Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 245 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Grand Prix year — the 1995 model ranks #12 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 21 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (51), transmission (34), and lighting (22), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
245
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
26
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
21
Injuries
1
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 51 | 21% | — flat |
| Transmission | 34 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 22 | 9% | — flat |
| Airbags | 20 | 8% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 20 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 17 | 7% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 13 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 12 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 11 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 11 | 4% | — flat |
| Other | 7 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 6 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Seats | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Suspension | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
4 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 CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE EXHIBITS STRESS CRACKS.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM CAN FRACTURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT SYSTEM.
Defect
THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT ANCHOR PLATE EXHIBITS STRESS CRACKS.
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SEAT BELT SYSTEM CAN FRACTURE AND INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT CAN OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CENTER REAR SEAT BELT SYSTEM.
Defect
SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE A STRAINED OR SEPARATED WASHER/WIPER SWITCH POWER FEED WIRE.
Consequence
THIS CAN CAUSE THE WINDSHIELD WASHER/WIPER TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND COULD ULTIMATELY RESULT IN INOPERATIVE WIPERS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR IN A SEVERE WEATHER SITUATION, DRIVER VISIBILITY COULD BE REDUCED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE OLD DESIGNED WASHER/WIPER SWITCHES WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE AT A STOP VEHICLE PROCEEDED FORWARD, ANOTHER VEHICLE COMING AT 30MPH HIT CONSUMER'S VEHICLE HEAD ON, AND AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS IN THIS CRASH. ALSO, THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK”
“THE REAR AXLE OF THIS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE BROKE DURING A LOW SPEED CURVE. THIS CAUSED THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL TO GO SAILING OFF AND CAUSED THE DRIVER INITIALLY TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WAS INVOLVED. THE CAR DID HIT THE CURB BLOWING THE FRONT TIRE AND THEN HIT A TRAFFIC…”
“EXTERIOR LIGHTING/TAIL LIGHTS - THERE IS MOISTURE BUILD-UP AND HEAVY CONDENSATION IN BOTH TAIL LIGHTS, AGAIN . I'VE ALREADY HAD THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED TWICE ON BOTH SIDES, AND HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. THE COST FOR JUST ONE (1) TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY IS IN EXCESS OF $250.00. ALTHOUGH THERE…”
“DUE TO LOCATION OF THE AIR BAG IT TAKES SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO ACTIVATE THE HORN. TWO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN MOTION. *AK”
“ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION, AIRBAG EXPERIENCED NO DEPLOYMENT DURING RATHER SUFFICANT IMPACT. HOWEVER, ON ONE INCIDENT NOT ONLY DID THE AIRBAG EXPERIENCE NO DEPLOYMENT, BUT THREE OF THE FOUR RETRACTABLE FRAME PINS COLLAPSED, AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BROKE…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 245 complaints put the 1995 model at #12 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 (51 complaints), transmission (34 complaints), lighting (22 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1995 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.