PONTIAC GRAND PRIX · model year

2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX

624 NHTSA complaints, 78 crash reports, and 9 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004PONTIACGRAND PRIX carries 624 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 78 crashes, 78 fires, 85 injuries, and 5 fatalities. 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 2004 GRAND PRIX is engine with 98 filings, followed by electrical system (83) and steering (48). 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 9 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 2004 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.

624
Complaints
78
Crashes
78
Fires
85
Injuries
5
Deaths

Total Complaints

624 filings

Crashes Reported

78 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE98
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM83
STEERING48
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS34
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING27
SERVICE BRAKES25
UNKNOWN OR OTHER21
AIR BAGS21
STRUCTURE:BODY15
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13
STRUCTURE13
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC11
WHEELS11
SUSPENSION10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE9

Recalls (9)

15V70100026/10/2015

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,

04V28700023/06/2004

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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.

04V29900023/06/2004

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION WHERE THE FRONT FRAME REAR BODY MOUNT BRACKET MAY FRACTURE.

09E00500017/02/2009

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

03V33100012/09/2003

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

09E02500011/05/2009

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

05V04600009/02/2005

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

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 T

15V20100006/04/2015

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

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 manu

14V40000003/07/2014

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

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 agen

Recent Complaints

20251121FireENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the "Low Oil" message was displayed monthly, requiring oil to be added to the engine. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke in the cabin near the floor on the passenger’s and driver’s sides, extending towards the dashboard. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed fire underneath the driver's side door, near the rear of the tire extending up towards the dashboard. The contact stated that the fire quickly spread from the engine to the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and responded; however, it took a considerable amount of time to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene and declared a total loss. A Fire report and Police report were filed. The contact linked teh failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had not sustained any injuries. Neither the dealer

Mileage: 200,000

20251121FireELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the "Low Oil" message was displayed monthly, requiring oil to be added to the engine. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke in the cabin near the floor on the passenger’s and driver’s sides, extending towards the dashboard. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed fire underneath the driver's side door, near the rear of the tire extending up towards the dashboard. The contact stated that the fire quickly spread from the engine to the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and responded; however, it took a considerable amount of time to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene and declared a total loss. A Fire report and Police report were filed. The contact linked teh failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had not sustained any injuries. Neither the dealer

Mileage: 200,000

20251121FireENGINE

The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the "Low Oil" message was displayed monthly, requiring oil to be added to the engine. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke in the cabin near the floor on the passenger’s and driver’s sides, extending towards the dashboard. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed fire underneath the driver's side door, near the rear of the tire extending up towards the dashboard. The contact stated that the fire quickly spread from the engine to the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and responded; however, it took a considerable amount of time to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene and declared a total loss. A Fire report and Police report were filed. The contact linked teh failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had not sustained any injuries. Neither the dealer

Mileage: 200,000

20210510SERVICE BRAKES

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ENGINE OIL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS DESIGNED, CAUSING THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE HUBS, REAR BRAKES, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND FUEL GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 229,000.

Mileage: 229,000

20210510FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ENGINE OIL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS DESIGNED, CAUSING THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE HUBS, REAR BRAKES, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND FUEL GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 229,000.

Mileage: 229,000

20210510ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING ENGINE OIL WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OCCASIONALLY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AS DESIGNED, CAUSING THE BRAKING DISTANCE TO BE EXTENDED. THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BRAKE HUBS, REAR BRAKES, OXYGEN SENSOR, AND FUEL GAUGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 229,000.

Mileage: 229,000

20210420UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THE IGNITION KEY GETS SUCK AND WON'T TURN AND LEAVES MARKS ON KEY. SOMETIMES THE KEY WON'T START THE CAR

Mileage: 109,000

20200913ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

OIL LEAKING ,TRACTION CONTROL KEEPS SHUTTING ON AND OFF,EVAC LEAK,IN MOTION,SMOKE AND OIL STAINS COMING FROM CAR. SCANNER READS MISFIRE NEEDS PLUGS AND WIRES BUT JUST GOT PLUGS AND WIRES.

Mileage: 1

20200913ENGINE

OIL LEAKING ,TRACTION CONTROL KEEPS SHUTTING ON AND OFF,EVAC LEAK,IN MOTION,SMOKE AND OIL STAINS COMING FROM CAR. SCANNER READS MISFIRE NEEDS PLUGS AND WIRES BUT JUST GOT PLUGS AND WIRES.

Mileage: 1

20200913FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

OIL LEAKING ,TRACTION CONTROL KEEPS SHUTTING ON AND OFF,EVAC LEAK,IN MOTION,SMOKE AND OIL STAINS COMING FROM CAR. SCANNER READS MISFIRE NEEDS PLUGS AND WIRES BUT JUST GOT PLUGS AND WIRES.

Mileage: 1

20200726SERVICE BRAKES

ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED. SOMETIMES WHILE BRAKING, A WEIRD HYDRAULIC SOUND IS HEARD AND THE BRAKES DONT WANT TO STOP THE CAR. THE PEDAL WONT GO DOWN FURTHER UNLESS SOMETIMES YOU FORCE IT AND LOCK UP THE TIRES AND BRAKES. NO CODES ARE SHOWING FOR THE ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL. BEEN HAPPENING SPORADICALLY FOR A YEAR.

