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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix is engine and cooling, typically around 124,000 miles. It has 1.9 times the complaints of a typical Grand Prix model year.

Typical year1.9x the typical complaints
Year score
47/100
Owner complaints
454
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
510
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-21mpg

The worst 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Fire or smoke 53Headlights 47Stalling 37ABS 31No deployment 19Power steering loss 13Hesitation 12Harsh shifting 10Loss of power 9Won't start 9Steering lock-up 8Check engine light 7Steering noise 7Brake failure 6Grinding brakes 6Engine failure 6Water leak 6Ball joint 5Knocking 5Oil consumption 5

Recalls 7

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeReported October 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.
Risk
Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.
Remedy
The remedy applied under recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, and 15V‑201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V‑118, 09V‑116, or 15V‑201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020, Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1‑800‑442‑6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑458‑8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Recall number 15V701000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engineReported April 6, 2015 · 330,742 vehicles affected
What is wrong
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on April 2, 2015, that they are is recalling certain model year 2004 Buick Regal vehicles manufactured April 9, 2003, to June 1, 2003, 2004 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 8, 2003, to June 23, 2003, and 2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles manufactured April 7, 2003, to June 23, 2003. On May 18, 2015, GM expanded the recall to cover an additional 49,751 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles manufactured January 6, 2003, to June 25, 2004. In the affected vehicles, the valve cover gasket may leak.
Risk
The leaking engine oil can drip onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will remove the plastic cover and plastic oil fill tube extension and replace the front valve cover and gasket. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on April 24, 2015. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1‑800‑521‑7300, Pontiac customer service at 1‑800‑762‑2737 or Chevrolet customer service at 1‑800‑222‑1020. GM's number for this recall is 14574.

Recall number 15V201000 · Recall details

Electrical system: ignitionReported July 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected
What is wrong
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk
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.
Remedy
GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedalReported February 9, 2005 · 19,924 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' if one of the two accelerator pedal return springs fails and the temperature is -22 degrees f to -40 degrees f, the engine may not return to idle within three seconds, as required.
Risk
If this were to occur, greater brake pedal force and a longer distance may be required to stop the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator pedal assembly. This recall began on march 8, 2005. Owners may contact cadillac at 1‑866‑982‑2339 or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 05V046000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulicReported June 23, 2004 · 47,991 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles were produced with lower than specified torque on both front brake caliper to steering knuckle attachment bolts. With improper torque, the clamp load at the joint may not be adequate to prevent movement between the caliper bracket and knuckle.
Risk
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 travel, and reduced steering control. Reduced braking or steering control could cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers are to tighten both bolts to the specified torque. Owner notification began on june 28, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet 1‑800‑630‑2438 or pontiac 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 04V287000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported June 23, 2004 · 281 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles have a condition where the front frame rear body mount bracket may fracture.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the front frame assembly and replace it if necessary. The recall began on august 16, 2004. Owners should contact pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 04V299000 · Recall details

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported September 12, 2003 · 59,528 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 135, "passenger car braking systems." on some of these vehicles, the right rear brake hose fitting may not be tightened properly, and a brake fluid leak could occur.
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the right rear brake hose fitting to the proper torque specification, and add brake fluid if necessary. Owner notification began august 28, 2003. Owners should contact pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668.

Recall number 03V331000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Defect investigations

Unstable headlampsOpened December 21, 2005, closed April 10, 2006

Odi received a petition from mr. Brad lamb of the north carolina consumers council, requesting investigation of an alleged defect evidenced by shake or bounce of the headlamps on model year 2004 pontiac grand prix vehicles.odi's previous review of this issue in october 2003, determined that it did not warrant investigation.odi's current analysis identified 36 complaints in the consumer complaint database; and a declining trend of reports was evident.a few field reports of similar nature were also submitted by the manufacturer in its early warning reporting data.a service bulletin and a revised headlamp retaining bracket were issued in november 2004, and these actions are seen as appropriate in addressing the problem while all of the subject vehicles are still covered by the new vehicle warranty.compromise to safe vehicle operation as a result of this issue was not identified.it is unlikely that investigation would result in a the federal safety agency order for the recall and remedy of this problem.

