Total Complaints
410 filings
PONTIAC GRAND PRIX · model year
410 NHTSA complaints, 28 crash reports, and 7 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
Not crash-tested
New Car Assessment Program
The 2002PONTIACGRAND PRIX carries 410 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 28 crashes, 109 fires, 31 injuries, and 1 fatality. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 GRAND PRIX is engine with 86 filings, followed by engine and engine cooling (39) and electrical system (37). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 7 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 5 investigation files overlapping the 2002 GRAND PRIX. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
410 filings
Crashes Reported
28 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 86 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 39 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 37 |
| VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS | 14 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 12 |
| SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC | 11 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 11 |
| STEERING | 10 |
| AIR BAGS | 9 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 9 |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE | 8 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION | 7 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 7 |
| POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION | 6 |
| POWER TRAIN | 6 |
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,
STEERING
DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GM IS RECALLING 207,542 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL AND PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L SUPERCHARGED V-6 ENGINE. THESE VEHICLES HAVE HIGHER FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET TEMPERATURES, CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR EARLIER DEGRADATION OF THE FRONT ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
GENERAL MOTORS IS RECALLING 1,497,516 MY 1997-2003 BUICK REGAL, MY 1998-2003 CHEVROLET LUMINA, MONTE CARLO AND IMPALA, MY 1998-1999 OLDSMOBILE INTRIGUE, MY 1997-2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 3.8L V6 NATURALLY ASPIRATED ENGINE. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROP
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES
The contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was an older vehicle, and the dealer informed the contact that the recall part had been discontinued. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to Christian Brothers Automotive, where it was serviced, and the contact was informed that engine oil was leaking onto the exhaust manifold. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,500.
Mileage: 38,500
On May 27th 2023 just three days ago I went to start my car but it would not start, I tried two times then I smelled gas so I let it sit over night then the next day my friend went out to start it for me and it made a loud bang and the intake manifold exploded causing a fire and debris went everywhere, my is lucky he got away from the when he did or he would have been injured maybe even killed from the flames. I did not take any photos or report to anyone, a neighbor heard the load bang and came out to see if anyone was ok. There were no warning signals that appeared to my knowledge. There were 200,000 miles on the vehicle at time of the incident.
I had just drove about 30 miles home and when I arrived my engine was was smoking a little more than was usual because of oil burn off. So I popped the hood and a fire started in the back of the engine where I was having problems previously with the power steering pump. Obviously when I opened the hood it helped the fire and it grew. Took 30 minutes to put out. Car is now out of commission and I don't know what to do.
I was driving a red 2002 Pontiac. While sitting at a stop sign and the driver of a 2012 Ford Fiesta was going 55-60 MPH and ran in the back of my vehicle.
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAD PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A TUNE-UP, OIL CHANGE AND NO FAILURE CODES FOUND. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER RETRIEVING THE VEHICLE FROM THE MECHANIC, SHE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WHEN SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING THROUGH THE GEAR SHIFT ASSEMBLY AND A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. SHE PULLED OVER AND UPON EXITING THE VEHICLE, LOOKED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND SAW FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED SHE EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE BY USING WATER AND GATORADE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS IN THE EXHAUST AREA OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED HER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE HOME HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING AFTER THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE STALLS AFTER THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNAWAR
Mileage: 150,000
LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL IS ACCUMULATING ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING HARD BRAKING/TURNING, THIS OIL CAN SPILL OFF THE ENGINE ONTO THE HOT EXHAUST.
Mileage: 97,000
BOUGHT THE CAR IN APRIL OF 2017. HAD TO REPLACE RACK AND PINION. A FEW MONTHS DOWN THE ROAD WAS DRIVING CAR AND STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND IT TURNED HALFWAY TO THE LEFT TO KEEP CAR STRAIGHT. RACK AND PINION BUSTED. REPLACED RACK AND PINION AGAIN PLUS STRUTS AND THE CAR WILL MAKE POPPING SOUNDS WHEN TURNING STEEERING WHEEL. THE FRONT END OF MY CAR HAS BEEN PRETTY MUCH REPLACED TWICE. SCARY TO DRIVE.
Mileage: 200,000
II HAD A NO ENGINE CRANK-NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS, INTERMINTENT START. CWAS PARKED NAD NOT MOVING. THE PROBLEM I CAUSED BY THE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS KEY SYSTEM. GM HAD THIS PROBLEM IN 2004 ON THE COLBOLT. 6DEATHS DUE TO LOSS OF ENGINEPOWER, STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR,TILL IGET IT REPAIRED. I AM THE ORIGIONAL OWNER WITH 40000 MILES USE.
Mileage: 40,000
II HAD A NO ENGINE CRANK-NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS, INTERMINTENT START. CWAS PARKED NAD NOT MOVING. THE PROBLEM I CAUSED BY THE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS KEY SYSTEM. GM HAD THIS PROBLEM IN 2004 ON THE COLBOLT. 6DEATHS DUE TO LOSS OF ENGINEPOWER, STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR,TILL IGET IT REPAIRED. I AM THE ORIGIONAL OWNER WITH 40000 MILES USE.
