1996 Pontiac Grand Prix Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 16%of 79 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, 16% of the 79 complaints for this model year. 3 a fire, 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.
“I began to have engine problems with my vehicle at 36,000 miles. I decided to trace the VIN # through carfax. When I did I found that the odometer has been rolled back 71,000 miles or more. The car dealer does not want to handle the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #708017, filed 1999-06“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.”
NHTSA complaint #785652, filed 2002-03“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.”
NHTSA complaint #884383, filed 2001-03“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10282511, filed 2009-09Related service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10012148Jun 1, 2004New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 | 4% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 3% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 41 | 9% |
| 2003 | 16 | 15% |
| 2002 | 62 | 19% |
| 2001 | 102 | 33% |
| 2000 | 151 | 33% |
| 1999 | 152 | 37% |
| 1998 | 90 | 18% |
| 1997 | 136 | 17% |
| 1996 | 13 | 16% |
| 1995 | 11 | 7% |
| 1994 | 22 | 10% |
| 1993 | 10 | 8% |
| 1992 | 14 | 12% |
| 1991 | 19 | 11% |
| 1990 | 16 | 9% |
| 1989 | 14 | 10% |
| 1988 | 4 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
17 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 complaintsAir bags
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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