DP05010

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix 510

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 510 bulletins for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.8L 6‑cylFWD16-1825-2819-21

What 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Nov 21, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 200,000 miles · IN · fire

The contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the "Low Oil" message was displayed monthly, requiring oil to be added to the engine. While driving at approximately 5 MPH, the contact noticed smoke in the cabin near the floor on the passenger’s and driver’s sides, extending towards the dashboard. After stopping and exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed fire underneath the driver's side door, near the rear of the tire extending up towards the dashboard. The contact stated that the fire quickly spread from the engine to the cabin of the vehicle. The Fire Department was called and responded; however, it took a considerable amount of time to extinguish the fire in the engine compartment. The vehicle was subsequently towed from the scene and declared a total loss. A Fire report and Police report were filed. The contact linked teh failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 15V201000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had not sustained any injuries. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed May 10, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 229,000 miles · WY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking engine oil while driving. The contact stated that occasionally when the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle failed to stop as designed, causing the braking distance to be extended. The contact stated the ABS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the brake hubs, rear brakes, oxygen sensor, and fuel gauge needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 229,000.

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · 109,000 miles · NY

The ignition key gets suck and won't turn and leaves marks on key. Sometimes the key won't start the car

Filed Sep 13, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 1 miles · TN

Oil leaking ,traction control keeps shutting on and off,evac leak,in motion,smoke and oil stains coming from car. Scanner reads misfire needs plugs and wires but just got plugs and wires.

Filed Jul 26, 2020 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 175,000 miles · MO

Abs and traction control lights are illuminated. Sometimes while braking, a weird hydraulic sound is heard and the brakes dont want to stop the car. The pedal wont go down further unless sometimes you force it and lock up the tires and brakes. No codes are showing for the ABS or traction control. Been happening sporadically for a year.

Filed May 18, 2020 · Steering · 200,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated while driving 24 MPH, a clicking sound was heard in the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to a business parking lot and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Feb 5, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 239,000 miles · SC

Fire department said my car burned up cold in the yard electrical from the fuse box passenger side. The alarm went off I looked outside flames was going thru windshield thru the dash tires was burning called fire dept. 02/04/2020. Car is totalled. I never had any issues with the car..it just burst into flames. It had not been driven, engine was cold. It was parked had been parked over 24 hours. Grove fire dept responded starr sc. I will just have to send a picture later. It's dark now

Filed Jan 9, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 176,194 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

On february 8, 2019, my mother was pulling into a maintenance garage to get an oil change. Upon pulling into the garage, she was unable to stop and her vehicle lunged forward. As a result, he vehicle hit an employee, went through the maintenance garage door, through the parking lot, across a four lane street, and eventually stopped in a field across the street from the oil change venue. This is an approximate distance of 300 feet. Upon further review by my mechanic, it was discovered the ABS system was malfunctioning causing the brake pedal to drop in the car, and the car not to stop. The wiring harness also was cracked resulting in a cut to the ABS wire, causing the ABS malfunction resulting in the car to not stop, and the electrical malfunction which caused the car to speed forward. General motors was notified, but denied responsibility of this claim.

Filed May 30, 2019 · Electrical · 143,000 miles · AZ

My vehicle ignition turns to on mode when driving and I loose all power. I have already had the recall replaced. This car has died on me several times on the highway, on the streets and just pulling up in my own driveway. I now cant enjoy my car because for me this is a major safety issue. Gm should have replaced the entire ignition switch.

Filed May 23, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · DE

My left side signal doesn't work my whole left side of my car has a electrical issue back brake like park light signal.

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Questions about the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix

Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

Owners have filed 454 complaints about the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 1.9 times a typical Grand Prix model year.

What is the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix year score?

The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix scores 47 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Grand Prix: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Engine and cooling, with 136 complaints, typically around 124,000 miles. Next is electrical (107).

How many recalls does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

7 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, electrical system and vehicle speed control.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix engine?

Yes, 2 recalls: 15V701000, 15V201000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac Grand Prix have bad engine?

The Pontiac Grand Prix model years with the most engine complaints are 2000 (223 complaints), 1999 (201 complaints) and 1997 (180 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16-18 city and 25-28 highway.

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