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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
454
Latest Nov 21, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
9
Latest Oct 26, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
1
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
104
47 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 454 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and steering categories. 9 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 509 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

9 campaigns cover this model year

View all 9

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
15V701000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Oct 26, 2015
1,003,556 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 15757View on NHTSA.gov
15V201000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

Apr 6, 2015
330,742 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14574View on NHTSA.gov
14V400000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Jul 3, 2014
5,877,718 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The 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.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14350View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

DP05010ClosedDefect Petition

UNSTABLE HEADLAMPS

Opened Dec 21, 2005
Closed Apr 10, 2006

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.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 454
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 21, 2025
Fire reported

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 nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11700813
Incident
Nov 20, 2025
Mileage
200,000 mi
BrakesEngineFuel system
Filed May 10, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11415812
Incident
May 10, 2021
Mileage
229,000 mi
Filed Apr 20, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11413122
Incident
Apr 20, 2021
Mileage
109,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 13, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11354752
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
Mileage
1 mi
BrakesDriver assistance
Filed Jul 26, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11341471
Incident
Jul 18, 2019
Mileage
175,000 mi
Steering
Filed May 18, 2020

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.

NHTSA ID
11325007
Incident
May 6, 2020
Mileage
200,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Feb 5, 2020

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

NHTSA ID
11307176
Incident
Feb 4, 2020
Mileage
239,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 9, 2020
Crash reported1 injury reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11298730
Incident
Feb 8, 2019
Mileage
176,194 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac Grand Prix by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20081421147.2
20072204054.2
20062392257.8
20051482153.5
2004Viewing4549163.9
20031067065.6
20023307472.6
200130810474.1
20004619775.0
19994128673.2
19984998565.9
19978109767.8
1996792359.2
19951694159.5
19942132259.4
19931312158.7
19921142157.0
19911726762.8
199017691063.5
198913910960.4
198888121163.7
1987224—
1986263—
1985324—
1984331—
1983220—
1982010—
1981011—
1980041—
1979051—
1978061—
1977230—
1976010—
1974110—
1973030—
1972010—
1970010—
1966020—
1965010—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.