2006 Pontiac Grand Prix

The 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix was a mid-size sedan known for its sporty styling and available performance options. Engine options included a 3.8L V6, a supercharged 3.8L V6 (Series III), and a 5.3L V8. The 3.8L V6 produced around 200 horsepower and 230 lb-ft of torque. It was generally well-liked for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and available features. Some common complaints include the abundance of plastic interior trim, and some reliability issues.

Engine

3.8L V6 (L26 and L36)

• Intake Manifold Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak near the front of the engine, often resulting in a sweet coolant smell and potentially overheating. This often occurs at the plastic intake manifold gasket.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket, and possibly the intake manifold itself if it’s warped or cracked.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor idle, stalling, reduced fuel economy, and the check engine light illuminated with MAF sensor codes.
  • Solution: Replace the MAF sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Supercharged 3.8L V6 (L67)

• Supercharger Coupler Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling or knocking noise from the supercharger, loss of boost, and reduced performance.
  • Solution: Replace the supercharger coupler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intercooler Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating of the supercharger, loss of power, and potential damage to the supercharger.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

5.3L V8 (LS4)

• Active Fuel Management (AFM) Lifter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idle, and potential engine damage due to collapsed AFM lifters.
  • Solution: Replace the AFM lifters with updated non-AFM lifters, delete AFM system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs. Can be caused by worn valve seals or piston rings.
  • Solution: Depending on the cause, solutions range from replacing valve seals to a complete engine rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4T65-E (All Engines)

• Pressure Control Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, slipping between gears, and potential transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replace the pressure control solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration during TCC lockup, poor fuel economy, and potential transmission overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Suspension Air Compressor Failure (if equipped)
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear of the vehicle sagging, air compressor not running, or the rear suspension not maintaining proper height.
  • Solution: Replace the air compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Passlock Security System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Intermittent starting problems, security light illuminated, and the vehicle refusing to start.
  • Solution: In some cases, a relearn procedure can resolve the issue. In other cases, the Passlock sensor or the Body Control Module (BCM) may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating, or operating intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, rocker panels, and around the wheel wells.
  • Solution: Rust repair or panel replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric detaching from the roof and sagging.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cracked Dash
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracking on the dashboard, particularly on the passenger side.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or use a dash cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix has a mix of potential issues that prospective buyers should be aware of. Engine problems, particularly with the 5.3L V8’s AFM system and oil consumption, can be costly to repair. Transmission issues, such as pressure control solenoid failure, are also common. Electrical problems, like Passlock system malfunctions, can be frustrating. While some issues like strut mount failure and headliner sagging are less severe and costly, they contribute to the overall ownership experience. The 2006 Grand Prix can be a good value, but a thorough inspection is recommended before purchase.