“The driver received a (NHTSA) recall notice (02-v-286-000) power steering wheel. The dealer's mechanic replaced the bearing not the rack and pinion. One month later the driver complained that the steering wheel was hard to turn and there was a knocking noise heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The consumer took the vehicle back to the dealer for inspection. The dealer's mechanic would not replace the part. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 29, 2011 at 164,000 miles
“1997 pontiac grand prix experiencing same consequences as NHTSA campaign # 02v286000 or GM recall # 02049. Loss of power steering when steering left that is getting progressively worse. Took car to dealer, states VIN# does not show recall. Called pontiac, they too state no recall.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 7, 2006
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the steeringRecall (red: the steering)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1997 Grand Prix peaked in 2002, with 150 filed that year. Owners had filed 118 complaints about the steering before the first recall that covers it, 02V286000 in November 2002; 85 more have come in since. In 2021 owners filed 1 so far.
9 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe15V701000
Filed Oct 26, 20151,003,556 vehiclesGeneral Motors LLC
Defect. 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.
Defect. DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
Defect. 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.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Filed Feb 17, 2009979 vehiclesDorman Products, Inc.
Defect. DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.
Risk. A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy. DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.
Filed Mar 12, 2008207,542 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. 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 <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi
Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Risk. FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Filed Nov 4, 20021,159,156 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.
Filed Dec 16, 1999155,149 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS MAY STOP WORKING DUE TO A SEPARATION BETWEEN THE DRIVE PIN AND CRESCENT IN THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY.
Risk. DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF A PLASTIC WATER DEFLECTOR AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE WIPER MOTOR CRANK ARM AND INSTALL A WATER DEFLECTOR. ON VEHICLES RECEIVING A REPLACEMENT CRANK ARM AND NEW WATER DEFLECTOR, DEALERS WILL ALSO APPLY ADDITIONAL SEALING MATERIAL TO IMPROVE WATER DEFLECTION AWAY FROM THE CRANK ARM ASSEMBLY AND WILL INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE WIPER PARK MECHANISM.
All 9 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 1997 Grand Prix.
Opened Oct 22, 2002Closed Mar 9, 2004Led to recall 04V090000fuel system
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a source of fuel to produce a combustible air-fuel mixture in the manifold.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by odi that no safety defect exists in the …
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILUREEngineering analysis EA02003Closed
Opened Apr 4, 2002Closed Dec 10, 2002Led to recall 02V286000steering
The lower pinion bearing in the rack and pinion steering assembly may fail.GM will recall 1997-98 grand prix built between 1-mar-96 and 31-oct-97; and 1996-98 u-vans/j-cars built between 1-jan-96 and 31-oct-97.see attached summary.
STEERING RACK AND PINIONPreliminary evaluation PE01038Closed
Opened Nov 14, 2001Closed Apr 4, 2002steering
Odi has received 200 complaints fromt consumers and 1,238 from GM alleging failure or lockup of the steering rack and pinion unit (r&p).this alleged condition can result in the loss of steering control of the vehicle and a crash can result.GM has reported six crashes in which eight people have sustained injuries ranging from bruises, airbag burn, seat belt abrasion, facial injury, neck and back pain.all crashes were single vehicle crashes.GM states that one possible failure mode is failure of the lower pinion bearing in the r&p.an engineering analysis has been opened to determine if a safety …
By letter dated december 12, 1999, GM notified NHTSA of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 buick regal/century and pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through may 1, 1997.GM determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually during heavy load conditions, due to separation between the drive pin and the crescent in the wiper crank arm assembly.effective may 1, 1997,GM corrected this problem in production …
On june 26, 1998, general motors begain a safety recall, 98v-146, to recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (sdm) in the 1996 and some 1997 j body cars, cavalier and sunfire.due to certain calibrations in the air bag sdm, there is an increased risk of inadvertent air bag deployment in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.the recall population consists of 675,302 vehicles built from april 1995 through may 1997.odi has received 8 owner reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment without a crash.the purposer of the rq is to determine whether GM should …
Technical service bulletins
102 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Grand Prix. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
engine 17equipment 14transmission 11visibility 9brakes 8fuel system 7body and frame 7electrical system 6
CONDITIONS WITH STEERING SHUDDER OR VIBRATION AT LOW SPEED. *TT
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 10, 2021210,500 milesCA
