Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. After reversing from the driveway, the contact noticed fluid leaking on the pavement. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that there was a fuel and transmission fluid leakage. As a result, the transmission kit and oil pan were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 02/18/16
I went to the store, drove about 40 feet and got stuck in snow. Realized I was bottomed out in snow when I opened my door. I didn't try to get unstuck. I shut off engine and went into house. Several minutes later, I heard a noise and looked out and saw flames shooting from under hood. I immediately called 911 and fire department was there within 5 minutes and truck was there within 10. They immediately asked me if the car was left running at the time the fire started. I said,"no, I was inside at least 20 minutes before I heard this noise and looked out." the engine and front end of car is a complete loss. Cracked windshield, melted lower left hand corner of windshield and front of instrument panel. Their were no flames that reached the inside thru the firewall. Unfortunately I am not insured and wife and I are disabled, the car being our only source of transportation. …
While driving at 25 MPH and upon turning into a residential street smoke starting coming from underneath the driver's seat. Upon existing the vehicle, the driver's seat was engulfed in flames. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. There was a large burnt hole, the size of a basket ball in the center of seat. The fire reached the rear driver's side seat. A GM investigator, after inspection, indicated that an umbrella caused the fire. The umbrella was on the floor in the rear of the vehicle at the time of the fire, but had not burned, melted or scoured marks on it. The motor wiring in the electric seat was found to be the cause of the fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 25 MPH, smoke emitted from under the dashboard on the passenger side. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 15V701000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* - the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. While backing the vehicle out of the driveway it became stuck in the snow. The contact left the vehicle, and 20 minutes later he heard a loud noise and saw flames coming from the engine. The contact stated he did not leave the vehicle running. The fire department came and extinguished the fire. The fire was contained to the engine compartment. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure and current mileage were 135,000. Updated 04/12/07.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact parked the vehicle in his garage after driving 12 miles at 30 MPH under normal driving conditions. 15 minutes later he smelled smoke and realized that the vehicle was on fire. The vehicle was inspected by the insurance company and the fire department, and both stated that the fire was caused by an electrical source from under the hood. There were no injuries. The current and failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the key would remain stuck in the ignition switch without warning. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but not repaired. The details of the diagnostic testing results were not available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while at a gas station the vehicle caught on fire without warning. The fire department extinguished the fire and determined the fire was confined to the engine area. A report was filed by the fire department. The vehicle was deemed totaled and towed to an independent repair shop where it remains. The manufacturer has been alerted.
Drove to the store and home, parked my car and walked inside. Within 5 minutes neighbors reported my car was on fire. Fire dept. Came and put it out. Everything under the hood is burnt. I took the vehicle to the dealer in April for a recall repair, but it still caught fire. I have receipts.
Battery blew-up and started small fire after I noticed the positive termanal leeking as I diconected the battery it blew acid all over the car and myself causing a small fire after replacing the factery ac delco battery the transmision slips when switching from 2nd gear to 3rd gear.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 51 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, 10% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is 12v/24v/48v battery (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 4 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 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 16 fires and 1 injury to electrical system 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.