1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 88about this part
- Share
- 11%of 810 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 104,352miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 88 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 11% of the 810 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 104,352 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 25 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11325035, filed 2020-05, 200,000 miles“I have a 1997 Grand Prix gtp super charger and it caught on fire today,with my daughter and grandson in the car! Its a good thing that we all got out of the car before it totally went up. Fire department came and put out the fire and stated it was from something like the wiring, and then I found out you guys have a recall on it because of this reason! Im very upset!”
NHTSA complaint #10401165, filed 2011-05, 104,352 miles“At 4:06 pm on nov. 04,2013, my wife parked in a local walmart parking lot. She immediately noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. Bystanders started yelling for her to exit the car. One bystander called the fire department, located 1.25 miles away. My wife exited the car called the fire department and then called me with her mobile phone by the time the fire engine arrived, the plastic parts on top of and around the engine had been destroyed. The fire department immediately extinguished the fire. …”
NHTSA complaint #10552219, filed 2013-11, 141,407 miles“Right after the vehicle was parked and ignition turned off. A underhood fire occurred, causing substantial damage. All electrical wiring, plastic and rubber parts were totaled. The fire department put out the fire. And after their investigations, they could not fine the cause of the fire. I do not see a recall for this situation on your website. Do I have an recourses?.”
NHTSA complaint #10100934, filed 2004-12, 86,340 miles“Went to turn my car on and the engine caught on fire. It had been running perfect. I just had my emission test done. I got out of the car and with the help of my brother, put it out before the fire department got there. This was a very dangerous situation.”
NHTSA complaint #10218972, filed 2008-02, 149,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10042292Oct 11, 2011Pontiac: certain vehicles are exhibiting inoperative blower motor, except on high setting or drl's inoperative or headlamps inoperative rather high or low beams and the rear…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 43 | 30% |
| 2007 | 68 | 31% |
| 2006 | 65 | 27% |
| 2005 | 45 | 30% |
| 2004 | 107 | 24% |
| 2003 | 20 | 19% |
| 2002 | 56 | 17% |
| 2001 | 60 | 19% |
| 2000 | 63 | 14% |
| 1999 | 47 | 11% |
| 1998 | 51 | 10% |
| 1997 | 88 | 11% |
| 1996 | 9 | 11% |
| 1995 | 15 | 9% |
| 1994 | 28 | 13% |
| 1993 | 32 | 24% |
| 1992 | 30 | 26% |
| 1991 | 22 | 13% |
| 1990 | 17 | 10% |
| 1989 | 14 | 10% |
| 1988 | 8 | 9% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
216 complaintsExterior lighting
149 complaintsEngine cooling
136 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
78 complaintsAir bags
56 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsEngine
45 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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