known Pontiac problems that end up at the scrapyard
Ignition switch recall on G5 and Solstice
Recall 14V047000, the campaign that began with the Chevrolet Cobalt, covers 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 and 2006-2010 Solstice. The weight of a key ring or a jolt from the road can turn the ignition out of run, shutting off the engine and the airbags. GM told owners to remove everything from the key ring except the ignition key until the switch was replaced. source
Frozen brake vacuum port on 2009-2010 Vibe
GM recalled 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibes with the 1.8-liter engine sold or registered in cold states, Illinois among them (09V392000). In extreme cold, condensation from the crankcase ventilation can freeze and block the intake manifold port that feeds the brake booster, so the car takes longer to stop. A Vibe with a hard pedal on frigid Chicago mornings may still have this unfixed. source
Sudden loss of power steering on 2005-2009 G6
Recall 14V153000 covers 2005-2009 Pontiac G6s, along with Chevrolet Malibu, Cobalt and HHR and Saturn Aura and Ion models. The electric power steering assist can cut out suddenly while driving, making the car much harder to steer at low speeds. If the recall was never done and the assist keeps cutting out, the car isn't safe to drive to a buyer. source
The end of Pontiac and what it left behind
GM agreed to drop Pontiac as part of its 2009 restructuring. The final car, a white G6, was assembled on January 4, 2010, and Pontiac dealer franchises expired on October 31, 2010. Every Pontiac is now at least 16 years old.
The cars that remain tend to carry GM’s big recalls of that era. The Grand Am and 2004-2008 Grand Prix are in the 2014 key-ring ignition recall, the G5 and Solstice in the original Cobalt-era ignition recall, and the G6 in a power steering recall. Older 3.8 V6 Grand Prix sedans were recalled for oil dripping onto the exhaust and catching fire. And the 2009-2010 Vibe had an unusual cold-weather recall in Illinois and other northern states, because freezing condensation could block the brake booster’s vacuum supply.
Parts sharing helps a junk Pontiac
Almost every Pontiac has a twin. The Sunfire matches the Cavalier, the G6 the Malibu and Saturn Aura, the Aztek the Buick Rendezvous, and the Vibe was built with Toyota alongside the Corolla Matrix. That’s why intact engines, transmissions, doors and lights from a Pontiac can still find buyers. A Vibe’s Toyota-built drivetrain is shared with the Matrix, so even a rusty Vibe has useful parts. The Aztek, on the other hand, used GM’s 3.4-liter V6, one of the engines named in the Dex-Cool intake gasket lawsuits, so check for coolant loss before you price a repair. We also look at whether it runs, rust, missing parts like the catalytic converter, and how easy it is to reach.
Before you hand over a Pontiac
Go through the car once: glovebox, trunk, under the seats. Take the garage opener and toll transponder. If it has an OnStar button, cancel the service. For a step-by-step list covering plates, insurance and the city sticker, use our Chicago junking checklist. Our makes page has the rest.
Selling a junk Pontiac: questions
Pontiac closed in 2010. Who still wants these cars?
Parts don't stop being useful when a brand ends: most Pontiacs share their parts with Chevrolets, Buicks or Saturns, and the Vibe with the Toyota Matrix. A complete Pontiac with a running engine helps the offer, but even a dead one has steel and reusable parts.
My Grand Am won't start. Do I need to fix it before you take it?
No. We buy non-running cars and tow them free. Tell us whether it cranks, whether the steering wheel turns, and where it sits, such as a driveway, garage or side street.