2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
- Complaints
- 461filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles, 297 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 5campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe engine-compartment fires that appear shortly after the car is parked, many of them linked in the complaints to oil dripping onto hot exhaust parts. A second, quieter pattern involves coolant loss from the intake manifold gasket and power steering that becomes stiff or pops when turning at low speed.
- Engine
Engine compartment fire after parking (oil on hot exhaust)
- 171 complaints (37%)
- median 125,000 mi at 9.0 yrs old (132 state mileage)
- 157 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $2,600 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2000–2020
Owners describe smoke or flames from the front of the engine bay minutes after shutting the car off, sometimes while it is parked in a driveway or lot. Several state that the fire started near the front or driver's side of the engine, and some had the car declared a total loss. Complaints also mention melted engine covers, spark plug wiring and gaskets, and repairs the dealer would not cover; several owners say they had not received or had not yet had the recall work done. Reported across a wide mileage range, from very low odometer readings to well past 150,000 miles, and most often within minutes to about 20 minutes after the car was parked.
Recall 15V701000Recall 09V116000Recall 08V118000
What to check: Ask whether the engine oil drip recalls (08V118, 09V116, 15V701) were completed and keep the paperwork. Watch for oil residue or a burning smell around the front valve cover and exhaust manifold, and check oil level regularly.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“In sept 2011 my 2000 Pontiac gran priz burst into flames under the hood it was parked at farm credit. I only had liability insurance so no claim was filed. I recently received a recall notice for a possible engine fire. I contacted GM and was told nothing could be done because I didn't have the car anymore. Of course I don't have the car it burnt completely up!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10909364, filed 2016-09, 125,000 miles“Fire in engine compartment. There is a safety recall on this car. I was not aware of this recall at the time. Have owned this car since 2000. It is at a g.m. Dealer now and has been for 18 days. They say they will do nothing not even someone from their investigating unit will come. I hope there is someone who can help me with this matter. I don't know where to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10368578, filed 2010-12, 125,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalls or cuts out while driving
- 51 complaints (11%)
- median 92,000 mi at 8.2 yrs old (29 state mileage)
- 9 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2017
Complaints describe the engine shutting off without warning while driving or coming to a stop, sometimes repeatedly, with loss of power steering and brake assist at the same time. Owners report replacing fuel pumps, relays, crank sensors, ignition components and fuse boxes without a lasting fix, and some dealers could not identify the cause. Several say the car restarts and then stalls again once it warms up. Reported from about 65,000 to 170,000 miles, both shortly after startup and at highway speed.
What to check: Take a test drive long enough to reach full operating temperature, including a stop-and-go stretch, and ask for any history of fuel pump, crank sensor or ignition switch repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There have been more than I can count on both hands to the incidents that this care has stalled. It happens unexpectedly and I never know when it is going to happen, but it always seems to happen when I am in the middle of traffic. So, I have to pull over and try and start the car. Which it will start then sputter and stall and die. …”
NHTSA complaint #10326920, filed 2010-04, 92,000 miles“Driving at freeway speeds the car shuts down totally. At times the car has shut down in traffic, shut down soon after starting, shut down comming to a stop. The radio power flickers, and the fuel pump will not prime during a restart. I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel pump relay, and the problem still present. I suspect a problem with the key ignition or the theft deterrant module.”
NHTSA complaint #10063601, filed 2004-03, 65,000 miles - Steering
Stiff or popping power steering, especially at low speed
- 29 complaints (6%)
- median 53,000 mi at 5.1 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2002–2016
Owners describe the steering wheel popping or binding when turning, with effort rising sharply at low speeds or when turning left. Some report the steering momentarily going heavy after water splashes the power steering pulley, and a few mention rack and pinion work or system flushes as attempted fixes. Repairs described include flushing the system and adding conditioner before replacing the rack. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 130,000 miles, often noticed at parking-lot speeds or in wet conditions.
What to check: Turn the wheel slowly at a crawl with the engine running and listen for popping or binding. Ask whether the power steering fluid, pump or rack has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When traveling through standing water, even at low speeds, water splashes on the power steering pully rendering the steering inoperative for a few seconds. The steering wheen is extremely difficult if not impossible to turn.”
NHTSA complaint #10090796, filed 2004-09, 62,000 miles“Steering wheel began popping when turning, became more difficult to turn left, extremely difficult at low speeds. Almost hit a retaining wall when turning across a major intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #10109884, filed 2005-02, 50,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission loses overdrive and shifts erratically
- 37 complaints (8%)
- median 64,500 mi at 4.7 yrs old (28 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,250 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2000–2020
Owners report the transmission dropping overdrive, hunting between gears or failing to shift on its own, with high rpm at highway speed or a whine before it finally shifts. Some describe harsh engagement or surging when starting off. Complaints mention transmission sensor replacement at an independent shop and, in other cases, no repair at all. Reported from around 60,000 miles up to about 180,000 miles.
