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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Prix years

Owner complaints for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix are substantially higher than the model-year median of 88.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

314 reports with mileage · 140 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.

  • Electrical System. Review the 107 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 98 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

46 crash reports58 fire reports33 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

25 reports
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89,000 miles · Sep 29, 2014
Service Brakes

ABS KICKS ON WHEN TURNING STOPPING AT SLOW SPEEDS ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. ABS PUMP KICKS ON WHEN TURNING LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. IN OREGON WE HAVE A LOT OF BICYCLIST AND THE BRAKES NEED TO WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER [XXX] AND HOLT IN BEND, OR. TWICE AND THE PROBLEM REAPPEARS. BIG SAFETY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED P…

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ABS KICKS ON WHEN TURNING STOPPING AT SLOW SPEEDS ALMOST HIT A PEDESTRIAN. ABS PUMP KICKS ON WHEN TURNING LEFT AT LOW SPEEDS. IN OREGON WE HAVE A LOT OF BICYCLIST AND THE BRAKES NEED TO WORK. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER [XXX] AND HOLT IN BEND, OR. TWICE AND THE PROBLEM REAPPEARS. BIG SAFETY ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10640011

115,784 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingFuel System, Gasoline

[XXX] INSISTED, "THEY'RE CARS ARE SAFE, BUT THIS IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH!" I PURCHASED, THIS CAR ON 02/26/2014, AND THERE WHERE NO VISIBLE SIGN ON HOW MUCH THE CAR COST, [XXX] WAS THE SALESMAN, WHO GATHERED MY INFORMATION, SHOWED ME TWO CARS, AND I TEST DROVE ONE, BUT NONE WAS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, BECAUSE I INDICATED, I NEEDED…

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[XXX] INSISTED, "THEY'RE CARS ARE SAFE, BUT THIS IS FAR FROM THE TRUTH!" I PURCHASED, THIS CAR ON 02/26/2014, AND THERE WHERE NO VISIBLE SIGN ON HOW MUCH THE CAR COST, [XXX] WAS THE SALESMAN, WHO GATHERED MY INFORMATION, SHOWED ME TWO CARS, AND I TEST DROVE ONE, BUT NONE WAS WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR, BECAUSE I INDICATED, I NEEDED AND SUV FOR MY WORK, BUT THEY SAID, "YOUR INCOME WASN'T ENOUGH, AND I ASKED, WHY NONE OF THE VEHICLES HAVE PRICES ON THEM, BUT THEY CONTINUE TO AVOID MY QUESTIONS. I WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE TWO VEHICLES, AND THEIR MANAGER, WHICH FINANCE THE VEHICLE FROM [XXX]/CNAC CAME OUT AND SHOWED ME TWO OTHER VEHICLES, AND I KEPT ASKING FOR A SUV, BUT HIS EXPLANATION, 'IT ISN'T IN YOU PRICE RANGE, AND WE WILL DO A BUDGET AFTER YOU CHOOSE A CAR, AND OUT OF THE FOUR CHOICES, I CHOSE THE GRAND AM, I TEST DROVE THE CAR, I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE RUBBING AND A NOISE, AND THE INDICATED, YOU WILL HAVE A WARRANTY, AND WE WILL FIX ANYTHING UNDER THE HOOD, AND ANY THING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THE BRAKES, TIRES, THEY ARE NEW, LIGHTS, BECAUSE WE REFURBISH ALL OUR CARS, "THAT'S WHY WE CHARGE WHAT WE DO; EVERYTHING IS NEW ON THE VEHICLE!, BUT CLEARLY THIS IS A LIE!" I HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO BE FIXED FOUR TIMES, THIS LAST TIME, I WENT TO JIFFY LUBE, AND THEY TOOK DIAGNOSTIC, "THE FRONT BRAKES ARE GOING OUT, I HAD TO PURCHASE A AIR FILTER, AND A PCV VALVE, THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST INDICATED, "I DID NOT HAVE A LICENSE LIGHT, LEFT FRONT LIGHT, LEFT BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS DO NOT WORK, NOR DO I HAVE BRAKES!" I PAY $339.91 A MONTH, I INDICATED, TO CNAC, "I CAN NOT AFFORD THIS PRICE, I JUST DO NOT WANT THE CAR, AND CNAC FINANCE GUY TOLD ME, "YOU HAVE ALREADY PURCHASED THE CAR!" A DAY AFTER, I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, THE TROUBLE STARTED, CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, OIL LIGHTS, STEERING WHEEL CLICKING, AND CLACKING, FIXED AFTER THREE MONTHS, NEVER FIXED BRAKES! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10618037

Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2014
EquipmentService BrakesStructure

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING ON BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A WOBBLING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER WAS LEAKING ON BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS WERE NOT WORKING PROPERLY. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS MAKING A WOBBLING NOISE, AND THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE WAS ENGAGED. THE DEALER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ODI #10608849

110,000 miles · Apr 2, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

I WAS DRIVING AT 40MPH ON FREEWAY ABOUT TO EXIT A VEHICLE CUT ME OFF. SLAM BRAKES AND BRAKES LOCKED AND MADE PULSATIONS (I THOUGHT IT WAS ABS BUT LATER FOUND OUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPED WITH ABS) STEERING WHEEL LOCKED TO THE LEFT AND HIT A VAN ON THE SIDE. 4 PEOPLE INJURED.