NOTE: I HAVE FILED A SAFELY COMPLAINT BEFORE WITH THE NHTSA ABOUT THIS SAFETY ISSUE ON NOV 9, 2020 REFERENCE NUMBER: 11373799. AND NOW DUE TO SAFETY NEGLIGENCE FROM THE INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT OF THE NHTSA ..EXCESSIVE HEAT COMING FROM THE EXTREMELY HOT OIL THAT'S DRIPPING OFF THE EXTREMELY HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT'S LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER STARTED A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD AND ALSO LEAKED INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE PISTON TO SLIT INTO NUMEROUS PIECES THEN VIOLENTLY BEING SHOT BACK AND FORTH STRIKING THE CYLINDER WALLS VIOLENTLY THEN BREAKING THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK AND OIL PAN, THEN SPILLING HOT OIL ON THE I-105 HIGHWAY AT HIGH WAY SPEED COMING UP ON A FORK, LOST OIL COMPRESSION AND STALLING OUT WITH HEAVY THICK CAN'T SEE IN MORE THEN 5 FEET IN FRONT OF YOU GREY/BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM BOTH ENDS OF THE VEHICLE. ALMOST COSTED ME MY LIFE
EngineFire
Filed Nov 9, 2020200,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGINE OIL WAS LEAKING ON TOP OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND CAUSED SMOKE TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE VALVE COVER AND INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD CATCH ON FIRE AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. INVALID VIN. *DT *DT *TR*DT*DT*JB
Electrical SystemFire
Filed May 18, 2020200,000 milesCA
THE ENGINE LEAKS OIL ON THE MANIFOLD WHICH STARTED A FIRE AND ELECTRICAL SOME OF MY SENSOR CONNECTORS AND NOT WORKING.. THE FIRE STARTED AFTER I PULLED IN TO DRIVE WAY AND I CAN FEEL FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THAT THE ENGINE WAS GETTING REAL HOT SO I POPPED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMALL FIRE ON THE MANIFOLD. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Jan 10, 2019TN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. AFTERWARDS, THICK SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. WITHIN SECONDS, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 7, 2018200,000 milesMI
WHILE DRIVING MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX TO THE TIRE SHOP IT BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE HOOD AND TOTALLY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE.
Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 26, 2018OH
1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CATCHING FIRE. *LD *JS
Engine
Filed Oct 9, 2017CA
REAR VALVE COVER LEAKING. AS IN RECALL 09047 FOR FRONT VALVE COVER.
Engine
Filed Aug 30, 2017CA
I HAVE RECEIVED A NOTICE ONCE A YEAR ABOUT A RECALL ON THE ENGINE AND CALLED A DEALERSHIP LAST YEAR AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY CAR. I LET THEM KNOW I HAD A NOTICE AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND CALL ME BACK. WELL I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL BACK AND I ALSO DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH. I JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE AND NOT EVEN SURE WHERE TO START TO CALL. I WOULD LIKE TO GET THIS FIXED AND BE ABLE TO GET MY CAR SMOGED.
Engine
Filed Aug 11, 2017100,000 milesCA
FUEL GAGE DOESNT WORK ALWAYS READS FULL- SHOWS OVER FULL WHEN ITS HOT OUT-OIL AND RADIATOR LEAK- FOLLOWED LAST ENGINE RECALL-NEW RADIATOR HOSES ETC 1250$-AIR BAG? I GOT RECALL WORK DONE LAST YEAR
EngineFire
Filed Apr 27, 2017VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND A STRONG BURNING ODOR WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY AND IT FILLED UP WITH SMOKE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NO FLAMES WERE EVIDENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED, BUT THE SMOKE HAD ALREADY CLEARED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADVISED HER NOT TO DRIVE OR ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SIGNED A FORM FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND WAS UNSURE IF A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) TWO MONTHS AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Vehicle Speed ControlFire
Filed Oct 5, 2016VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN FROM 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, BUT THEN FAILED. IN ADDITION, WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, SMOKE BEGAN TO EMIT INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
EngineFire
Filed Sep 27, 2016114,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE ENTERING THE VEHICLE FROM THE DOORS AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD. THE POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS WERE CALLED AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
EngineFire
Filed Sep 8, 2016150,000 milesIL
PURCHASED A USED 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX FOR MY SON IN 2003 WHEN HE TURNED 16. DURING A SHORT TRIP HOME FROM A LIVESTOCK JUDGING CONTEST IN THE SPRING OF 2005, HE HAD PULLED AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN AND IMMEDIATELY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HE PULLED OVER AND OPENED THE HOOD TO SEE HIS ENTIRE ENGINE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE CAR WAS IN A RURAL AREA AND BY THE TIME FIRE PERSONNEL GOT TO THE SCENE, THE ENTIRE CAR HAD BEEN BURNT UP IN FLAMES. APPROXIMATELY A YEAR OR TWO AFTER THE INCIDENT WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM GM IDENTIFYING THE EXACT PROBLEM WE HAD ENCOUNTERED. AFTER NUMEROUS CONTACTS WITH GM WANTING SOME SORT OF RESTITUTION THEY DENIED OUR CLAIM BECAUSE WE NO LONGER HAD THE CAR FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE OR ANY PICTURES. WE DID HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF THE TOW TRUCK AND THE WEST BROOKLYN IL FIRE PERSONNEL BUT WOULD NOT ACCEPT THAT. OVER THE COARSE OF THE YEARS THEY KEEP SENDING US RECALL NOTICES ON THE SAME VEHICLE WANTING US TO BRING IT INTO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. WE JUST RECEIVED ANOTHER NOTICE WITH THE INFORMATION ON WHO TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH WHICH IS WHAT HAS PROMPTED THIS COMPLAINT LETTER.
