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 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. Upon entering the parked vehicle, the contact noticed that the instrument panel was on fire. The contact did not see the fire because it extinguished itself. The fire and police departments were not notified. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
In feb of 2003 my Pontiac Grand Prix caught fire after I parked for the evening. Since then, insurance refused coverage for "suspicious in nature. In 2003 Pontiac claimed no responsibility, GM's 100,000 mile warranty was a refused. After complaining again in 2006 Pontiac called again to say they were not at fault and had no responsibility. I asked them for corresponding VIN numbers and was refused. I have located over 15 additional Grand Prix engine fires where GM / Pontiac is claiming no responsibilities. Once ? Twice ? 10 + ? I read that NHTSA had begun another investigation in feb 07 and would like more information on this. …
Tl*- the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while sitting idle for 2 minutes he noticed smoke emanating from under the hood of the vehicle. Upon further inspection he noticed that the entire electrical system was destroyed. He used a fire extinguisher to put out the fire. He contacted the manufacturer and has not received a response in reference to recall #09V116000 engine and engine cooling .the failure and current mileages were 116,985. Updated 05/18/09. Updated 05/20/09.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH, the key would inadvertently release from the ignition switch and would continue to operate without it. In another occasion, the key failed to release from the ignition. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed the ignition switch and the wire from shifter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000.
Tl* - the contact stated that while driving the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix on a sunny day at 35 MPH a deer ran out in front of the vehicle he swerved in order not to hit the deer and ran into a tree. The air bag deployed, the car caught on fire and was consumed by the fire. He had a hard time getting out the driver's side door, it would not open. He had to crawl out through the back window. The failure mileage was 87000 miles.
While driving on the highway head lights went out, heard a very loud pop as if something burst, no longer does the rear defroster, air conditioner, heated seats, or information panel work. Running daylights no longer work as well.
There were several problems with my car beginning with rear defrost not working. The air would only work on high. Then as I was driving home one night I turned the fan to the air/heat off and my headlights went out nearly causing me to run off the road. Then at some point my car would not start and I would have to keep trying. Then it would not start at all. At first I was told it was the starter so I had that replaced, only to find out it was not the starter. Finally the problem was solved amazingly enough it was the ignition switch. There should be recalls on all these vehicles before more people are injured or killed because of a faulty product.
I have a 2003 grandprix and the first time I used the hazards on for about 10 minutes the column started smoking. If I turn them on now it will start instantly. The outside brake lights have also quit working as a result. I'm told that it is because of the wiring in the column and that everything goes through a central location which needs to be replaced. Apparently by steering the car over time it eventually removes the outer coating of the wiring. I feel that GM should repair this at no cost. I'm also concerned that people do not know of this problem and if they turn the hazards on and walk away, they May not have a car.
Hi it happend about 2 weeks ago I stop to get gas in the car an when I left I started noticeing the car was running kinda of weird I get to were I was going an turn the car off for about 10mins an then tried to start it bck up an it acted like it wldnt I had to get a jump to get it barely started an when started driving it wld misfire an all the gauges on the dashboard came on an I cld hardly get the car up to speed an when I finally made it home an the car off my fuel gauge went from half a tank to full an the car wldnt start bck up
I have a 2003 Grand Prix se and everytime I turn my ac/heater on my headlights go off, its 80+ degrees in the summer time. I can't keep driving with my windows down its too hot, not to mention I carry my friend and her kid around. I worry every night driving down the road that my headlights won't work. This is very dangerous for me and other traffic. I've read many forums and websites containing people with the same exact problem. Please make a recall. I've been told it the ignition switch and blower.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix, 19% of the model year's 106 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 117,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 2 injuries 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.