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Pontiac Grand Prix engine problems

1,523 of the 7,303 complaints filed about the Pontiac Grand Prix are about the engine — 21% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2000.

1,523

Complaints

21%

Share of all complaints

20

Crashes

648

Fires

Engine & Cooling complaints by model year

1989 Grand Prix 16 1.1%
1990 Grand Prix 20 1.3%

Median failure at 68,525 miles

1991 Grand Prix 19 1.2%
1992 Grand Prix 17 1.1%

Median failure at 138,950 miles

1993 Grand Prix 15 1.0%

Median failure at 115,000 miles

1994 Grand Prix 23 1.5%

Median failure at 38,746 miles

1995 Grand Prix 11 0.7%

Median failure at 123,250 miles

1996 Grand Prix 21 1.4%
1997 Grand Prix 184 12.1%

Median failure at 150,000 miles

1998 Grand Prix 128 8.4%

Median failure at 117,106 miles

1999 Grand Prix 207 13.6%

Median failure at 114,500 miles

2000 Grand Prix 229 15.0%

Median failure at 127,409 miles

2001 Grand Prix 174 11.4%

Median failure at 120,000 miles

2002 Grand Prix 148 9.7%

Median failure at 121,000 miles

2003 Grand Prix 48 3.2%

Median failure at 119,000 miles

2004 Grand Prix 140 9.2%

Median failure at 122,000 miles

2005 Grand Prix 20 1.3%

Median failure at 102,829 miles

2006 Grand Prix 38 2.5%

Median failure at 126,945 miles

2007 Grand Prix 32 2.1%

Median failure at 94,295 miles

2008 Grand Prix 24 1.6%

Median failure at 81,000 miles

What owners said

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Freeport, IL Fire

ENGINE

The vehicle overheated and caught fire.

NHTSA complaint #11737330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix at 200,000 miles Indianapolis, IN Fire

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

NHTSA complaint #11700813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix at 200,000 miles Indianapolis, IN Fire

ENGINE

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 complaint #11700813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix at 38,500 miles Gahanna, OH

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11692342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2000 Pontiac Grand Prix at 159,000 miles Milford, CT

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to the dealer for service under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however after the service the vehicle started but did not idle due to an air intake hose not reinstalled on the vehicle. The contact stated that the air intake hose needs to be replaced however, the repairs have not been completed. The contact stated that before taking the vehicle into service the manufacturer was made aware of an issue with the dealer due to his interaction with the service manager. He was worried that the dealer was not going to service his vehicle correctly. The contact did not have a case number available as he stated that he had contacted the manufacturer several times. The contact stated that the vehicle had no issues before the recall service. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000.

NHTSA complaint #11578508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix Madison, TN

ENGINE

I have a problem I drop my car off at the Chevy dealership to get a recall done and they only did one value cover when there are two value cover both was leaking so why only one got change that don't make any since when both value cover leaks oil too cause a fire just like the recalls says it will do so something need too get done because if my car caught fire then I'm sueing y'all for it because y'all made the recalls

NHTSA complaint #11523933 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Pontiac Grand Prix Otsego, MI Fire

ENGINE

On March 27th, 2023, the car was parked and off for only approximately 5 minutes when the engine caught fire. The engine and vehicle is a complete loss. A claim has been filed with Farm Bureau insurance. There were no engine warning lights, smells, or smoke during or after driving, until the 5 minutes passed when the car was turned off. I did not locate any engine recalls due to fire for a 2007 Grand Prix. I noticed earlier models recalled due to potential fire.

NHTSA complaint #11514318 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Nutley, NJ

ENGINE

1999 PONTIAC GRAN PRIX. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #11497002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Kearns, UT Fire

ENGINE

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.

NHTSA complaint #11487499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix Hayden, ID

ENGINE

Not sure if the problem is in the engine or engine or the fuel but I but I smell Exhaust or gas when the engine is running. With the headlights I can barely see at night. Having my brights on Is like having your regular lights on.

NHTSA complaint #11486131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1998 Pontiac Grand Prix at 61,000 miles Weatherford, TN

ENGINE

The contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that he noticed oil spots on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact then stated that upon inspection, he checked under the vehicle and noticed that oil was leaking from the valve cover gasket. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that a recall for the failure had been previously performed on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 61,000.

