1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Prix › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix. Newest first.
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 and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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 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.
Owner complaints
79 complaints7 involved a crash3 involved a fire6 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
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.
- Power train · Steering · Structure › Body
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
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 pontiac grand prix. The vehicle caught fire twice where drops of engine oil fell on the exhaust manifold. The fires occurred three days after purchasing the vehicle. the contact was responsible for the repair cost of $2000. The contact was not aware of recall# 09v116000…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 pontiac grand prix. The vehicle caught fire twice where drops of engine oil fell on the exhaust manifold. The fires occurred three days after purchasing the vehicle. the contact was responsible for the repair cost of $2000. The contact was not aware of recall# 09v116000, component: engine and engine cooling when the failure occurred. The manufacturer stated that they would research the failure and call him; however, he has not received a call. When the third fire occurred the contact was able to extinguish the fire; although, he could have been injured. The dealer and manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle was rendered inoperable and to tow it to a dealer. The contact requested that the dealer assume the towing cost; however, they denied to do so. There was no report filed with the fire department. He has made several attempts to speak with the manufacturer and has been unsuccessful. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Steering › Rack and pinion
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…
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
- Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
On three separate occasions (twice while driving down the highway once on side street) my gas pedal pushed down under my foot and my car accelerated by it self. I had to have the mechanic disconnect the cruise control. Lucky no one was hit but it was close. *Jb
- Air bags
Saturday march 8, 2003, I was on my way home from shopping with my 4-year-old son when the driver side airbag of my 1996 pontiac grand am exploded in my face. The deployment of the bag forced my arm back into my face snapping my head back and completely disorienting me. Once I regained my bearings…
Saturday march 8, 2003, I was on my way home from shopping with my 4-year-old son when the driver side airbag of my 1996 pontiac grand am exploded in my face. The deployment of the bag forced my arm back into my face snapping my head back and completely disorienting me. Once I regained my bearings I realized I was northbound in the southbound lanes of winston churchill blvd. In mississauga. the next morning I went to the hospital to have my arm and neck looked at. Fortunately my arm wasn't broken. It was however severely bruised and still non functional. My neck was still very stiff and sore. I am currently undergoing treatment for whiplash and ligament damage to my arm. since the date of the accident I have found out a few things regarding my 1996 pontiac grand am. 1- there IS a sensor/module under the carpet under the front passenger seat that when in contact with moisture can corrode and cause the airbags to deploy. 2- my firewall had been leaking water under my carpet to the area where this sensor/module IS located. My firewall IS so rusted it can?t be repaired. 3- gm considers this a maintenance issue. I contacted transport canada to report the incident and was informed that they are currently investigating 1995-1999 pontiac grand am's for water leaking into the car through the firewall and pooling on the floor. This has caused ?many? Airbags to deploy without warning. I have also read many similar reports on the nhtsa website. a local gm dealership had my car for 17 days while gm investigated but in the end I was told that the module/sensor was too corroded to read the information stored in it. I have requested the module/sensor back. ken locke from gm contacted me he said gm was willing to do something for me. gm will repair my airbag system if I agree to two things. 1- I pay for and repair the water leak in my car (the irrepairable one) 2- I sign a release stating that this matter IS closed and I have no further claims pertaining to this matter. .