Mileage: 175,000

20200726ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED. SOMETIMES WHILE BRAKING, A WEIRD HYDRAULIC SOUND IS HEARD AND THE BRAKES DONT WANT TO STOP THE CAR. THE PEDAL WONT GO DOWN FURTHER UNLESS SOMETIMES YOU FORCE IT AND LOCK UP THE TIRES AND BRAKES. NO CODES ARE SHOWING FOR THE ABS OR TRACTION CONTROL. BEEN HAPPENING SPORADICALLY FOR A YEAR.

Mileage: 175,000

20200518STEERING

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 24 MPH, A CLICKING SOUND WAS HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A BUSINESS PARKING LOT AND PARKED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SERPENTINE BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200,000.

Mileage: 200,000

20200205ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID MY CAR BURNED UP COLD IN THE YARD ELECTRICAL FROM THE FUSE BOX PASSENGER SIDE. THE ALARM WENT OFF I LOOKED OUTSIDE FLAMES WAS GOING THRU WINDSHIELD THRU THE DASH TIRES WAS BURNING CALLED FIRE DEPT. 02/04/2020. CAR IS TOTALLED. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR..IT JUST BURST INTO FLAMES. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN, ENGINE WAS COLD. IT WAS PARKED HAD BEEN PARKED OVER 24 HOURS. GROVE FIRE DEPT RESPONDED STARR SC. I WILL JUST HAVE TO SEND A PICTURE LATER. IT'S DARK NOW

Mileage: 239,000

20200205ENGINE

FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID MY CAR BURNED UP COLD IN THE YARD ELECTRICAL FROM THE FUSE BOX PASSENGER SIDE. THE ALARM WENT OFF I LOOKED OUTSIDE FLAMES WAS GOING THRU WINDSHIELD THRU THE DASH TIRES WAS BURNING CALLED FIRE DEPT. 02/04/2020. CAR IS TOTALLED. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR..IT JUST BURST INTO FLAMES. IT HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN, ENGINE WAS COLD. IT WAS PARKED HAD BEEN PARKED OVER 24 HOURS. GROVE FIRE DEPT RESPONDED STARR SC. I WILL JUST HAVE TO SEND A PICTURE LATER. IT'S DARK NOW

Mileage: 239,000

20200109CrashSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2019, MY MOTHER WAS PULLING INTO A MAINTENANCE GARAGE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE. UPON PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HER VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, HE VEHICLE HIT AN EMPLOYEE, WENT THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE GARAGE DOOR, THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, ACROSS A FOUR LANE STREET, AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN A FIELD ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OIL CHANGE VENUE. THIS IS AN APPROXIMATE DISTANCE OF 300 FEET. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY MY MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ABS SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DROP IN THE CAR, AND THE CAR NOT TO STOP. THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO WAS CRACKED RESULTING IN A CUT TO THE ABS WIRE, CAUSING THE ABS MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE CAR TO NOT STOP, AND THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED FORWARD. GENERAL MOTORS WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CLAIM.

Mileage: 176,194

20200109CrashVEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2019, MY MOTHER WAS PULLING INTO A MAINTENANCE GARAGE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE. UPON PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HER VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, HE VEHICLE HIT AN EMPLOYEE, WENT THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE GARAGE DOOR, THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, ACROSS A FOUR LANE STREET, AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN A FIELD ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OIL CHANGE VENUE. THIS IS AN APPROXIMATE DISTANCE OF 300 FEET. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY MY MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ABS SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DROP IN THE CAR, AND THE CAR NOT TO STOP. THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO WAS CRACKED RESULTING IN A CUT TO THE ABS WIRE, CAUSING THE ABS MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE CAR TO NOT STOP, AND THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED FORWARD. GENERAL MOTORS WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CLAIM.

Mileage: 176,194

20200109CrashELECTRICAL SYSTEM

ON FEBRUARY 8, 2019, MY MOTHER WAS PULLING INTO A MAINTENANCE GARAGE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE. UPON PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HER VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, HE VEHICLE HIT AN EMPLOYEE, WENT THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE GARAGE DOOR, THROUGH THE PARKING LOT, ACROSS A FOUR LANE STREET, AND EVENTUALLY STOPPED IN A FIELD ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE OIL CHANGE VENUE. THIS IS AN APPROXIMATE DISTANCE OF 300 FEET. UPON FURTHER REVIEW BY MY MECHANIC, IT WAS DISCOVERED THE ABS SYSTEM WAS MALFUNCTIONING CAUSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO DROP IN THE CAR, AND THE CAR NOT TO STOP. THE WIRING HARNESS ALSO WAS CRACKED RESULTING IN A CUT TO THE ABS WIRE, CAUSING THE ABS MALFUNCTION RESULTING IN THE CAR TO NOT STOP, AND THE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO SPEED FORWARD. GENERAL MOTORS WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DENIED RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS CLAIM.

Mileage: 176,194

20190530ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY VEHICLE IGNITION TURNS TO ON MODE WHEN DRIVING AND I LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS DIED ON ME SEVERAL TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY, ON THE STREETS AND JUST PULLING UP IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY. I NOW CANT ENJOY MY CAR BECAUSE FOR ME THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. GM SHOULD HAVE REPLACED THE ENTIRE IGNITION SWITCH.

Mileage: 143,000

20190523ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY LEFT SIDE SIGNAL DOESN'T WORK MY WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL ISSUE BACK BRAKE LIKE PARK LIGHT SIGNAL.

Compare 2004PONTIACGRAND PRIX to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX have?
The 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX has 624 NHTSA complaints, 78 crashes, 78 fires, 85 injuries, and 5 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX?
Yes, the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX has 9 recall(s). The most common affected component is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX?
The most-complained component for the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX is ENGINE with 98 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING.
Is the 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

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.