CarModelProblems.com

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 2.2× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
454Complaints
9Recalls
46Crashes
58Fires
47Injured
2Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (21.6% of complaints) — is covered by 2 NHTSA recall campaigns.

Engine complaints here are 2.2× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine98 · 21.6%RecalledRecall 15V201000 · Recall 15V701000
Electrical System83 · 18.3%RecalledRecall 14V400000
Steering48 · 10.6%RecalledRecall 09E005000
Exterior Lighting:headlights34 · 7.5%RecalledRecall 09E025000
Engine And Engine Cooling27 · 5.9%RecalledRecall 15V201000 · Recall 15V701000
Service Brakes25 · 5.5%RecalledRecall 04V287000 · Recall 03V331000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE98 · 21.6%
STEERING48 · 10.6%
SERVICE BRAKES25 · 5.5%
Unspecified / other21 · 4.6%
AIR BAGS21 · 4.6%
STRUCTURE:BODY15 · 3.3%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL13 · 2.9%

Percentages are the share of the 454 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 9 campaigns

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 15V201000 · 2015 · reported 04/06/2015

The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

NHTSA campaign 15V701000 · 2015 · reported 10/26/2015

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:ignition

NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 2014 · reported 07/03/2014

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Steering

NHTSA campaign 09E005000 · 2009 · reported 02/17/2009

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

NHTSA campaign 05V046000 · 2005 · reported 02/09/2005

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, GREATER BRAKE PEDAL FORCE AND A LONGER DISTANCE MAY BE REQUIRED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Exterior Lighting:headlights

NHTSA campaign 09E025000 · 2009 · reported 05/11/2009

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic

NHTSA campaign 04V287000 · 2004 · reported 06/23/2004

DEPENDING ON WHETHER ONE OR BOTH BOLTS BACKS OUT OR FRACTURES, THE RESULT CAN BE LOCKING OF THE AFFECTED WHEEL DURING BRAKING AND AN ABRUPT STEERING INPUT IN THE DIRECTION OF THE LOCKED WHEEL, REDUCED BRAKING AND NOISE FROM THE AFFECTED WHEEL, OR SEVERING OF A BRAKE HOSE, INCREASED BRAKE PEDAL TRAVE… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Structure:frame And Members

NHTSA campaign 04V299000 · 2004 · reported 06/23/2004

IF IGNORED, THE BRACKET WOULD FRACTURE AND DEGRADE TO THE POINT WHERE THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT COULD SEPARATE, RESULTING IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

NHTSA campaign 03V331000 · 2003 · reported 09/12/2003

IF ENOUGH FLUID LEAKS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WILL BE LOWER THAN NORMAL, AND STOPPING DISTANCES WILL BE LONGER. IF THIS OCCURS WHEN STOPPING DISTANCE IS LIMITED, A CRASH COULD OCCUR. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT A FAILURE OF THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT BELT. WHILE LOCKING THE BRAKES BEFORE STRIKING ANOTHER VEHICLE THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT…”NHTSA complaint 10145706 — filed 12/20/2005 · SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
“PETITION FOR DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO 2004 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HEAD LAMP ASSEMBLIES. THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLIES BOUNCING WHICH WAS…”NHTSA complaint 10145331 — filed 12/05/2005 · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
“ABS ACTIVATED AT NORMAL STOP AT VERY SLOW SPEED. CONTINUED AT EVERY TOUCH OF THE BRAKE FOR NEARLY 2 MILES, EVEN WHEN BARELY TOUCHING THE…”NHTSA complaint 10144005 — filed 11/30/2005 · SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

22200825202010152020128632014747420162124201820112020432025

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 98 of 454 NHTSA complaints (21.6%), followed by electrical system (83), steering (48), exterior lighting:headlights (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

454 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 46 involved a crash, 58 involved a fire, and 47 reported injuries. 2 deaths were reported.

Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?

Yes — 9 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 15V201000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix's reported problems?

Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.