2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
Shopping for a used 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 118 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix has 118 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Engine Problems.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix has 118 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Grand Prix
- Model year
- 2003
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 118
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Structural Problems
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Structural Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
Inspection Focus
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for potential issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Check for any structural or brake system repairs in the vehicle history.
Before You Close the Deal
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine for potential issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and engine components.
- Check for any structural or brake system repairs in the vehicle history.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues with engine performance and electrical reliability, though the low confidence level limits strong conclusions.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 50.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 21 complaints.
- There are 6 crash-related complaints among the 118 total.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Structural Problems
Full breakdown
All 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 50 | — | 29 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 21 | 1 | 6 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | — | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | 2 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
HI IT HAPPEND ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO I STOP TO GET GAS IN THE CAR AN WHEN I LEFT I STARTED NOTICEING THE CAR WAS RUNNING KINDA OF WEIRD I GET TO WERE I WAS GOING AN TURN THE CAR OFF FOR ABOUT 10MINS AN THEN TRIED TO START IT BCK UP AN IT ACTED LIKE IT WLDNT I HAD TO GET A JUMP TO GET …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT A FUEL STATION, SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MOVED THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE FUEL PUMPS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ST…
CAR WAS PARKED. I HEARD A LOUD "WHOOSH" NOISE AND THEN FLAMES CAME FROM UNDER MY HOOD. I QUICKLY CUT MY BATTERY CABLES TO HOPEFULLY SAVE MY CAR. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE BUT WHEN I CALL THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR THEY TELL ME TO CONTACT GM MOTORS SINCE THE DAMAGE (RECALL) ALREAD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, OIL LEAKED ONTO THE ENGINE. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE VALVE GASKET COVER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF T…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. UPON ENTERING THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT DID NOT SEE THE FIRE BECAUSE IT EXTINGUISHED ITSELF. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAK…
RECALL ON ENGINE PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY OPEN HOOD CAR WITH SMOKING THEN IT UNITED FIRE THERE IS OIL ON THE DRIP PAN BUT THAT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS NEVER GOT A RECALL NOTE IN THE MAIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE CONTACT. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE VI…
CAR WAS IDLING IN A DRIVE THROUGH AND SMOKE BEGAN POURING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. SHUT OFF CAR AND POPPED HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE (VISIBLE FLAMES) UNDERNEATH WHERE OIL WOULD BE ADDED TO CAR. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH FIRE. PREVIOUS OWNER REPAIRED 2009 RE…
THE CAR HAD A RECALL. THE ENGINE OIL DRIPPED INTO THE MANIFOLD AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE CAR IS TOTALED NOW. I WAS INSIDE OF A WALMART AND THE CAR WAS PARKED OUTSIDE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING OVER 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD ERRONEOUSLY DEPRESS, CAUSING THE SPEED TO INCREASE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT HAVE A CRUSE CONTROL OPTION. THE CONTACT ALSO INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE HESITATED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V7010…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. AFTER JUST PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. WHILE STILL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE H…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE EMITTED UNDER THE HOOD AND CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGI…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SERVICE ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, UPON RECEIVIN…
I'VE BEEN CONTACTING THE DEALER JIM HUDSON SINCE 12/30/15 , 3/8/16,4/20/16,5/10/16, CONCERNING OIL RUNNING DOWN FROM THE REAR VALVE COVER AS WELL AND YOU CAN SMELL THE OIL AS WELL I'M AFRAID THAT THE OIL WILL REACH A FLASH POINT AND IGNITE THE OIL AND BURN THE VEHICLE ENGIN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FLUID FROM AN UNKNOWN LOCATION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT IN MARCH 2016. WH…
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY HEAD LIGHTS WENT OUT, HEARD A VERY LOUD POP AS IF SOMETHING BURST, NO LONGER DOES THE REAR DEFROSTER, AIR CONDITIONER, HEATED SEATS, OR INFORMATION PANEL WORK. RUNNING DAYLIGHTS NO LONGER WORK AS WELL.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL ODOR AND SMOKE ENTERED THE VEHICLE FROM UNDERNEAT…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT OIL WAS DRIPPING ONTO THE …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND BECAME STUCK. AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, THE PEDAL RELEASED AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS IN 65 …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Safety recalls
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
STEERING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2003 Pontiac Grand Prix buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 118 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
#1: Engine Problems (50 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (21 complaints). #3: Structural Problems (12 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 37 fire reports out of 118 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
The 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Grand Prix reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.