VehicleVerdict

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 500 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.2 times the median Grand Prix year — the 1999 model ranks #5 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 6 deaths and 10 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 41% of all reports (207 of 500), far ahead of steering at 61.

500

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

6

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

150

Fires reported

10

Injuries

6

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1999 compare to other Grand Prix years?

See all Grand Prix years to avoid →

What are the most common 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine20741%
Steering6112%
Electrical System4910%
Visibility & Wipers316%
Transmission255%
Fuel System214%
Brakes194%
Airbags143%
Other133%
Tires & Wheels122%
Suspension102%
Lighting92%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)82%
Speed Control82%
Body & Structure71%
Seat Belts51%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

8 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

15V701000EngineOctober 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 units

Defect

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 previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Consequence

Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Remedy

The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

09E025000LightingMay 11, 2009 · 42,540 units

Defect

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

09V116000EngineApril 8, 2009 · 1,497,516 units

Defect

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 THESE VEHICLES HAVE A CONDITION IN WHICH DROPS OF ENGINE OIL MAY BE DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING.

Consequence

IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668 OR HTTP://WWW.PONTIAC.COM OR HTTP:WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

09E005000SteeringFebruary 17, 2009 · 979 units

Defect

DORMAN IS RECALLING 979 STEERING KNUCKLES, DORMAN P/NOS. 697-902 AND 697-903, SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS<SUP>TM</SUP>" BRAND NAME, AND NAPA P/NOS. 7-8502 AND 7-8503 WHICH WERE SOLD FOR REPLACEMENT USE ON THE VARIOUS VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. A POTENTIAL MATERIAL OR DESIGN DEFECT COULD RESULT IN THE STEERING KNUCKLE BREAKING IN THE HUB AREA.

Consequence

A BROKEN STEERING KNUCKLE COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE STEERING KNUCKLES FREE OF CHARGE AND REIMBURSE THE REPAIR FACILITY OR OWNER FOR LABOR. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN'S TOLL-FREE HOTLINE AT 1-800-523-2492 AND PRESS 5.

08V118000EngineMarch 12, 2008 · 207,542 units

Defect

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 ROCKER COVER GASKET AND EVENTUAL OIL SEEPAGE.

Consequence

CERTAIN UNDERHOOD FIRES MAY BE CAUSED BY DROPS OF ENGINE OIL, FROM SEEPAGE OR SPILLAGE, BEING DEPOSITED ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD THROUGH HARD BRAKING. IF THE MANIFOLD IS HOT ENOUGH AND THE OIL RUNS BELOW THE HEAT SHIELD, IT MAY IGNITE INTO A SMALL FLAME AND, IN SOME INSTANCES, THE FIRE MAY SPREAD TO THE PLASTIC SPARK PLUG WIRE CHANNEL AND BEYOND.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ENGINE’S FRONT VALVE COVER AND FRONT-VALVE-COVER GASKET WITH NEW PARTS OF AN IMPROVED DESIGN AND REMOVE THE ENGINE’S PLASTIC COVER AND PLASTIC OIL-FILL-TUBE EXTENSION, ALONG WITH THE 1-3-5 SPARK PLUG WIRE RETAINERS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. , FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2016. UNTIL THE REMEDY IS COMPLETED, GM STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT OWNERS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS (1) THAT OWNERS DO NOT PARK THEIR VEHICLE IN A GARAGE, CAR PORT, OR OTHER STRUCTURE; (2) IF OWNERS NOTICE A BURNING ODOR, THEY SHOULD HAVE THEIR DEALER INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CHARGE; (3) USE PREMIUM FUEL (91 OCTANE OR HIGHER) IN THE VEHICLE AS RECOMMENDED IN THE VEHICLE'S OWNER MANUAL. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR THROUGH THEIR WEBSITE AT <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM>HTTP://WWW.GMOWNERCENTER.COM</A> .

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

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.

02V027000AirbagsJanuary 25, 2002 · 1,730 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR MODULES COULD PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH THAT WOULD TRIGGER A DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE INCREASED INTERNAL PRESSURE CAN CAUSE THE INFLATOR MODULE TO EXPLODE.

Consequence

METAL AND PLASTIC DEBRIS COULD CAUSE SEVERE INJURY TO VEHICLE OCCUPANTS.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER AIR BAG MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN FEBRUARY 1, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

RECALL ON MY 1999 GRAND PRIX WAS LATE, AND MY COMPLAINTS TO THE DEALERS RESULTED IN NOTHING BUT A HASSLE. FIRE UNDER HOOD, I COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHY THE DEALER WAS NO HELP, I COULD NOT AFFORD THERE REBUILDING THE ENGINE (THERE RECOMMENDATION) THE ENGINE STILL RAN BUT I WAS NOT ABOUT TO ALLOW MY…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 4, 2003 · fire

ACCORDING TO WITNESSES CAR WENT STRAIGHT WHEN HIGHWAY CURVED. AIR BAGS NEVER WENT OFF, HAD TWO FOBS AND MULTIPLE KEYS. THERE WAS DIP IN ROAD JUST BEFORE CURVE. IGNITION SWITCH? THE CONSUMER'S SON WAS KILLED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ACCIDENT WAS CLASSIFIED AS AN UNKNOWN CAUSE. UPDATED 10/27/14.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 27, 2012 · crash

OUR 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GTP HAS RUN FINE SINCE OUR PURCHASE IN JUNE OF 2006. IT WAS IN EXTREMELY GOOD CONDITION, 1 OWNER CAR. MY SON DROVE IT TO WORK ON 2/25/08 AND 15 MINUTES LATER IT WAS ENGULFED WITH FLAMES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENTALIZE NO RED LIGHT INDICATION OR NO SMELL OR ORDER. JUST…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 25, 2008 · fire

WINDSHIELD WIPERS WORK INTERMITTENTLY DURING OPERATION, VEHICLE HAS BEEN INTO DEALER SHOP ON THREE OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING.*AK CONSUMER STATED DURING A SNOW STORM THE DRIVER SIDE WIPERS FLIPPED 5 TIMES THEN THE WIPER HIT THE OTHER WIPER BENDING IT, CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE THIRD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 2, 2001

THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. IT CAUGHT FIRE 30 MIN AFTER IT WAS PARKED AND BURNED THE ENTIRE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FORE DEPARTMENT STOPPED THE FIRE BEFORE IT SPREAD TO THE REST OF THE CAR. IT WAS A GOOD CAR PREVIOUS TO THIS INSTANCE. WE MAINTAINED THE CAR WELL AND HAD IT LOOKED OVER BY A…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 31, 2013 · fire

1999 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 500 complaints put the 1999 model at #5 of 39 Grand Prix years. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.

What are the most common 1999 Grand Prix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (207 complaints), steering (61 complaints), electrical system (49 complaints).

Does the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 6 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Grand Prix years should you avoid?

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.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.