At a Glance
Pontiac has 1 identified common problems across 24 models, with the Firebird being the most affected model. Based on 16K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Pontiac common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 16K DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Pontiac models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Pontiac Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 24 Pontiac models.
Firebird
Most common: Brakes
Fiero
Most common: Brakes
Gto
Most common: Brakes
Grand Prix
Most common: Brakes
Grand Am
Most common: Brakes
Trans Sport
Most common: Brakes
Bonneville
Most common: Suspension
Le Mans
Most common: Suspension
Catalina
Most common: Suspension
Most Common Pontiac MOT Failures
Every reason Pontiac vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake performance below minimum | 9.76% |
| 2 | Headlamp aim defect | 5.55% |
| 3 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.38% |
| 4 | Indicator fault | 5.36% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.91% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.47% |
| 7 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 3.94% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 3.58% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.50% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 3.47% |
| 11 | Fog lamp not working | 3.00% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.82% |
| 13 | Suspension mounting corroded | 2.48% |
| 14 | Tyre condition | 2.44% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 2.17% |
| 16 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 2.10% |
| 17 | Horn not working | 1.85% |
| 18 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.59% |
| 19 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 1.51% |
| 20 | Battery loose or leaking | 1.37% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.33% |
| 22 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.29% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.25% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 1.24% |
| 25 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.14% |
| 26 | Spring mounting corroded | 1.14% |
| 27 | Parking brake condition | 1.12% |
| 28 | Rear lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 29 | Chassis condition | 1.03% |
| 30 | Brake pads or linings worn | 0.98% |
| 31 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.97% |
| 32 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.87% |
| 33 | Headlamp fault | 0.83% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.78% |
| 35 | Front suspension fault | 0.74% |
| 36 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.63% |
| 37 | Electrical switch fault | 0.57% |
| 38 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.50% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.48% |
| 40 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.46% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.46% |
| 42 | ABS fault | 0.45% |
| 43 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.42% |
| 44 | Steering column fault | 0.39% |
| 45 | Brake fluid leak | 0.37% |
| 46 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.37% |
| 47 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.36% |
| 48 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.34% |
| 49 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.32% |
| 50 | Rear suspension fault | 0.30% |
| 51 | Drag link end worn | 0.29% |
| 52 | Steering rack fault | 0.27% |
| 53 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.26% |
| 54 | Brake caliper fault | 0.25% |
| 55 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.24% |
| 56 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.24% |
| 57 | Steering arm worn | 0.24% |
| 58 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.23% |
| 59 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.22% |
| 60 | Brake pedal fault | 0.21% |
| 61 | Driveshaft fault | 0.19% |
| 62 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.17% |
| 63 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.17% |
| 64 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.17% |
| 65 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 66 | Steering free play excessive | 0.14% |
| 67 | Passenger seat fault | 0.13% |
| 68 | Steering box fault | 0.13% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.12% |
| 71 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.12% |
| 72 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.11% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.11% |
| 74 | Driver seat fault | 0.11% |
| 75 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.11% |
| 76 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.10% |
| 77 | Power steering pump fault | 0.10% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.10% |
| 79 | Speedometer fault | 0.09% |
| 80 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.09% |
| 81 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 82 | Steering operation fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 84 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 86 | Steering coupling worn | 0.06% |
| 87 | Anchor bracket corroded | 0.05% |
| 88 | Airbag warning light on | 0.04% |
| 89 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 91 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 92 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.04% |
| 93 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 95 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | 0.04% |
| 97 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 99 | Transmission oil leak | 0.03% |
| 100 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.03% |
| 101 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 103 | Front passenger door fault | 0.03% |
| 104 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.03% |
| 105 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 106 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.02% |
| 107 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 111 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 113 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | 0.02% |
| 114 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 116 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | Steering shaft fault | 0.02% |
| 118 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 119 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 120 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 121 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 124 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 130 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 131 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 137 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Pontiac MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Pontiac, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Pontiac problems?
Based on analysis of 16K Pontiac MOT tests from DVSA data, Pontiac has 1 identified common problems across 24 models. The Pontiac Firebird has the most recorded problems.
Which Pontiac model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Pontiac Firebird has the highest count with 0 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Pontiac models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Pontiac?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Pontiac owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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