2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Feb 13, 2025 · 148 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Grand Prix years
Far fewer complaints than other years 11th of 14 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. That ranks 11th out of 14 Grand Prix model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is electrical system (45 complaints, 30%), typically at around 87,500 miles. Complaints mention 11 crashes, 5 fires, 7 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 1 defect investigation involving it.

Pontiac Grand Prix
2004-2007 Pontiac Grand Prix photographed in USA.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System45 · ~87,500 mi
Power Train40 · ~72,290 mi
Steering24 · ~62,000 mi
Engine14 · ~120,000 mi
Service Brakes11 · ~115,000 mi
Air Bags10 · ~92,500 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~62,000 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling6 · ~11,000 mi
Structure6 · ~80,903 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)5 · ~101,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System4530%87,500——
Power Train4027%72,290——
Steering2416%62,000——
Engine149%120,000——
Service Brakes117%115,000——
Air Bags107%92,500——
Unknown or Other75%62,000——
Engine and Engine Cooling64%11,000——
Structure64%80,903——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)53%101,500——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic53%29,431——
Tires53%57,025——
Vehicle Speed Control53%32,400——
Visibility43%43,500——
Exterior Lighting32%117,350——
Latches/locks/linkages32%63,000——
Suspension32%25,597——
Wheels32%89,075——
Fuel System, Gasoline21%12,900——
Equipment11%111,000——
Fuel System, Other11%11,000——
Seat Belts11%54,499——
Traction Control System11%140,000——
Visibility/wiper11%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2014, with 35 complaints
2004: 1200412005: 662006: 6200662007: 10102008: 9200892009: 14142010: 4201042011: 14142012: 8201282013: 992014: 352014352015: 13132016: 8201682017: 222018: 1201812019: 222021: 2202122022: 332025: 120251

n = 148 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Electrical system:ignitionJul 3, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V400000 · 5,877,718 vehicles

Problem: 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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Power steering fluid leaks - fires (PE09025) — opened May 13, 2009, closed Oct 2, 2009.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Electrical System · received Feb 13, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11642626

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…

Power Train · received Aug 2, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11477092

Other unknown motor vehicles are in the same area and and different times of day monitoring my vehicle. I get car washed and park I return I have spray on the sides, hood, and directly in front of glass.

Unknown or Other · received May 15, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11464705

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.

Electrical System · received May 10, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11464113

The car will not always start. Have to turn the key many times and then it finally starts. Sometimes it starts right up and then sometimes i have to turn the key many times to start.

Electrical System · received Apr 19, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11412777

Other Pontiac Grand Prix years

← 2004 Grand Prix · 2006 Grand Prix →

See all Pontiac Grand Prix problems by year, every Pontiac model, or the VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Owners most often report electrical system, power train, steering problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 45 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Grand Prix model years, the 2005 has far fewer complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.