2004 Pontiac Gto Problems
Shopping for a used 2004 Pontiac Gto? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 245 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Suspension Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2004 Pontiac Gto has 245 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
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.
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2004 Pontiac Gto Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2004 Pontiac Gto 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. 2 trims analysed.
2004 Pontiac Gto 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 Gto has 245 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Gto
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 245
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 0
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 16 / 26
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2004 Pontiac Gto problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Tire Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Tire Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. 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 Gto?
The 2004 Pontiac Gto 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 Gto
Inspection Focus
- Inspect suspension components, including shocks, struts, and control arms.
- Check tire condition and ensure proper inflation and alignment.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical systems.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect suspension components, including shocks, struts, and control arms.
- Check tire condition and ensure proper inflation and alignment.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Pontiac Gto, 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
NHTSA complaint data for the 2004 Pontiac GTO shows a high concentration of suspension-related issues, with tire problems also frequently reported. The data is based on 245 complaints, but confidence is low due to potential reporting biases.
- Suspension failures account for the majority of complaints (169 out of 245).
- Tire issues are the second most reported component with 79 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain and electrical faults are less common but still notable.
- Suspension failures are the most frequently reported issue.
- Tire problems are a recurring theme in complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues appear in a smaller but significant number of complaints.
Full breakdown
All 2004 Pontiac Gto complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Pontiac Gto. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 169 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 79 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 17 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Gasoline | 6 | — | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 4 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 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 Gto. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Evap code for gas tank cap leaking
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN USED FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEATER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE REMAINED ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF OR ON. THERE WAS ALSO CONDENSATION ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNO…
AFTER OWNING THE CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS, THE SEAT BACK LATCHES STARTED STICKING SO ANYONE WHO WAS IN THE BACK SEAT HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OUT OR GETTING IN FOR THAT MATTER! AFTER A TIME THE LATCHES STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER SO IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE BACK S…
WAS DRIVING CAR ON THE FREEWAY AT APROX 75 MPH HIT A PATCH OF ICE AND LOST CONTROL SPUN OUT IN CIRCLES, HITTING THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING IT TO ROLL 3 TIMES CAR ENDED UPSIDE DOWN I HIT STEERING WHEEL AND SERIOUSLY HURT MY BACK NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH …
WHILE DOING A SPRINGTIME CHECK OF MY GTO, NOTICED COIL COVER RUBBING ON FUEL RAIL FEED LINE. ABRASION WAS ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LINE. HAD TO REPLACE WITH STEEL BRAIDED LINE FROM RUSSELS. COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE IN THE ENGINE BAY. *TR
THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR FIRST FAILED IN AUGUST OF 2013. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER 04 GTO OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I FIXED THE PART THAT COMMONLY SLIPS OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE ISSUE AND THE SEATBELT ONCE AGAIN WORKED CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, NOW ON JULY 2ND…
WE HAVE OWNED 2 2004 GTO'S AND THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH VEHICLES AND THE VIN NUMBER LISTED ABOVE IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TWICE. THE KEY WILL NOT WORK AND UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN THEREFORE THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK... THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AND HAS LEFT US ST…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE…
I WAS DRIVING MY CLUTCH AND GAS WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY STEERING WHEEL BROKE AND I RAN THROUGH THE WOODS. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED GASOLINE FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE EVAPORATED CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE REC…
I GOT NEW TIRES PUT ON YESTERDAY. THEY ARE THE STOCK SIZED TIRES. SHORTLY AFTER I HEARD A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT SIDE. I NOTICED THE TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE FENDER. THE CAR SAGS MORE AND MORE EACH DAY. THEN YESTERDAY, I WAS JUST DRIVING NORMALLY FROM STOP LIGHT TO …
THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SAFETY BELT) DOES NOT RETRACT AND INSTEAD IS FULLY EXTENDED PROVIDING NO SECURITY OR RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT,. I HAVE REVIEWED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED AND I CAN ASSURE THIS AGENCY THAT MY BELTS HAVE NO "SOFT DRINK SPILLS CAUSING THE …
I OWN 2004 PONTIAC GTO THAT HAS HAD 2 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND HAS BEEN THROUGH 3 SETS OF FRONT TIRES IN 55K MILES. GM STATED TO ME THAT IT HAS TO BE MY DRIVING HABITS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION DURING MY LAST TIRE SWAP OUT. I NOTIC…
2004 PONTIAC GTO TIRE BLOW OUT WE PURCHASED OUR 2004 PONTIAC GTO NEW, AND HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH RUBBING SOUNDS AND VIBRATIONS SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 45,000 MILES AND WE HAD A BLOW OUT. APPARENTLY THE TIRES ON 2004 GTO'S RUB THE SPRING POCKET OF THE STRUT CAUSING …
2004 PONTIAC GTO, STRUT RUB. THE TIRES RUB THE FRONT TIRES AND WERE RIGHT THREW THE TIRES, WENT TO THE DEALER, AND SAID I NEED A ALIGNMENT AND THAT'S WHAT THEY DID, KNOW MY TIRES ARE WORN DOWN ON THE OUT SIDE OF THE TIRES, WAS TOLD THE BUSHINGS ARE ALL BAD BY OTHER GTO OWNERS. *T…
1. MY WIFE WAS COMPLAINING OF A SQUEAKING SOUND WHENEVER SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES. WHEN RESEARCHING BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ONLINE I NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR 2004 AND 2005 GTO'S REGARDING TIRES RUBBING ON THE FRONT STRUTS. SINCE I WAS GOING TO REMOVE THE TIRES TO GET A BETTER L…
NEAR MISS - AT LEAST THUS FAR. . . 2004 PONTIAC GTO FOUND BOTH FRONT TIRES TO BE WORN THROUGH ON INSIDE OF TIRE SUCH THAT CORD WAS SHOWING THROUGH. LUCKY I FOUND THE WEAR AS IT WAS ON THE FAR INSIDE OF A VERY WIDE TIRE WITH LOW CLEARANCES ALL AROUND. FORTUNATELY I PARKED T…
MY PROBLEM WAS WITH THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD CAUSE A GRINDING SOUND WHILE SHIFTING AND "POPPING" OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE CLUTCH. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH BUT THE PROBLEM NOT ONLY STILL EXISTED BUT IT G…
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE STRUTS BEGAN TO RUB ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER REGARDING THE STRUTS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT ACKN…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Pontiac Gto.
Safety recalls
2004 Pontiac Gto recalls
0 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac Gto. No recall campaigns are currently listed for this model year in the dataset, but VIN-level recall checks are still essential. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
No NHTSA recalls were found for this model year. Recalls can be added at any time — confirm open-recall status on the exact VIN or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2004 Pontiac Gto buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Pontiac Gto reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 245 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Pontiac Gto 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 Gto?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (169 complaints). #2: Tire Issues (79 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (17 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Pontiac Gto?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Pontiac Gto?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Pontiac Gto, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 245 total complaints. 10 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Pontiac Gto have any recalls?▾
No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2004 Pontiac Gto in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.
Should I buy a 2004 Pontiac Gto?▾
The 2004 Pontiac Gto 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 Suspension Failures 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 VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Gto reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Pontiac Gto 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.