2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 209 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Grand Prix year — the 2005 model ranks #14 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 14 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (51), transmission (41), and steering (26), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

209

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Grand Prix years?

Grand Prix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Prix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	51	24%	▼ down
Transmission	41	20%	▲ up
Steering	26	12%	▼ down
Engine	20	10%	▼ down
Brakes	16	8%	▼ down
Airbags	10	5%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	8	4%	▼ down
Other	8	4%	▼ down
Body & Structure	6	3%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	5	2%	▼ down
Speed Control	5	2%	▼ down
Suspension	3	1%	▼ down
Lighting	3	1%	▼ down
Latches & Locks	3	1%	▲ up
Fuel System	3	1%	▼ down
Seat Belts	1	0%	▼ down

Does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

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

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO POLICE REPORT FILED AND NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 2, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHEN THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 12, 2005 · crash

“POWER STEERING PUMP IS LOSING FLUID,THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE NOW. CAR WAS TAKEN INTO DEALER AND NO LEAKS,OR FLUID WAS FOUND UNDER CAR. ALL THEY WOULD DO IS FILL UP PUMP WITH MORE FLUID.THE FLUID MUST BE GOING SOMEWHERE? MY CAR MAKES A VERY HIGH WHINING SOUND WHEN IT GETS LOW ON FLUID. I WAS TOLD…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 15, 2009

“I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY ENGINE STARTED SMOKING I PULLED OVER ADD A FRIEND WHO WAS IS MAYOR OF THE NEXT TOWN OVER TO LET IT COOL DOWN SO THAT I COULD LOOK TO SEE WHAT IT WAS WHEN I WALK TO THE GARAGE I TURNED AROUND AND LOOKED AND THERE WAS FLAMES SHOOTING UP FROM UNDER MY HOOD”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 24, 2019 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE MERGING ONTO AN EXIT RAMP, THE BRAKES FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO HYDROPLANE, SPIN AROUND, AND CRASH INTO A POLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000. ”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 31, 2014 · crash

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 209 complaints put the 2005 model at #14 of 39 Grand Prix years. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Grand Prix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (51 complaints), transmission (41 complaints), steering (26 complaints).

Does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2005 compare to other Grand Prix years?

What are the most common 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

Does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

What are the most common 2005 Grand Prix problems?

Does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

Which Pontiac Grand Prix years should you avoid?

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