Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The multi function switch has malfunctioned this is a common occurrence on these cars. The malfunction of this switch has meant that the brake lights do not work causing someone to run into the back of my car as I was slowing in traffic. The shift lever lock will not engage leaving the keys unable to be removed and the shifter can be moved out of park without the brake pedal being pressed. The ignition switch and harness malfunction causing the fan to not work in anything but 5. Look at the message boards all three a common occurrence and worse GM knows of these problems and have refused to address them.
According to many sources (online internet auto forums, mechanics, etc), the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, and possibly other years, have headlamps that are prone to failure. This failure mostly has to do with the sealant or the headlamp assembly itself which cracks. This causes a leak for air, moisture, and other things to enter the headlamp and drastically fog up the inside. As a result, this causes a significant drop in view distance at night, as the front headlights are blocked by this fog and moisture on the inside of the headlamps. This could easily cause an accident as the driver has minimal viewing distance at night for other cars, pedestrians, or objects. Mind you, this is just for the front headlamps and not the corner lenses. …
I own a 02 Grand Prix gt with only 45,000 miles on it and the brake lights don't work. After buying new light bulbs and back tracking all wiring to the fuse box, checking all fuses and after a couple aspirins later I checked the hazard switch that was seized and would not move. Problem found. Checking online, cost a new turn signal switch $250.00 cheapest price. I will fix the problem myself but feel sorry for others who can't do this type of work themselves because the labor cost will be about the same price as the part. Thank god no kids were injured in a rear end collision over a faulty switch that has had numerous complaints, especially when the vehicle owners manual shows children should be restrained in the back seat. "go figure". …
I have recently experienced two major defects with my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp. First, I have had both my driver and passenger side front wheel bearings to go out. These are not cheap to replace. The cost per bearing is about $90 plus labor. Then, my brake lights have stopped working. After looking at other complaints on the web, I have found that I my vehicle will require a multifunction switch which is costly as well. As far as the bearings go, there is a strong possibility that I will have to replace those again in the near future. My opinion is that if GM is aware of these defects in their product , they should be taking more steps to satisfy their customers as we have put faith in their company and help keep them in business with sales and our tax dollars (bailout). I appeal to GM to recall the parts that are not up to standard on their cars.
Brake lights and the tail lights don't work and can't use my hazards. I found recalls for this situation on other GM vehicles but for some reason not the 2002 Grand Prix. I have come across several other people with the same problem and I'm shocked that this was deemed not an issue. This is wide spread and the multi-function switch is not cheap. Please research this issue again.
No brake lights. Brought into dealership and was told that the problem is the multifunction switch. This is a big problem that GM should be taking care of, having no brake lights could easily cause a rear end collision! The dealership said that I would have to pay for this repair, I beleive that it should be GM's responsibility. 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Dt*: the contact stated after being alerted from a passerby that the brake lights were inoperative, the vehicle was taken to the dealership. The dealership determined a switch in the steering wheel needed to be replaced. Updated 7/31/2006 - the dealer indicated that the switch was worn out by using the blinker too much.
2002 Grand Prix. All 3 rear brake lights out at once/hazard light button jammed. Almost got rear-ended a few times. Going to repair in near future. Check numerous websites noting hundreds of complaints regarding the same problem. Needs new multi-function switch.
Brake lights not working and was almost rear ended. Hazard switch is stuck. After checking online this appears to be a very common problem related to the multi-function switch. It appears that GM is waiting for a few fatalities to occur before taking any action!!
My wife and I own a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp. On the evening of 23 February 2007, my wife was followed into our driveway by a charles county sheriff (md). The sheriff informed my wife that he had followed her home to let her know that she had no brake lights. I checked the bulbs and fuses the next morning. They were all fine. I did some research online and found that numerous other Pontiac Grand Prix and Grand am owners have had the same problem. Everyone seemed to have the same problem with their hazard blinker switch not working because it became stuck (which had also occurred to me about a week prior to 23 feb 2007). They all reported that the problem was a faulty multi-function switch. I called the dealership (winegardner Pontiac/GM) and explained to the service dept what was happening. …
Headlight complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the lights of the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, 7% of the model year's 330 complaints. The component named most often is hazard flashing warning lights › switch (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 3 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 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.