Most common 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Share of the 148 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by model year
Best Grand Prix years: 2003, 1996, 2005. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2004. Compare all years →
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Power steering fluid leaks - fires
General motors (GM) initiated a customer satisfaction campaign in October of 2006 to address a failure of the power steering hose and/or clamps that could occur when the engine is started in vehicles primarily operated in the following states that experience extremely cold temperatures:alaska, maine, minnesota, montana, new hampshire, north dakota, south dakota, vermont, wisconsin and wyoming.at the time this…
What 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say
Electrical system all 45 →
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact asked his daughter to remove the keychains and lanyards from the key. The vehicle was started after removing the lanyards and keychains. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owned a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list as she does no longer own the vehicle. There was no further information provided.
Transmission & drivetrain all 40 →
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift the vehicle into gear. There was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission fluid was flushed and refilled. The contact was also informed that a spacer was missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a scheduled transmission flush. The contact also stated that the transmission fluid utilized by the vehicle was dexron 3, but the dealer utilized dexron 6, which had a different viscosity. The contact also stated that the vehicle started to jerk when placed into drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the results were that the transmission solenoid was faulty and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
Steering all 24 →
My car has been acting up for a while. It started with gauges and info center flickering while going down the road like it was losing power intermittently. Than started doing this thing when you start it and let off on the key it continues to turn engine over. I received the letter for the recall and took it in. I told dealer what it was doing and they snapped back and said that wasn't part of the recall. I said oh I thought the ignition switch was the problem they said no. They took my keys put their stupid inserts in and sent me on my way. I have been nervous about it and than today it happened going down highway at 65mph and everything shut off!!! No air bags no power steering no power brakes luckily I was not in traffic and cost to shoulder shut key off restarted car everything fine again. Key never turned to off position. The switch itself is the problem. …
When driving 30 MPH up to 70 MPH all of a sudden the reduced rngine light vomes on and the car starts decelerating to 5 MPH and sometimes cuts off causing power steering to not work. This started after the worked on yhe ignition recall. I asked about it and was charged $75 fir them to put it on the computer. Then was told it would be over $700 for them to find out what's wrong. I don't have that type of money so l let it sit up for awhile only to be yold it could possibly be the gas pedal and wouldn't cost that much to replace... I've almost had two accidents before l could pull over. If it cuts off completely it cranks right back up - sometimes ot will take on off but other times l have to sit and wait because it won't accelerate no faster than 2 to 5 MPH, like something has to catch up. I haven't gotten it fixed yet because l can't afford it.
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
| 3.8L 6-cyl supercharged | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix a good car?
Based on 148 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Grand Prix rates better than average: 52% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Prix at the same age. It is one of the best Grand Prix years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The electrical system — 45 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about horn. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (40) and steering (24).
How many recalls does the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
There is 1 recall for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand Prix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 1996 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999 and 2004. See the full Pontiac Grand Prix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 34% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.