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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- 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
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
STEERING
STEERING
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.
Low beam lights quit randomly, running lights did once too. This has happened multiple times so I switch to hi beams before I crash. This is a documented safety issue and recall should include my car.
The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ignition switch unintendedly turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to immediately restart the vehicle. Occasionally, the contact had to wait for several minutes before the vehicle restarted and was able to be driven. The failure had become more persistent over time and the contact became aware that the failure mostly occurred in warmer weather. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.
Purchased the car in march and filed with local dealership to get the recall repaired for the ignition. 6 months later and the dealership says that GM hasn’t sent the part. It’s needs repaired now. I’m tired of waiting, it shouldn’t take this long to get a recall repaired.
The transmission shifting cable has clips that keep it held in place for you to be able to put your car into drive or reverse and park ect. Is broke and at least once a month or more my car won't go into gear the shifter just slides smoothly but don't catch a gear. So far it hasn't happened on the road just when it's parked. But still feels like it's not in park. I worry that it won't be in park and back up or roll forward on me while I'm trying to get into or out of my car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car cuts off without notice while driving . Starts back up but eventually shuts off again . Also when put in reverse it shuts off
I WAS RIDING ON THE HIGHWAY AND A CAR INFRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON BRAKES AVOIDING A DEER CAUSING ME TO SLAM ON BRAKES EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD A OIL LEAK RUNNING DOWN THE MANIFOLD. I NEVER WRECKED INTO THE VECHILE IN FRONT OF ME I SEEN ON DIFFRENT YEAR PONIAC WERE SIMULAR RECALLS WERE MADE.
Read 14 more owner reports
WHEN I TURN OFF MY CAR MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT WILL NOT STAY OFF AND IT KILLS MY BATTERY. I LOOKED ONLINE FOR HELP WITH THIS AND IT SEEMS MY CAR IS NOT THE ONLY PONTIAC GRAND PRIX WITH THIS PROBLEM YET I SEE NO RECALLS FOR THIS. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME?
ENGINE POWER REDUCED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR HAS MINIMAL ACCELERATION NOT ALLOWING TO GO OVER 40 MPH. ANTILOCK BREAK AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS BOTH ON. BREAKING ISSUE WHEN THIS HAPPENS CAUSING BREAKS TO HESITATE. ALL ISSUES LISTED HAPPEN WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET & HIGHWAY, WHILE GOING STRAIGHT & TURNING AND WHEN BREAKING. *TR
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT PRESURE SENSOR IS GOING BAD. THE WARNING LIGHT WILL PERIODICALLY COME ON AND THEN GO OUT AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THIS WOULD OCCUR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS; STATIONARY, MOVING AND OR TURNING.
TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMP IS OVERHEATING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A FEW SECONDS, AND THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY FOR TWO YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOB KING BUICK GMC (5115 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403) AND KEPT FOR TWO WEEKS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 9-5020128648. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,837.
DEALER STATES AIRBAG HAS BAD INFLATER, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY
I FILED A COMPLAINT IN AUG OF 2017. NEVER HEARD ANYTHING. MY CAR IS WORSE. IN THE SHOP AGAIN. THE CAR WILL DIE OUT IN PARK OR WHILE DRIVING IT. DIES OUT WAITING AT A RED LIGHT OR AT A STOP SIGN. IT ALSO STARTS WHEN IT WANTS TO START. THE ENGINE CRANKS OVER NORMALLY WHEN YOU ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR, BUT THE ENGINE DOES NOT START AT FIRST ATTEMPT. CAN TAKE UP TO 4 ATTEMPTS AND 15 MINUTES (GIVE OR TAKE MINUTES) BETWEEN EACH ATTEMPT TO FINALLY START. 3 AUTO PLACES AND NO ONE CAN FIND OUT WHAT IT WRONG. THIS CAR CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHEN IT DIES OUT WHILE DRIVING.
