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

40,000 miles · Sep 16, 2008

Engine And Engine Cooling

WHEN I TRY TO CRANK CAR SOMETIMES IT CUT BACK OFF, I HAVE TOO HOLD THE GAS PADDLE DOWN TO GET IT TO CRANK. THIS DON'T HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, BUT A LOT WHEN IT IS HOT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10242519

100,109 miles · Sep 4, 2008

Visibility

THE BLOWER FOR MY HEATER WILL NOT SHUT OFF EVEN THOUGH THE KEYS ARE OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE CAR IS SHUT OFF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10241000

70,000 miles · Jun 24, 2008

Service Brakes, ElectricService Brakes, Hydraulic

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WHEN BRAKING AND TURNING THE VEHICLE AT SLOW SPEEDS, IE PARKING THE CAR IN A LOT, THE ABS WILL ACTIVATE. THIS OCCURS AT LEAST HALF OF THE TIME I MAKE A SLOW RIGHT TURN, AND HAS ALSO HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT. I HAVE HAD THE ABS ACTIVATE EVEN WITHOUT TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL (ACCELERATING WHILE TURNING FROM AN INTERSECTION FOR EXAMPLE). DEALERSHIP HAS SAID THE PROBLEM IS IN EITHER THE ABS SENSOR OR THE WIRING HARNESS, BUT THE COMPUTER WAS NOT GENERATING ANY CODES TO SPECIFY WHICH, SO THEY ARE SO FAR REFUSING TO FIX ANYTHING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10232200

66,174 miles · Jun 18, 2008

Wheels

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THERE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT IN THE STOCK CHROME GTP RIMS FOR 2004, WHICH CAUSES THE CHROME LAYER TO PEEL OFF. BECAUSE THE CHROME LAYER IS VERY THIN IT ALLOWS CORROSION TO FORM UNDERNEATH THE CHROME LAYER, WHICH CAUSES PITTING AND THE TIRE NOT TO SEAL AND LEAK AIR. THE CAR IS 4 YEARS OLD AND THE TIRES WERE REPLACED APPROXIMATELY 1 1/2 YRS AGO BY THE PONTIAC DEALER I PURCHASE AND MAINTAIN THE CAR WITH. I NOTICED THAT I WAS CONSTANTLY (1-2 X/WEEK) FILLING THE TWO DRIVER SIDE TIRES WITH AIR. I DIDN'T THINK THIS WAS A SAFE SITUATION FOR HIGHWAY DRIVING. WHEN I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO CHECK THE TIRES FOR LEAKS THE DEALER SAID I NEEDED TO BUY 3 NEW WHEELS AT $700 A PIECE. TWO OF THE WHEELS HAD PITTING WHICH WAS PREVENTING THE TIRES FROM SEALING AND A THIRD WHEEL WAS STARTING TO DO THE SAME THING. I SAID THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, NOBODY HAS TO BUY NEW WHEELS UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED IN AN ACCIDENT AND IF THE FIRST SET WERE MANUFACTURED POORLY, WHAT GUARANTEE DO I HAVE THAT THE NEXT SET ISN'T FROM THE SAME LOT? NEXT I CONTACTED THE PONTIAC COMPLAINT LINE. THEY ASKED HOW I WANTED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WANTED THE WHEELS TO BE REPLACED NO CHARGE, AT THE VERY LEAST, I DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN $125 PER WHEEL. I POINTED OUT TO THEM THAT WHEN I HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON BY THIS SAME PONTIAC DEALER 16 MONTHS PRIOR, THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THE WHEELS HAVING ANY PROBLEMS. THE COMPLAINT LINE CAME BACK WITH THE REDUCED PRICE OF $300 PER WHEEL AS THEIR OFFER. I COULDN'T DO IT; THERE WAS STILL NO GUARANTEE I WOULD NOT EXPERIENCE THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. I WENT AND BOUGHT 4 NEW CUSTOM WHEELS FOR UNDER $125 A PIECE FROM A LOCAL TIRE DEALER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10231415

