10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
3,590 miles

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problem #10

Aug 162005

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,900 miles
Positive battery terminal has failed 3 times on my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. The first time was still under warranty in 1999. The dealer replaced with another delco battery. The second time was June, 2004, delco would not replace the battery under warranty so I replaced with wal*mart everstart battery. Then, in August, 2005, the battery positive terminal broke again. This time, battery acid destroyed a vacuum that controls the inside heater vents rendering HVAC adjustments inoperative. I have read other accounts of this being some type of defect in the battery cable. I have asked GM and my GM dealer and have repeatedly been told there is nothing wrong with the battery cable. GM claims no awareness of this being an issue.

- Carmel, IN, USA

problem #9

Aug 141998

Grand Prix

  • miles
Wire contacts on battery were badly corroded. After a temporary shaking, contact was re-established and electrical was working. Occurred several times, until original battery was replaced. Car is parked near salt water ocean about 10 times per year for 12 hours or more. Also, car operated in northeast where heavy use of salt is used during winter, though this car had only gone through two winters.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

problem #8

Dec 012000

Grand Prix

  • miles
Radio failure display randomly changes, cd will not eject wty replaced; water pump failed at 39000 miles cost to repair not covered under wty, GM comp $200 of $350 repair bill;battery and alternator failed no indication of failure until battery was dead and alternator not chargeing then the battery light and ABS light stayed on and as the battery became weaker the other idiot lights on the dash came on until the car eventually quit running.

- Hillsboro, OR, USA

problem #7

May 012000

Grand Prix

  • miles
I have had numerous problems with this car including electrical blow-outs everywhere including both headlights and both foglights, battery explosion, HVAC knobs not working, interior lights blowing out, both headlight covers falling off, water pump replaced, side mirror pins nonfunctional, interior carpet replaced due to improper installation, radio/clock face blowing out, and most recently a faulty alternator that had to be replaced. I thought I might have gotten a lemon, but after reading all of the complaints on this message board, I'm beginning to think that these cars are junk. When my headlamp covers fell off, I had to pay an exorbitant fee for them. Is there a recall after so many complaints??

- Gaithersburg, MD, USA

problem #6

Aug 012000

Grand Prix

  • miles
I was backing out of parking space and went to straighten my wheels back up only to here a pop like something was broke and the wheel was real hard to turn. I turned the wheel back the other way and it became easy to turn. The steering wheel was hard to turn sometimes then easy. The steering wheel was also about 10-15 degrees of centered. I went to three shops and none were able to tell me what was wrong. My steering rack and pinion went completely out and I had to have it towed to the dealer. Cost $1304. To have mine replaced. Luckily I was turning into my driveway when it went out. Positive battery post broke completely off while testing battery. Some acid leaked in battery bay.

- Beaumont, TX, USA

problem #5

Sep 062000

Grand Prix

  • miles
No summary listed for abov evehicle.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

problem #4

Jul 122000

(reported on)

Grand Prix

  • miles
Engine replaced approx 12000 miles, now on 3rd alternator, 4th battery. Gas gauge replaced, wipers replaced 3 times before recall.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #3

Aug 281999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Vehicle windshield wiper arm (drivers) creaking noise (I believe a recall is underway). Loose trim throughout. Rearview mirror replaced, battery died (car was towed), power window failed (dealer replaced), headlights admit moisture, ashtray opens by itself, seat squeaks, dash rattles, rattle also comes from rear of car, vehicle vibration at highway speeds, seatbelts do not retract, leather on seats is cracking, key knob has too short a range, stiching is coming off the leather wrapped steering wheel, also the club lock burns inprints into wheel if left on in the summer sun, headlights turn on in the middle of the day, brakes stop working in heavy rain or when coming out of the car wash, the power door lock swithch on the passengers door fell into the door, various retaining clips have broken off trim, etc.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

problem #2

Mar 041998

Grand Prix

  • miles
When this car was purchased, it had 30,000 miles on it, it now has 58,000 miles, this car has been in the shop every month or every two months, I have tried everything in my power to correct this problem with the dealership, they in no way want to help me, I have taken the car up there numerous times for the same things until they finally found a problem with my electrical components, they have replaced all of the wheel bearing on this car, the wheel sensors, block assembly, fuel sending unit, power steering pressure hose, body control module, I've even replaced the battery, alternator, water pump, tentionser, they even attempted to fix the interior, which was not torn due to abuse, rotors, they found a shortage underhood, and they replaced the underhood electrical center, wheel bearing assembly, tie rod ends, wheel speed sensor....after all of these problems that I have had with this car, I have had to come up with money to repair this car, and they finally agreed to help me into another car, but my car is valued at $14,995 and they only want to give me $9,000 for my car when they know that I owe $14,300, these problems with this car has caused me much hardship and I'm trying to save my credit, this is an attempt to get some help, if you could please lead me in the correct direction will greatly appreciate it.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #1

Aug 181999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Positive battery terminal side broke off with plastic from battery attached, leaking battery acid onto the vehicle, and making it difficult to remove, damage caused to vehicle and local electrical area.

- Torrance, CA, USA