Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
820–25K
4325–50K
3550–75K
3475–100K
55100–150K
65150K+
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
What owners actually said
454 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2010
Vehicle Speed Control
TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED BUT THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO …
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TL*-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35-40 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED BUT THERE WAS NO POWER RESPONSE. THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESUME FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TRANSMISSION WAS FLUSHED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 05V046000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL: ACCELERATOR PEDAL); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #10367132
130,000 miles · Sep 14, 2010
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND WOULD COME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AT ANY SPEED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WOULD NEED REPLACING. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL CLUNKING SOUND WOULD COME FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN ATTEMPTING A TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION AT ANY SPEED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE FRONT SUB FRAME WOULD NEED REPLACING. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA ODI #10355599
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS, THE PLASTIC GUARD ATOP THE ENGINE AND THE FILLER TUBE TO ADD ENGINE OIL WERE ALL BURNED AND MELTED TOGETHER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE SPARK PLUGS, THE PLASTIC GUARD ATOP THE ENGINE AND THE FILLER TUBE TO ADD ENGINE OIL WERE ALL BURNED AND MELTED TOGETHER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY A LOCAL MECHANIC THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE ON THE 2003 MODEL YEAR PONTIAC GRAND PRIX BUT NOT THE 2004 MODEL (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V116000- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10355591
50,000 miles · Aug 10, 2010
StructureVisibility
HEADS UP DISPLAY ON 2004 GRAND PRIX FAILED DUE TO CONTROL SPRING BECOMING FREE DUE TO PREMATURE PART FAILURE OF THE PLASTIC ARM. THIS LEAVE A BLACKISH/GRAYISH SQUARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHERE CREATES A DRIVING NUISANCE- WHERE THE HUD SHOULD BE. THIS PART FAILURE IS MENTIONED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE INTERNET, THUS LEAVING THE OWN…
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HEADS UP DISPLAY ON 2004 GRAND PRIX FAILED DUE TO CONTROL SPRING BECOMING FREE DUE TO PREMATURE PART FAILURE OF THE PLASTIC ARM. THIS LEAVE A BLACKISH/GRAYISH SQUARE ON THE WINDSHIELD WHERE CREATES A DRIVING NUISANCE- WHERE THE HUD SHOULD BE. THIS PART FAILURE IS MENTIONED NUMEROUS TIMES ON THE INTERNET, THUS LEAVING THE OWNERS WITH A $600-700 REPAIR IN WHICH THERE ISN'T A NEW PART BUT INSTEAD A REBUILT ONE PUT IN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10348515
56,235 miles · May 11, 2010
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Parking Brake
MANY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING SENSORS. TRACTION CONTROL/STS/ABS LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY OR STAY ON. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND SERVICE DEALERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. HOW SAFE IS IT FOR OUR FAMILIES AND OURSELVES TO BE DRIVING…
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MANY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FOLLOWING SENSORS. TRACTION CONTROL/STS/ABS LIGHTS COME ON INTERMITTENTLY OR STAY ON. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM AND SERVICE DEALERS HAVE ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM. HOW SAFE IS IT FOR OUR FAMILIES AND OURSELVES TO BE DRIVING CARS THAT DO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10329943
38,000 miles · Apr 5, 2010
Wheels
THE CHROME PLATING ON THE RIMS OF MY 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP IS CORRODING. UPON MY ONLINE RESEARCH, THERE ARE MAY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THESE WHEELS. THIS CORROSION IS CAUSING THE RIMS TO CONSTANTLY LOSE AIR LEADING TO UNSAFE DRIVING SITUATIONS WHICH COULD LEAD TO A CRASH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10323745
113,000 miles · Apr 1, 2010
Electrical SystemFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT. THE FIRE BURNED THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TEN MINUTE POWER DOWN BUT EVEN AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, THE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT. THE FIRE BURNED THE ENTIRE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A TEN MINUTE POWER DOWN BUT EVEN AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, THERE WAS STILL POWER MOVING TO THE WIRES UNDER THE SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED TO PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM THE CONTACT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 113,000.
NHTSA ODI #10323300
30,000 miles · Mar 25, 2010
Wheels
THE CHROME IN MY RIMS IS BUBBLING AND CRACKING OFF. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MY TIRES ARE SLOWLY LOOSING AIR BECAUSE THEY CAN NOT GET A PROPER SEAL. REPLACING THE WHEEL OUT OF POCKET DOES NOT SEEM TO BE A PROPER OPTION. IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT THAT I SEE ALL OVER THE LIST OF DEFECTS FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL.
NHTSA ODI #10322224
60,000 miles · Mar 25, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH A 3800 SERIES 3 ENGINE. I HAD TO GET MY INTAKE GASKETS AND MY VALVE COVERS REPLACED. IVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS A IS A COMMON ISSUE REGARDING THIS ENGINE SO I WANTED TO REPORT IT. MAYBE IT WILL BE A RECALL SOMEDAY LIKE THE 2003 AND OLDER MODELS. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN A SERIOUS FIRE AN…
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I HAVE 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH A 3800 SERIES 3 ENGINE. I HAD TO GET MY INTAKE GASKETS AND MY VALVE COVERS REPLACED. IVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS A IS A COMMON ISSUE REGARDING THIS ENGINE SO I WANTED TO REPORT IT. MAYBE IT WILL BE A RECALL SOMEDAY LIKE THE 2003 AND OLDER MODELS. THIS COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY BEEN A SERIOUS FIRE AND IS A SERIOUS FIRE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10322221
40,000 miles · Mar 12, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FRONT BRAKE PAD FELL OFF OF VEHICLE WITHOUT BEING WORN OUT. *TR
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 engines 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 engines 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 engines 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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