Pontiac Grand Prix Recalls

The Pontiac Grand Prix has 21 recalls spanning 1977 through 2007, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2004 models where inadequately tightened front brake caliper bolts can back out or fracture, allowing the caliper to move freely and reducing braking ability.

The 2004 model year carries several other significant concerns. The right rear body mounts can develop cracks that propagate over time, eventually detaching from the frame structure entirely, which affects handling and structural integrity. A loose right rear brake hose fitting can leak fluid, lowering the brake pedal and extending stopping distances. There is also an engine oil leak from the rocker cover gasket that can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and start a fire.

The 1997 through 2004 model years share a rocker cover gasket defect on 3.8L engines, both naturally aspirated and supercharged versions, where oil seeps out and can reach the exhaust manifold under hard braking, creating a fire risk. The 2000 model year has two restraint-related concerns: the passenger airbag inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal and plastic fragments into the cabin, and seat belt buckles may not hold under crash forces.

Going back further, the 1991 Grand Prix coupe has a headlamp circuit breaker that can trip when all three lamp sets run simultaneously, cutting power to all headlights while driving. The 1988 model year has a cluster of issues: lug nuts that may not have been torqued to spec and can loosen until a wheel separates, a transmission shift cable that can disengage and leave the transmission in a different gear than the selector shows, rear engine cradle bolts that can pull through corroded retainers and allow the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear, a shoulder belt guide that can cut the belt webbing in a crash, and a parking brake that may not meet hydraulic brake holding requirements.

The 1985 model has a driver door lock switch that can expose a live terminal, contact the mirror cable, and start a fire without blowing a fuse. The 1984 model has ignition coil wiring that can break down under heat and voltage, leading to misfires or a no-start condition. The 1983 model has a rear brake pipe that can rub against an air cleaner bracket, wear through over time, and cause a partial loss of braking. The 1977 model has rear axle shafts with potential metal flaws that can break without warning and allow a wheel and tire to separate from the vehicle.