Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
It was around 7:30 pm in November of 2001 when I was driving my son to his friends home down the street from where I live. We were driving at about 25 miles per hr and were nearing the friends home when smoke appeared to be coming from under the engine hood. I immediately turned into the friends driveway and my son opened the hood to take a look and flames came out, my engine was on fire. He doused it with dirt from the ground. There was damage to the electrical parts, underhood, and engine area. The car was taken to an authorized dealership and repaired to the best of their ability, but issues continue to arise to the point where the car is now parked as more repairs are needed. I was told to expect other problems to surface by the service manager at the dealership.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, when the heating system was activated, the contact noticed that the head lights failed without warning. The contact also noticed that the information system in the dashboard would fail when the heat was activated. In addition, the contact stated that the ABS warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred. It was unknown if the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,300. Updated 04/08/16 the consumer stated the brake module needs to be replaced. Updated 05/16/16.
When this car was purchased, it had 30,000 miles on it, it now has 58,000 miles, this car has been in the shop every month or every two months, I have tried everything in my power to correct this problem with the dealership, they in no way want to help me, I have taken the car up there numerous times for the same things until they finally found a problem with my electrical components, they have replaced all of the wheel bearing on this car, the wheel sensors, block assembly, fuel sending unit, power steering pressure hose, body control module, I've even replaced the battery, alternator, water pump, tentionser, they even attempted to fix the interior, which was not torn due to abuse, rotors, they found a shortage underhood, and they replaced the underhood electrical center, wheel bearing assembly, tie rod ends, wheel speed sensor....after all of these problems that I have had with this …
Traveling approximately 30 MPH down a dual lane (each way) heavily traveled road when I attempted to stop the car & the brake pedal went to the floor. After I was able to stop, I discovered brake fluid was dripping from the underside of the automobile where the brake line had apparently ruptured. Rear brake lines were replaced at a cost of $700 by a professional mechanic at a local garage............ I own 2 Pontiac Grand prixs ( a 1997 & 1998) and only 1 month earlier ( 08/14/12), the 1998 Pontiac also had a similar brake line rupture........unbelievably, 2 years later on sept 27, 2014 the 1997 Pontiac again had a brake line failure, where at this time I was traveling approximately 40 MPH down a dual lane highway approaching an intersection where I had a stop sign & was unable to stop, traveling thru the intersection, avoiding a collision and was able to finally stop off the side of …
This is the worst automobile I have ever owned. It is nickel and diming me to death. Both back windows are being held up in place by sticks that I have proped under them. The front passenger window I paid $300 to have repaired. The steering locked up on me and I had to dish out $500 to get that repaired, GM recalled it a couple of weeks after that, thank god I got some of my money back for that repair. The passengers side head light lens cover fell off $75 to replace that. I am presently working on the brake transmission shift indicator which I just called the dealer for a price on the part and am told it will be $224.07 for the part and probably $115 for the labor. The engine leaks oil I had my wife take it to the shop for them to take a look at and they told her that no leaks were evident. Well the oil in my driveway is coming from somewhere. …
The engine shuts off while driving down the road. When the engine quit running, the oil light and alternator light didn't come on just the anti-lock brake light, also the tachometer stayed at 2000 RPM. I put the car in neutral and tried, but couldn't get the engine to start. Pulled over to the side of the road and tried several times before finally starting. I had to put transmission in the park position, and the key all the way off, then start the engine. I had the crankshaft sensor replaced, but made no difference. Its happened 6 times in the last 5 months and 300 miles. I quit driving it until I can get another car.
About 1 out of 50 times applying brakes, the ABS system activates the ABS motors on the master brake cylinder, causing a brief (1/2 to 1 second) loss of brakes. Additional brake pedalis not effective during this time. Clicking noise from ABS motors and brake master cylinder. Able to reproduce the ABS motors activating for 1/2 to 1 second by: with key off, apply brake, start engine, release brake. When brake lights turn off, ABS motors run for 1/2 to 1 second. Unable to depress brake pedal during this time.removing ABS fuse prevents problem from occurring, but the ABS light is on.
While driving 35-40 MPH ABS/traction control light came on, slowed down vehicle to 10 MPH. At that time vehicle sped up, wheels screeching. With foot on brake, and vehicle spun around and landed in ditch. Consumer tried to get out of ditch, vehicle accelerated again opposite way. Consumer realized he had a flat tire, drove 100-150 feet to find a flat spot to change tire. Vehicle lurched forward, and landed in ditch, had to be towed. Reported this to Pontiac, no response.
The ebcm (electronic brake control module) has gone out. This effect the power steering and the anti-lock brakes. The problem is that a new cost $700.00. Our gtp doesn't have traction control and we are unable to find a used or reman. Ebcm w/o traction control. The nose cone on the supercharger is also bad. It has a rattle in it that won't go away. It was that way when we bought the car with 68,000 miles on it, now has 102,000.
When brakes were applied on moist pavement pedal went to floor, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in a collision. Manufacturer has been notified. Dealer is inspecting vehicle. The consumer points out that brakes on this vehicle were very bad and deserve investigation.
Brake complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 6% of the model year's 810 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.