What year Pontiac GTO should I avoid?

NHTSA data does not list any Pontiac GTO year as an avoid year. The 2006 ranks worse than 2005 based on complaint index (100 vs 0), but neither carries an avoid verdict.

Is the Pontiac GTO reliable?

Across 2005 and 2006, NHTSA logged 370 total complaints, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires accounting for 85% of them. Neither model year shows any recall campaigns.

What is the most common problem with the Pontiac GTO?

Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues dominate, making up 314 of 370 total complaints (85%) across both model years.

Does the 2006 Pontiac GTO have more complaints than the 2005?

Yes. The 2006 has 216 complaints versus 154 for the 2005, and a complaint index of 100 compared to 0 for the 2005.

Are there any recalls on the Pontiac GTO?

NHTSA lists zero recall campaigns for both the 2005 and 2006 Pontiac GTO.

Pontiac GTO Best and Worst Years (2005–2006)

Neither Pontiac GTO model year is flagged as an avoid year in NHTSA data. The 2006 has the higher complaint index (100) and more total complaints (216) than 2005 (154), with Suspension, Wheels & Tires the leading issue for both years.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Model years: 2; 2005–2006
NHTSA complaints: 370
Recall campaigns: 0
Crashes reported: 7
Fires reported: 2
Top problem area: Suspension, Wheels & Tires

GTO Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Pontiac GTO problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2005	No verdict	0	154	4	2	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	17	—
2006	No verdict	100	216	3	0	0	Suspension, Wheels & Tires	17	—

Most common Pontiac GTO problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires314 (85%)
Electrical System20 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain11 (3%)
Engine9 (2%)
Steering9 (2%)
Airbags8 (2%)
Structure & Body5 (1%)
Other4 (1%)
Visibility & Wipers4 (1%)
Seat Belts3 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year Pontiac GTO should I avoid?: NHTSA data does not list any Pontiac GTO year as an avoid year. The 2006 ranks worse than 2005 based on complaint index (100 vs 0), but neither carries an avoid verdict.
Is the Pontiac GTO reliable?: Across 2005 and 2006, NHTSA logged 370 total complaints, with Suspension, Wheels & Tires accounting for 85% of them. Neither model year shows any recall campaigns.
What is the most common problem with the Pontiac GTO?: Suspension, Wheels & Tires issues dominate, making up 314 of 370 total complaints (85%) across both model years.
Does the 2006 Pontiac GTO have more complaints than the 2005?: Yes. The 2006 has 216 complaints versus 154 for the 2005, and a complaint index of 100 compared to 0 for the 2005.
Are there any recalls on the Pontiac GTO?: NHTSA lists zero recall campaigns for both the 2005 and 2006 Pontiac GTO.