Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Problems with power steering pump, alternator, rack and pinion, power windows, and head gaskets. The power steering pump had suddenly gone out in traffic, the vehicle stopped abruptly in the middle of traffic(the alternator was replaced), the consumer discovered that the windshield wipers were inoperative upon start due to the failure of the wiper linkage under the cowl, the steering skipped as the consumer made right hand turns(the rack and pinion was replaced along with the power steering pump), the headlight lens had fallen off, the ceramic headgasket had to be replaced, the was a hesitation and alternator had to be replaced for a second time, the air bag warning light had come on due to a short in the wiring harness, the transmission grabbed along with hesitation(a tune up was performed and work was done to the transmission), the vehicle couldn't be taken out of the park …
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. …
Power window regulators on all doors failed. This has happened within the 36000 warranty and continues after warranty expired. Car has only one window that's working a this time. Drivers window still working. Car was brought back 3 to 4 times to the dealer to have window regulators replaced. We live in florida and we need windows working due to the extreme heat. Manufacturer refused to cover the repairs after warranty due to , too many miles on car. This has been an on going defect since the car was new and I feel the problem has not been solved. The plastic pulley in the motor causes the cable to frey and jump track ruining the cable. The whole regulator has to be replaced even if the motor is still good. Someone could die in the car which is a safety issue in florida due to heat.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that when the windshield wipers are turned off they remain directly in the middle of the windshield. The wipers fail to rest at the bottom of the windshield. An independent mechanic installed a new windshield wiper motor, which only temporarily remedied the issue. The failure recurred because the defect was in the linkage, which was attached to the motor. The dealer and manufacturer stated that his VIN was excluded from NHTSA campaign id number 99V348000 (visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages). The contact would be responsible for the repair costs. The vehicle was not been sufficiently repaired. The current mileage was approximately 158,000 and failure mileage was approximately 157,900.
The paint on the rear wheel wells as well as the pain on the running boards all the way back to the rear quarter pannels is rusting out. I found your website and thought that I migh be covered, but apparently I am not and GM said they have changed their plant to oshawa, Canada. They also said that they have changed their paint. When I asked what I should do they said that it is pretty much tough luck. And that is about it. Also the coolent return hose in the engine goes every 2 yrs. And at canadian tire it costs. About 375$ to replace.
I have a 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix and I just researched the recalls for those models. I see that there was a recall on the windshield wipers and it is for what mine have recently done. The windshield wipers have stopped working and I haven't had my car over 2 years. I just got the car in 2008 and I wanted to know if the recall was on that car and was it ever done. I don't want to get into an accident and they started to not work after we had a big snow storm here in virginia.
While traveling at about 35-40 MPH, consumer ran into another vehicle head-on. Upon impact, driver and passenger air bags did not deploy. Contacted dealer and they are not willing to do anything. Consumer stated there was an injury in the accident. Two weeks after purchase, water pump failed. Alternator failed. Windows quit going up and down.
Wipers work intermittently. I contacted Pontiac GMC after seeing this issue was under recall. However, I am told that my car is not covered by the recall. The only recall I qualify for is one involving the rack and pinion steering mechanism. I was informed the repair is 100% my responsibility. However, if it has been recalled why am I not eligible?
Power windows were replaced on several occasions, and they still fell down. The regulators were replaced. They fell down inside the door. Manufacturer was contacted, there was nothing they could do.
I purchased my car in feb of 2000. It only has aprrox 43000 miles and I have had numerous trips to the dealer and other mechanics. In June of 2000 I had to take the car in because the headlight covers fell off. I had noticed condensation when I purchased the car and was told by the salesman that this was normal. Luckily I found the covers and did not have to replace them. In sept of 2000 I had to replace the alternator when it failed while I was going to work. Then in dec of 2000 I took my car to have the tires rotated and the mechanic noticed that the antifreeze in the radiator was just about completely solidified. I had to pay for radiator flushes and was told by the dealer that it was normal "wear and tear". They also noticed that one of the main engine belts was needed to be replaced and I have replaced it. …
Related recalls
Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The windshield wipers May stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of a plastic water deflector and, if necessary, replace the wiper motor crank arm and install a water deflector.
NHTSA investigations
Windshield wiper
Incidents of wiper failure (owner reports and warranty) are very high, and many of the reports indicate that the failures are still occurring in 1999.
Windshield wiper
By letter dated December 12, 1999, GM notified NHTSA of its plans to conduct a safety related defect campaign to remedy 155,149 of the subject vehicles.the vehicle population for the campaign includes the 1997 Buick regal/century and Pontiac gran prix models built during the period from the start of production through May 1, 1997.GM determined that the wipers installed prior to this date could stop working, usually…
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 74 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 9% of the model year's 810 complaints. The component named most often is windshield wiper/washer (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix window & wiper problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-348 (linkages, Dec 16, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 2 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.