← New search

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 88.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

78 reports with mileage · 28 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports37 fire reports7 injury reports

Exterior Lighting complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · May 19, 2014
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHILE I'M PERSONALLY UNAWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR PEOPLE DYING DUE TO THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL, GM HAS A WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF BAD IGNITION SWITCHES ON OTHER MODELS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT FOR MANY YEARS. THE EFFECTS OF THE BAD IGNITION SWITCH WITH THIS MODEL ARE: 1. THE A/C - HEAT…

Read full complaint

WHILE I'M PERSONALLY UNAWARE OF ANY CRASHES OR PEOPLE DYING DUE TO THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL, GM HAS A WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF BAD IGNITION SWITCHES ON OTHER MODELS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL THAT THEY HAVE KNOWN ABOUT FOR MANY YEARS. THE EFFECTS OF THE BAD IGNITION SWITCH WITH THIS MODEL ARE: 1. THE A/C - HEATER FAN BLOWER WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, IF YOU'RE LUCKY, AND THEN ONLY ON HIGH SPEED IF IT DOES. NONE OF THE OTHER SPEEDS WORK AT ALL. 2. WHEN YOU TRY TO TURN THE FAN MOTOR ON TO RUN THE HEATER OR A/C, THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. WHILE THERE ARE DIFFERENT SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT ON THE CAUSE, AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET, ONE COMPONENT SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM EVERY TIME. YOU MUST REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE PROBLEM IS NOT THE RESISTOR AS SOME SEEM TO THINK, BUT THE IGNITION SWITCH. THOSE WHO REPLACED THE RESISTOR ALWAYS HAD TO COME BACK AND REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THOSE WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD FEWER, IF ANY, PROBLEMS AFTER THAT. I WRITE THIS TO YOU BECAUSE I BELIEVE SOMEONE "UP THERE" NEEDS TO KNOW THIS INFORMATION. I SIMPLY HOPE IT DOESN'T FALL ON DEAF EARS LIKE MOST THINGS. I WITHHOLD FURTHER COMMENT. REGARDS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) *JS

NHTSA ODI #10592331

Mileage unknown · Sep 9, 2013
Exterior LightingService Brakes

TAIL LIGHTS ARE FILLED WITH CONDENSATION AND DO NOT ILLUMINATE PROPERLY. NO REPLACEMENT PARTS TO PURCHASE THAT ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10542739

Mileage unknown · Mar 5, 2013
Exterior Lighting

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PROPER ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE TAIL LIGHT HOUSING RETAINED MOISTURE AND CAUSED THE TAIL LIGHT LENS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 0…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TAIL LIGHT FAILED TO PROVIDE THE PROPER ILLUMINATION WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE TAIL LIGHT HOUSING RETAINED MOISTURE AND CAUSED THE TAIL LIGHT LENS TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ

NHTSA ODI #10501411

120,000 miles · Jul 13, 2010
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

WHEN I TURN ON THE BLOWER SWITCH, THE BLOWER DOESN'T WORK AND THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. IT MAINLY HAPPENS ON THE LOWER SPEEDS BUT OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS ON HIGH SPEED ALSO. IT IS INTERMITTENT BUT HAPPENS AROUND 75% OF THE TIME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAVE CHECKED ALL FUSES AND RELAYS THAT SEEM TO BE RELATED AND FI…

Read full complaint

WHEN I TURN ON THE BLOWER SWITCH, THE BLOWER DOESN'T WORK AND THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT. IT MAINLY HAPPENS ON THE LOWER SPEEDS BUT OCCASIONALLY HAPPENS ON HIGH SPEED ALSO. IT IS INTERMITTENT BUT HAPPENS AROUND 75% OF THE TIME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR ABOUT A YEAR. I HAVE CHECKED ALL FUSES AND RELAYS THAT SEEM TO BE RELATED AND FIND NO PROBLEMS THERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10343005

68,231 miles · Jun 11, 2007
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