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
The consumerexperienced intermittent loss of power steering when turning left. A recall was issued for this make/model and year, howeve this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak *nm
- Seats › Front assembly › Seat heater/cooler
While driving at 20 mph, the consumer noticed the seat was getting extremely warm. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic and it was discovered that the electric seat motor was becoming red hot, and interior nearly caught on fire. Vehicle was brought in at precisely the right time. by the time the…
While driving at 20 mph, the consumer noticed the seat was getting extremely warm. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic and it was discovered that the electric seat motor was becoming red hot, and interior nearly caught on fire. Vehicle was brought in at precisely the right time. by the time the mechanic got to the motor he was unable to touch it with his bare hands. He had to put on insulated gloves and disconnect the motor.*ak consumer saw smoke coming from under the seat and thats when she drove to a mechanic. The mechanic saw the smoke and unplugged the seat with some pliers. The mechanic stated if the consumer would've took any longer getting there, the vehicle would have caught fire. *ph *jb
- Seat belts
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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
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
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
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
- Electrical system
Failure of the ignition wires & plugs for the second time in 3 years. *jb
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
Vehicle on 4TH alternator at 63,000 miles. alternator failure in this vehicle can occur suddenly, with little or no warning, at any speed, leaving driver with limited ability to control vehicle. voluntary manufacturer recall 8/99, spark plug wires replaced to better handle electrical loads.…
Vehicle on 4TH alternator at 63,000 miles. alternator failure in this vehicle can occur suddenly, with little or no warning, at any speed, leaving driver with limited ability to control vehicle. voluntary manufacturer recall 8/99, spark plug wires replaced to better handle electrical loads. problem improved but not resolved. other vehicle owners have same experience and complaints including at nhtsa website. vehicle model & year with 3.4 litre engine unable to sustain normal electrical loads. alternator failure occurs every 1-2 years, always when air conditioner operating. manufacturer refused to cover most recent replacement under "secret warranty". repairs with rebuilt alternator cost nearly $800 excluding tow, car rental & cell phone charges. vehicle blocking lane of traffic on major arterial during rush hour. frequency of alternator failure IS clearly not normal wear or use. received no written response from prior written complaints to pontiac. ts
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer complains the heating system has become inoperable. inspection of the failure led to the discovery that the vehicle IS in need of a new engine. mechanic can not explain why this occured. *jg
- Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
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
- Electrical system › Ignition
Car stalls out while driving. I have almost killed myself an other drivers because of this. it IS also hard to start. *Ak
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
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
- Seat belts › Front › Retractor · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
My husband and myself were involved in a high impact rear end collision. due to the seat back failure my seat belt did not restraint me. I am now a grand maul epileptic due to my head injuries. I also suffer from neck and shoulder pain.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Rotor
Front brake rotors are prematurely wearing. when applying brakes at high speed vehicle vibrates, and pedal nearly goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. *ak consumer states vehicle IS very hard to stop at speeds over 35 mph rotors have been replaced 3 times since vehicle was purchased, and need replacement again at the present time. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly · Engine and engine cooling › Engine
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.…
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
- Structure › Frame and members
I think this car was wrecked before we bought it and the dealer knew it, at the time of sale. We were not informed of it and have just noticed it. No safety defect. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Would be driving vehicle when it would start to hesitate at 40mph. problem was sporadic. Would not be able to pass another vehicle. Took to dealer numerous times for problem. Mechanic could not locate cause.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
Vehicle hit a tree at 40-45mph. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy, resulting in minor injuries. vehicle was tatalled. manufacturer will be notified. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights
Both headlight lenses have fallen off, one was original the other was replaced previously under warranty for the same reason. nlm
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fires
- Inadvertent air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
- Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to…
The failure rate (1.25/100k) on this issue IS low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.an engineering analysis closing report IS included in the public file.
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10013031Power steering gear lower pinion bearing, safety recall 03062.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10001917Installing a new air pump to correct emission control systems which may fail to operate and cause the male function indicator lamp, malfunction indicator lamp (mil), to illuminate. 8JB
- 10001240Air injection reactor (a.i.r.) pump system failures.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 6088680Customers may complain of grinding / scraping / groaning noise from rear suspension.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 615074Some vehicles may exhibit front suspension scrunch / popping type noise coming from the front of vehicle that IS apparent during low speed turning maneuvers.
- 615073Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that IS generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not reappear until the next change of oil.
- 609669A malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminating on the vehicle's instrument panel after a long deceleration with the transmission typically in the overdrive position. Yd
- 608372Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 607522Subject regarding spark plug wire failure.
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
Every Pontiac Grand Prix model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.