2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 19%of 106 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 108,281miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, 19% of the 106 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 108,281 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix that has not been included in the recall, I went to start my car and right before I pulled off it shut down. Thank goodness it happen before I drove off because my mechanic found a faulty electrical system and the wires had melted which could have resulted in a fire. More over the ignition cylinder needs to be replaced now.”
NHTSA complaint #10631333, filed 2014-09, 164,000 miles“When I turn on the blower switch, the blower doesn't work and the headlights go out. It mainly happens on the lower speeds but occasionally happens on high speed also. It is intermittent but happens around 75% of the time. This has been going on for about a year. I have checked all fuses and relays that seem to be related and find no problems there.”
NHTSA complaint #10343005, filed 2010-07, 120,000 miles“There were several problems with my car beginning with rear defrost not working. The air would only work on high. Then as I was driving home one night I turned the fan to the air/heat off and my headlights went out nearly causing me to run off the road. Then at some point my car would not start and I would have to keep trying. Then it would not start at all. At first I was told it was the starter so I had that replaced, only to find out it was not the starter. Finally the problem was solved amazingly enough it was the ignition switch. …”
NHTSA complaint #10621071, filed 2014-08, 78,000 miles“I have a 2003 Grand Prix se and everytime I turn my AC/heater on my headlights go off, its 80+ degrees in the summer time. I can't keep driving with my windows down its too hot, not to mention I carry my friend and her kid around. I worry every night driving down the road that my headlights won't work. This is very dangerous for me and other traffic. I've read many forums and websites containing people with the same exact problem. Please make a recall. I've been told it the ignition switch and blower.”
NHTSA complaint #10340636, filed 2010-06, 116,562 miles“I have a 2003 grandprix and the first time I used the hazards on for about 10 minutes the column started smoking. If I turn them on now it will start instantly. The outside brake lights have also quit working as a result. I'm told that it is because of the wiring in the column and that everything goes through a central location which needs to be replaced. Apparently by steering the car over time it eventually removes the outer coating of the wiring. I feel that GM should repair this at no cost. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192876, filed 2007-06, 68,231 milesRelated service bulletins
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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 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix
31 complaintsEngine cooling
16 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsBody and structure
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsTires
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 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