This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Pontiac Grand Prix brakes problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Pontiac Grand Prix we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 10.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides technicians with a brake lathe calibration procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Service Engine Soon Malfunction Indicator Lamp. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442. Technician will need to review Techlink article from May 2013 titled "Using the Evaporative Emissions System Tester" Technician will need to follow these steps to help diagnose the issue. First after the P0442 has been verified do not disturb any of the fuel system components. The technician now can use the scan tool to close the Evaporative Emissions System. If possible change the tank pressure sensor units from inch_H2O to milimeter_Hg for better resolution. Now the vehicle can be star
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Brake failures on 2006 Grand Prix models show up in distinct patterns. The most serious issue is sudden loss of braking authority on wet or snowy roads—owners report the brake pedal has no effect even when pumped hard, and the vehicle slides uncontrolled through intersections. Some owners got no warning lights; others saw ABS and traction control warnings come on. One owner experienced this twice in the first few years after buying the car new, with the second incident landing the vehicle in a ditch.
Premature pad and rotor wear is widespread. One owner at 15k miles was already told brakes and rotors needed replacement. Another at 35k miles was on the third set of front brakes; grooves were cutting into new rotors within two months of installation. Dealerships have claimed this is normal wear, and GM apparently knows about the issue but hasn't issued a recall or technical bulletin.
A smaller number of owners report master cylinder failure causing a spongy pedal or pedal that bottoms out. One owner also reported grinding from the driver-side brake and severely extended stopping distance in rain, despite the brake pedal being engaged. Repairs—wheel hubs, relays, rotors, pads, and master cylinders—haven't always resolved the core issues.
Failure modes owners describe
ABS/Traction Control Brake Loss on Wet/Slippery Roads
Complete loss of braking response or severe brake fade when brakes applied on wet, snowy, or gravel roads, often after initial acceleration above 25 mph. ABS and traction control warning lights may or may not illuminate. Owners report multiple episodes; some occurred within months of purchase on a well-maintained vehicle.
When: Occurs on slippery surfaces, often at first braking event after speed exceeds 25 mph; one owner experienced it at 150k miles, another at 99k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of braking response; Vehicle slides through intersections uncontrolled; Brake pedal depressed with no effect; ABS and traction control warning lights intermittently illuminate; No stopping or severe extended stopping distance on wet roads; Brakes lock up unpredictably at low speeds
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light, Traction control warning light, Service traction system message
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced wheel hubs, brake pads, rotors, and relays with no resolution; dealer unable to diagnose; independent mechanic unable to diagnose or repair
Excessive Brake and Rotor Wear
Premature wear of brake pads and rotors requiring multiple replacements well before normal service intervals. Rotor grooves develop within 2 months after replacement. One owner at 15k miles told brakes and rotors needed replacement; another at 35k miles on third set of front brakes.
When: 15k miles to 35k miles; grooves appear within 2 months of rotor replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid pad wear; Rotor grooves developing prematurely; Repeated replacement needed
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple brake pad and rotor replacements; dealership stated wear is normal for these vehicles; one replacement done free outside warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed normal wear; owners reported GM aware but taking no action
Spongy Brake Pedal / Master Cylinder Failure
Brake pedal becomes spongy or soft, or pedal travels fully to floorboard with minimal resistance. Two owners had master cylinder failure diagnosed and replaced.
When: Mileage not specified for spongy pedal; master cylinder failure at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Spongy brake pedal feel; Brake pedal travels to floorboard; Lack of braking pressure
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replaced by dealer (available in both ABS and non-ABS versions for this model)
Reduced Braking Grip in Wet Conditions
Brake pedal engagement produces no firm grip or stopping power in rain or wet roads. Vehicle requires abnormally long distance to stop. Grinding sound heard from driver-side brake.
When: No specific mileage provided; occurs in wet conditions
Symptoms owners cite: No firm grip when braking; Abnormally long stopping distance; Grinding sound from driver-side brake; Does not slide, simply fails to slow down
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $450 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 99,507 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Pontiac/Grand Prix.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.