Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I was driving down the road when my engine started smoking I pulled over add a friend who was is mayor of the next town over to let it cool down so that I could look to see what it was when I walk to the garage I turned around and looked and there was flames shooting up from under my hood
Accelerating on the expressway in traffic up 40 MPH, dry conditions. Vehicle in front of me stopped quickly. When I depressed the brake hard, I had no ABS assist. Upon impact, the airbags did not deploy even though it was a high energy impact. The vehicle damage caused the vehicle to be scrapped and not fixed. Based on the vehicle speed and rate of deceleration, I would expect that the ABS system would have been engaged and the airbags should have deployed. If the ABS would have been engaged, I believe the vehicle would have stopped in time. The vehicle in question has been recalled for an ignition switch defect that causes the disabling of the ABS and airbags. Driver sustained a sprained ankle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the emergency brake was applied. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the throttle body failed and the entire electronic system fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car lost power and said "reduced engine power" I was pressing the gas going 55 MPH and it suddenly lost all rpms and speed dropped. I was almost rear ended by another vehicle traveling behind me. I was very upset on the side of the road with my son. I was told about many others who have had this problem with pontiacs. What is being done about this? And if nothing why? My son and I were very lucky we weren't I'm an accident. Want answers and why there isn't a recall getting these cars fixed. It is very unsafe.
I am having an issue where I am getting a message that says reduce engine power. Took it to dealer they do not know what is wrong. Many other people are having the same issue and no recall? Car completely dies no matter where you are. I happen to be doing 50 MPH on the freeway with three children in the backseat. Thnak god we were OK! From what I read about this issues this should have been a recall. But I assume since no one died yet its just a complaint
During hard braking, engine oil drips onto the engine exhaust manifolds. There is a strong smell of burning oil when parking the car after driving. The VIN was originally listed as being eligible for NHTSA recall # 15V201, but a recent search does not list it any longer even though it exhibits the condition. I am concerned with the risk of an engine compartment fire if this is not repaired soon.
"Takata recall" my vehicle will not go in drive as I was mommy way home it was stuck on a city street for 2 months due to transmission slipped. Also my my electrical system is giving out my car will not pick up speed fully it jerks and shakes as well if I lay my foot on the gas. My brakes touches the floor because my brake fluids are leaking out.
2005 Grand Prix 11,000 miles car started to have severe hesitations and stumbling problems, took car in several times between two dealers and still the car is not right, I have spent close to 3,000 dollars and my secondary warranty has put about 4500.00 dollars all in repairs and the car now only has 33,000 miles on it, it has almost caused me to crash because of loosing power and not able to accelerate into traffic, GM is not helping resolve this at all they keep saying they don't know, I have been told it is the fuel pump or fuel pressure but that they are unable to prove this to warranty company so that they will replace it, so far to correct the problem my car has had the " catalytic converter replaced, mass-map-pcv replaced all plugs and wires replaced, complete engine combustion cleaning and most recent the transmission, this car has been a complete nightmare not knowing when this …
On 9/26/14 I took the vehicle in for a recall for unintentional ignition key rotation. The vehicle was supposedly repaired. But when I attempted to pull out of the driveway at bill rapp Pontiac service the vehicle shut down again. It said in the information data that "start up failure due to electrical throttle malfunction. Reduced engine power." I waited approximately 30 seconds and attempted to restart the vehicle which did start up. On approximately 9/29/14 while entering interstate 81n in syracuse, ny, the vehicle once again shut down on the highway. I contacted bill rapp Pontiac service department and was told that I needed to bring in the vehicle again but that I would have to pay for any further services since there is currently no other recall for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix except for the one with the key rotation issue. What can I do? …
On 1/23/12, while backing out of a parking space on a level lot, my 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix lunged forward. I immediately hit the brake. The car was in reverse not drive! I attempted to back out again and the same thing happened! The second time it lunged forward so quickly I was afraid the car would not stop, even with the brake fully applied. This second lunging incident damaged/cracked the air dam, as it was now wedged against the concrete parking space divider. At the same moment, the dashboard flashed/lit up like a christmas tree....and the engine stalled. I put the car in park and turned the ignition off..then got out to inspect the damage. Upon re-entering the car, it would not start! It finally restarted on the third attempt and I was finally able to back out of the parking space.
Engine complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, 14% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 1 recall 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 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.