2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
- Complaints
- 330filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 92,100miles, 242 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns 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
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this model year center on two things: engine-compartment fires that owners link to oil leaking onto hot exhaust parts, and coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets. A smaller but consistent group covers power window regulators, keys that will not come out of the ignition, and brake lines or lines that rust through.
- Engine
Engine compartment fire / oil on hot exhaust
- 158 complaints (48%)
- median 114,000 mi at 11.2 yrs old (122 state mileage)
- 99 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $950 (median of 10 quotes)
- filed 2002–2025
Owners describe smoke or flames from under the hood, often minutes after the car was parked and shut off, sometimes while driving. Several complaints mention oil pooling on top of the engine or dripping onto the exhaust, and some say the vehicle was destroyed. Where a recall repair had been done, some owners report the fire happened anyway or that the dealer could not get the parts; others say the dealer told them the leak was unrelated to the recall. Reported from roughly 60,000 to 200,000+ miles, frequently minutes after the car was parked.
Recall 15V701000Recall 09V116000Recall 08V118000
What to check: Ask whether the 08V-118, 09V-116 and 15V-701 recalls were completed and keep the paperwork. Check for oil residue on the top of the engine and around the front valve cover, and watch for oil drips after parking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have owned my 2002 Grand Prix for about 7 years. On june 8, 2011 about 6:30 p.m. My car caught on fire by just being parked. I called the customer service where they told me it would be 7 days before a rep got in contact with me. I have no money and I need a car. When will someone take this serious before someone gets really hurt.”
NHTSA complaint #10407220, filed 2011-06, 135,000 miles“I have a 2002 Pontiac gtp that the engine caught on fire. They said it was a leak from a fuel line. I know there was or is an investigation going on since last year about this problem. I was wondering what was going on with the investigation and when it would be resolved. Thank you. Scott taylor”
NHTSA complaint #10241582, filed 2008-09, 130,000 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Power window regulators and motors failing
- 18 complaints (5%)
- median 63,575 mi at 5.4 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $517 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2002–2015
Owners describe windows that stop moving, sometimes only in warm weather, and regulators or window motors that have been replaced more than once. Several say the window would go down and then not come back up for a while, and some note the part is hard to find. A few complaints mention the blower only working on some speeds. Reported from about 40,000 to 70,000 miles, often in hot climates.
What to check: Operate every window up and down several times, ideally when the car is warm, and ask how many regulators or motors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. Window regulators. These replacement parts are the second and third regulators that have needed to be replaced. Our vehicle has only 50,000 miles on it (over the warranty period) but it is obvious that these regulators were manufactured with a design flaw. Our windows are hardly ever used here in california, summer time with 100 degree heat the air is on all the time, and then in the winter the heat is on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10174713, filed 2006-11, 39,000 miles“The regulators in all 4 of my power windows broke within 4 months of each other. Before they broke, I would roll down my windows and when I would try to roll them up, they would no roll up. After a few minutes they rolled up like normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10227792, filed 2008-05, 70,000 miles - Electrical system
Key stuck in ignition / shifter lock
- 48 complaints (15%)
- median 92,100 mi at 8.5 yrs old (40 state mileage)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 7 quotes)
- filed 2002–2020
Owners report the key will not come out after shifting into park, and that the car sometimes has to be restarted and cycled through the gears before the key releases. Some link it to the shifter cable not fully engaging park, and a few describe the shifter locking in park or engaging reverse unexpectedly. One owner reports the engine staying running after the key was removed; a dealer could not duplicate it. Reported from about 17,000 to 134,000 miles, with several cases under 60,000.
What to check: Shift through all gears into park and confirm the key releases cleanly and the steering column locks; ask whether the shifter cable or ignition lock has been serviced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The key is stuck in the ignition. I am unable to take it out even when all gears have been switched to park. The were no events that gave me warning any thing was wrong with the ignition. At this point this is the 3rd Pontiac Grand Prix ranging in years 2001-2003 that I have known this to happen to. The key is still stuck in there. Price quotes I have got range from $1,000.00- $2,000.00 depending on if they have to reset the airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #10172983, filed 2006-11, 92,000 miles“Unable to extract key from the ignition after putting the car in park. In most failures, I have had to restart the car and go back through all of the gears and put it back into park then remove the key. I work with an individual with the same year car and she recently had the same issue. Her car was under the extended warranty, but to repair the problem it would have cost over $1000 if she had not had the warranty. I believe the issue relates to the transmission not shifting fulling into park.”