I HAVE A 2003 GRANDPRIX AND THE FIRST TIME I USED THE HAZARDS ON FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. IF I TURN THEM ON NOW IT WILL START INSTANTLY. THE OUTSIDE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE ALSO QUIT WORKING AS A RESULT. I'M TOLD THAT IT IS BECAUSE OF THE WIRING IN THE COLUMN AND THAT EVERYTHING GOES THROUGH A CENTRAL LOCATI…

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2003 GRANDPRIX AND THE FIRST TIME I USED THE HAZARDS ON FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES THE COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. IF I TURN THEM ON NOW IT WILL START INSTANTLY. THE OUTSIDE BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE ALSO QUIT WORKING AS A RESULT. I'M TOLD THAT IT IS BECAUSE OF THE WIRING IN THE COLUMN AND THAT EVERYTHING GOES THROUGH A CENTRAL LOCATION WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY BY STEERING THE CAR OVER TIME IT EVENTUALLY REMOVES THE OUTER COATING OF THE WIRING. I FEEL THAT GM SHOULD REPAIR THIS AT NO COST. I'M ALSO CONCERNED THAT PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM AND IF THEY TURN THE HAZARDS ON AND WALK AWAY, THEY MAY NOT HAVE A CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10192876

Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2005
Exterior LightingStructure

I CONSTANTLY GET FLASHES OF HIGH BEAM FROM ONCOMING DRIVERS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT WHEN I HAVE MY LOW BEAMS ON. ALSO, WHEN IT RAINS, THE PASSENGER SIDE LEAKS WATER UNDER THE DASH. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10111835

700 miles · Aug 5, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentExterior Lighting

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS OCCURRED DURING A RAIN STORM . THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 3 OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED TEMPORARILY. *JB THE WIPER WOULD NOT GO FAR ENOUGH TOWARDS THE A-PILLAR. THE DEALER READJUSTED THE LEFT WIPER ARM. THE VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED. WHILE DRIVIN…

Read full complaint

THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORKED INTERMITTENTLY. THIS OCCURRED DURING A RAIN STORM . THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 3 OCCASIONS AND THE PROBLEM WAS RESOLVED TEMPORARILY. *JB THE WIPER WOULD NOT GO FAR ENOUGH TOWARDS THE A-PILLAR. THE DEALER READJUSTED THE LEFT WIPER ARM. THE VEHICLE ENGINE STALLED. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND ABOVE THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE. THE TECHNICIAN DETERMINED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT TIRE WAS OUT OF BALANCE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL WAS OUT OF ROUND. . THE CD PLAYER STOPPED WORKING WHILE IT WAS PLAYING. THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH BROKE OFF THE STEERING COLUMN. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10083330

3,400 miles · Nov 5, 2003
Exterior Lighting

WHILE DRIVING A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP TRIED TURNING ON THE DASH LIGHTS AT DUSK ONLY TO FIND THAT THE DASH LIGHTS AS WELL AS THE HEAD LIGHTS LOW AND HIGH BEAM WOULD NOT COME ON. AFTER HAVING THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT THE VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT A PLUG CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE LOSS OF BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. I FIND THA…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP TRIED TURNING ON THE DASH LIGHTS AT DUSK ONLY TO FIND THAT THE DASH LIGHTS AS WELL AS THE HEAD LIGHTS LOW AND HIGH BEAM WOULD NOT COME ON. AFTER HAVING THE DEALERSHIP LOOK AT THE VEHICLE IT WAS FOUND THAT A PLUG CAME LOOSE CAUSING THE LOSS OF BOTH LOW AND HIGH BEAM LIGHTS. I FIND THAT THIS COULD POSSIBLY BE A SAFTY HAZARD AND FILL THAT THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM SHOULD BE ON SEPARATE CIRCUITS SO AS TO NOT LOOSE BOTH LIGHTS AT NIGHT.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10045529

Official recalls

3

15V701000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

Oct 26, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

09V116000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Apr 8, 2009

GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

08V118000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Mar 12, 2008

GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG WITH THE 1-3-5 SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. , FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. UNTIL THE REMEDY IS COMPLETED, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS (1) THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CAR PORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.