2005 Pontiac GTO
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › GTO › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Pontiac GTO. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
154 complaints4 involved a crash2 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Wheels
Wheel feel off car driving. Gm refuses to investigate. Says call dealer. Have pics of wheel and screenshots of help conversation
- Power train
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
- Engine
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Steering
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.
- Service brakes
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…
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.
- Suspension · Wheels
Inner tire wear
- Seat belts
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.
- Suspension
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.
- Steering
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.
- Air bags
Airbag light on after minor impact while parking
- Air bags · Seat belts › Front › Retractor
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. After starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor illuminated and the air bag fault message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sensor for the passenger side seat belt retractor was faulty. The contact notified…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. After starting the vehicle, the air bag sensor illuminated and the air bag fault message displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the sensor for the passenger side seat belt retractor was faulty. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure and was informed that the parts needed to repair the failure were permanently no longer available. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 85,000.
- Air bags
Drove off a mountain in western n.c. Due to loose gravel. Went down over 300 yards plus. The air bags did not deploy. I received two skull fractures and two broken neck bones. Also, the skin on my left arm, was scraped to the bone. numerous cuts and my entire body was sore. ...Updated 10/22/14 *bf
- Electrical system
Ignition locked up had have car towed new ignition switch installed $400.00. *tr
- Air bags · Seat belts
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. The contact stated when that the no air bag warning light illuminated once the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the diagnosis was that the seat belt pretensioners were defective. The contact was told that the parts were not…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. The contact stated when that the no air bag warning light illuminated once the vehicle was started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the diagnosis was that the seat belt pretensioners were defective. The contact was told that the parts were not available, and that model was no longer being made. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage were 106,000.
- Electrical system
Had the car for less than a year. parked it and went to remove my key and the key froze in the ignition switch. Was told by dealer service department that it was a known problem and that the parts were on back order. Six weeks later I finally got my car back. since then, removing the key from…
Had the car for less than a year. parked it and went to remove my key and the key froze in the ignition switch. Was told by dealer service department that it was a known problem and that the parts were on back order. Six weeks later I finally got my car back. since then, removing the key from the ignition switch requires the steering wheel be perfectly straight and jiggling the key as you are removing it. it has gotten worse in the past several months and there IS quite a bit of play in the ignition switch. my mechanic advised me that it needs to be replaced and that the key and ignition switch are no longer manufactured. I'm concerned that at some point soon the switch will lock up again while the car IS moving and I won't be able to turn the steering wheel. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
When I put my key into the ignition, it froze. I couldn't turn the key. I couldn't move the car. The ignition was locked up. I tried just replacing the ignition cylinder, but that did not work. I had to have the entire steering column replaced. It cost $1371.67 to get this car fixed due to no fault…
When I put my key into the ignition, it froze. I couldn't turn the key. I couldn't move the car. The ignition was locked up. I tried just replacing the ignition cylinder, but that did not work. I had to have the entire steering column replaced. It cost $1371.67 to get this car fixed due to no fault of my own. I have researched this issue and it seems that on the week my vehicle was in the shop, 3 other pontiacs were in the same shop, for the exact same issue. Upon doing more research online, I have found that numerous people are experiencing this exact issue. Due to no fault of my own and due to insufficient faulty parts in the ignition, I had to have this repaired. I had to have my car towed because you can not move this car or put it in neutral to get the vehicle to move otherwise. Funny how it failed 2 months after my warranty expired! How IS this fair that their part failed and yet they are taking to responsibility for this? This was a very expensive fix! Please recall the pontiac ignitions! So I am out almost $1500. Bad call gm! *tr
- Electrical system
While driver side window IS being lowered, window contacts door latch mechanism causing door to become ajar and window gets stuck in place off center. after returning window to up position and attempting to lower window again, door now becomes completely unlatched and swings freely after window…
