MYRModel Year Report

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix

▲ Better than typical
1996 Pontiac Grand Prix
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:56:39.171Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Grand Prix Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1996 highlighted. 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 3 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 2 complaints 1987: 2 complaints 1987 1988: 92 complaints 1989: 143 complaints 1990: 177 complaints 1991: 173 complaints 1991 1992: 117 complaints 1993: 132 complaints 1994: 217 complaints 1995: 169 complaints 1995 1996: 79 complaints 1996 1997: 810 complaints 1998: 499 complaints 1999: 412 complaints 1999 2000: 461 complaints 2001: 308 complaints 2002: 330 complaints 2003: 106 complaints 2003 2004: 454 complaints 2005: 148 complaints 2006: 239 complaints 2007: 220 complaints 2007 2008: 142 complaints 2008
1996: 79 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19820
19832
19843
19853
19862
19872
198892
1989143
1990177
1991173
1992117
1993132
1994217
1995169
199679
1997810
1998499
1999412
2000461
2001308
2002330
2003106
2004454
2005148
2006239
2007220
2008142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

SERVICE BRAKES 24%

24% of complaints: service brakes — 19 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 23%

23% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 18 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE TWICE WHERE DROPS OF ENGINE OIL FELL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE FIRES OCCURRED THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20090901

ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. ALSO, ENGINE CHECK LIGHT CAME ON.

NHTSA ODI report, 19990217

CAR WAS PARKED AND CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHICH CAME FROM THE TRUCK , PLEASE DESCRIBE . *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960701

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and alternator/generator/regulator.

Show complaint excerpts

VEHICLE ON 4TH ALTERNATOR AT 63,000 MILES. ALTERNATOR FAILURE IN THIS VEHICLE CAN OCCUR SUDDENLY, WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, AT ANY SPEED, LEAVING DRIVER WITH LIMITED ABILITY TO CONTROL VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20021015

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing door and frame and members.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140707

Also filed under STEERING and POWER TRAIN

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 8 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing rack and pinion and hydraulic power assist system.

CRASH

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19960927 — EA (closed 19980213)

INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

I 19990831 — EA (closed 20011228)

INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

I 20020613 — PE (closed 20021022)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

R 20040205 — steering

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARI

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 5, 2004.

Campaign 03V527000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20070427 — fuel system, other

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNI

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1996 Pontiac Grand Prix — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (19 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (18 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 03V527000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ▲ 2003 ▲ 1992

WORST YEARS

■ 1997 ■ 1998 ■ 2000

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix?

The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 24% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.