NHTSA complaint #11484566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix North Chicago, IL

ENGINE

Seems like a bad motor gasket cause it’s a constant burning oil smell with no visible leaks at all

NHTSA complaint #11482117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2001 Pontiac Grand Prix at 143,000 miles South Bend, IN Fire

FIRERELATED

The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idle, a burning odor was detected. The contact turned off the vehicle and noticed that there was smoke and then flames coming from underneath the hood. The contact did not sustain any injuries, and no medical attention was received. No police report was filed. The contact waited until the fire went out on its own and placed a cloth on top of the hood. The contact inspected underneath the hood and noticed that antifreeze was spraying outward. The fire had melted the fuses and valve cover; a brown substance was in the coolant; a red substance was spilling out of the manifold, and the timing belt had detached. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact was made aware that there was one unrepaired recall associated with the VIN under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

NHTSA complaint #11465335 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2006 Pontiac Grand Prix Chamberlain, SD

ENGINE

Unknown

NHTSA complaint #11453149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix Fishers, IN Fire

ENGINE

valve covers leaks oil on to the exhaust and started a lil fire

NHTSA complaint #11443019 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Cincinnati, OH Fire 1 injured

ENGINE

The night of the incident I was driving to my brother's house when I pulled over lifted the hood it burst into flames

NHTSA complaint #11441669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Pontiac Grand Prix San Antonio, TX

ENGINE

The TRANSMISSION NEEDS TO BE RECALLED ITS GOING TO CAUSE A DEADLY ACCIDENT WHILE IN DRIVE LEAVING A STOP LIGHT A CAR NEARLY SLAMMED INTO ME FROM BEHIND WHEN LIGHT CHANGED CAR HAD NO POWER TO GO. ON HIGHWAY IT DOES A SUDDEN HARD JERK WITH LOSS OF POWER SHIFTING INTO NXT GEAR.

NHTSA complaint #11423428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix at 229,000 miles Rawlins, WY

ENGINE

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 complaint #11415812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2007 Pontiac Grand Prix at 170,000 miles Stuttgart, AR

ENGINE

I HAVE SAME PROBLEM AS OTHERS. HAVE BEEN ABLE TO START CAR SOMETIMES BY PUTTING IT IN NEUTRAL. SEVERAL YEARS AGO I LEFT THE CAR WITH OUR SON TO SEE IF HE COULD FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM BECAUSE MY WIFE QUIT DRIVING THE CAR AFTER BEING STRANDED A FEW TIMES. WHEN USING BLINKERS THE HIGH BEAM WOULD COME ON. IT HAS A ROARING SOUND LIKE A WHEEL BEARING GOING OUT.THE KEY FOB DOESN'T WORK. I'VE BEEN TOLD THE BCM BODY CONTROL MODULE COULD BE CAUSING PROBLEMS. HAD ESTIMATE OF $500 TO REPLACE AND PROGRAM NEW BCM.. WE HAVE TOWED CAR HOME AFTER GOING TO STORE. I USED TO DRIVE OTR SO WE GOT A SECOND VEHICLE TO DRIVE. AFTER READING OTHER POSTS ON THIS CAR 4/4/2021 I DON'T THINK I WANT TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO IT. ESPECIALLY WHEN I'VE READ GM TECHS CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEMS.. ONCE THE VACUUM LINE TO BRAKE BOOSTER CAME OFF WHEN MY WIFE WAS GOING DOWN HILL. I PUT THE LINE BACK ON, IT HASN'T DONE THAT AGAIN. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR OUT OF TOWN FOR FEAR OF IT BREAKING DOWN. AND SHOPS NOT BEING ABLE TO TELL US WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT.. I TIED A CABLE ON TRUNK RELEASE SO I CAN OPEN TRUNK. . WE DID LOVE THE CAR WHEN IT WAS RUNNING. HAS 193,000K AT THIS TIME. HAS STALLED/QUIT ON CITY STREETS. AND WE QUIT DRIVING IT ON HIGHWAY.

NHTSA complaint #11406302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix at 210,500 miles LOS Angeles, CA Fire

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.

Other Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems 943 Pontiac Grand Prix brake problems 930 Pontiac Grand Prix steering problems 707 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems 683 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems 422 Pontiac Grand Prix window and wiper problems 384 Pontiac Grand Prix airbag problems 282 Pontiac Grand Prix body problems 258