While driver side window IS being lowered, window contacts door latch mechanism causing door to become ajar and window gets stuck in place off center. after returning window to up position and attempting to lower window again, door now becomes completely unlatched and swings freely after window hits mechanism. issue was noticed prior to door becoming completely unlatched. Major safety hazard if window IS lowered and door becomes unlatched while driving (to other owners). *tr
- Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. The contact stated that while parked, he noticed that the front passenger's side window was not aligned properly, causing the door to be opened inadvertently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. *tr
- Air bags · Electrical system
Feb 16TH 2013 case # [xxx] my car was in for this service for a airbag fault light I was told that "found low voltage to various srs components" and that according to a gm services bulletin inspection of the srs wiring system behind the dash IS needed. According to the dealer there IS a gm service…
Feb 16TH 2013 case # [xxx] my car was in for this service for a airbag fault light I was told that "found low voltage to various srs components" and that according to a gm services bulletin inspection of the srs wiring system behind the dash IS needed. According to the dealer there IS a gm service bulletin on faulty wiring harness being the cause. The airbag system could be not working. My concern IS with said services bulletin I could not find anyone in the network of GTO owners clubs that were givin any notice of this. But I did find on these forums that one particular wiring harness comes in contact with a metal brace when the cars was converted to left hand drive for sale here that has caused fires. Would not this be a serious safety issue for which either gm or nhtsa would be involved in? Gm acknowledged the problem to me in my many emails and conversations with customer service reps on the phone but has not notified owners nor wants to fix the issues. The issue of the airbag failure IS another safety concern. given the nature of these failures why would not this be handled as part of a safety recall? here IS just one link to the board where this IS shown http://www.ls1gto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=377773&highlight=wire+harness+glove+box&page=9 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Suspension · Tires
My 2005 pontiac GTO was purchased with 53000 miles and manufactured with 245mm tires that are too wide and rub on the front strut. This has caused excessive tire wear. Other 04-05 gtos have has the same problem. This has caused tire failure and accidents in other gtos. *js
- Suspension
I purchased this car new in 2005, I have 38,000 miles on it today and I am on my third set of tires and fifth alignment. my tires on the rear, wear severely on the inside each time, so I more carefully watched and had rechecking the alignment on a regular basis along with tire rotation. this time…
I purchased this car new in 2005, I have 38,000 miles on it today and I am on my third set of tires and fifth alignment. my tires on the rear, wear severely on the inside each time, so I more carefully watched and had rechecking the alignment on a regular basis along with tire rotation. this time I took it to a discount tire company and they told me that they can not align the rear end and all components look good, go to dealer. I went to dealer and showed them the specks what the car was out and they said they could do the alignment. they did a alignment for a fee and told me it need parts, front camber kit, rear needs two bushings and gm part 1 on the exploded view known as differential bracket which holds the rear end together for a price of parts $1,249.00 and labor $664.00 total $1913 and another four wheel alignment for just a little over $2,000.00. I said why are you charging me for an alignment if you can not do it properly and I had already given you the alignment specs from discount tire company. they said all machines are different and we have to do our own. so your telling me that this problem that I have had since new IS a structural part flaw that you have not recognized before but have been charging me for alignments and tires multiple times. no, we feel your car got hit on the right side and it caused the damage. I said the car has never hit anything and it IS a preigsiting problem from new that has been over looked at my expense. took car to a third party and they said there are no parts that are structural damaged, they got on line and saw all the blogs for this identical condition and that IS why I am reporting the problem. the fix IS camber kit for rear from manufacture in australia where car IS made and they have been aware of for year, please make this a recall from gm. *tr
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. The contact stated both front tires were rubbing against the struts and are worn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated the failure was caused by the way he drove the vehicle. The manufacturer stated the contact was driving aggressive which caused the tires to wear. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage was 71,740. rvk
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit · Steering · Suspension