27,126 miles · Jun 7, 2008

Wheels

CENTER OF RIMS BREAKING UP ON PASSENGER SIDE CHARGING SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING CAR TO QUIT IN FULL MOTION IM WONDERING HOW MANY SUB STANDARD PARTS ARE ON MY CAR THAT DELPHI PUSHED OUT THE DOOR BEFORE OR DURING BANKRUPTCY THAT ENDANGERS MYSELF AND MY WIFE'S SAFETY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230214

56,000 miles · May 30, 2008

Power Train

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. ONCE THE LIGHT CHANGED, HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. HE THEN ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS, BUT THEY WERE NOT OPERATING. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THREE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED ON FIVE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION AND ALSO STATED THAT IT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT THIS MILEAGE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 56,000. UPDATED 06/16/08 *BF IN THE PAST 2 YEARSM, THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED 5 TIMES. UPDATED 06/16/08

NHTSA ODI #10229322

80,034 miles · May 27, 2008

Steering

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, THE STEERING SHAFT MAKES A CLUNKING NOISE AND SHAKES. SPEED WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS AND THE COMPONENT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY; THEREFORE, THE REPAIR WOULD BE THE CONTACT'S RESPONSIBILITY. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 80,248 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,034. UPDATED 6/16/08 *CN

NHTSA ODI #10228989

27,000 miles · May 20, 2008

Power Train

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2006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX V6 TRANSMISSION CLUNKING NOISE: TRANSMISSION SHIFTS HARD INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE AND HAS SINCE I BOUGHT IT (ABOUT A WEEK AFTER). SHIFTING GEARS (AUTOMATIC) IS HARD AND HAVE TO TAKE IT EASY ON THE ACCELERATION. BOUGHT VEHICLE AT 27000 MILES AND CURRENTLY IT IS 68000. CANT AFFORD TO FIX, TOO EXPENSIVE. OCCURS ALL THE TIME. APPARENTLY IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR, JUST GOOGLE IT, YET NO RECALLS. EMAILED GM AND DID NOT GET A COURTESY EMAIL OR CALL AFTER COMPLAINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10228352

75,000 miles · May 1, 2008

Engine And Engine Cooling

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I HAVE EXPERIENCED ENGINE STALLING WITH MY 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT NUMEROUS, NUMEROUS TIMES. THE WEATHER DOES NOT PLAY A FACTOR IN THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE GAS IN THE CAR, SO THAT IS NOT THE CAUSE. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT PINPOINT THE PROBLEM. WHEN THE CAR STALLS THERE IS NO WARNING. IT HAS HAPPEN TO ME AS I AM IN DRIVE MODE, WHEN I AM ABOUT TO START THE CAR, AND SITTING IN THE DRIVE THROUGH AT FAST FOOD RESTAURANTS. THE TIME OF DAY NOR THE TIME OF SEASON DOES NOT PLAY A ROLE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR TOWED OVER AND OVER AGAIN. MY 1998 GALANT WITH OVER 170,000 MILES HAS NOT GAVE ME ANY TROUBLE, BUT YET A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT GIVES ME HELL. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE A VEHICLE AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHEN IT WILL STALL. I AM A MOTHER AND TO HAVE MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENS IS VERY SCARY BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN THE CAR MAY CUT OFF IN DRIVE MODE. THERE IS NO USE TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER WHEN THEY CAN'T EVEN PINPOINT THE EXACT PROBLEM. THE CAR HAS GONE THROUGH EVERY DIAGNOSTIC POSSIBLE.... *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226402

Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2008

TiresUnknown Or OtherCrash

2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX SLID INTO THE MEDIAN. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE SLID INTO THE MEDIAN WALL. *KB THE POLICE REPORT STATED THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS WORN. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0072-90). *JB

NHTSA ODI #10222772

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.