EngineFire
Filed Sep 6, 2016MI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING OVER A BRIDGE, SMOKE APPEARED ON THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY COAST THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXIT THE VEHICLE. A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD AND CAUSED CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A YARD AND DESTROYED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) SEVERAL MONTHS AFTER THE FIRE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
EngineFire
Filed Jun 27, 2016150,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED INTO A DRIVEWAY, SMOKE WAS OBSERVED FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND HER DAUGHTER QUICKLY EXITED THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT ERUPTED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE REMNANTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE TOWED TO A JUNK YARD. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE RIGHT AWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 13, 2016WA
ON THE 10TH OF JUNE IN 2016 DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, I NOTICED A WHITE COLORED SMOKE COMING FROM THE CAR. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE SMOKE CONTINUED. POPPED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE ON THE MIDDLE/ FRONTFRONT OF THE MOTOR. THE FORE WAS COMING FROM THE COVER ON THE TOP OF MOTOR.
Engine
Filed May 27, 2016NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine
Filed May 26, 2016IL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine
Filed May 18, 2016IA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
EngineFire
Filed May 2, 2016132,088 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO CHARGE THE BATTERY. WHEN THE TECHNICIAN STARTED THE VEHICLE, HE HEARD A NOISE UNDER THE HOOD. THE TECHNICIAN OPENED THE HOOD AND A BIG EXPLOSION OCCURRED AND SMOKE APPEARED OUT OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT VALVE COVER EXPLODED WITHOUT WARNING. MEANWHILE, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,088.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 2, 2016PA
1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER REQUESTS REIMBURSEMENT FOR ENGINE EXHAUST MANIFOLD RECALL NOTICE. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. *JB
Engine
Filed Apr 26, 2016AL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 8, 2016AL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 05/31/2016*LJ
Engine
Filed Apr 6, 2016OH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE SECOND RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) THE RECALL PART WAS AVAILABLE; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PART WAS ON BACK ORDER. THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
EngineFire
Filed Mar 28, 2016167,000 milesMT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT, THE CONTACT NOTICED MELTED PLASTIC UNDERNEATH THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 167,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 2016155,800 milesAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT HAD TO WIGGLE THE KEY IN THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,800.
Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2016125,000 milesOK
I WAS TRYING TO LOCATE ALL THE POINTS ON MY CAR THAT IS LEAKING OIL AND ANTIFREEZE, AND MY CAR HAS ALWAYS LEAKED MORE OIL ON THE FIREWALL SIDE VALVE COVER. THAT IS THE SIDE THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED. HOW WOULD YOU KNOW IF FIRE STARTED IN FRONT OR BACK OF ENGINE AFTER ITS BURNT? MASS AMOUNT COMES FROM BACK, IT MIGHT BE $700 DOLLARS CHEAPER PER CAR TO SAY IT WAS THE FRONT. I HAVE TO FIX THIS TO PREVENT A FIRE RISK.
Suspension
Filed Feb 26, 2016150,000 milesOK
WAS DOING SOME MAINTENANCE AND NOTICED A SPLIT IN THE METAL OF MY STABILIZER SHAFT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. STILL LOOKS DURABLE, BUT THOUGHT I HAVE YOU TAKE A LOOK AT MY PICS. IS THIS A SAFETY RISK?
