Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 55 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle spun out uncontrollably and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver sustained injuries to the neck, back, and both legs. The front passenger sustained injuries to the neck and both legs. The rear passenger sustained injuries to the back and both legs. The rear passenger sustained injuries to the back and neck. Medical attention was required for three occupants. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The contact believed the crashed was related to the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle veered to the left and the contact lost control. As a result, the contact crashed. The contact did not disclose what the vehicle crashed into and the air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the ribs that required medical attention. The rear passenger sustained an injury to the face and the left ankle that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, crashed into some leaves, and slid sideways down a hill. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained soreness in the back and knees that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 157,000.
I had barely hit a curb pulling into the bank parking when my brake pad wouldn't stop. At less than 7mph. My air bags had deployed leaving me jarred, and in a shock I could not move. I sat locked in to my safetybelt until the construction worker down roadpulled me out to safety. Such a mils hit. Blew my airbags.. In return, damaged my windshield, dash, and, steering column. I was turning into a bank parking lot. Considered a private lot.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal noise and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed but was stiff and failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle flipped twice and landed into a ditch. When the contact exited the vehicle, it was discovered that the engine was off. The vehicle failed to restart. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that the driver sustained a hand injury that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The vine was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v4000000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact crashed into a tree. The vehicle was destroyed and the air bags failed to deploy. She filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. A police report was filed. The contact was injured and has pictures. The current and failure mileages were 80,000. Updated 02-14-08. The consumer stated she missed a curve and the over corrected and crashed into a barbwire fence. A representative from GM informed the consumer she wasn't traveling fast enough for the air bags to deploy. Updated
I was involved in a car accident on 7/5/05. I attempted to brake in order to avoid hitting a car. I slammed on the brakes but my car just kept going and going. It must have continued for about 50 feet. I feel if my brakes would have worked I wouldn't have hit the car. It's like my brakes only partly worked. I just bought the car 3 months ago and was not aware of the recall on the brake system. I will look into that. Another thing, I was told that since no one was in the passenger seat, the air bag should not have deployed. The passenger airbag engaged and broke my windshield.
My brother was involved in a very serious car accident with my car in which he hit one side of the wall and then bounced off and hit another side of the wall all with the airbags not deploying. The car damage makes the car appear as if there was no airbag in the car because the whole front dash was moved and on the passenger side there is a dent in the dash, appearing like there was no airbag in the car. I have been in contact with GM regarding the issue however they have not been helpful and will not provide me adequate information.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the vehicle crashed into a wall barrier. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries reported and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system), but it was not confirmed if the vehicle was included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Dt:the consumer's vehicle was involved in an accident. Upon impact the air bags did not deploy. The vehicle struck a roadside barrier with a frontal impact. He was wearing a seat belt. A police report was taken and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to a body shop. The mechanic determined the air bag sensor was intact but was unable to determine why the air bags did not deploy. No repairs have been made. Updated 1/4/2006 -
Airbag complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 6% of the model year's 454 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix airbag problems?
No. NHTSA lists no air bags recall for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 7 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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 24 crashes, 0 fires and 28 injuries to air bags 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.