2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR TURN SIGNAL SWITCH REPAIRS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE SHUT OF WHILE DRIVING. THE CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER WITH NO POWER STEERING, BRAKES, OR GAS. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED 5 MINUTES LATER.*JS
I WAS DRIVING AT DARK HOURS WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AND LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT. TURNED ON BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS WORKED. TURNED BACK TO DIM AND LIGHTS WORKED FOR ABOUT HALF A MILE.LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN TURNED ON BRIGHTS AND SAME THING AS BEFORE THE LIGHTS WORKED. I THOUGHT I SEEN SOMEWHERE A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. I GUESS I DIDNT.
HAVE HAD 2 MOTOR ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BIG NEVER DEPLOYMENT
TAKATA RECALL. AFTER DRIVING MY VEHICLE AT NIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICED MY LOW BEAM LIGHTS WOULD NOT COME ON ALSO NO DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS. I PULLED OVER SHUT CAR OFF CHECKED CONNECTIONS AND FUSES TURNED CAT BACK ON STILL NO LOW BEAMS. HIGH BEAMS AND FOG LIGHTS WORK JUST NO LOW BEAMS
CAR IS TURNED OFF BUT HEADLIGHTS JUST RANDOMLY COME ON AND A LOUD FAN BLOWING TYPE NOISE UNDER THE HOOD.
THE HEADLIGHT MODULE (LOW BEAMS) AND/OR FUSE BOX, KEEPS FAULTING OUT. DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY GO OUT. VERY DANGEROUS. THIS THE 3RD MODULE IVE REPLACED, AN NOW IM ON MY 2ND FUSE BOX.THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES, WHETHER MOVING, STATIONARY, OR ETC.
RECALL FOR MY CAR 14V400. I WAS GIVEN 2 LITTLE KEY RINGS FOR MY KEYS, AND A LITTLE BLACK RUBBER INSERT WAS PLACED IN THE KEY SLOT. THE RUBBER INSERT, BY THE WAY, ALWAYS COMES OUT (3 DAYS AFTER IT WAS PUT IN) IT WILL NOT STAY IN AT ALL. I AM VERY WORRIED DRIVING MY CAR. MY CAR HAS DIED OUT 3 TIMES AT A RED LIGHT AFTER I HAD THE LITTLE KEY RINGS AND RUBBER INSERT. ( I HAVE NOTHING ON MY CAR KEY HANGING WHEN IT GOES INTO MY IGNITION ) . I DO HAVE PROOF OF ONE TIME IT DIED OUT, ITS ON PAPER FROM SPITZER'S AUTO. THEY WERE TRYING TO FIND OUT WHY MY CAR WON'T START AT FIRST ATTEMPT, AND WHY IT TOTALLY DIES OUT. THIS ISSUE IS STILL GOING ON. IT IS REALLY GETTING WORSE. IT WILL NOT START ON 2ND OR 3RD TRY ANY MORE (WAITING FOR 10 MIN. IN- BETWEEN TRIES. ITS WORSE, IT TAKES 20 MIN TO 40 MIN IN-BETWEEN TRIES FOR IT TO START. MY CAR DIES OUT ON ME AT RED LIGHTS, ITS A SHORTER TIME PERIOD IN-BETWEEN TRIES. WHEN IT DIES OUT, TAKES 10 TO 15 MINUTE WAIT, TRY TO START IT AGAIN, IT WILL START. I DONT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR. I REALLY NEED THIS LOOKED INTO. FROM READING THE PAPER I WAS SENT EXPLAINING ABOUT THE RECALL .. I FEEL THAT IF MY CAR IGNITION IS GOING TO THE "RUN" POSITION, BY ITSELF, THEN THE KEY RINGS AND RUBBER INSERT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFO PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANK YOU .IT IS ASKING DOWN BELOW "WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN" ..I HAVE SEVERAL DATES, IT WILL ONLY LET ME CHOOSE ONE.
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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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.