Pontiac Grand PRIX Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Pontiac Grand PRIX options? We analyzed 9 model years (2000–2008) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Pontiac Grand PRIX has 2,447 owner complaints and 51 safety recalls across model years 2000–2008. The most reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. 2000 drew the most complaints; 2003 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Grand PRIX
- Model years analyzed
- 2000–2008 (9 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 2,447
- Safety recall campaigns
- 51
- Crash-related complaints
- 147
- Fire-related complaints
- 507
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2000 (467 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2003 (119 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Pontiac Grand PRIX: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe PONTIAC GRAND PRIX has 2,447 NHTSA complaints and 51 recalls on record. 147 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 2,447 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 51 federal recall campaigns
- 147 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Aug 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
51 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
STEERING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STEERING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
STEERING
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
STEERING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STEERING
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2000–2008. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 2,447 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
2,447 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact asked his daughter to remove the keychains and lanyards from the key. The vehicle was started after removing the lanyards and keychains. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift the vehicle into gear. There was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission fluid was flushed and refilled. The contact was also informed that a spacer was missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Other unknown motor vehicles are in the same area and and different times of day monitoring my vehicle. I get car washed and park I return I have spray on the sides, hood, and directly in front of glass.
The contact owned a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as she does no longer own the vehicle. There was no further information provided.
THE CAR WILL NOT ALWAYS START. HAVE TO TURN THE KEY MANY TIMES AND THEN IT FINALLY STARTS. SOMETIMES IT STARTS RIGHT UP AND THEN SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN THE KEY MANY TIMES TO START.
WHEN DRIVING 30 MPH UP TO 70 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN THE REDUCED RNGINE LIGHT VOMES ON AND THE CAR STARTS DECELERATING TO 5 MPH AND SOMETIMES CUTS OFF CAUSING POWER STEERING TO NOT WORK. THIS STARTED AFTER THE WORKED ON YHE IGNITION RECALL. I ASKED ABOUT IT AND WAS CHARGED $75 FIR THEM TO PUT IT ON THE COMPUTER. THEN WAS TOLD IT WOULD BE OVER $700 FOR THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT'S WRONG. I DON'T HAVE THAT TYPE OF MONEY SO L LET IT SIT UP FOR AWHILE ONLY TO BE YOLD IT COULD POSSIBLY BE THE GAS PEDAL AND WOULDN'T COST THAT MUCH TO REPLACE... I'VE ALMOST HAD TWO ACCIDENTS BEFORE L COULD PULL OVER. IF IT CUTS OFF COMPLETELY IT CRANKS RIGHT BACK UP - SOMETIMES OT WILL TAKE ON OFF BUT OTHER TIMES L HAVE TO SIT AND WAIT BECAUSE IT WON'T ACCELERATE NO FASTER THAN 2 TO 5 MPH, LIKE SOMETHING HAS TO CATCH UP. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT FIXED YET BECAUSE L CAN'T AFFORD IT.
Read 14 more owner reports
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER ADD A FRIEND WHO WAS IS MAYOR OF THE NEXT TOWN OVER TO LET IT COOL DOWN SO THAT I COULD LOOK TO SEE WHAT IT WAS WHEN I WALK TO THE GARAGE I TURNED AROUND AND LOOKED AND THERE WAS FLAMES SHOOTING UP FROM UNDER MY HOOD
CAR SHUT OFF AND LOCKED STEERING WHEEL WHILE DRIVING
"TAKATA RECALL" MY VEHICLE WILL NOT GO IN DRIVE AS I WAS MOMMY WAY HOME IT WAS STUCK ON A CITY STREET FOR 2 MONTHS DUE TO TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. ALSO MY MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS GIVING OUT MY CAR WILL NOT PICK UP SPEED FULLY IT JERKS AND SHAKES AS WELL IF I LAY MY FOOT ON THE GAS. MY BRAKES TOUCHES THE FLOOR BECAUSE MY BRAKE FLUIDS ARE LEAKING OUT.
