2004 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls and problems

The 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has 7 safety recalls and 454 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
7
Complaints
454
Crashes / fires
46 / 58
Injuries / deaths
47 / 2

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls

Recall 15V-701: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 15V-201: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 6, 2015 · 330,742 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 14V-400: Electrical System

Reported Jul 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 05V-046: Vehicle Speed Control

Reported Feb 9, 2005 · 19,924 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-287: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Jun 23, 2004 · 47,991 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 04V-299: Structure

Reported Jun 23, 2004 · 281 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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 03V-331: Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Reported Sep 12, 2003 · 59,528 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Fix: 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.

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System111
Engine98
Steering64
Engine and Engine Cooling42
Exterior Lighting41
Structure33
Air Bags28
Service Brakes25
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Unknown or Other21
Wheels20
Power Train19

Most reported parts

  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 34
  • Structure › Body — 15
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 9
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 9
  • Wheels › Rim — 8
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 7
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 6
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 6

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 72,975 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine and Engine Cooling · at 200,000 miles · reported Nov 21, 2025
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…
Service Brakes · at 229,000 miles · reported May 10, 2021
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…
Electrical System · at 1 miles · reported Sep 13, 2020
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.
Service Brakes · at 175,000 miles · reported Jul 26, 2020
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.
Steering · at 200,000 miles · reported May 18, 2020
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.

Other Pontiac Grand Prix years

Compare all Pontiac Grand Prix years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix: 15V-701 (engine and engine cooling), 15V-201 (engine and engine cooling), 14V-400 (electrical system), 05V-046 (vehicle speed control), 04V-287 (service brakes, hydraulic) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report electrical system problems most often (111 reports), followed by engine (98). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 72,975 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.