Owners have filed 1,064 complaints
about the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix with NHTSA between 1996 and 2021.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 16 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Pontiac Grand Prix. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Pontiac Grand Prix
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
20.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
93.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
187.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4015.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4818.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6224.0%
150,000+ miles
7629.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 1996peak 60Feb 2021
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
RQ98013Opened 26 Aug 1998Still openAIR BAGS
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
ON JUNE 26, 1998, GENERAL MOTORS BEGAIN A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-146, TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) IN THE 1996 AND SOME 1997 J BODY CARS, CAVALIER AND SUNFIRE.DUE TO CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG SDM, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.THE RECALL POPULATION CONSISTS OF 675,302 VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 1995 THROUGH MAY 1997.ODI HAS RECEIVED 8 OWNER REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT A CRASH.THE PURPOSER OF THE RQ IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER GM SHOULD EXPAN...
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
EA02003Opened 4 Apr 2002Closed 10 Dec 2002STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL.GM WILL RECALL 1997-98 GRAND PRIX BUILT BETWEEN 1-MAR-96 AND 31-OCT-97; AND 1996-98 U-VANS/J-CARS BUILT BETWEEN 1-JAN-96 AND 31-OCT-97.SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY.
PE01038Opened 14 Nov 2001Closed 4 Apr 2002STEERING
STEERING RACK AND PINION
ODI HAS RECEIVED 200 COMPLAINTS FROMT CONSUMERS AND 1,238 FROM GM ALLEGING FAILURE OR LOCKUP OF THE STEERING RACK AND PINION UNIT (R&P).THIS ALLEGED CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH CAN RESULT.GM HAS REPORTED SIX CRASHES IN WHICH EIGHT PEOPLE HAVE SUSTAINED INJURIES RANGING FROM BRUISES, AIRBAG BURN, SEAT BELT ABRASION, FACIAL INJURY, NECK AND BACK PAIN.ALL CRASHES WERE SINGLE VEHICLE CRASHES.GM STATES THAT ONE POSSIBLE FAILURE MODE IS FAILURE OF THE LOWER PINION BEARING IN THE R&P.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS HAS BEEN OPENED TO DETERMINE IF A SAFETY D...
EA99024Opened 20 Aug 1999Closed 13 Jan 2000VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
BY LETTER DATED DECEMBER 12, 1999, GM NOTIFIED NHTSA OF ITS PLANS TO CONDUCT A SAFETY RELATED DEFECT CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY 155,149 OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE VEHICLE POPULATION FOR THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDES THE 1997 BUICK REGAL/CENTURY AND PONTIAC GRAN PRIX MODELS BUILT DURING THE PERIOD FROM THE START OF PRODUCTION THROUGH MAY 1, 1997.GM DETERMINED THAT THE WIPERS INSTALLED PRIOR TO THIS DATE COULD STOP WORKING, USUALLY DURING HEAVY LOAD CONDITIONS, DUE TO SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND THE CRESCENT IN THE WIPER CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 1997,GM CORRECTED THIS PROBLEM IN PRODUCTION...
PE99028Opened 16 Apr 1999Closed 20 Aug 1999VISIBILITY
WINDSHIELD WIPER
INCIDENTS OF WIPER FAILURE (OWNER REPORTS AND WARRANTY) ARE VERY HIGH, AND MANY OF THE REPORTS INDICATE THAT THE FAILURES ARE STILL OCCURRING IN 1999.
Recalls on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V701000
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.
Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
09E025000
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09V116000
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 DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.
Risk: IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
09E012000
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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
09E005000
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 THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk: A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
08V118000
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.
Risk: CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.
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.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
02V286000
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2015501105,933 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts. The engine’s plastic “beauty” cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension will also be removed, if they haven’t been already. Note: This recall supersedes and is an expansion of recalls 2008-081, 2009-105 and 2015-145. All vehicles having been inspected and/or serviced under the previous recall will require re-inspection and repair.
Recall 2009105128,726 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will remove the spark plug wire retention channel at the front of the engine and install two new-revised spark plug wire retainers.
Recall 200808121,046 units in Canada
Engine
On certain Grand Prix GTP and Regal GS vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond. An under-hood fire could result in property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will install an updated front rocker cover gasket.
Recall 2002199238,877 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.
Recall 200000212,032 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, because of separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. If this were to occur during driving in adverse weather conditions, driver visibility could be reduced, which could result in a vehicle crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm, install a park tab reinforcement and install a water deflector. Dealers will also apply additional sealing material to improve water deflection from the crank arm assembly and will install a reinforcement to improve the performance of the wiper park mechanism.
Recall 19990833,107 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the spark plug wires may be causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to be illuminated, as well as causing rough idle and poor performance. These conditions may be due to a dielectric breakdown of the plastic extender piece at the boot joint of the spark plug wire. Correction: Dealers will replace all six spark plug wires with a new service spark plug wire assembly kit that is designed to be robust against dielectric breakdown failures.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
STEERING
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON TOP OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CAUSED SMOKE TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE VALVE COVER AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. INVALID VIN. *DT *DT *TR*DT*DT
NHTSA complaint #11373799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH STARTED A FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SOME OF MY SENSOR CONNECTORS AND NOT WORKING.. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER I PULLED IN TO DRIVE WAY AND I CAN FEEL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING REAL HOT SO I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON THE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11325035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH STARTED A FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SOME OF MY SENSOR CONNECTORS AND NOT WORKING.. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER I PULLED IN TO DRIVE WAY AND I CAN FEEL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING REAL HOT SO I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON THE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11325035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
STEERING
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 210,500 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
NHTSA complaint #11395511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON TOP OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CAUSED SMOKE TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE VALVE COVER AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. INVALID VIN. *DT *DT *TR*DT*DT
NHTSA complaint #11373799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH STARTED A FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SOME OF MY SENSOR CONNECTORS AND NOT WORKING.. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER I PULLED IN TO DRIVE WAY AND I CAN FEEL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING REAL HOT SO I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON THE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11325035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesLOS Angeles, CAFire
ENGINE
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH STARTED A FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SOME OF MY SENSOR CONNECTORS AND NOT WORKING.. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER I PULLED IN TO DRIVE WAY AND I CAN FEEL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING REAL HOT SO I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON THE MANIFOLD.
