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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

Seat Belts complaints

8 reports
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14,800 miles · Mar 16, 2016
Electrical SystemEngineSeat Belts

ON MARCH 16TH 2016 WHILE ON THE WAY TO A DOCTORS APPT. WE TRIED TO USED THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT,HOWEVER WE COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT TO PULL OUT SO WE COULD USE IT. ON THE WAY TO THE DRS. OFFICE WE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF OIL AND ANTIFREEZE IN THE CAR. WHEN WE GOT TO DRS. OFFICE WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. S…

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ON MARCH 16TH 2016 WHILE ON THE WAY TO A DOCTORS APPT. WE TRIED TO USED THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT,HOWEVER WE COULD NOT GET THE SEAT BELT TO PULL OUT SO WE COULD USE IT. ON THE WAY TO THE DRS. OFFICE WE SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF OIL AND ANTIFREEZE IN THE CAR. WHEN WE GOT TO DRS. OFFICE WE NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SO WE LET THE CAR SIT THERE UNTIL AFTER THE APPT. WHEN WE GOT BACK TO CAR WE CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AND COULD NOT FIND ANY OIL OF WATER LEAK, SO MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ME BACK HOME WHEN THE CAR COMPLETELY CUT OFF AND STOPPED RUNNING,SHE HAD NO CONTROL OF THE CAR AT ALL. SO I HELPED HE TURN THE CAR OFF TO ROAD TO THE SHOULDER UNTIL IT STOPPED. AFTER LOOKING I NOTICED THE KEY WAS IN THE OFF POSITION, I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP I DROVE THE CAR ON HOME, AND THAT'S WHERE IT SITS NOW!!! PLEASE HELP!!! [XXX] 'INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *BF

NHTSA ODI #10849958

10,000 miles · Dec 18, 2015
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DOWNHILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED DOWNHILL INTO AN INTERSECTION, JUMPED A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO THE BUSHES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LEG, AND SHOULDER …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH DOWNHILL, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED DOWNHILL INTO AN INTERSECTION, JUMPED A CURB, AND CRASHED INTO THE BUSHES. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED NECK, LEG, AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER, WHO WAS PREGNANT, WAS RELEASED FROM THE SEAT BELT AND THROWN FROM THE VEHICLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED ABDOMINAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION AND RESULTED IN PREMATURE BIRTH. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

NHTSA ODI #10811146

160,000 miles · Jul 16, 2012
Seat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SEAT BEAT WOULD NOT LATCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ODI #10465820

39,000 miles · Aug 3, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingSeat BeltsVisibility

I LEASE A 2004 GRAND PRIX. THERE WERE NO EVENTS LEADING TO THE FAILURE. THREE PROBLEMS: 1) THE DRIVER-SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. 2) THE CAR OVERHEATS. 3) THE BLOWER MOTOR DOES NOT WORK. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10164429

45,240 miles · Dec 20, 2005
Seat BeltsCrash

DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A FAILURE OF THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT. WHILE LOCKING THE BRAKES BEFORE STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK THE REAR FACING CAR SEAT IN PLACE. ON THE POINT OF IMPACT, INSTEAD OF LOCKING THE SEAT BELT, IT RELEASED TOO MUCH WEBBING, AND THE CAR SEAT OVERTURNED. THE CAR…

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DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A FAILURE OF THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT. WHILE LOCKING THE BRAKES BEFORE STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK THE REAR FACING CAR SEAT IN PLACE. ON THE POINT OF IMPACT, INSTEAD OF LOCKING THE SEAT BELT, IT RELEASED TOO MUCH WEBBING, AND THE CAR SEAT OVERTURNED. THE CAR SEAT FLIPPED UPSIDE DOWN WITH THE CHILD IN IT. THE SEAT BELT REMAINED BUCKLED. ALTHOUGH THEY WERE INVOLVED IN A CRASH THE VEHICLE SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE TO THE FRONT HEADLIGHT AND BUMPER. THERE WERE NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE SEAT BELTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10145706

Mileage unknown · Dec 16, 2005
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolinePower Train

I PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAN DPRIX GT2 IN JUNE OF THAT SAME YEAR. ONE WEEK LATER THE REPAIRS BEGAN. THE MOST SCARY OCCURRING ON THE DATE MENTIONED ON THIS COMPLAINT, MAY 26, 2005, ELEVEN MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. MY CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY THREE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. THE CA…

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I PURCHASED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAN DPRIX GT2 IN JUNE OF THAT SAME YEAR. ONE WEEK LATER THE REPAIRS BEGAN. THE MOST SCARY OCCURRING ON THE DATE MENTIONED ON THIS COMPLAINT, MAY 26, 2005, ELEVEN MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. MY CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY THREE SMALL CHILDREN IN THE BACK SEAT. THE CAR HAD NO POWER WHATSOEVER, NO STEERING, NO GAS, NO LIGHTS, NOTHING. I THANK GOD WE ARE ALIVE. THE MECHANICS AT THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I RENTED A CAR AT MY OWN EXPENSE FOR EIGHT WEEKS. WE DID NOT STEP FOOT IN THE VEHICLE FOR THAT PERIOD OF TIME. FOR FINANCIAL REASONS I SLOWLY BEGAN DRIVING MY CAR AGAIN. THERE WERE REPAIRS BEFORE THAT EVENT AS WELL AS AFTERWARDS. THESE INCLUDE THE BRAIN, TRANSMISSION, BRAKES, AXLE, WHEEL BEARINGS, STEERING, SUNROOF, FUEL INJECTORS, AND SAFETY BELTS. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10145430

56,000 miles · Oct 26, 2005
Seat BeltsService Brakes, HydraulicStructure

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WERE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. EACH OF THESE PROBLEMS WERE INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS 04V287000, 03V331000, 04V299000 AND 05V046000. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALLS DUE TO VIN. THE BRAKE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE.

NHTSA ODI #10140883

40,000 miles · Jul 5, 2005
Air BagsSeat BeltsCrashInjury

DT: 2004 PONTIAC, GRAND PRE GT, CONSUMER WAS SIDE SWIPED BY A DEER, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RUN INTO A DITCH AND HIT A 4 FOOT COVET. THEN THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THE FRONT AIR BAGS AND SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO CATCH ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10127518

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.