NHTSA ODI #10576746

89,000 miles · Jun 27, 2012
Service Brakes

WAS TRAVELING FORWARD AND WAS COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES AND TRIED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOT HARD AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON,ALSO A NOISE WAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT,IT TOOK A FEW SECONDS FOR THE BRAKES TO GET BACK NORMAL,BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE LIGHT WENT OFF,I …

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WAS TRAVELING FORWARD AND WAS COMING UP TO A STOP LIGHT WHEN I PUT ON BRAKES AND TRIED TO STOP WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL GOT HARD AND THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON,ALSO A NOISE WAS COMING FROM BEHIND THE DASH OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT,IT TOOK A FEW SECONDS FOR THE BRAKES TO GET BACK NORMAL,BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP UNTIL THE LIGHT WENT OFF,I HAVE NOTICED IT DOES IT WHEN I'M TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL AND APPLYING OR THE VEHICLE IS IN A ROCKING MOTION GOING DOWN HILL WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES,I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE SHOP AND THE MECHANIC REPORTED THE FRONT LEFT ABS SENSOR WIRE WAS TORN AND NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED, I HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AND NOTICED IT STARTED HAVING THE SAME MALFUNCTION AGAIN.I AM THE ONLY OWNER AND PURCHACED THE VEHICLE NEW. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10463329

Official recalls

7

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.

15V201000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Apr 6, 2015

General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

05V046000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Feb 9, 2005

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IF ONE OF THE TWO ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURN SPRINGS FAILS AND THE TEMPERATURE IS -22 DEGREES F TO -40 DEGREES F, THE ENGINE MAY NOT RETURN TO IDLE WITHIN THREE SECONDS, AS REQUIRED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE AND A LONGER DISTANCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THIS RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 8, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CADILLAC AT 1-866-982-2339 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

04V287000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Jun 23, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH LOWER THAN SPECIFIED TORQUE ON BOTH FRONT BRAKE CALIPER TO STEERING KNUCKLE ATTACHMENT BOLTS. WITH IMPROPER TORQUE, THE CLAMP LOAD AT THE JOINT MAY NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PREVENT MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE CALIPER BRACKET AND KNUCKLE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVEL, AND REDUCED STEERING CONTROL. REDUCED BRAKING OR STEERING CONTROL COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS ARE TO TIGHTEN BOTH BOLTS TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC 1-800-620-7668.

04V299000 · Structure:frame And Members

Jun 23, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE FRONT FRAME REAR BODY MOUNT BRACKET MAY FRACTURE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF IGNORED, THE BRACKET WOULD FRACTURE AND DEGRADE TO THE POINT WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT COULD SEPARATE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT FRAME ASSEMBLY AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 16, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

03V331000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 12, 2003

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKING SYSTEMS." ON SOME OF THESE VEHICLES, THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE FITTING MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED PROPERLY, AND A BRAKE FLUID LEAK COULD OCCUR.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF ENOUGH FLUID LEAKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE LOWER THAN NORMAL, AND STOPPING DISTANCES WILL BE LONGER. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE RIGHT REAR BRAKE HOSE FITTING TO THE PROPER TORQUE SPECIFICATION, AND ADD BRAKE FLUID IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 28, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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

1

DP05010 · Unstable Headlamps

Opened Dec 21, 2005 · Closed Apr 10, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:headlights

ODI RECEIVED A PETITION FROM MR. BRAD LAMB OF THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSUMERS COUNCIL, REQUESTING INVESTIGATION OF AN ALLEGED DEFECT EVIDENCED BY SHAKE OR BOUNCE OF THE HEADLAMPS ON MODEL YEAR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES.ODI'S PREVIOUS REVIEW OF THIS ISSUE IN OCTOBER 2003, DETERMINED THAT IT DID NOT WARRANT INVESTIGATION.ODI'S CURRENT ANALYSIS IDENTIFIED 36 COMPLAINTS IN THE CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATABASE; AND A DECLINING TREND OF REPORTS WAS EVIDENT.A FEW FIELD REPORTS OF SIMILAR NATURE WERE ALSO SUBMITTED BY THE MANUFACTURER IN ITS EARLY WARNING REPORTING DATA.A SERVICE BULLETIN AND A REVISED HEADLAMP RETAINING BRACKET WERE ISSUED IN NOVEMBER 2004, AND THESE ACTIONS ARE SEEN AS APPROPRIATE IN ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WHILE ALL OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE STILL COVERED BY THE NEW VEHICLE WARRANTY.COMPROMISE TO SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION AS A RESULT OF THIS ISSUE WAS NOT IDENTIFIED.IT IS UNLIKELY THAT INVESTIGATION WOULD RESULT IN A NHTSA ORDER FOR THE RECALL AND REMEDY OF THIS PROBLEM.