8.1

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,070
Average Mileage:
99,350 miles
Total Complaints:
27 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. repair gaskets and check for additional engine damage (8 reports)
  2. replace intake gaskets, water pump, thermostat & hoses (5 reports)
  3. replace lower intake gasket (5 reports)
  4. replaced gaskets and changed back to green antifreeze from r (5 reports)
  5. not sure (3 reports)
  6. replace engine (1 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #7

Jan 282008

Grand Prix GT 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 86,480 miles

The PLASTIC intake manifold gasket cracked in below freezing weather. My mechanic said it's the 10th Pontiac he's seen this week with the same issue. They really should do a recall on this.

- Nichole B., St. Louis, MO, US

problem #6

Oct 172007

Grand Prix 4D 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

Took it in for my CV boots leaking grease everywhere and they found a leak in my intake manifold. This was allowing oil and coolant to mix. They replaced the upper and lower gaskets. Cost 1000+ but was covered under my extended Carmax warranty.

- kazaa916, North Highlands, CA, US

problem #5

Dec 012007

Grand Prix SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,100 miles

In early December the low coolant light would flicker on and off which was the first sign of this issue. During my routine oil change the repair place put a dye in the coolant. About a week later I was a half-gallon low on coolant again and brought it in. They told me it looked like an alien had attacked as dye marks were all over the place. Solution is to replace the lower intake gasket which will take roughly half a day. Due to the length of time to repair and the timing right before Christmas I rescheduled an appointment for a week out. They did not mention any other issues that could stem from this problem. I will definitely run a few more questions by them prior to the repair after reading other related complaints.

- Shane B., Springdale, AR, US

problem #4

Sep 062007

(reported on)

Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,800 miles

First, I noticed coolant (Dexcool) leaking in my driveway followed by the low coolant level light in my car. Second, I took my Grand Prix this morning to an ASE certified independent mechanic. I was told about GM's use of plastic (not metal) intake manifold gaskets. This has been a common occurrence among older GM (2000-03) vehicles. Due to the severity of the leak, engine oil has worked its way in with the coolant. Some of the coolant had begun to clump. As a result, my intake manifold gaskets, water pump, thermostat, and hoses must be replaced. I also need a new oil change (just had one done last week) and coolant flush and fill performed. I was told that GM has re engineered its cooling system on new vehicles to prevent leaks. My total bill will be around $1700.00 to fix. As a manufacturer, GM knew of this issue and should have had a recall for these plastic intake manifold gaskets.

Due to the lack of quality is why GM is losing business and market share to Toyota and Honda. This is my first and last GM vehicle I will own.

- r-dub, Reynoldsburg, OH, US

problem #3

Jan 302007

(reported on)

Grand Prix SE 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 83,000 miles

My car had been leaking antifreeze, when I had it check out they told me that some engine gaskets had gone bad and needed replaced. This was right before Christmas, they told me that as long as I kept my antifreeze levels at normal that I could hold off a little bit to get thru Christmas time! I live in NE Ohio with cold winters---who wants to be adding antifreeze every few days in the freezing cold? This is yet another problem I have had with my car that was suppose to be reliable! GM can take their cars and sell them to someone else... I will never purchase another GM car! Problem after Problems!

- jparfel, New Springfield, OH, US

problem #2

Jan 202007

(reported on)

Grand Prix 3.2 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

Apparently a common problem with this car, unbeknownst to us! There was a significant coolant leak in which to coolant leaked into the upper and lower intake manifolds. Needed new coolant switch, lower intake and upper plenum (? spelling) gaskets replaced. Valve cover gaskets and intake bolts replaced. Outer intake bolts and dist. seal replaced. Need to replace thermastat and seal as well as water o ring. Parts were relatively reasonable, labor killed me. They tell me that this is because of the new anti freeze used in this vehicle. The "red" antifreeze gummed up the system and destroyed the gaskets. They even had to replace the radiator cap because the coolant ruined the rubber seal on that. When they did the work, they flushed the system and changed it over to the old "green" antifreeze

- Lynn K., Cumberland, RI, US

problem #1

Jun 192006

(reported on)

Grand Prix GTP

  • 94,000 miles

in november the grand prix caught fire due to cracked plastic manifold - gm was aware of this problem - several reported fires - but did nothing to correct - many components were repaired. In June, with few addl miles; engine started to run poorly - ran diagnostic - showed nothing - then engine locked up. our view is that this relates to the original problem which caused the vehicle fire - gm is unwilling to take responsibility for either item - no help from dealership franchises or from the GM customer care line and most important only grief from the product liability area; we have owned multiple GM products - probably 20 - and currently own 4 - I WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER GM PRODUCT & NOT RECOMMEND THEM TO ANYONE

- deborahm, Greenwood, IN, US