2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
Shopping for a used 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 454 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Engine Problems the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has 454 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.
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2004 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.
2004 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has 454 owner complaints, 46 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Grand Prix
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 454
- Crash-related complaints
- 46
- Safety recall campaigns
- 9
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 20
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Common problems
Most common 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Electrical Faults, Steering Defects. 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The 2004 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix
Inspection Focus
- Pre-purchase inspection should focus on Engine Problems and Electrical Faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like steering and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Pre-purchase inspection should focus on Engine Problems and Electrical Faults.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components like steering and brakes.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix are concentrated in engine and electrical systems, with steering and brake issues also notable. Crash-related complaints are present but represent a small fraction of total reports.
- Engine Problems account for the highest number of complaints at 139.
- Electrical Faults are the second most reported issue with 107 complaints.
- Steering Defects and Brake System problems each exceed 50 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Steering Defects
Full breakdown
All 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 139 | 5 | 46 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 107 | 13 | 18 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 64 | 9 | 2 | — | |
| Brake System | 51 | 11 | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 41 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 33 | 3 | 6 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 28 | 24 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 21 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 4 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | 3 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 8 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electric | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | 1 | — | |
| Air | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 s…
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 IGNITION KEY GETS SUCK AND WON'T TURN AND LEAVES MARKS ON KEY. SOMETIMES THE KEY WON'T START THE CAR
OIL LEAKING ,TRACTION CONTROL KEEPS SHUTTING ON AND OFF,EVAC LEAK,IN MOTION,SMOKE AND OIL STAINS COMING FROM CAR. SCANNER READS MISFIRE NEEDS PLUGS AND WIRES BUT JUST GOT PLUGS AND WIRES.
ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS ARE ILLUMINATED. SOMETIMES WHILE BRAKING, A WEIRD HYDRAULIC SOUND IS HEARD AND THE BRAKES DONT WANT TO STOP THE CAR. THE PEDAL WONT GO DOWN FURTHER UNLESS SOMETIMES YOU FORCE IT AND LOCK UP THE TIRES AND BRAKES. NO CODES ARE SHOWING FOR THE ABS OR …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 24 MPH, A CLICKING SOUND WAS HEARD IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO A BUSINESS PARKING LO…
FIRE DEPARTMENT SAID MY CAR BURNED UP COLD IN THE YARD ELECTRICAL FROM THE FUSE BOX PASSENGER SIDE. THE ALARM WENT OFF I LOOKED OUTSIDE FLAMES WAS GOING THRU WINDSHIELD THRU THE DASH TIRES WAS BURNING CALLED FIRE DEPT. 02/04/2020. CAR IS TOTALLED. I NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH THE…
ON FEBRUARY 8, 2019, MY MOTHER WAS PULLING INTO A MAINTENANCE GARAGE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE. UPON PULLING INTO THE GARAGE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HER VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD. AS A RESULT, HE VEHICLE HIT AN EMPLOYEE, WENT THROUGH THE MAINTENANCE GARAGE DOOR, THROUGH THE PARKING L…
MY VEHICLE IGNITION TURNS TO ON MODE WHEN DRIVING AND I LOOSE ALL POWER. I HAVE ALREADY HAD THE RECALL REPLACED. THIS CAR HAS DIED ON ME SEVERAL TIMES ON THE HIGHWAY, ON THE STREETS AND JUST PULLING UP IN MY OWN DRIVEWAY. I NOW CANT ENJOY MY CAR BECAUSE FOR ME THIS IS A MAJOR SAF…
MY LEFT SIDE SIGNAL DOESN'T WORK MY WHOLE LEFT SIDE OF MY CAR HAS A ELECTRICAL ISSUE BACK BRAKE LIKE PARK LIGHT SIGNAL.
I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE 2015 RECALL FOR THE VALVE COVER ON 3/1/16. IT WAS ABOUT 63,000 AT THE TIME THIS RECALL SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. HOWEVER, EVEN AFTER THE RECALL WAS DONE, OIL AND ENGINE COOLANT STILL LEAKS FROM THE VALVE COVER AND FROM THE FRONT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. I WENT IN T…
PONTIAC OIL LEAK RECALL I BOUGHT A PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. I WAS DRIVING IT HOME ONE DAY WHEN I LOOKED IN THE MIRROR AND SAW SMOKE SO I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS I COULD. I HAD AN ISSUE WITH RPMS FALLING AS I WAS TRYING TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OFF THE HIGHWAY. UPON STOPPING THE V…
ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE AS I WAS COMING HOME I PUT IT OUT WITH WATER .CAR DROVE JUST FINE HAS FRESH OIL CHANGE
RECALL N140574, CASE #[XXX] ON 2/7/19, MY SON'S CAR GOT STUCK 2 BLOCKS FROM HOME ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE GRAND PRIX WAS DRIVEN THERE TO SEE IF HE COULD BE PUSHED OUT, AND GOT STUCK - ALONG WITH 4 OTHER CARS. WE TRIED TO PUSH THE CAR OUT, BUT IT WOULDN'T MOVE. WE LEFT THE CAR…
I HAD BARELY HIT A CURB PULLING INTO THE BANK PARKING WHEN MY BRAKE PAD WOULDN'T STOP. AT LESS THAN 7MPH. MY AIR BAGS HAD DEPLOYED LEAVING ME JARRED, AND IN A SHOCK I COULD NOT MOVE. I SAT LOCKED IN TO MY SAFETYBELT UNTIL THE CONSTRUCTION WORKER DOWN ROADPULLED ME OUT TO SAFETY. …
DRIVING DOWN MY FAMILIAR ROAD OF DUTCH HILLS OFF OF DR. 50. I TURNED MY WHEEL AT 27MPH. SLID OFF TOWARD THE EDGE OF THE ROAD. FISHTAILED, MAINTAINED COMPOSURE. THEN , BEGAN A FISHTAIL TO A 180-360 INTO A CONCRETED STEEL BEAMED MAILBOX. KNOCKING OUT MY DRIVERS LIGHT ASSEMBLY, FRON…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEMONTROND GMC (14101 N. FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAI…
OIL LEAK DUE TO FAULTY VALVE COVERS/GASKET ON ENGINE WHICH RESULTS IN BURNING SMELL AND LOSS OF OIL QUICKLY. PER MECHANIC REPORT, "LEAKING VALVE COVERS AND INTAKE GASKETS". THIS HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY 2 DIFFERENT MECHANICS. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT OUR VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN 2 REC…
MY CAR WAS PARKED TURNED OFF . I WENT INTO A STORE AND CAME BACK OUT TO MY CAR IN FLAMES IT IS DESTROYED AND I AM DEVASTATED. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD WHERE THE ENGINE IS THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. TIRES BURNT UP COMPLETELY UNDRIVEABLE.
SERVICE THEFT SYSTEM TRIPS ALMOST EVERY CYCLE OF DRIVING THE CAR HAS LEFT ME AND MY FAMILY STRANDED COUPLE OF TIMES AND DOESN'T LEAVE ANY CODES. GETS UP TO ABOUT 20-30 MPH AND DIES RIGHT AWAY KILLING THE CAR. PULL OVER CYCLE THE CAR A FEW TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT'LL WORK FINE AFTER…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Safety recalls
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls
9 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. 9 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:ENGINE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
STEERING
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Pontiac Grand Prix buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 454 owner complaints, 46 crash-related complaints, and 9 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
#1: Engine Problems (139 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (107 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (64 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, NHTSA complaints include 46 crash-related reports and 58 fire reports out of 454 total complaints. 47 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?▾
Yes. 9 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE. 9 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?▾
The 2004 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 2004 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.