2006 Pontiac Wave

The 2006 Pontiac Wave was a subcompact car known for its affordability and fuel efficiency. It was available as a sedan and a hatchback. It came standard with a 1.6L inline-4 cylinder engine, producing around 103 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. While appreciated for its fuel economy and low price point, common criticisms included its basic interior, lackluster performance, and some reliability concerns.

Engine

1.6L Inline-4 Cylinder

• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The engine may stall, run rough, or fail to start. The check engine light will likely illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Catalytic Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine performance, poor fuel economy, and a sulfur-like smell. The check engine light will illuminate.
  • Solution: Replace the catalytic converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Erratic Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: In some cases, a fluid flush and filter change can resolve the issue. However, more severe cases may require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 (fluid flush) - $3,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Strut Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bumpy ride, excessive bouncing, poor handling, and noise (clunking or squeaking) from the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the struts and possibly the strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ (per axle)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Stabilizer Bar Links
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the stabilizer bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ (per pair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The power windows may stop working, work intermittently, or operate slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (per window)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The door locks may fail to lock or unlock with the key fob or the interior switch.
  • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ (per door)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust formation, particularly in areas prone to moisture and road salt exposure (e.g., rocker panels, wheel wells, and undercarriage).
  • Solution: Rust repair, which may involve sanding, patching, and repainting. In severe cases, panel replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ (depending on severity)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (cover) - $1000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headliner Sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The fabric headliner detaches from the roof and sags down.
  • Solution: Headliner replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary The 2006 Pontiac Wave is an aging vehicle and like most aging vehicles, it is showing its age in terms of reliability. The issues range in severity and cost, from relatively inexpensive sensor replacements to more costly transmission repairs. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle for signs of these common problems and factor in potential repair costs when considering a purchase. Rust is also a major concern for vehicles of this age, and should be considered before purchase.