What to check: Drive at highway speed and confirm the car reaches and holds overdrive with low rpm. Check the transmission fluid level and condition, and ask about prior transmission service.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have the same problem as just about everybody else. My transmission has lost overdrive and shifts erratically. When I am at 60 MPH my rpms are at 3 and1/2 !!! I am ready to start a class action lawsuit after seeing the same problems on so many cars”
NHTSA complaint #10110738, filed 2005-02, 97,000 miles“Transmission failure at 180k miles. Car will not shift on it own I have to force car into gear by speeding up hearing transmission whine and then letting off the gas pedal so transmission shifts gears. This is on all road conditions. So many complaints have been made why has GM not issued a recall on this matter.”
NHTSA complaint #11340504, filed 2020-07, 180,000 miles
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 461 consumer complaints for the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix. 297 of the complaints include a mileage, and 18% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 97,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 162 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns and 235 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling151 33%
- Engine73 16%
- Electrical system63 14%
- Transmission and drivetrain43 9.3%
- Steering35 7.6%
- Brakes28 6.1%
- Fuel system26 5.6%
- Exterior lighting22 4.8%
- Suspension16 3.5%
Also reported: Other or unknown (13), Body and structure (13), Air bags (11), Equipment (11), Vehicle speed control (8), Seat belts (7), Tires (7), Wheels (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seats (2), Interior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Engine cooling: “Was entering hwy 285 northbound when fellow motorist caught my attention that fire was coming out the bottom of my car. Tried to stop but didnt have any brakes, so I put the car in park and jumped out as the flames engulfed the engine compartment of the car. I feel that it was due to a defected recall part that was suppose to prevent what has happen to my car. I was the second owner of this car which was garaged and in immaculate condition.”
NHTSA complaint #10494374, filed 2013-01, 156,977 milesEngine: “Excessive oil leak from the top of the engine. Valve cover gaskets and intake gaskets leaking oil directly on to the manifold I smell it burning every time I drive it and there is a visable puddle of oil on the top of the engine”
NHTSA complaint #11133013, filed 2018-10, 223,209 milesElectrical system: “In 2013, my 2000 Grand Prix had smoke coming from the engine compartment while driving down a city street. While stopped at a red light, flames were then coming from under the hood and the whole engine compartment was on fire. The fire department was called and had to rip open the hood with power tools to put out the fire. A week prior I had an oil change and two new front tires put on. The car was a total loss and was towed to a salvage lot.”
NHTSA complaint #10817699, filed 2016-01, 178,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “There are many safety concerns on this vehicle. The first concern is the smoke that comes from under the hood because of the oil leaking on the engine while in motion. To the point I have had to use a hose to cool down the motor. Oil poured out with the water. I have had the prior recalls done and still had leaking after the so called recall was done in 2010. I was told by castle Pontiac (north riverside, il) there was no further repairs they could offer. Even though I showed them the oil continuing to leak after the so called recall was completed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10786463, filed 2015-10, 140,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
18% of the 297 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 58,348 and 138,297 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V701000Oct 26, 2015Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipeCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2004, Buick Regal 1997–2004, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2004 +3 more
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were…
- 09V116000Apr 8, 2009Engine and engine coolingCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003, Buick Regal 1997–2003, Chevrolet Monte Carlo 1998–2003 +3 more
General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of…
- 08V118000Mar 12, 2008Engine and engine coolingCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1997–2003, Buick Regal 1997–2003
Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged v-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front…
- 00V228003Aug 7, 2000Seat beltsCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 2000–2001, Chevrolet Impala 2000–2001, Venture 2000–2001 +13 more
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles, light duty trucks, sport utility vehicles, and mini vans equipped with trw seat belt buckle assemblies. The buckle base of these seat belt assemblies were not properly heat treated and therefore do not pass the load…
- 99V283000Oct 21, 1999Air bags › FrontalCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 2000, Chevrolet Lumina 2000
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The passenger side air bag modules have an undersized inflator orifice.
Recall details for the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE07006Engine compartment fireClosed · Jan 29, 2007
- PE07001Loss of brake lamp illuminationClosed · Jan 17, 2007
- EA01014Air bag inflatorClosed · Jun 11, 2001
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 235 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This 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…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024Engine cooling. This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024Engine cooling. This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has…
- 10249980Jan 12, 2024Equipment. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024Engine cooling, Transmission and drivetrain. This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
Other model years of the Pontiac Grand Prix
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 143 | 81,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 220 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 239 | 91,162 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 148 | 70,250 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 454 | 72,975 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 106 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 330 | 92,100 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 308 | 97,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 461 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 412 | 94,685 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 499 | 94,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 810 | 104,352 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 79 | 39,153 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 169 | 116,379 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 213 | 127,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 131 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 114 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 172 | 126,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 176 | 73,518 | 8 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 139 | 122,500 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 88 | 154,000 | 11 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Pontiac Grand Prix model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Owners of this model year most often describe engine-compartment fires that appear shortly after the car is parked, many of them linked in the complaints to oil dripping onto hot exhaust parts. The issues reported most often: Engine compartment fire after parking (oil on hot exhaust); Engine stalls or cuts out while driving; Stiff or popping power steering, especially at low speed.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
NHTSA recorded 461 consumer complaints for the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 151 complaints (33% of the total), followed by engine with 73.
Has the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix been recalled?
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The EPA rates the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix (Grand Prix, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix reported?
Among the 297 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 97,000 miles and the middle half falls between 58,348 and 138,297 miles; 18% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.