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

106,000 miles · Mar 12, 2010

Steering

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING RECALL FOR POWER STEERING FAILURE ON MY PONTIAC ON MARCH 3, 2010. ON MARCH 5, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT ON MY VEHICLE. GM IS NOW STATING THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT COVERED IN THIS RECALL THAT IT IS 2005 AND LATER. MINE GRAND PRIX IS 2004. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10319151

50,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010

Steering

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TL-*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT AT APPROXIMATELY 2MPH AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN TO THE LEFT. THE WEATHER WAS SUNNY AND COLD, AND WAS NOT A FACTOR IN THE VEHICLE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND TESTING. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING IN THE VEHICLE. THE POWER STEERING FAILED AGAIN DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE POWER STEERING AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OPERATING FINE SINCE DECEMBER 28, 2009. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.

NHTSA ODI #10317251

38,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

SIGNIFICANT BRAKE CALIPER FLUID LEAK ON REAR DRIVER SIDE CALIPER. A NEW CALIPER WAS INSTALLED TO STOP FLUID LEAK. THIS WAS A PREVIOUSLY RECALLED ITEM FOR THE 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. MILEAGE WAS APPROX. 38,000 WHEN LEAK FIRST DETECTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10317194

Mileage unknown · Feb 26, 2010

SeatsFire

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I OWN A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX THAT I PURCHASED BRAND NEW. THIS MORNING, I FOUND MY CAR WITH IT'S INTERIOR BURNED OUT. A FIRE STARTED UNDER MY SEAT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE AT THE ELECTRIC SEAT WIRING HARNESS BOX. MY CONCERN IS PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE WANTS ME TO WAIT 2 DAYS, OR UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY BECAUSE IT IS A FRIDAY, FOR A RETURN PHONE CALL. MY LIFE DOES NOT STOP BECAUSE PONTIAC FEELS MY PROBLEM IS NOT WORTHY OF A QUICK SOLUTION EVEN THOUGH I AM SURE THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PONTIAC GRAND PRIXS SITTING UNDER GARAGES THAT COULD CATCH ON FIRE JUST AS MINE DID AND POSSIBLE DESTROY HOMES OR LIVES. THE FIREMEN SAID THE FIRE WAS SO HOT THAT IT MELTED THE STEERING COLUMN AND MELTED OUT THE TOP INTERIOR AND THE FRAME AROUND THE SUNROOF. THEY TOLD ME I WAS FORTUNATE BECAUSE IF ANY OXYGEN WOULD HAVE GOTTEN INTO THE CAR IT WOULD HAVE COMPLETED BURNED THE CAR TO THE GROUND DESTROYING TWO OTHER VEHICLES AND A GARAGE. PONTIAC MAY NOT CONSIDER THIS A PRESSING MATTER BUT I DO. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS SEAT THAT PONTIAC, OR IT'S OWNERS, NEEDS TO DEAL WITH NOW BEFORE SOMEONE IS LESS FORTUNATE THAN I AND LOOSES A LIFE OR A CHILD'S LIFE. IF THIS HAPPENED TO ME, IT CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE WITH THIS CAR. I KNOW THIS FIRE WAS CAUSED BY A SHORT IN THE WIRING OF MY SEAT, I KNOW THIS SEAT MAY NEED RECALLED AND PONTIAC PUSHES ME OFF LIKE I HAVE A FLAT TIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10314730

9,000 miles · Dec 16, 2009

Air BagsCrashInjury

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MY BROTHER WAS INVOLVED IN A VERY SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT WITH MY CAR IN WHICH HE HIT ONE SIDE OF THE WALL AND THEN BOUNCED OFF AND HIT ANOTHER SIDE OF THE WALL ALL WITH THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYING. THE CAR DAMAGE MAKES THE CAR APPEAR AS IF THERE WAS NO AIRBAG IN THE CAR BECAUSE THE WHOLE FRONT DASH WAS MOVED AND ON THE PASSENGER SIDE THERE IS A DENT IN THE DASH, APPEARING LIKE THERE WAS NO AIRBAG IN THE CAR. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH GM REGARDING THE ISSUE HOWEVER THEY HAVE NOT BEEN HELPFUL AND WILL NOT PROVIDE ME ADEQUATE INFORMATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10296153

