The vehicle overheated and caught fire.
Pontiac Grand Prix overheating problems
89 of the 5,184 owner complaints about the Pontiac Grand Prix describe engine overheating, most of them for the 1999 model year.
- owner complaints
- 89
- worst model year
- 1999
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,000
- typical mileage
- 100,000
Is there a fix? There are 4 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
Often reported together
Headlights 7Fire or smoke 7Stalling 6Engine failure 6Check engine light 4Wipers 3Power windows 2Loss of power 2
What owners say
My 2006 pontiac grand prix experiences headlamps turning off without warning while the vehicle is in motion, and not being able to get them to turn back on again. I drive country roads home from work at night where there are no streetlights and the speed limit is 45-50 MPH. This is a serious safety hazard ! ! ! It is socially irresponsible for gm to ignore this issue. For some reason 2006 pontiac grand prix is not part of gms product safety recall (recall number: 14291 which only replaces the headlamp driver module hdm fuse). I have had to replace the hdm relay twice already, which only lasts for about 4 months before burning out again. Obviously the problem is not just with the fuse but likely with the electrical wiring or the fuse box itself. This serious problem must be investigated more thoroughly before somebody is killed. I did read that 2006 pontiac grand prix was offered an extended warranty program for problems stemming from the headlamp modules for 12 years or 150,000 miles, whichever happens first. Unfortunately, the headlamp problem just began for me in 2019 at which point the car was 13 yrs old and was not covered by the extended warranty program or the safety recall, which is simply absurd ! At the very least gm should now include the 2006 pontiac grand prix model in the 14291 product safety recall. But gm really needs to release a permanent fix for the problem rather than a temporary fuse replacement every couple months. Has anyone investigated if these overheated headlamp driver module relays have caused electrical fires or melted the under hood bussed fusebox? If gm is not willing to step up and take responsibility, I hope we consumers can count on the federal safety agency office of defects investigation (odi) to force gm to do the right thing. Thank you in advance for looking into this serious matter.
Transmission fluid temp is overheating
My car is overheating even though it shouldn't be overheating and I just found out my car was in a recall but for some reason even though I am experiencing the same problem as the recalled ones, it's saying my VIN isn't in recall which isn't fair since I am dealing with literally the same issue. Last year it started overheating and my husband and I just started car-pooling with his car. A few months ago everything on the car got fixed and the car was fine until about a week or two after then it was overheating and so now I have to run the heat to keep the car from getting too hot. I had a few people looking at it and they cannot explain why it's overheating like that because the coolant fluids are moving and everything but there is no explanation as to why it is still getting hot. Someone suggested I look into a recall and now I am but it's saying that my model wasn't affected, which clearly is affected.
Difficulty with ignition switch, key gets stuck. Visibility diffculty when using. Windshied wipers. Oil leak/coolant leak.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac grand prix. The contact inquired about a class action lawsuit on his vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle could overheat because the coolant was not working properly. As a result, sludge could build up and the vehicle could lock up and explode. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for service. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 pontiac grand prix. While driving at various speeds, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure continued. The vehicle also experienced overheating and loss of anti freeze. The cause of the failure was not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,000.
There are a lot of recalls on my poniac grand prix se. They have affected the safety of myself and my child. The steering fluid leaks from the car after something was replaced on a recall a while back. Recently while I was in traffic my car stopped going and overheated a lot. This car always runs hot. It may have something to do with the most recent recall. But this car will no longer even start up. How do I find out if the recalls are responsible for my car breaking down on me? Also in the letter I received in the mail said to park my car and not drive it. Yet the didn't have the parts in to replace and fix the issue. Is there a way to be compensated for this. I need a reliable car and really wish I hadn't purchased one with so many issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the engine started to overheat as the vehicle stalled without warning. In addition, the contact mentioned that on a separate occasion, the engine was leaking oil and the check engine warning light illuminated sporadically. The contact recently received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling, however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the failure was unable to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac grand prix. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the temperature gauge increased and the vehicle started to overheat. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road and there was a fire coming from under the hood. The contact and the passenger were able to exit the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v710000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
- 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 engines 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: engine
- 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
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.
- Risk
- If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑630‑2438, oldsmobile at 1‑800‑630‑6537, and pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.
Recall number 09V116000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.
- Risk
- Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the engines front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engines plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Until the remedy is completed, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. Owners may contact buick at 1‑866‑608‑8080 or pontiac at 1‑800‑620‑7668, or through their website at http://www.gmownercenter.com .
Recall number 08V118000 · Recall details
Questions about the Pontiac Grand Prix overheating
Which Pontiac Grand Prix years have engine overheating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1999 (15 complaints), 1997 (11 complaints) and 1998 (9 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine overheating on the Pontiac Grand Prix?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,000 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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