I'VE READ ONLINE THAT THE VEHICLE YEAR MODEL AND MAKE IS SET FOR RECALL BECAUSE OF FAULTY AIRBAGS. AIRBAGS THAT CAN DEPLOY SHARP OBJECTS CAUSING SERVER DAMAGE OR POSSIBLY DEATH. I NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS INFORMATION.
PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FROM JEFFREY WINGFIELD, P.E. DESCRIBING A VALVE COVER GASKET LEAK THAT CAUSED A FIRE.
DURING HARD BRAKING, ENGINE OIL DRIPS ONTO THE ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS. THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF BURNING OIL WHEN PARKING THE CAR AFTER DRIVING. THE VIN WAS ORIGINALLY LISTED AS BEING ELIGIBLE FOR NHTSA RECALL # 15V201, BUT A RECENT SEARCH DOES NOT LIST IT ANY LONGER EVEN THOUGH IT EXHIBITS THE CONDITION. I AM CONCERNED WITH THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE IF THIS IS NOT REPAIRED SOON.
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST POWER AND SAID "REDUCED ENGINE POWER" I WAS PRESSING THE GAS GOING 55 MPH AND IT SUDDENLY LOST ALL RPMS AND SPEED DROPPED. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING BEHIND ME. I WAS VERY UPSET ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH MY SON. I WAS TOLD ABOUT MANY OTHERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH PONTIACS. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS? AND IF NOTHING WHY? MY SON AND I WERE VERY LUCKY WE WEREN'T I'M AN ACCIDENT. WANT ANSWERS AND WHY THERE ISN'T A RECALL GETTING THESE CARS FIXED. IT IS VERY UNSAFE.
LEFT FRONT LOWER FRONT CONTROL ARM STARTED TO COLLAPSE DUE TO SEVERE RUST THROUGH. THERE WAS NO WARNING, ONLY A SUDDEN CREAKING AND GROANING NOISE AND SONE DIFFICULTY TURNING THE WHEELS WHILE DRIVING HOME ON COUNTRY ROADS. EARLIER IN THE DAY, WE HAD BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH. IF THIS CONTROL ARM FULLY FRACTURED AT THAT SPEED WE WOULD HAVE LOST ALL STEERING ABILITY, THIS CAR HAS ONLY 26363 MILES ON IT.
THE TRACTION CONTROL FEATURE IS UNSAFE. WHEN IT COMES ON IT CAUSES THE WHEELS TO LOCK, PREVENTS BRAKING, AND PROPER STEERING. THIS ALWAYS HAPPENS IN THE RAIN. IT HAS IN THE SNOW AND EVEN WHEN IT IS DRY. ONCE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE THE WHEELS LOCKED CAUSING ME TO SLIDE INTO THE VEHICLE PARKED IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN IT HAPPENED IN THE SNOW IT CAUSED ME TO LOSE CONTROL AND SLIDE ACROSS THE ENTIRE INTERSECTION LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE PRESENT. AND YES, I KNOW HOW TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. I WAS ONLY GOING ABOUT 15 MPH AND LIGHTLY TAPPED THE BREAKS AT THE STOP SIGN. WHEN I REMEMBER TO TURN THE BUTTON OFF AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE IT DOES NOT HAPPEN BUT SOMETIMES IT IS HARD TO REMEMBER SINCE IT IS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED WHEN THE CAR IS STARTED. THE TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED I WAS EITHER TURNING ON COMING TO A STOP AND SPEED DOES NOT SEEM TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. IT HAS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREETS, FREEWAYS, PARKING LOTS, NEIGHBORHOOD STOP SIGNS, AND DRIVEWAYS. THIS HAS BEEN RANDOMLY HAPPENING THE ENTIRE 5 YEARS I HAVE OWNED THE CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
I AM HAVING AN ISSUE WHERE I AM GETTING A MESSAGE THAT SAYS REDUCE ENGINE POWER. TOOK IT TO DEALER THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS WRONG. MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE AND NO RECALL? CAR COMPLETELY DIES NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE. I HAPPEN TO BE DOING 50 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WITH THREE CHILDREN IN THE BACKSEAT. THNAK GOD WE WERE OK! FROM WHAT I READ ABOUT THIS ISSUES THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL. BUT I ASSUME SINCE NO ONE DIED YET ITS JUST A COMPLAINT