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2009

Structure

THE FRONT AND BACK FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE STAYS WET ALL THE TIME. WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND OUT WHERE EXACTLY IT IS COMING FROM. WHEN IT RAINS IT WILL PUDDLE EVEN WORSE. THE CARPET IS GETTING SO WET THAT IT IS GOING TO ROTTEN IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT SOLVED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10295617

134,000 miles · Nov 29, 2009

Engine And Engine Cooling

CAR WOULD NOT STAY RUNNING, ABS AND TRAC CONTROL WOULD FAIL AND WORK WHEN IT WANTED, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SENT OVER 40 MESSAGES TO DIC ON DASH, STARTED RUNNING ROUGH AND SMOKING FROM ENGINE, SOLD CAR, WOULD NOT RUN! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293938

30,000 miles · Nov 28, 2009

Wheels

CORROSION OF WHEELS CAUSING TIRES NOT TO SEAL. RESULTING IN CONSTANT NEED TO ADD AIR TO TIRES, IMPROPER INFLATION, AND PRE-MATURE WEAR OF TIRES. DEALERSHIP UNWILLING TO WARRANTY OR REPLACE WHEELS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10293753

90,000 miles · Nov 19, 2009

Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

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PASSENGER CABIN BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE OR INTERMITTENT, BLOWER SPEED MAY DROP OR BLOWER CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER KEY OFF. I FEEL THIS MAY LEAD TO A FIRE. REPAIR BULLETIN CAN BE FOUND AT HTTP://WW2.JUSTANSWER.COM/UPLOADS/ADVAUTOCA/2008-12-10_042534_BLOWER_MOTOR.PDF SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ON AN INOPERATIVE OR IMPENITENT HEATING, VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING (BV AC) BLOWER MOTOR. OTHERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR SPEED MAY MOMENTARILY DROP OR THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTINUES TO RUN AFTER THE KEY IS TURNED OFF CAUSE THIS CONDITION MAY BE CAUSED BY A VOLTAGE SPIKE FROM THE WIPER MOTOR. THE VOLTAGE SPIKE MAY CAUSE A LOGIC LOCK UP IN THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE THAT MAY BE EITHER MOMENTARY OR PENNANENT. TECHNICIANS ARE TO INSTALL A CAPACITOR, PIN 25073556, AT THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR USING THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURE: I. DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. 2. REMOVE THE RIGHT CLOSEOUTLINSULATOR PANEL. REFER TO THE CLOSEOUTLLNSULATOR PANEL REPLACEMENT-RIGHT PROCEDURE IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, GAUGES AND CONSOLE SECTION OF SL 3. DISCONNECT THE WIRE HARNESS CONNECTOR TO THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE. 4. INSTALL A CAPACITOR, PIN 25073556, INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR USING THE FOLLOWING STEPS. REFER TO THE ILLUSTRATION ABOVE TO LOCATE THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE LEADS OF THE CAPACITOR. STRIP A SHORT LENGTH OF INSULATION FROM THE RED WIRE IN CAVITY C, CIRCUIT 442, OF THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR USING A SPLICE CLIP FROM THE J-38125 TERMINAL REPAIR KIT, CRIMP THE POSITIVE LEAD OF THE CAPACITOR TO THE RED WIRE. STRIP A SHORT LENGTH OF INSULATION FROM THE BLACK WIRE IN CAVITY A OF THE BLOWER MOTOR CONTROL MODULE CONNECTOR THE CIRCUIT NUMBER FOR BUICK VEHICLES IS 1450 AND FOR PONTIAC VEHICLES IT IS 150. USING A SPLICE CLIP FROM THE J-38125 TERMINAL REPAIR KIT, CRIMP THE NEGATIVE LEAD OF THE CAPACITOR TO THE BLACK WIRE. WHY SHOULD CONSUMERS PAY FOR THIS DEFECT??????? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10292898

91,000 miles · Nov 17, 2009

Structure

WHEN IT RAINS THE FLOOR BOARD IN THE FRONT AND BACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE GETS SOAKED. I CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHERE IT IS COMING FROM AS THE CEILING IS NOT WET. IT ONLY OCCURS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IT IS NOT JUST DAMP BUT COMPLETELY SOAKED WITH SOME STANDING WATER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10292572

Official recalls

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 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

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

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

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

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.