1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 220miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the air bags of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, 4% of the 79 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 220 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071341, filed 2004-01, 220 miles“Vehicle hit a tree at 40-45mph. Upon impact, airbags did not deploy, resulting in minor injuries. Vehicle was tatalled. Manufacturer will be notified.”
NHTSA complaint #881457, filed 2001-02Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 22 | 15% |
| 2007 | 16 | 7% |
| 2006 | 19 | 8% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 28 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 11 | 3% |
| 2001 | 11 | 4% |
| 2000 | 11 | 2% |
| 1999 | 14 | 3% |
| 1998 | 24 | 5% |
| 1997 | 56 | 7% |
| 1996 | 3 | 4% |
| 1995 | 18 | 11% |
| 1994 | 24 | 11% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
17 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSteering
8 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology