The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has 5 recalls, the most serious being an engine oil leak that allows oil to drip onto the hot exhaust manifold, creating a risk of fire in the engine bay.
Two recalls address brake system problems. On the more serious of the two, the bolts holding the front brake calipers to the steering knuckle on both front wheels may not have been tightened adequately. If the caliper bracket moves too much against the knuckle, those bolts can back out or fracture entirely, which would cause the caliper to lose its mounting and the front brakes to fail. The second brake concern involves the right rear brake hose fitting, which may not be properly tightened. Brake fluid can leak from a loose fitting, lowering the fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir, pushing the brake pedal closer to the floor, and stretching stopping distances. There is also a structural concern: certain vehicles were built with rear body mounts that contain cracks or voids. Those cracks can grow during normal use, producing audible creaking, groaning, or clicking sounds. If the warning signs go unaddressed, both rear body mounts can eventually separate from the frame, which affects how the body and chassis move relative to each other and can compromise handling.
At a glance
What can fail
Engine oil may leak onto the hot exhaust manifold through the front valve cover gasket, creating a fire risk. Previous repair attempts did not fully eliminate this problem.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front valve cover and gasket to stop the oil leak and eliminate the fire risk.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The valve cover gasket may leak, allowing oil to seep from the engine.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front valve cover and gasket after removing the plastic cover and oil fill tube extension.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Right rear body mounts may contain cracks or voids that can spread during normal driving, causing creaking or clicking noises. If ignored, both mounts could detach from the frame, potentially causing the steering shaft to disconnect and result in complete loss of steering control.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front frame assembly using Julian date stamps and replace the engine cradle assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts holding the front brake caliper to the steering knuckle weren't tightened enough. Excessive movement between the caliper and knuckle can cause the bolts to back out or break, potentially locking a wheel during braking, reducing braking power, or severing the brake hose.
What the fix does
Dealers will tighten both bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right rear brake hose fitting may be loose, allowing brake fluid to leak. If fluid loss is significant, the brake pedal becomes lower and braking distance increases.
What the fix does
The dealer will tighten the right rear brake hose fitting to stop the leak.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
