2002 Pontiac Grand Prix: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Sep 19, 2016 · Engine · CA

I have a recall on my 2002 pontiac grand prix and I have called a local dealership to get it fixed but they said that the part is on back order for months. I then talked to pontiac customer service and they told me that I had to wait for a second letter for the recall notice. I told them that I had received it already and they still insisted that I have to wait for it. I drive 3 kids in my vehicle and I constantly worry about my recall. It is the recall about oil dripping on the exhaust manifold. Also my head lights are really dim. I literally can't drive at night with my head lights.

Filed Oct 8, 2014 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac grand prix. After inserting the key into the ignition switch, it became very difficult to remove from the ignition. In addition, the digital display and the headlights flickered. The dealer stated that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 90,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2014 · Airbags, Seat belts · 168,000 miles · MI · crash · 2 injuries

We were traveling west bound on 28th street which has two lanes each direction plus a turning lane. We were in the right lane and the left lane traffic had come to a stop. As we came up to the stopped car a pickup truck was turned left into our lane trying to cross both lanes. He came across pretty fast and we hit the front left bumper pretty much dead center. I stepped on the brakes as hard as I could he was just to close to avoid him. The air bags did not deploy and the seat belts did not lock up right away they extended to far out before they locked. My face hit the steering wheel and bent up my glasses and my stomach and from my middle back to the middle of my hip where the buckle is. I've been having a headache, blurry vision and miserable eye pain and pain down my neck and tingling fingers. Er doc said sprained neck and back. My wife has huge bruises across her body. She is suffering from neck pain,head pain,headaches,leg pain, pelvic pain and is nauseous and has been vomiting. The impact was hard enough to push the truck about 15 feet sideways. It ripped hook from the hood and bent the hood up.the passenger side fender got pushed back into door so hard to open and fender was caved in when door was pried open. The battery box was bent. Wipers were bent, windshield got broke. The bumper and grilled was pushed back and air vents ripped free. Headlights were broken. Insurance company totaled the car. I asked the guy at the lot why the bags didn't go off and he said he was surprised because it was obvious to him that there was more than one sensor had been hit. Of course waiting the week like the er doc said to wait to see our own docs and being a holiday weekend just delay things. My laptop screen got broke and so much is going to come out of my own pocket. They than tell me I have to pay sales tax on the money I'm getting for the car. *tr updated 1/28/2015

Filed Oct 4, 2010 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac grand prix. The contact was driving approximately 30 MPH when the heater was activated and the automatic headlights and rear defroster failed. In addition, the failures occurred when the air conditioner was activated. The failure was intermittent and progressed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they informed that the failure was contributed to the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. Updated 01/13/11*lj updated 01/25/11

Filed Aug 18, 2010 · Electrical · 97,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated when initially starting the vehicle that air conditioner would not engage. The headlights were also inoperable and the contact stated the only way the two components would operate was if the key was turned in the ignition swiftly when first starting. The vehicle was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000 and the current mileage was approximately 102,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2010 · Electrical, Visibility · 150,000 miles · 00

My 2002 pontiac grand prix gt had the following issue which I believe should be a recall. - I was driving my vehicle when my heater blower motor shut off. I would drive for a few more minutes then it would come back on. This would happen at the freq of 1 time per month. The freq began to increase to the point is was several times per km. Off, on, off, on etc. I eventually took it to the dealer, it was a wire harness $ 500.00 maintenance is what it is, but the same problem turns the headlights off ( not dash lights ) and rear defrost off. In the summer I was driving my vehicle and my headlights were flashing a pedestrian walking infront of my vehicle. It was then I realized the headlights were affected. This is an fyi

Filed Dec 18, 2008 · Lights · 65,000 miles · FL

According to many sources (online internet auto forums, mechanics, etc), the 2002 pontiac grand prix, and possibly other years, have headlamps that are prone to failure. This failure mostly has to do with the sealant or the headlamp assembly itself which cracks. This causes a leak for air, moisture, and other things to enter the headlamp and drastically fog up the inside. As a result, this causes a significant drop in view distance at night, as the front headlights are blocked by this fog and moisture on the inside of the headlamps. This could easily cause an accident as the driver has minimal viewing distance at night for other cars, pedestrians, or objects. Mind you, this is just for the front headlamps and not the corner lenses. Furthermore, there is no easy fix for this problem besides purchasing new front headlamps for each side of the vehicle, which puts the price tag above $250, not including installation costs. As stated previously, this appears to be common problem as mechanics themselves have said that is fairly normal for this car and many other pontiac grand prix owners have complained of this problem as well. I hope that something can be done so that a recall could be in order to fix this failure that could have drastic consequences for drivers and others on the road at night.

Filed May 19, 2008 · Transmission · 101,000 miles · MN · crash

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac grand prix. The vehicle was in the park position with the engine turned on. While the contact's son was moving from the front to the rear seat, his foot struck the shifter. The gear shifted into reverse and the vehicle moved in a circular manner before rolling backwards into a light pole. The front bumper and passenger side headlight were damaged. The approximate speed at the time of the crash was 10 MPH. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by a mechanic or dealer. A police report was filed. The failure and current mileages were 101,000.

Filed Jan 7, 2004 · Electrical, Lights · PA

Headlight and dashboard lights flash intermittently, approximatley every 2 seconds. Had it looked at twice by aw golden pontiac in reading pa and was told my car "was known to do that, and it can't be fixed." also, I can leave it there "for the mechanic to drive it home at night, so he can see what I'm talking about." my car does not have this problem everytime I drive at night, maybe every other night, but it is no-stop when it starts. Drivers in front of me hit their brakes, because they think I'm flashing them. I can see this causing a problem if I have to deal with a person having road rage.

Filed Dec 31, 2003 · Electrical · NJ

The head lights flickered on and off as if they were being turned on and off. The dealer has been contacted. Please describe further.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Lights · PA

Headlight and dashboard lights flashed intermittently. Dealership informed that flashing headlights and dashboard lights are common and cannot be fixed. Manufacturer stated that there was a problem with the new pa emissions and won't be fixed.