IllustrationI HAVE A 2004 GRAND PRIX, HORN ONLY SOUNDS ON A CERTAIN AREA OF WHEEL, AND THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE WHEN ANOTHER CAR JUMPS IN FRONT OF YOU. *NM
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.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Grand Prix years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
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 reportsHORN DOES NOT WORK. DEALER EXAMINED THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING PACKAGE. THEN, HORN WORKED. CURRENTLY, HORN IS DEFECTIVE AGAIN. *AK
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP. THE HEADLIGHTS "BOUNCE" AT NIGHT CREATING BAD GLARE AND REFLECTIONS FOR ONCOMING CARS. IT ALSO MAKES IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SEE THE ROAD AND SIGNS PROPERLY. *AK
WHEN BACKING AND TURNING LEFT FROM BEING PARKED ON LEVEL ASPHALT, THE STEERING WHEEL REPOSITIONED ITSELF ABOUT 20 DEGREES. *NM WHEN THE INCIDENT OCCURRED THE ENGINE PULLED AND THE STEERING BECAME MOMENTARILY STIFF. *JB
I PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP COMP G FROM RYDELL AUTOMOTIVE (VAN NUYS, CA) ON OCTOBER 24, 2004. IN MAY 2004 THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FLUID LEAK. AUGUST 23, 2004 I HAD THE 30,000 MILE SERVICE PERFORMED (I HAVE A LONG COMMUTE), AND THAT INCLUDED A SERVICE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. AUGU…
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I PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP COMP G FROM RYDELL AUTOMOTIVE (VAN NUYS, CA) ON OCTOBER 24, 2004. IN MAY 2004 THE POWER STEERING HOSE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO A FLUID LEAK. AUGUST 23, 2004 I HAD THE 30,000 MILE SERVICE PERFORMED (I HAVE A LONG COMMUTE), AND THAT INCLUDED A SERVICE OF THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM. AUGUST 31, 2004 WHILE MAKING A THREE POINT TURN IN A PARKING LOT, I HEARD A LOUD POP AND LOST THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE STEERING OF THE VEHICLE. WHITE SMOKE POURED OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FILLED THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT (THE A/C WAS ON). I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE THE ENGINE ON FIRE. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY SEVERAL LARGE BOTTLES OF WATER AND THE ASSISTANCE OF A PASSERBY. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE RYDELL DEALER IN SAN FERNANDO WHERE IT REMAINS UN-REPAIRED. THE GM FACTORY REPRESENTATIVE WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE SAID I SHOULD SUBMIT A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE, EVEN THOUGH I AM CLEARLY WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD. CURRENTLY NEGOTIATING WITH THE DEALERSHIP DIRECTLY AND I AM REQUESTING A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE SINCE I FEEL THE PROBLEM COULD RECUR. *AK
HEADLIGHTS BOUNCE. NHTSA COMPLAINT NUMBER: 10079160. CAR JUST PURCHASED ON 31-AUG-2004. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN FIXED BEFORE I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT. *AK
A CLUNKING NOISE RECENTLY APPEARED IN THE STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. MAINLY NOTICED AT HIGHER SPEEDS WHEN TURNING SLIGHTLY (1/8TH STEERING WHEEL TURN) OR AT LOW SPEEDS AND TURNING SHARPLY. SOMETHING FEELS LOOSE IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.*AK
THE CAR ACCELERATES WITHOUT THE OPERATOR DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HERE WERE TWO NEAR MISS CRASHES WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN TOWN AND ACCELERATED BY ITSELF . ONE INCIDENT WAS WHEN MY PREGANANT WIFE NEARLY STRUCK A TRAIN. *AK THE ACTUAL DATE OF THE INCIDENT BELOW IS NOT CORRECT, I DO NOT HAVE THAT INFORMATION WITH…
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THE CAR ACCELERATES WITHOUT THE OPERATOR DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. HERE WERE TWO NEAR MISS CRASHES WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN IN TOWN AND ACCELERATED BY ITSELF . ONE INCIDENT WAS WHEN MY PREGANANT WIFE NEARLY STRUCK A TRAIN. *AK THE ACTUAL DATE OF THE INCIDENT BELOW IS NOT CORRECT, I DO NOT HAVE THAT INFORMATION WITH ME. I DO KNOW THAT THE FIRST TIME WAS IN JANUARY OF 2004.
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. MOST PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO WIRING PROBLEMS AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE LATEST INCIDENCE I LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND THE SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE IP CLUSTER AND THE BCM WHICH HAD BOTH COMPLETELY…
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I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT. MOST PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY RELATED TO WIRING PROBLEMS AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE LATEST INCIDENCE I LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAD NO STEERING OR BRAKES. THE CAR WAS TOWED AND THE SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE IP CLUSTER AND THE BCM WHICH HAD BOTH COMPLETELY FAILED. THIS FAILURE CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LEAVING THE ROAD AND EVENTUALLY BECOMING BURIED IN THE MEDIAN. IF THIS INCIDENCE HAD OCCURED AT ANY OTHER SECTION OF THIS MAIN THOROUGHFARE (I-40) ME AND MY 5 YR OLD COULD HAVE BEEN SEVERELY HURT OR KILLED.*AK
UPON COLD STARTUP VEHICLE WILL STALL, HESITATE OR SURGE UPON THE FIRST PRESS OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED ON PRIOR ATTEMPTS ALONG WITH NEW THROTTLE BODIES AND STALLING NO LONGER PRESENT, BUT HESITATION AND SURGING ARE STILL PRESENT. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP HAS STARTED ILLUMINATING. CO…
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UPON COLD STARTUP VEHICLE WILL STALL, HESITATE OR SURGE UPON THE FIRST PRESS OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. COMPUTER HAS BEEN REPLACED AND REPROGRAMMED ON PRIOR ATTEMPTS ALONG WITH NEW THROTTLE BODIES AND STALLING NO LONGER PRESENT, BUT HESITATION AND SURGING ARE STILL PRESENT. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP HAS STARTED ILLUMINATING. CODE IS P0452 FOR THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR. ACCORDING TO A GM ADMINISTRATIVE MESSAGE TO DEALERS ON 4/2/04, "DEALERS ARE ADVISED TO ORDER FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR P/N 16238399 INSTEAD OF P/N 09377680. FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSOR P/N 09377680 HAS PROVED TO BE UNRELIABLE AND IT IS LIKELY TO FAIL AGAIN SHORTLY AFTER INSTALLATION. PRODUCTION CHANGE TO USE P/N 16238399 IS SCHEDULED FOR MID-APRIL." DEALER WILL BE REPLACING SENSOR ON SUBSEQUENT VISIT. *JB
Official recalls
715V701000 · 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
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.
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
1DP05010 · 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.