2006 Pontiac Solstice: harsh or hard shifting

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 25,800 miles · CA

Car has an unbelievable clunking noise when shifting mostly from 1st thru 3rd gear since I purchased it. After 2 multi point inspections(results fine) I took it back to the dealership I purchased it from(it was under its 30 day front to back warranty), when they drove it for 50ft said yes there is a definite "clunking" noise going on and we'll look into it. They took it to their pontiac/gm dealership for investigation. That dealership said it was the rear end and it was normal, however mine was excessive so they re-placed the rear end/driveshaft and differential. When car was returned to me it still was making the noise w/ a letter from gm stating this was normal for these particular cars. This is not normal, there is definitely some kind of defect going on w these makes and models, if you search the internet you will find numerous complaints on the subject of this car and others for this exact issue. When driving it basically sounds like the back end or transmission is going to fall out or something is sticking, the gears are always getting stuck when shifting and it is a fight to get it into gear most times. Additionally when trying to turn corners or come to a stop the car appears to be locking up, steering gets tight and breaks just don't feel to be working properly. This car has never been in an accident and is in mint condition for it being a 2006 and under 26k miles(w/ the exception of this complaint). All the previous recall have been done and the newest one has yet to be done even though the pontiac/gm dealership ordered it for me 2 months ago and gm sent me a letter last week to get the recall performed, there still are no parts and im still waiting and im basically according to gm stuck w a car that clunks and doesn't shift properly and sticks in between gears which they state is normal. Someone needs to investigate these models, I don't feel safe driving.

Filed May 18, 2010 · Transmission · 20,500 miles · CA

2006 pontiac solstice...differential noises and clunking while turning slow corners. Dealer installed recall for seal and lube..still makes loud noises at highway speeds now . Sounds like something is loose. I have seen many complaints from other owners for this same problem and some of them have had lock ups that caused them to lose control of the vehicle...some one has to step up to gm and get them to make a permanent fix to this problem...or I guess it will happen after someone dies from the defective drive train.

Filed May 18, 2009 · Transmission · NJ

2006 pontiac solstice - rear axle leak. Axle replaced. Prevailing whine and clunk noise after the fix. Took in left overnight, they said would test drive. Next day they said the noise is normal and there is nothing wrong with the car. The mileage was same as I left it, so no test drive was taken. Fed up with them. Will not drive on highways and very inconvenient, am mostly using hubby's vehicle. Soon out of business, pontiac should not be getting away with this.

Filed Jan 31, 2008 · Transmission · AL

Rear-end clunking noise coming from rear-end while shifting gears, none repairable.

Filed Jun 16, 2007 · Transmission · 9,250 miles · TX

Differential making clunking sounds when shifting. Nothing was done as dealer said that thiswas one of the vehicle's characteristics.

Filed May 5, 2006 · Transmission · 2,200 miles · CT

Differential leak leading to transmission whine, transmission clunk and eventual failure of differential. Gm will replace pinion seal when the permanent fix is replacement of the differential with a redesigned part.