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2004 Pontiac Grand Prix: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2004 Grand Prix has more recalls than any other Grand Prix year, including two for an engine oil leak that can start a fire[1][2][3]. Owners have filed 454 complaints with NHTSA, led by the engine and the electrical system[4][5][6].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 454 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Grand Prix[4]. Of those, 46 mention a crash, 58 a fire, 47 injuries and 2 deaths[4]. One complaint can name more than one part, so the groups below add up to more than the total.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 136 | 5 | 44 | 122,000 |
| Electrical system | 107 | 13 | 18 | 90,000 |
| Steering | 64 | 9 | 2 | 69,933 |
| Brakes | 50 | 11 | 1 | 90,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 41 | 0 | 0 | 200 |
| Structure | 33 | 3 | 6 | 87,000 |
| Air bags | 28 | 24 | 0 | 90,000 |
Table figures come from NHTSA component counts[5][6][8][9][10][11][12].
Engine. This group has the most complaints and the most fire reports, 44 of 136[5]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, sometimes losing power steering at the same moment, then restarting after the car sits[5]. A few describe stalling right after shifting from reverse to drive on a cold start, and several say the dealer could not find the cause[5].
Electrical system. These complaints list 13 crashes, 18 fires and 2 deaths[6]. Owners in our sample describe a blurry or dimming heads-up display, a horn that stops working, and in a couple of cases smoke and fire[6].
Steering. Steering problems show up at a median of 69,933 miles, earlier than the engine, electrical and brake groups[8][5][6][9]. Owners in our sample describe clunking or clicking and a loose feel when turning, and some describe a sudden loss of power steering assist[8].
Brakes. Brake complaints list 11 crashes and 11 injuries[9]. Owners in our sample describe weak braking or a sinking pedal, squealing or shaking that came back after rotor work, and wheels locking up or ABS warning lights[9].
Exterior lighting. The 41 lighting complaints have a median mileage at failure of just 200, so the typical report came from a nearly new car[10]. None list a crash, fire or injury[10].
Air bags. There are only 28 air bag complaints, but 24 involve a crash and together they report 28 injuries[12].
Recalls
There are seven recalls for this car[1]. Some apply only to certain build dates or VINs, so check yours by VIN with NHTSA.
- Valve cover oil leak, improved fix (15V701). Engine oil can drip onto the hot exhaust manifold and start a fire, even with the car parked[2]. GM said the earlier repairs under 08V-118, 09V-116 and 15V-201 did not fully remove the risk, so dealers replace the front valve cover and gasket[2]. The improved remedy began on February 19, 2016, and until it is done owners are advised to park outside[2].
- Valve cover gasket leak (15V201). The gasket may leak oil onto the exhaust manifold, raising the fire risk[3]. The recall was expanded to 49,751 2004 Grand Prix cars built from January 6, 2003 to June 25, 2004[3]. The free repair swaps in a new front valve cover and gasket, after the dealer takes off a plastic engine cover and the plastic extension on the oil filler[3].
- Ignition key can turn off the engine (14V400). A heavy key ring or a hard bump can knock the ignition out of the run position, shutting off the engine, and the air bags may then not deploy in a crash[13]. This covers 2004 to 2008 Grand Prix models[13]. Dealers fit two key rings and a key slot insert or a cover over the key head for free[13]. Until then, carry only the ignition key on the ring[13].
- Accelerator pedal springs (05V046). If one of the two return springs breaks in temperatures of -22 to -40 F, the engine can take longer than three seconds to drop back to idle, so stopping takes more pedal force and distance[14]. Dealers replace the pedal assembly[14].
- Front brake caliper bolts (04V287). Some cars left the factory with these bolts not tight enough[15]. A loose or broken bolt can lock a wheel, pull the car to one side, cut a brake hose or reduce steering control[15]. Dealers tighten both bolts[15].
- Front frame body mount bracket (04V299). A bracket on the front frame can crack and, if ignored, let the intermediate steering shaft come apart, causing loss of steering[16]. Dealers inspect the front frame and replace it if needed[16].
- Right rear brake hose fitting (03V331). The fitting may not be tight, letting brake fluid leak, which lowers the pedal and lengthens stops[17]. Dealers tighten it and top up the fluid if needed[17].