NHTSA complaint #10126625, filed 2005-06, 57,000 miles - Engine cooling
Intake manifold gasket coolant leak
- 31 complaints (9%)
- median 95,500 mi at 6.7 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2019
Owners report coolant puddles under the front of the car and a low-coolant or engine light that stays on even with the reservoir filled. In several cases the dealer identified the intake manifold gasket as the source, with coolant mixing into the oil or the gasket replaced at relatively low mileage. Others mention watching the temperature gauge and smelling coolant while driving. Mostly reported between about 60,000 and 80,000 miles, with some higher-mileage reports.
What to check: Look for coolant residue or staining where the intake meets the engine and check the coolant level and condition; ask whether the intake gaskets have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought the car august 2013 and it seems like the cooling system has the issues. The engine light as well as the low coolant light have always been on even though there were sufficient coolant. I saw there was a recall regarding the issues back in 2008 or 2009. I called them today and they told me the recall has been closed. I checked the car fax and there was no recalled done on this car. Every time when I am driving, I kept looking at the engine temperature. Every time when I am driving, I am worry there will be a burning smell. …”
NHTSA complaint #10597933, filed 2014-06, 160,000 miles“- the contact called regarding a 2002 pointac Grand Prix. The contact stated he took the vehicle to dealer for a routine oil change and was advised by the repair shop that there was a gasket leak. The gasket was replaced. The failure mileage was 60,902. The contact stated that he believed the antifreeze caused the gasket to be replaced the current mileage was 60,951. Updated 04/12/07.”
NHTSA complaint #10184403, filed 2007-03, 60,902 miles
Buying note. On this model year, confirm in writing that the oil-leak recalls (08V-118, 09V-116, 15V-701) were completed and check for oil residue on the engine, then have a mechanic inspect the brake lines and coolant system. A pre-purchase inspection focused on those areas is worth the cost on a car this age.
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 330 consumer complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. 242 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 92,100 miles. Of all complaints, 19 involved a crash, 96 a fire, 19 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 304 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.
- Engine86 26%
- Engine cooling62 19%
- Electrical system56 17%
- Brakes26 7.9%
- Exterior lighting24 7.3%
- Fuel system24 7.3%
- Transmission and drivetrain18 5.5%
- Steering12 3.6%
- Suspension12 3.6%
Also reported: Air bags (11), Body and structure (10), Other or unknown (9), Vehicle speed control (7), Seat belts (6), Wheels (4), Equipment (3), Tires (3), Latches, locks and linkages (2), Electronic stability control (1), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “Ii had a no engine crank-no dashboard lights, intermintent start. Cwas parked nad not moving. The problem I caused by the the ignition switch and pass key system. Gm had this problem in 2004 on the colbolt. 6deaths due to loss of enginepower, steering and power brakes. I will not drive this car,till iget it repaired. I am the origional owner with 40000 miles use.”
NHTSA complaint #11266767, filed 2019-10, 40,000 milesEngine cooling: “Car was not accelerating on high way then all power was last in car including the breaks. I was able to get the car to the side of the highway. Dark smoke began coming though the car's vent and out the hood. I exited the car and then saw flames coming out the engine. I received a recall notice in may 2009 for a problem with possible engine fires. Car was serviced at the dealership it was purchased from to fix the recalled item.”
NHTSA complaint #10341893, filed 2010-07, 124,899 milesElectrical system: “I have a 2002 Grand Prix se that will sometimes just not want to start. Everything works the lights fuel,pump runs but the car just acts like the ignition isn't making contact. I've had just about everything replaced but the problem is still there. After doing some research it turns out GM and honda both have the problem but only honda is fixing it.”
NHTSA complaint #10510184, filed 2013-04, 80,000 milesBrakes: “The multi function switch has malfunctioned this is a common occurrence on these cars. The malfunction of this switch has meant that the brake lights do not work causing someone to run into the back of my car as I was slowing in traffic. The shift lever lock will not engage leaving the keys unable to be removed and the shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal being pressed. The ignition switch and harness malfunction causing the fan to not work in anything but 5. …”
NHTSA complaint #10606841, filed 2014-06, 79,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
17% of the 242 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 63,322 and 135,491 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.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2002 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 | 26 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,350 |
| 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…
Recall details for the 2002 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
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. 304 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 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…
- 10252735Mar 28, 2024Electrical system. This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 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…
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 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Complaints on this model year center on two things: engine-compartment fires that owners link to oil leaking onto hot exhaust parts, and coolant leaks from intake manifold gaskets. The issues reported most often: Engine compartment fire / oil on hot exhaust; Power window regulators and motors failing; Key stuck in ignition / shifter lock.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
NHTSA recorded 330 consumer complaints for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 86 complaints (26% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 62.
Has the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The EPA rates the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix (Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix reported?
Among the 242 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 92,100 miles and the middle half falls between 63,322 and 135,491 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. 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.