TAKATA RECALL.... KEEP GETTING A MESSAGE SAYING REDUCE ENGINE POWER. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND DEALER AND CLAIM THEY DON'T KNOW. CAR LOSES POWER AFTER REDUCE ENGINE POWER DISPLAYS ON VECHILE. WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH WITH MY THREE CHILDREN WHEN MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND CAR SHUT OFF. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS HAS HAPPENED MORE THAN SEVERAL TIMES IN AND OFF THE HIGHWAY... IT DID IT AGAIN TODAY 2/3/2016 WHILE JUST SITTING AT A GAS STATION. I HAVE KEPT UP ON ALL MAINTENANCE IN THE CAR. CAN'T SEEM TO FIGURE OUT WHILE IT'S DOING IT. READING ONLINE MANY MANY OTHER GM OWNERS HAVE SAME ISSUE.
PASSENGER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION STRUT (SPRING/SHOCK ASSEMBLY) SUDDENLY COLLAPSED DOWNWARD BECAUSE LOWER SPRING RETAINER RING RUSTED AWAY, ALLOWING SUSPENSION SPRING TO PUSH DOWNWARD AND UP AGAINST REAR TIRE. HAPPENED WHEN WE WERE PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, FIRST HEARD A THUMP, FOLLOWED BY A DRAGGING SOUND AND THEN SAW BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL. AT FIRST WE THOUGH A TREE BRANCH HAD GOTTEN CAUGHT UNDER THE VEHICLE (WE LIVE IN A RURAL AREA). VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED FROM DRIVEWAY FOR REPAIR. HAD THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY ON A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH OR MORE WE MAY HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. EXAMINATION OF THE STRUT ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE SHOWED IT ALSO WAS SIGNIFICANTLY RUSTED AND NO DOUBT IT TOO WOULD HAVE COLLAPSED AT SOME FUTURE POINT. BOTH REAR STRUTS AND DAMAGED TIRE REPLACED BY LOCAL REPAIR SHOP.
I WAS BROADSIDED BY DRIVER WHO RAN A RED LIGHT AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT WORK DON'T KNOW WHY THEY DIDN'T I WAS TRAVELING W/B LANCASTER BLVD AND WAS COMING SOUTH BOUND ON A RED LIGHT THERE IS A TRAFFIC COLLISION REPORT IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO. *JS
Showing 20 of 2,447 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Pontiac Grand PRIX
These pages show model-year patterns across 9 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Pontiac Grand PRIX, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Pontiac Grand PRIX has 2,447 complaints on record across 9 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Pontiac Grand PRIX has 51 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 147 of the Pontiac Grand PRIX's 2,447 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Pontiac Grand PRIX vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Pontiac Grand PRIX vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Pontiac Grand PRIX has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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How does the Pontiac Grand PRIX stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
By state
Check a Pontiac Grand PRIX by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Pontiac Grand PRIX.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Pontiac Grand PRIX reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Pontiac Grand PRIX reliable?
Poor. The Pontiac Grand PRIX has 2,447 NHTSA owner complaints and 51 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Pontiac Grand PRIX years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2000 (467 complaints), 2004 (454 complaints), 2002 (339 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Pontiac Grand PRIX problems?
Top reported issues: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (533 complaints); ENGINE (446 complaints); ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (403 complaints).
Does the Pontiac Grand PRIX have recalls?
Yes — 51 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Pontiac Grand PRIX. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.