2004 Pontiac GTO problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 333 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median GTO year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 5 GTO years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
The trouble concentrates in one system: suspension issues account for 55% of all reports (182 of 333), far ahead of tires & wheels at 70.
333
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
1
Investigations
12
Crash-involved
1
Fires reported
13
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other GTO years?
What are the most common 2004 Pontiac GTO problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 182 | 55% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 70 | 21% | new |
| Transmission | 17 | 5% | new |
| Electrical System | 16 | 5% | new |
| Fuel System | 8 | 2% | new |
| Steering | 6 | 2% | new |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 2% | new |
| Engine | 6 | 2% | new |
| Airbags | 5 | 2% | new |
| Brakes | 4 | 1% | new |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 1% | new |
| Other | 3 | 1% | new |
| Seats | 3 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 1% | new |
| Lighting | 1 | 0% | new |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 0% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 CAR ACCIDENT. FOR NO KNOWN REASON THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. UPON REMOVAL OF THE DAMAGED FRONT FENDER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE WERE BALD ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THIS DAMAGE TO THE TIRES IT WAS ULTIMATELY…”
“TL*-THE CONTACT HAS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO THA THE PURCHASED ON APRIL 28 2004 WITH 0 MILES, CURRENTLY WITH 17200 MILES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT TWO TIRES ARE RUBBING AGAINST THE STRUTS OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO PREMATURE WEAR. HOWEVER, THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN REPLACED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 CAR ACCIDENT. FOR NO KNOWN REASON THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL WHILE PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. UPON REMOVAL OF THE DAMAGED FRONT FENDER IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES ON THIS VEHICLE WERE BALD ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE. THIS DAMAGE TO THE TIRES IT WAS ULTIMATELY…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW IGNITION SWITCH. AS JULY 30, 2007, THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE PART WAS…”
“WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE, 2004 PONTIAC GTO, WHEN IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I AM PRESUMING IT WAS CAUSED BY A PROBLEM INVOLVING THE ENGINE COVERS RUBBING ON THE FUEL LINE. *JB”
2004 Pontiac GTO — common questions
Is the 2004 Pontiac GTO reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 333 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 5 GTO years. It is one of the GTO years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 GTO problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (182 complaints), tires & wheels (70 complaints), transmission (17 complaints).
Does the 2004 Pontiac GTO have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac GTO.
Is the 2004 Pontiac GTO under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
Which Pontiac GTO years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the GTO years to avoid are 2004. The cleanest record among GTO years belongs to 1967.
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.