Mileage: 40,000
II HAD A NO ENGINE CRANK-NO DASHBOARD LIGHTS, INTERMINTENT START. CWAS PARKED NAD NOT MOVING. THE PROBLEM I CAUSED BY THE THE IGNITION SWITCH AND PASS KEY SYSTEM. GM HAD THIS PROBLEM IN 2004 ON THE COLBOLT. 6DEATHS DUE TO LOSS OF ENGINEPOWER, STEERING AND POWER BRAKES. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS CAR,TILL IGET IT REPAIRED. I AM THE ORIGIONAL OWNER WITH 40000 MILES USE.
Mileage: 40,000
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT INTO ENGINE, SAFETY HAZARD, INEVITABLE EMISSIONS FAILURE. MANY RECALLS REGARDING PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH THE ISSUE
Mileage: 132,000
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT INTO ENGINE, SAFETY HAZARD, INEVITABLE EMISSIONS FAILURE. MANY RECALLS REGARDING PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH THE ISSUE
Mileage: 132,000
LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKING COOLANT INTO ENGINE, SAFETY HAZARD, INEVITABLE EMISSIONS FAILURE. MANY RECALLS REGARDING PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH THE ISSUE
Mileage: 132,000
IN 04 I HAD MY RACK N PINION REPLACED CAUSE LEFT SIDE BROKE MATAGA OF STOCKTON DID IT THEY ALSO REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP EVER SINCE THEN I'VE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE STEERING AND NOW IT'S WORSE I'VE REPLACED THE POWER STEERING PUMP BUT IT STILL STEERS HARD ALSO THE STEERING DOESN'T FEEL RIGHT VERY SENSITIVE AT TIMES LIKES TO WANDER AND I HAVE TO USE THE BUTTON UNDERNEATH THE STEERING COLUMN TO RELEASE MY KEY I REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT STILL DOESN'T FEEL SAFE I SAW IN 09 YOU HAD A RECALL ON STEERING KNUCKLES I NEVER RECEIVED IT CAN I GET A RECALL ON THAT TO GET REPLACED THANK YOU
Mileage: 67,000
AFTER INSTALLING A AFTERMARKET INDIGLO REVERSE GAUGE OVERLAY ABS LIGHT APPEARED ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND NEVER WENT OFF. CAR WAS STATIONARY. CHECKED FUSES, TRIED TO RESET BY TURNING IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION AND PUMPING THE BRAKES THREE TIMES WORKED ONCE THEN CAME BACK ON. THEN TRY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY FOR 20 MINUTES BUT IT DID NOT WORK. O'REILLY'S AUTO DID HE SCAN COACH WITH POINTING TOWARDS THE ASB SENSOR BRAKES FEEL GOOD AND NORMALLY. I INCLUDED TWO IMAGES ONE WITH THE OLD OVERLAY ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER THE OTHER PICTURE IS WHEN I TOOK THE OLD ONE OFF TO PUT THE NEW ONE ON WHICH IS WHEN THE LIGHT CAME ON
Mileage: 128,000
MY CAR WOULDN'T START SO I CALLED AAA. THE MAN TRIED TO START THE CAR BEFORE HE ATTEMPTED TO JUMP IT. WHEN HE TURNED THE KEY, THE CAR EXPLODED AND CAUGHT FIRE. THANK GOODNESS HE HADN'T OPENED THE HOOD BECAUSE I WAS STANDING NEXT TO THE CAR AND COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED FROM THE FLYING DEBRIS. WHEN WE OPENED THE HOOD TO PUT OUT THE FIRE, THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND IN PIECES. I ENDED UP HAVING THE CAR TOWED AND THEY REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE FUEL RAILS COSTING ME $900. YESTERDAY I WENT TO START THE CAR AND IT ACTED LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO START AGAIN BUT FINALLY IT DID BUT I DID HEAR A POP. WHEN I RESEARCHED THE PROBLEM ONLINE, I FOUND AN ARTICLE ABOUT CHEVY IMPALAS EXPLODING BUT FROM READING THE COMMENTS, IT APPEARS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH ALL GM CARS FROM THAT TIME PERIOD. I'M LINKNG THE ARTICLE SO YOU CAN READ THE REVIEWS AND CAN SEE THAT THIS IS STILL AN ONGOING PROBLEM. THE OPENING COMMENT EXPLAINS THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ABOUT THIS VER
Mileage: 122,084
MY 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH A 3.8 LITER ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS OUT OF STATE IN DETROIT DOING TRAINING FOR WORK. I PARKED AT THE HOTEL I WAS STAYING AT AFTER A SHORT TRIP TO DINNER AND BACK I PARK MY CAR AND 15 MIN. LATER I HEARD TWO LOAD POPS (NOISE WAS FRONT TIRES BLEW OUT BECAUSE THE FIRE GOT TO HOT) AND LOOKED OUTSIDE MY HOTEL ROOM AND MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND A CO-WORKERS CAR PARKED NEXT TO MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE THERE WAS HOTEL DAMAGE. PLUS TWO CARS TOTALED AND NO WAY HOME. IT SUCKS! THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE CAR INVOLVING ENGINE FIRES. I TOOK THE CAR TO A GM DEALER AND HAD THE RECALL WORK DONE A YEAR AGO. NICE WORK GM!
Mileage: 190,000
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.