Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 185 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Grand Prix year — the 1993 model ranks #17 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 14 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 73 reports (40% of the total).
185
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
19
Crash-involved
8
Fires reported
14
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 73 | 39% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 39 | 21% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 15 | 8% | — flat |
| Steering | 10 | 5% | — flat |
| Lighting | 10 | 5% | — flat |
| Transmission | 8 | 4% | — flat |
| Seats | 5 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Other | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 1 | 1% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SEAT MANUAL RECLINING MECHANISMS DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT BACK MECHANISMS WILL NOT LATCH UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS.
Consequence
THE SEATS MAY RECLINE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, RESULTINGIN A HAZARD TO SEAT OCCUPANTS AND POSSIBLE LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy
REPLACE THE MANUAL SEAT RECLINER MECHANISM WITH A MECHANISM THAT COMPLIES WITH FMVSS 207.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES IN A PANIC SITUATION THERE IS VERY LITTLE STOPPING ACTION. THIS HAPPENS ON A DRY ROAD SURFACE. ON MARCH 27, 1997 VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A REAR END CRASH BECAUSE OF BRAKING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. DEALER WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE SYSTEM. PLEASE…”
“THE STEERING COLUMN HAD BEEN SMOKING WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS WERE USED THEN ONE EVENING THE IGNITION SWITCH CAUGHT FIRE. THE WHOLE DASH AND STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. IF YOUR STEERING WHEEL SMOKES WHEN YOU USE YOUR SIGNALS HAVE IT CHECKED. *JB”
“AFTER DRIVING FOR 30 MINUTES VEHICLE WAS PARKED, CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THEN FIRE WAS NOTICED FALLING FROM THE BOTTOM, AND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT BROKE OUT INTO FLAMES, BURNING THE VEHICLE UP. CAUSE OF FIRE UNKNOWN. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”
“I OWN A 1993 GRAND PRIX. EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT USED IN 2001, I HAVE HAD TO PULL THE TURNING SIGNAL MECHANISM FORWARD TO MAKE THEM OPERABLE. ABOUT A MONTH AGO, MY 19-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WAS BORROWING THE CAR. WHEN SHE USED THE TURNING SIGNAL IT STARTED TO SMOKE. THE WHOLE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE…”
“SEVERAL PROBLEMS AT DIFFERENT TIMES.OLT FELL OUT OF REAR OF ENGINE CRADLE CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. WENT INTO THE DITCH AND COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUS IF IT HAD HAPPENED AT A DIFFERENT LOCATION. SEVERE OIL LEAK IN ENGINE, ORIGIN UNKNOWN.ILTING MECHANISM IN STEERING COLUMN IS LOOSE WHICH CAUSED BRACKET…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 185 complaints put the 1993 model at #17 of 39 Grand Prix years. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (73 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints), engine (15 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1993 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Prix years to avoid are 1997, 2004, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 1994, 1990, 1995, 1991, 2005, 1989, 2008, 1993, 1988. The cleanest record among Grand Prix years belongs to 1982.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.