NHTSA complaint #11325035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Knoxville, TNFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. AFTERWARDS, THICK SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #11166357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDetroit, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX TO THE TIRE SHOP IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND TOTALLY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11118306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesDetroit, MIFire
ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX TO THE TIRE SHOP IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND TOTALLY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11118306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cincinnati, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE. *LD
NHTSA complaint #11024492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Bernardino, CA
ENGINE
REAR VALVE COVER LEAKING. AS IN RECALL 09047 FOR FRONT VALVE COVER.
NHTSA complaint #11032553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Walnut Creek, CA
ENGINE
I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE ONCE A YEAR ABOUT A RECALL ON THE ENGINE AND CALLED A DEALERSHIP LAST YEAR AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. I LET THEM KNOW I HAD A NOTICE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND CALL ME BACK. WELL I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK AND I ALSO DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH. I JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE AND NOT EVEN SURE WHERE TO START TO CALL. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED AND BE ABLE TO GET MY CAR SMOGED.
NHTSA complaint #11020689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAntioch, CA
STEERING
FUEL GAGE DOESNT WORK ALWAYS READS FULL- SHOWS OVER FULL WHEN ITS HOT OUT-OIL AND RADIATOR LEAK- FOLLOWED LAST ENGINE RECALL-NEW RADIATOR HOSES ETC 1250$-AIR BAG? I GOT RECALL WORK DONE LAST YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11014669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAntioch, CA
ENGINE
FUEL GAGE DOESNT WORK ALWAYS READS FULL- SHOWS OVER FULL WHEN ITS HOT OUT-OIL AND RADIATOR LEAK- FOLLOWED LAST ENGINE RECALL-NEW RADIATOR HOSES ETC 1250$-AIR BAG? I GOT RECALL WORK DONE LAST YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11014669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesAntioch, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL GAGE DOESNT WORK ALWAYS READS FULL- SHOWS OVER FULL WHEN ITS HOT OUT-OIL AND RADIATOR LEAK- FOLLOWED LAST ENGINE RECALL-NEW RADIATOR HOSES ETC 1250$-AIR BAG? I GOT RECALL WORK DONE LAST YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11014669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victoria, VAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND IT FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NO FLAMES WERE EVIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, BUT THE SMOKE HAD ALREADY CLEARED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED HER NOT TO DRIVE OR ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SIGNED A FORM FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WAS UNSURE IF A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10981142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victoria, VAFire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN FROM 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, BUT THEN FAILED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10913989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Victoria, VAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN FROM 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, BUT THEN FAILED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10913989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,000 milesTrenton, NJFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DOORS AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
NHTSA complaint #10909937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDixon, ILFire
ENGINE
PURCHASED A USED 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX FOR MY SON IN 2003 WHEN HE TURNED 16. DURING A SHORT TRIP HOME FROM A LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST IN THE SPRING OF 2005, HE HAD PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE HIS ENTIRE ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS IN A RURAL AREA AND BY THE TIME FIRE PERSONNEL GOT TO THE SCENE, THE ENTIRE CAR HAD BEEN BURNT UP IN FLAMES. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR OR TWO AFTER THE INCIDENT WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM GM IDENTIFYING THE EXACT PROBLEM WE HAD ENCOUNTERED. AFTER NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH GM WANTING SOME SORT OF RESTITUTION THEY DENIED OUR CLAIM BECAUSE WE NO LONGER HAD THE CAR FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE OR ANY PICTURES. WE DID HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF THE TOW TRUCK AND THE WEST BROOKLYN IL FIRE PERSONNEL BUT WOULD NOT ACCEPT THAT. OVER THE COARSE OF THE YEARS THEY KEEP SENDING US RECALL NOTICES ON THE SAME VEHICLE WANTING US TO BRING IT INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. WE JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE WITH THE INFORMATION ON WHO TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH WHICH IS WHAT HAS PROMPTED THIS COMPLAINT LETTER.
NHTSA complaint #10904629 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willis, MIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE, SMOKE APPEARED ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD AND CAUSED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10903815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesRiverview, MIFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED INTO A DRIVEWAY, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND HER DAUGHTER QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE REMNANTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE RIGHT AWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #10876794 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, WAFire
POWER TRAIN
ON THE 10TH OF JUNE IN 2016 DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, I NOTICED A WHITE COLORED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE SMOKE CONTINUED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE ON THE MIDDLE/ FRONTFRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE FORE WAS COMING FROM THE COVER ON THE TOP OF MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10874017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON THE 10TH OF JUNE IN 2016 DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, I NOTICED A WHITE COLORED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE SMOKE CONTINUED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE ON THE MIDDLE/ FRONTFRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE FORE WAS COMING FROM THE COVER ON THE TOP OF MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10874017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Graham, WAFire
ENGINE
ON THE 10TH OF JUNE IN 2016 DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, I NOTICED A WHITE COLORED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE SMOKE CONTINUED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE ON THE MIDDLE/ FRONTFRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE FORE WAS COMING FROM THE COVER ON THE TOP OF MOTOR.
NHTSA complaint #10874017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.