Most common 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Share of the 79 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by model year
Best Grand Prix years: 2003, 1996, 2005. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2004. Compare all years →
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls (1)
Steering › Rack and pinion
Certain passenger vehicles have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Engine compartment fires
Inadvertent air bag deployment
There is no summary currently available
Inappropriate air bag deployment
The failure rate (1.25/100K) on this issue is low.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of the agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constiture a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.odi will continue to closely monitor this issue.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the…
What 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say
Brakes
My father, jimmie g. Nall, originally leased this vehicle; at lease end, he purchased the vehicle for me. While my father had it, he had it serviced regularly on schedule, including having the oil changed every 3000 miles. When the car was purchased and I became the main driver it had a little over 18K miles. It now has 34496. Nothing should be wrong with this car. I should not have had to make any major repairs yet. There has not been enough wear and tear for major damage or repairs. The transmission is now starting to slip at times. The check engine light comes on then will go off after a little while. The temp. Will go up rapidly (230) not to a dangerous level, then drop back down (210) after I turn on the heater. Everyday when starting, I have to turn the ignition switch at least 3 times before it will start. …
Vechicle ABS light came on all interior and external lights dimmed, once vechicle was shut off it would not restart. Battery was replaced it worked fine for about 1 week. I was informed the alternator was not putting out enough amps, so the alternator was replaced and 1 week later same problem again so alternator was replaced a 2nd time. That same day the problem was repeated. It seems when the ABS light comes on all the power from the battery is drained.
Engine & cooling
Tl contact owns a 1999 Pontiac Grand Prix. The vehicle caught fire twice where drops of engine oil fell on the exhaust manifold. The fires occurred three days after purchasing the vehicle. The contact was responsible for the repair cost of $2000. The contact was not aware of recall# 09V116000, component: engine and engine cooling when the failure occurred. The manufacturer stated that they would research the failure and call him; however, he has not received a call. When the third fire occurred the contact was able to extinguish the fire; although, he could have been injured. The dealer and manufacturer advised the contact that the vehicle was rendered inoperable and to tow it to a dealer. The contact requested that the dealer assume the towing cost; however, they denied to do so. There was no report filed with the fire department. …
Engine was overheating during normal operation of vehicle. Consumer took vehicle to a dealership and replaced radiator cap because of a defective spring. Then, when traveling at approximately 70 MPH, engine stalled suddenly. Took all of consumer's effort to bring vehicle to side of road. Dealership stated that head gasket was considered to be defective which caused the engine to stall. Private mechanic was currently rebuilding/remanufacturing the engine.
Electrical system
Vehicle on 4th alternator at 63,000 miles. Alternator failure in this vehicle can occur suddenly, with little or no warning, at any speed, leaving driver with limited ability to control vehicle. Voluntary manufacturer recall 8/99, spark plug wires replaced to better handle electrical loads. Problem improved but not resolved. Other vehicle owners have same experience and complaints including at NHTSA website. Vehicle model & year with 3.4 litre engine unable to sustain normal electrical loads. Alternator failure occurs every 1-2 years, always when air conditioner operating. Manufacturer refused to cover most recent replacement under "secret warranty". Repairs with rebuilt alternator cost nearly $800 excluding tow, car rental & cell phone charges. Vehicle blocking lane of traffic on major arterial during rush hour. Frequency of alternator failure is clearly not normal wear or use. …
Problem is with factory passenger's key ii security system. Vehicle will most of the time, but will not start at times. The owner's manual states that if this occurs wait three minutes then it will start exactly three minutes later. I have talked with several other people who own the same type of vehicle and have or have had the same problem. I spoke with a service department supervisor at a Pontiac dealer and he stated that he has replaced a "barrel full" of the key cylinders and not the security system module. It appears that in an area this small with an incident rate that high that there is a definite problem in which Pontiac needs to investigate.
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 26 / 21 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 24 / 18 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix a good car?
Based on 79 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1996 Grand Prix rates better than average: 58% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Prix at the same age. It is one of the best Grand Prix years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The brakes — 17 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the engine & cooling (13) and electrical system (9).
How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
There is 1 recall for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix, the most recent from December 11, 2003 (rack and pinion). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand Prix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 1996 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999 and 2004. See the full Pontiac Grand Prix years comparison.
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 39,000 miles; 64% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.