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 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the windshield fluid reservoir was leaking fluid. The vehicle was taken to becker Buick GMC, inc. (located at 636 e sprague ave, spokane, wa 99202, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the plastic reservoir was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 159,000. The VIN was not available.
Service engine problems from the beginning. Almost every exhaust-related component was replaced before a new computer cut down on the problem. I still had an episode or two after that installation, but have had no episodes in two years now. Airbag light came on shortly after warranty expired, but I knew about the technical service bulletin on that one and it was fixed for free. Driver side window button died a few months after purchase, but it was replaced free under warranty. More recently two windows have stopped working when the weather is warm. I am living with my power window problems because I don't want to pay to have two motors replaced. No winter problems in the winter. Most recently my lens cover on the right headlight fell off. It cost me over $100 for an aftermarket replacement and home installation, but GM was going to charge me $250 plus labor.
Tl*- the contact stated that yhe 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp, ha had windshield wiper motor problems. T in 2001 he had the windshield wiper motor replaced. The contact stated that the windshield wipers May stop working due to a separation between the drive pin and the crescent in the crank assembly. While driving in the rain the drive's pin separated again ,and driver's side wiper stopped working again. The contact stated that he contacted general motor to try and get them to take responsibility for this problem. The contact found a recall 99V348000 with the same problem on the 1997 Pontiac gran Prix. The contact felt that all Grand Prix vehicles with this type of pin in the wiper should be on the recall. The contact called GM and filed a complaint with case# 71-481-566-952. The current mileage was 104000, and the failure mileage was 62000.
Power window cables are getting in fraid out. This is not the first time it has been replaced. I found the part cost $328.00 for me to just do it my self. I have talked to other people hoe drive a Pontiac Grand Prix for the years of 1997-2000 that have had to get it fixed. The shop sed it would bee about $200+ in laber plus parts. I found on anther websit more people that have Pontiac cars that are big like bont. Grand Prix gtp. And the Grand am. All have the same thing going wrong with the power windows. All the people tell me the motor is still good it is jut the cables and the keeper that hold the cables in place.
The gas tank is not sealed in the middle allowing gas and fuel vapor to leak from car! All the sway bar on the driver side has separated due to the rack and pinion, car has no sound when turning to the right but if you try and turn the car to the left it is as if the power steering is going out and make a loud grinding noise and is getting very difficult to turn left, also the windshield wiper do not work proper and cause problems in the rain, the key get stuck in the ignition all the time,feel as if motor is twisting or moving forward, will be contacting Pontiac due to recalls and problems arising.
The windshield wipers on my 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix fail when ice builds up under them. This has happened 3 times in the last 2 years. The cost of repairing this is between $120.00 and $140.00. This is hazardous because the wipers stop in the middle of the windshield and obstructs the driver' vision. I have contacted Pontiac numerous times concerning this problem but to no avail. Many other owners of this style of automobile have had the same problem.
I own a 1998 Pontiac Grand-Prix. My windshield wipers stop in the up-right position. This has caused impaired vision. I know that the 1997 model was recalled for the same malfunction. I am the mother of three children and safety is most important issue when I purchase a car. Unfortunately this is not under warranty and a very expensive part to replace. I do not feel this should go out at only 94,000 miles.
1. Have had problems with windshield wipers for past 2 years 2. Wipers stay in upright position impairing vision 3. Am now having repairs done at my own expense. GM knows there has been a problem and had a recall on some older models (my son's - this is how I know) and refuses to repair all vehicles with the same problem. I have e-mailed my complaint to them amd have gotten the run around.
All four of my windows have gone out! I have power windows, and none of them work. One goes down about two inches, two don't budge, and the other falls down if it isn't propped up with something wedging it between the glass and the door. I have been told this will cost me well over $1500 to fix, and I know there's a problem if all four quit working in the same year!
Three (3) of the power windows dropped without notice because the electric motors failed during or after driving the car! The dealers will not replace or help without charging you full price for repair. GM will not repair or help in cost either. (edmonds.com states this is a customer common complaint !)
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 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, 9% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 93,000 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.