Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
01 Pontiac Grand pirx gt(4door) bought the car in May 01 (50miles)brand new in kernersville nc @vestal Pontiac.the steering kept poping like a ankle would do if you turned it and made it pop.I constantly had them check the car and I have documents to prove it.I lost control of the car on june26,02 (32 miles on the car)the day after last complaint.I lost control on the interstate at 60pmh going into a left turn.I did (4)360's and hit the inside cement wall almost head on in the midle of hwy.no air bags came out.most the demage was facial , and engine cradle related(repaired).no steering components were demaged.the only steering compent was fixed was broke in half causeing the steering wheel to do a complete 360 turn.I had no control of the car when I wrecked.this component was not connected to my front wheels or steering.the steering sector that broke is a male /female compent that is …
Currently, I'm having some electrical problems with my vehicle with the power windows and hazard lights. Also, I'm having an issue with the fuel system this started occurring three months ago and I feel it's not safe, at times with all issues that my car has it can be terrifying to drive but I can't afford to fix these problems or buy a new car. There are a few leaks coming from my car as well I know one leak is due to the power steering and the other the fuel tank, there might be another leak. Most of the issues I have figured out when my car was parked but some like the electrical problems and fuel issues, I've noticed either turning or driving on the main highway.
The steering on this car exhibits "play" at the center point of the steering (car going straight, not turning) and has from the first day I owned it. It feels as if it has a worn out steering box similar to a high-mileage, old car with recirculation ball type steering box instead of a rack and pinion. This play causes the car to drift to the left or right when driving straight down the road. This condition is exaggerated in rain or snow/ice conditions when the lack of steering input and "feel" causes one to over-compensate thinking the car is sliding. It is very disconcerting. Despite my many complaints, the dealers have told me this play is "normal" and "within specifications" and refused to discuss the subject. This is ridiculous. I have driven similar cars, with much higher mileage, and their steering has no play what so ever! …
Rear brake lights not working, but third center brake light is working. Took to mechanic (pep boys) who changed the brake pads, rotors, brake fluid and replaced the bulbs and fuses, (as well as a motor w/reg for the driver's side rear window, serpentine belt, alternator drive belt, tie rod outer and oil change). When I got the car back, realized they never fixed the problem. Returned the car and told it was the multifunction switch at a price of $450.00. This is great considering my bill for everything was $1,500.00, and the problem I brought it in for (brake lights) was never fixed. On web site: http://www.autoweb.com/content/research/forums/index.cfm/action/posts/fid/2831 there are approximately 119 complaints all about the multifunctional switch on pontaic vehicles. …
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that whenever he drove over a bump in the road, he could hear a cracking noise under the vehicle. He took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the tie rod ends were worn. The dealer replaced the tie rod ends, however, the failure recurred 8,000 miles later. The dealer stated that the part had begun to crack and they replaced the tie rod ends again. The contact stated that he should not have to pay for the repairs because he believes it is a manufacturer defect. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 52,000 and failure mileage was 40,000. The consumer stated the defective part was the knuckle assembly. Updated 09/18/07
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the power steering fluid was leaking from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 140,000.
This is not the first incident, this is just the most recent. On Monday, 4/7, I was driving on the freeway going home from work in the middle of storm around 5 pm and the shut off. Its as if the key was only turned enough to turn on the battery. This has happened on numerous occasions going as far back as 2012 when I purchased the car. It happens more frequently if I don't remove my car key from the rest of my keys. My power steering locks and the car is unable to turn.
While making either a left or right hard turn the steering fails. After working the steering wheel back and forth it becomes free again. This has only happen at low speeds so far. After checking with the dealership I found out that this is a common occurrence and customers pay to have the knuckle at the rack and pinion replaced. There was a recall on the same item for 1996 through 1998 cars exhibiting the same problems. Would you please investigate further.
Upon making a left turn I proceeded to park. When I left the parking lot to I had no power steering turning left. I took the car to the dealership and it was the entire rack assembly. I had my children with me and am thankful I was not on the highway when this happened. I was only about a year out of warranty with only 32000 miles on the car. Repair cost was $1000 for parts and labor.
2001 Pontiac gp 3.8, going on the 3rd power steering pump, called GM\Pontiac no help there; just some one who knows nothing about cars. The pump is obviously under sized as they all moan and groan from day one until it gets so loud that you replace the pump. Hello Toyota good bye you lousy under worked overpaid GM fat cats.
Steering complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, 7% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 6 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 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.