1996 Pontiac Grand Prix: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 79 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand prix. While driving 25 mph, the power steering malfunctioned. It was extremely difficult to turn the steering wheel to the left. The contact had to exert force upon the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 106,998. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2016
“After stopping at a stop sign, lost control of steering while making left turn. Car continued, ran over a mail box and came to rest in a flower bed. When tow truck arrived and picked car up, tow truck driver noticed that engine cradle had fallen down and disabled the steering. Mechanic and insurance adjuster later agreed that the engine cradle bolts had sheared off. *js”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2014
“Dt: around september 21, 2005 the consumer started experiencing difficulty turning to the right. It was like the steering wheel was locked. The problem was ongoing when trying to turn right. When the consumer took vehicle to be repaired, the mechanic told her that the rack and pinion needed replaced. Also told her that there was a recall for this issue on her type of vehicle. There was NHTSA recall 03v527000 and gm recall recall 03062. When she contacted the manufacturer, they told her that this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“While the consumer was working on the vehicle noticed that gas was coming from under the vehicle. Consumer stated that the gas tank had a leak. *ak *mr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2004
“Seat belt buckle failure, two of three in back seat have failed in last 4 months now today front passenger seat failed. Luckly these were discovered before an accident or other incident occurred that could have resulted in sever injury or death to someone.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2003
“The vehicle experienced a gas leaked. *jb the gas tank started to leak across the entire rear weld seam after being filled. Gas dripped from the tank at the corner(s), next to the exhaust pipe. The mechanic that replaced the tank/pump/sending unit, said the entire weld seam leaked. *scc *jb”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jun 2003
“The power window on driver's side keeps coming off of the track, it has been to the dealer 5 times for this, and still is not fixed. Once repaired it will last for 3 to 6 months than the window will fall down into the door.*ak”Owner report · Visibility · Apr 2003
“While driving 10 mph and making a right turn, the inner tie rod on passenger's tire broke off, causing vehicle to be inoperative. *ak *jb”Owner report · Steering · Jun 2002
“While making a right turn after being stopped at a red light, the throttle cable broke and the car was going as if it was on neutral, as I could not control the gas pedal anymore, and missed going in to the wall by only a couple of inches. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2001
“Engine was overheating during normal operation of vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to a dealership and replaced radiator cap because of a defective spring. Then, when traveling at approximately 70 mph, engine stalled suddenly. Took all of consumer's effort to bring vehicle to side of road. Dealership stated that head gasket was considered to be defective which caused the engine to stall. Private mechanic was currently rebuilding/remanufacturing the engine. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 6 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
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 ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080; CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438; OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537; OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
How other years compare
Check your exact Grand Prix by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
NHTSA has 79 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 39,577 miles or less.
Does the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.