Lense fell off the front headlights twice. Had to pay to replace the whole headlamp assembly. Replacement headlamp assemblies have the same design defect so the problem will continue to happen.
Transmission problems.
Windshield wiper motor went bad after 1 year.
Radio display panel has gone bad.
Oil leak on the oil pan.
Fuel gauge broke after a year of ownership.
Problems with the electrical system - power windows, daytime running lights, door locks, etc.
Alternator went bad.
Steering wheel controls malfunctioning.
This car looks good but it is not very reliable. I thought by spending the amount of money that I did I would be getting higher quality but I was wrong. Seems like the American car makers still have not caught up with foreign car makers in quality and reliability.
Hi I was wondering who put up this review because I've had EXACTLY the same problems with my 97 GTP Grand Prix and now I've ran into a transmission problem that has produced a OBD II code of P1860. I wanted to know what kind of problems you have had and what the cost was.
Thanks,
Nick
ngarza@niu.edu
I own a 1997 Pontiac GTP and have had the same problem with the headlamps four or five times. GM has paid for the replacements--contact your dealer. Last night, it happened again - I'll be at the dealer tomorrow morning. I really like the car. I've put 115,000 miles on it without too many problems - you would think GM could put out a car without the headlight lense falling off every six months.
I have a 1997 Grand Prix 2-door GT and it is a beautiful car with 94K miles on it and am experiencing the same problems. I've replaced the alternator and battery at 64,000 miles, my passenger-side lens cover fell off recently and I'm saving 175.00 to replace the entire assembly! My driver's side headlight cover has held water condensation since I purchased it in 2000 and will probably be the next thing to fall off? My digital panel on the dash looks written in "Greek" sometimes, but eventually fixes itself - the CD player shows an Error 20 UNTIL I take it to be looked at, then it suddenly plays without any evidence of problems? I have had a transmission pan leak since 75,000 miles and have just been told that it is ready for repair - and last, but not least, my front left tie rod arm broke at 65,000 miles while driving down the road. BUT, I love the design of the car! Especially the heads-up display and the spoiler. Just wish the financial investment that I made had been worth it. I still owe on it and I'm not sure that it'll hold up until it's paid for. Good Luck to all who have the same problems going on. GrandPrix Design-Lover in Tennessee.
I am looking at a 1998 Grand Prix GTP with 75000 miles. Any chance that GM has addressed the problems I have been reading below?
I have owned my'97 GTP for 2 1/2 years. Just lost my RH (passenger side) Headlight lens this past week. Dealer laughed when I asked if "they" would replace, said "yeh, $168 for assembly" (he laughs now, but, will do business elsewhere in the future). These Headlights have been at issue (moisture retention, lenses falling off, etc), and still are!, since the inception of this body style-obviously NO reaction from GM to the complaints. I did just find a source at (http://www.autolights.tv/wholesale/Pontiac_Grand_Prix__1997-2001.shtml) $114 + shipping for entire assembly. Have sent them email inquiring as to if they offer Headlight ONLY, without the side marker.
This is a great car. Love the kick of the supercharger, have modified external motor, love racing it (at the track), surprises many! Have 68M miles, normal replacements, in my mind, of battery, water pump, altenator just this past year.
GM WILL lose MY next car purchase though if they continue to ignore obvious DEFECTS such as this Headlight, though!
GTPhil
Louisville, KY.
I just finished spending 160.00 on replacing the headlamp assembly because the lens fell off. The next day, the lens on th other side falls off! What type of crap is GM selling? Now I have to pay another 160.00 to have the dealer take advantage of me to replace it!! Now I truly see why many consumers are buying foreign vehicles. American made cars have not kept up with the quality of Japanese and German made cars... I hate to say that, but it is true!
JP-Chicago.
I also have a 97 GTP. All the problems plus the supercharger is whining, the gear shift locks and the key locks, both need to be released in order to move. It never ends.
My wifes 97 GP with 65,000 miles has had 2 batteries, 3 altenators. 2 sets of plug wires. 2 radios, 2 PS pumps, 3 steering racks, an oil pan lead since 40,000 water pump, belt tensioner and now the drivers headlamp lense.
Definitly the last GM we will ever buy.
Beautiful piece of junk!!!
Agree with some. Beautiful care and an awesome design. I hate the fact that so many cars with the Headlight lens defect, and we still have to be responsible for it. I believe this is a 'car/manufacturing defect' and we, the consumer, should not be paying for these parts over and over. I GM doing any investigation? Or, are we stuck?
Daniel
San Antonio.
I'm scared that every time I get into my Grand Prix I'm not going to make it home alive
where to start..
1st set of tires only lasted 16,000 miles, dealer said that was "Normal"
Lost both headlight lens (ended up with ticket, happened on weekend, police didn't care... extra $50)
Service Engine light stays on... dealer says cause of a "slip sensor" in the transmission... but can't find info on this part anywhere...
3 batteries.
1 Water Pump.
1 Alternator.
2 sets of rotors (1st set within 75,000 miles, light braking)
3 Power Window motors.
2 CD players.
3 Fog Lights.
Now my blower motor is going bad, steering wheel controls broken, water leaks.. the list goes on and on...
Things break and wear out, but 90% of this happened before 100,000 miles.
Of course this will be my last Pontiac..
I wouldn't even give this car away..I'd feel too bad about it!
Here's a tip for the headlight lens.. I put a bead of clear silicone on top of the lens where it joins the assembly and spread it with your finger evenly... worked for me!!
Well just wanted to add that my 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix GT has also suffered lost headlight lens, alternator twice, panel light out, bad tie rod, leaky trunk (paid $80 to seal and it still retains moisture), CD Player display light has never worked after 18,000 miles, A/C needed replacing after 78,000 miles ($430 repair). The car runs good and has some good speed and it has only broken down on the road once. The body design is good so all in all I'd give my car experience a 5 or 6 on a scale of 1-10.
Same issues with Pont GP, headlight covers fell off, radio display in Greek at times, and I just came in from trying to figure out how to get my alternator out for the 3rd time since 2001. Ughh!!
Pontiac Grand Prix 1997. As I write this, the car is 8 years old and has 65,000 miles. Lost my first headlight lens last week. Have also replaced the alternator, fuel pump, and water pump. I would say that the car also goes through tires very quickly. I'm disappointed to see that I can expect the headlight problem to continue based on the comments of others. It is obvious that the headlight design is flawed and GM should stand behind their product.
Own a 1997 SE with 120,000 miles. One alternator, various leaks, one (looks like I'm lucky) headlight cover (called a junk yard, they said they get the "pod" new from dealer for $75, so called dealer, sold me one for $70). Transmission slips on long grades and skips under a load. Stereo display went out long ago. Great looking car and has only left us on the side of the road once (alternator). Wife bought a Jeep and I'm gonna be using it to commute 80 miles a day til it quits. Hope it's not too soon!
I have a 97' GP SE with exactly the same problems, but... be aware that the tensioner pulley/assembly can and/or will break. I'm currently searching for the part now. Check your pulleys regularly as I found myself with hardly any steering at 120kmh.