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 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My car was recalled only built after the final assembly date for the recall. Guawtney chev. Stole my series 3 supercharged motor and put a series 2 3.8l motor in it, ii tried to have an investigation done by a neutral party only it was turned over too dewayne bell there own service manager how fair of an investigation do you believe was conducted? He lied and said the cover for my motor was part of recall of course it said 3800 v6 ser. 3 super charged. I have 5 witness that will testify it was sc. Prior to the day they had my car, police officer ran my VIN# eight digit 2 3.8l v6 ssi canadian employee said same thing about motor! I spoke with a woman over recalls in us. She said my car wasn't part of recall concerning oil dripping on engine block causing fire hazard I've discovered why. General manager jamie cobb has gotten involved and lied as well. …
My 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp comp g has unstable headlights. When driving, they "bounce" and it is really distracting to me as well as other drivers. I belong to a Grand Prix car club and a member with the same car as mine experiences the same problems. A fix and a recall is needed asap. The constant vibration of the headlights is very distracting and will eventually start causing problems for drivers. In addition to the above complaint, I have another. I have found a total of 3 recalls on my vehicle yet I have never received notification from Pontiac nor my dealership. I would like to have peace of mind that if something is recalled on my vehicle that the manufacturer is taking steps to correct it asap. Instead, I am finding out this information on the internet and will need to take steps to ensure my car is safe.
Headlight assembly: both headlights on the front are "bouncing / shaking" when you drive the vehicle. This is easily duplicated when you drive the vehicle in the evening when it's dark. Oncoming vehicles have flashed there high beams because of the result of the lights shaking up and down. The headlight assembly is loose and this is common with other 2004 Pontiac Grand prixs (according to a Pontiac message board). I phoned Pontiac regarding this problem and was told they are "lowering the headlight beam closer to the ground from the front of vehicle". This will reduce visibility in night time driving and will not solve this problem. The headlights will continue to bounce & shake, but will not bounce high in the air blinding other drivers.
On a 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp with a competition group package, the valve cover gaskets have failed. This causes oil to leak onto the manifold in the engine compartment and allows it to burn. This could in turn cause a fire in the engine. This same problem was recalled on the 1997-2003 models, but has not included the 2004 model. The same problem still exists and must be remedied before fires ensue and lives are lost. Also, the headlights "bounce" or "wobble" while driving. This could cause issues with the ability to see clearly while driving at night.
I was driving to church it had just got dark a car approached me with high beams on, when I went to flicker my switch from low to high my lights went out completely I was scared to death it was pitch black couldn't see where I was going and then they came back on I was in a field, thank god it was a country road I May have hurt myself or someone else, the windows on my car have been replaced all of them but now I only have 1 left that is working, this car has so many issues with electrical it makes me sick that I bought it.
Intermediate drive shaft replaced at 1,500 miles. Power steering pump went at 2,000 miles, had it replaced. Also at 2,000 miles cv joint and boot had to be replace. Headlights bounce while driving over minimal bumps, door panel rattles. Dash above speedometer rattles but dealer can not duplicate so no fix yet. Car is going back to the dealer today for a rattling noise coming from front end. Need I say more? Lemon!
The headlights shake on the 2004 Grand Prix as a result of insecure mounting. The dealer said there is nothing they can do, the headlights are installed as designed. I also contacted Pontiac via e-mail, their reply was that this a normal characteristic of the car. I do not believe this is a normal characteristic of any car and is a grave distraction to the driver as well as oncoming traffic!.
My headlights are bouncing up and down while driving down the road in my 2004 Grand Prix gtp w/comp g.this is very distracting to both me and the other cars traveling towards me. GM does not seem to concerned but, evidently they are not the ones driving the car. There has been no accident, I just filled out the incident date so I could proceed to the next page.
My 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix has headlights that are loose from the factory. When encountering small or large bumps in the road my headlights bounce u and down. This is a very annoying problem for drivers approaching from the other direction. My dealer tells me there is no fix available. I am constantly being flashed by on coming traffic.
The headlights "bounce" on our 2004 Grand Prix due to insecure mounting. This can be seen after dark and must be very annoying to other drivers, some who respond by flashing their brights. This May be a more prevelent in the gtp/comp g model which has a stiffer spring and strut combination. At this time, there is no repair available.
NHTSA investigations
Unstable headlamps
Odi received a petition from mr. Brad lamb of the north carolina consumers council, requesting investigation of an alleged defect evidenced by shake or bounce of the headlamps on model year 2004 Pontiac grand prix vehicles.odi's previous review of this issue in October 2003, determined that it did not warrant investigation.odi's current analysis identified 36 complaints in the consumer complaint database; and a…
Headlight complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 41 complaints about the lights of the 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix, 9% of the model year's 454 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (34 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights 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 headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 0 miles, and 84% before 25,000 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.