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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

Visibility complaints

12 reports
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92,000 miles · Sep 26, 2012
Electrical SystemVisibility

IN OCTOBER 2011, I NOTICED THAT MY A\C & HEATING FAN WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER A HARD RAIN, THE FAN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY, AND I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. I DECIDED NOT TO HAVE THE BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED UNTIL AFTER I COULD FIND THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE WATER LEAK. IN SPRING 201…

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IN OCTOBER 2011, I NOTICED THAT MY A\C & HEATING FAN WAS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. AFTER A HARD RAIN, THE FAN STOPPED WORKING COMPLETELY, AND I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. I DECIDED NOT TO HAVE THE BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED UNTIL AFTER I COULD FIND THE EXACT LOCATION OF THE WATER LEAK. IN SPRING 2012, WHILE WASHING MY CAR, I NOTICED THAT THE SEAL BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD AND THE HOOD IS NOT PROPERLY CONNECTED, AND THAT WATER COULD BE PUSHED INTO A HOLE IN THE SEAL. THE SEAL IS NOT DAMAGED - THERE IS SIMPLY A GAP BETWEEN THE SEAL AND WINDSHIELD. WATER RUNS BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX, THROUGH ELECTRICAL WIRING AND EQUIPMENT, MAKING THIS A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10477162

113,000 miles · Jun 25, 2011
Visibility

OUR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS HAD TWO FAILURES OF THE HEATER MOTOR IN THREE YEARS. IN BOTH CASES NOXIOUS FUMES AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE SIGHT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD WHILE ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (WE WERE) CAN RESULT IN GREAT ANXIETY. I'M AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AN…

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OUR 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS HAD TWO FAILURES OF THE HEATER MOTOR IN THREE YEARS. IN BOTH CASES NOXIOUS FUMES AND SMOKE CAME FROM THE DASHBOARD. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE SIGHT OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD WHILE ON A BUSY INTERSTATE (WE WERE) CAN RESULT IN GREAT ANXIETY. I'M AN ELECTRICAL ENGINEER AND MY MECHANIC LET ME SEE THE PARTS. THE SMOKE CAME FROM A RESISTOR THAT IS PART OF THE SPEED CONTROL FOR THE MOTOR. IT'S A VERY POOR DESIGN, WITH HEAT FINS TO DISSIPATE THE HEAT INTO THE HEATER/AC AIR FLOW. IF THE MOTOR STARTS TO DRAG, CURRENT GOES UP AND AIRFLOW GOES DOWN, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE RESISTOR HEATS UP TO THE POINT WHERE IT PUTS SMOKE INTO THE AIR STREAM. I CONSIDER THIS EXTREMELY POOR DESIGN, AND A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD. I'VE WRITTEN TO THE MANUFACTURER AND SUGGESTED A NEW DESIGN (I HATE HAVING TO RE-DESIGN THINGS DONE BY AMATEURS!). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10408910

111,200 miles · Dec 30, 2010
Visibility

LEFT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WENT DOWN WITH OUT ANY WARNING AND DID NOT COME BACK UP, ANOTHER PIECE OF CRAP AND ANOTHER IDIOTIC PIECE OF ENGINEERING BY THE PONTIAC ENGINEERING DEPT. BROKEN CABLE ON THE POWER WINDOW SYSTEM LEADING TO TOTAL FAILURE AND HAVING TO REPLACE THE WHOLE ASSEMBLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10373507

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

109,000 miles · Jul 12, 2009
Visibility

POWER WINDOWS GO DOWN BY THEM SHELF'S AND WILL NOT COME BACK UP, / FAILURE IN THE POWER WINDOW MOTOR MECHANISM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10276448

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

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2008
Visibility

WHEN I TURN MY VEHICLE OFF THE HEATER/BLOWER CONTINUES TO RUN. I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS AND IT SEEMS THAT GRAND PRIX'S ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS. I BELIEVE THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10217649

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

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

Mileage unknown · Feb 15, 2004
Visibility

HEADS-UP DISPLAY SHOWS DOUBLE IMAGE AND IS BLURRY-- REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD AT CUSTOMER EXPENSE CORRECTED PROBLEM.*AK

NHTSA ODI #10058189

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.