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. While driving approximately 62 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly swerved towards the right and crashed into another vehicle. The contact and the driver of the other vehicle suffered personal injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac GTO. While driving approximately 62 mph, the vehicle unexpectedly swerved towards the right and crashed into another vehicle. The contact and the driver of the other vehicle suffered personal injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired; however, the contact stated the failure was related to the steering. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 01/12/11*lj updated 01/14/11 *bf pictures received 01/27/11 prior to the accident, the rear differential failed internally, and the power steering hose was leaking. Updated 04/15/11
- Suspension · Tires
Tires wear excessively on my 2005 GTO. Tire failure was due to excessive wear on the inside edge. It was not detected because it only occurs at the very inside edge. Tire failure on the highway occurred and when taken in for service to the dealer they noticed the other was showing steel through as…
Tires wear excessively on my 2005 GTO. Tire failure was due to excessive wear on the inside edge. It was not detected because it only occurs at the very inside edge. Tire failure on the highway occurred and when taken in for service to the dealer they noticed the other was showing steel through as well. They said it was an alignment issue. after alignment and new tires the car continues to wear excessively. dealer says they do not know why. gm must do something about this before a fatality occurs. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Front strut to tire interference
Note: the complaint and warranty counts given in the failure report summary of this resume include all records related to tire wear and wheel alignment and are not limited to tire-strut contact.general motors (gm) identified two contributors to premature front tire wear in the subject vehicles.one of the contributors…
Note: the complaint and warranty counts given in the failure report summary of this resume include all records related to tire wear and wheel alignment and are not limited to tire-strut contact.general motors (gm) identified two contributors to premature front tire wear in the subject vehicles.one of the contributors causing the premature tire wear was out of specification negative camber.gm stated that excessive negative camber could be caused by improper camber settings from the factory or bending of the front strut assemblies due to sharp road impact (i.e., severe pot holes).to improve camber settings from the factory, gm stated that from february of 2005 through may of 2006 several modifications were made to the camber setting fixture.gm also noted that excessive negative camber could result in front tire to strut contact, which could also be caused by use of non-original equipment (oe) tires and/or wheels.gm stated that contact of the front tire and front strut assembly can cause a polishing on the tire sidewall and/or strut assembly; however, this does not cause a sudden loss of air. General motors provided odi with the final factory front camber settings where available for complaint and warranty claim vehicles.approximately 90 percent of these vehicles had right wheel camber settings that were out of design specification.four percent of the vehicles had left wheel camber settings that were out of specification.in a review of consumer complaints, most noted excessive tire wear to varying degrees to both front tires.for complaints indicating excessive wear to a single front tire, 90 percent involved the right side. Although in some cases there are indications of tire contact with front strut assemblies in the subject vehicles, analysis of tire wear patterns in photographs shows the greatest wear occurring on the inboard tread surface from road wear and not on the area of the tire on the upper shoulder that contacts the strut.this IS consistent with the known tire wear patterns associated with excessive negative camber, with or without strut contact.this IS most apparent in some pictures, which show minor tire-strut contact while exhibiting significant wear of the inner tread surface of the tires.based on data reviewed during the investigation, while excessive negative camber IS an apparent issue, the premature tire wear appears to be primarily caused by tire to road surface contact as opposed to contact of the front tires to the front strut assemblies.odi reviewed approximately 1,400 total complaints and warranty claims potentially related to the alleged defect.virtually all of the reports relate to uneven/excessive tire wear or some awareness of the tire-strut contact issue.odi was able to identify 9 tire air loss incidents alleged to be caused by tire-strut contact, with5 of these describing a slow air loss.while there was evidence of tire-strut contact in some of these vehicles, odi's analysis did not find that this contact was the cause of the air loss but rather a secondary symptom of the excessive negative camber condition that results in rapid road wear on the inboard tread surface. Odi IS aware of one crash alleged to be caused by contact of the front strut to front tire.however, analysis of the information provided by the consumer, gm and a third party investigator does not indicate that tire-strut contact was a factor in the crash.odi IS unaware of any injuries or fatalities attributed to the alleged defect. Odi has not identified a safety related defect trend in the subject vehicles.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.the closing of th
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10239102The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 10239101This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 10237841This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. Dealers Only).
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234619This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every Pontiac GTO model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.