Engine
Filed Feb 24, 201630,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED ENGINE OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO BOTH DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT AND REAR VALVE COVER GASKETS AND INTAKE GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. UPDATED 07/14/16*LJ UPDATED 11/3/2017*JS
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2016IN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine
Filed Feb 10, 2016MI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Engine
Filed Jan 20, 2016MS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 19, 2016PA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE...UPDATED 03/16/16 *BF
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 14, 2016148,052 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, A FUEL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,052. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
EngineFire
Filed Jan 11, 2016170,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. MINUTES AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE IN A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT FLAMES ENGULFED THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECENTLY RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
EngineFire
Filed Jan 7, 2016229,000 milesFL
THE FIRST WEEK IN DECEMBER I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ABOUT MY VEHICLE RECALL #15757 ENGINE FIRE COULD HAPPEN AS A RESULT OF OIL DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD>ON 11/3/2015 DRIVING HOME FROM FORT LAUDERDALE MY ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON THEN MY OIL LIGHT STOPPED LET THE CAR COOL DOWN ABOUT AN HOUR AND READ MY MANUAL THAT HELPED SO I CONTINUED DRIVING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES. I NEEDED TO GET GAS SO I EXITED AT THE NEAREST EXIT. I STOPPED IN CLEARWATER,FL. PULLED UP TO THE PUMP TURN OFF THE CAR AND GOT OUT, WHEN I NOTICED A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER IT WAS WINDY TOOK A MINUTE OMG IT WAS COMING FROM MY ENGINE I OPENED THE HOOD ONLY TO SEE THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE!!! RAN INTO THE GAS STATION FOR HELP > CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY WAS TOWED BUT WAS 2HRS FROM HOME(FERNANDINA BEACH,FL)> CAR IS TOTALED . I JUST WANTED TO KNOW IF I WOULD BE ENTITLED TO SOME COMPENSATION SINCE I WAS 2 HOURS FROM HOME FOR GAS, FOOD, ETC. MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS [XXX] THANK YOU ANY ASSISTANCE WOULD BE APPRECIATED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jan 4, 201652,300 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, WHEN THE HEATING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN THE DASHBOARD WOULD FAIL WHEN THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,300. UPDATED 04/08/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/16/16.*JB
EngineFire
Filed Jan 4, 2016OH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE WHERE IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
EngineFire
Filed Dec 28, 2015220,000 milesNC
I RECIEVED AN RECALL ON MY CAR ID #[XXX]. MY CAR HAD AN ENGINE FIRE LAST SUMMER, TOTALLED MY CAR, NO FIRE INSURANCE, TOTAL LOSS. CAN I GET COMPANSATION? [XXX] [XXX]@GMAIL.COM [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *JB
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Dec 24, 2015180,000 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PLUG WIRES, VELOCITY BELT, DIP STICK, AND VALVE COVER GASKET FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE FIRE OCCURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE FELT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000. UPDATED 02/12/16*LJ
EngineFire1 injured
Filed Dec 21, 2015200,000 milesTN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AFTER THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Dec 21, 2015160,000 milesNY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
EngineFire
Filed Dec 18, 2015OH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
EngineFire
Filed Dec 18, 2015200,000 milesOR
I GOT A RECALL FOR MY CAR [XXX] DEC 2015,THAT I MIGHT GET A ENGINE FIRE IF I DONT GET THIS UPGRADE DONE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THIS NEWS 3 MONTHS EARLIER BECAUSE I DID HAVE A ENGINE FIRE 3 MONTHS A GO ID#IS15V701 THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 18, 2015136,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. NO FURTHER DETAILS WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
EngineFire
Filed Nov 13, 2015200,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY HAD EXPLODED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND DEEMED DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 08V118000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 09V116000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
EngineFire
Filed Oct 27, 2015220,000 milesTN
STARTED AS AN ENGINE FIRE AND BURNT THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD AND TOTALLING THE CAR. IT WAS PARKED AFTER DRIVING AROUND DOING ERRANDS FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES IN AN APARTMENT COMPLEX.
EngineFire
Filed Apr 29, 2015199,093 milesIA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. SHORTLY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS BURNED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 199,093.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 9, 2015VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE MADE AN ILLEGAL LEFT TURN. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD, NECK, AND BACK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Exterior LightingFire
Filed Nov 4, 2014137,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE EXTERIOR LIGHTING ON THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE INSIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 810, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid: owners filed 810 complaints, 3.8 times as many as a typical Grand Prix year. The most common complaint is about the steering (25%).
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The steering: 203 of the 810 complaints (25%) are about it. Owners most often say it loses steering assist or the wheel locks (28%), loses power (8%) and leaks oil or fluid (6%). The typical report comes at 86,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
9 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 26, 2015. The largest, 09V116000, covered 1,497,516 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 104,352 miles. For the steering the midpoint is 86,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Yes, 7 times. The latest, EA02030 ("ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES"), was opened Oct 22, 2002 and closed Mar 9, 2004.
Are there service bulletins for the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The manufacturer filed 102 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (17), the transmission (11) and the visibility (9). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
2 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Oct 26, 2015. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.