Fuel economy
The EPA lists three ratings for the 3.8L 6-cylinder with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive[7][18][19].
| Fuel | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Premium | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Premium | 16 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
Ratings and costs are EPA figures[7][18][19]. The annual cost uses today's EPA fuel price assumptions, not what gas cost in 2004[7].
Safety ratings
NHTSA lists the 2004 Grand Prix sedan as not rated under its 5-Star Safety Ratings[20]. That means there is no NHTSA crash score to compare, not that the car did badly.
Engine and size
Every EPA listing for this year uses a 3.8L 6-cylinder engine with a 4-speed automatic and front-wheel drive[7][18][19]. Our data does not include a horsepower figure.
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[21][22].
| GT1 / GT2 | GTP | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 198 in | 198 in |
| Width | 72 in | 72 in |
| Height | 56 in | 56 in |
| Wheelbase | 111 in | 111 in |
| Curb weight | 3,477 lb | 3,583 lb |
How 2004 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 169 | 3 |
| 1996 | 79 | 1 |
| 1997 | 810 | 5 |
| 1998 | 499 | 4 |
| 1999 | 412 | 4 |
| 2000 | 461 | 5 |
| 2001 | 308 | 6 |
| 2002 | 330 | 3 |
| 2003 | 106 | 3 |
| 2004 | 454 | 7 |
| 2005 | 148 | 1 |
| 2006 | 239 | 1 |
| 2007 | 220 | 3 |
| 2008 | 143 | 1 |
Among Grand Prix model years from 1995 to 2008, 2004 has 7 recalls, the most of any year[1]. The next highest is 2001 with 6[1].
Its 454 complaints rank fourth of 14 years, behind 1997 with 810, 1998 with 499 and 2000 with 461[1]. The years right after it have far fewer, from 143 complaints for 2008 to 239 for 2006, with 1 to 3 recalls each[1]. The year before, 2003, has 106 complaints and 3 recalls[1].
These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold each year, so a year with more sales can collect more complaints.
Should you buy a used 2004 Grand Prix?
The 2004 Grand Prix has a heavier recall record than any other Grand Prix year, and its engine complaints include 44 fire reports[1][5]. The two valve cover recalls deal directly with that fire risk, and the ignition key recall affects the air bags, so ask for proof that all of them were done[2][3][13]. Owners also report stalling, steering noises and brake issues, though those come from unverified reports and a small sample we read[5][8][9]. Later years from 2005 to 2008 have fewer complaints and recalls on file[1]. If you choose a 2004, a car with a documented recall history and a pre-purchase inspection is the safer bet.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
- The engine has the most NHTSA complaints at 136, followed by the electrical system at 107 and steering at 64[5][6][8]. Owners in a sample we read describe stalling while driving, a failing horn or heads-up display, and clunking steering[5][6][8].
- How many recalls does the 2004 Grand Prix have?
- Seven, the most of any Grand Prix model year[1]. They cover an engine oil leak fire risk, the ignition key, the accelerator pedal, brake parts and a frame bracket[2][3][13][14][15][16][17].
- What gas mileage does the 2004 Grand Prix get?
- EPA ratings range from 18 city, 28 highway and 21 combined MPG on regular fuel to 16 city, 25 highway and 19 combined on premium[7][18].
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Pontiac Grand Prix model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V701, filed October 26, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold / Header / Muffler / Tail Pipe. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V201, filed April 6, 2015: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 454 owner complaints on file for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix (46 mention a crash, 58 a fire, 47 injuries, 2 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 136 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 44 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 122,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 107 complaints name the electrical system component group (13 crashes, 18 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 64 complaints name the steering component group (9 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries, median mileage at failure 69,933). NHTSA vehicle records
- 50 complaints name the brakes component group (11 crashes, 1 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the structure component group (3 crashes, 6 fires, 5 injuries, median mileage at failure 87,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the air bags component group (24 crashes, 0 fires, 28 injuries, median mileage at failure 90,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 14V400, filed July 3, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 05V046, filed February 9, 2005: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V287, filed June 23, 2004: Service Brakes, Hydraulic. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 04V299, filed June 23, 2004: Structure › Frame And Members. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 03V331, filed September 12, 2003: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND PRIX 4DR SEDAN FWD /GT1/GT2: length 198 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,477 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND PRIX 4DR SEDAN FWD /GTP: length 198 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,583 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov