2002 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls and problems

The 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix has 3 safety recalls and 331 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
331
Crashes / fires
19 / 96
Injuries / deaths
19 / 1

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls

Recall 15V-701: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Oct 26, 2015 · 1,003,556 vehicles affected · General Motors LLC

Problem: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 1998-1999 Chevrolet Lumina and Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1997-2004 Buick Regal and Pontiac Grand Prix, 2000-2004 Chevrolet Impala, and 1998-2004 Chevrolet Monte Carlo vehicles. The affected vehicles were previously repaired under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 to address the possibility that engine oil may drip onto the hot exhaust manifold.

Risk: Engine oil that drips onto the hot surface of the exhaust manifold may result in a fire.

Fix: The remedy applied under recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, and 15V-201 did not adequately remove the safety risk. Under the improved remedy, dealers will replace the engine’s front valve cover and gasket. Vehicles that are covered by recalls 08V-118, 09V-116, or 15V-201 that have not yet received the original remedy will instead receive the improved remedy under the original recall number. The recall began on February 19, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Oldsmobile customer service at 1-800-442-6537 and Pontiac customer service at 1-800-458-8006. GM's number for this recall is 15757. Note: Until the improved remedy has been applied, owners are advised to park their vehicle outside since the fire risk exists even when the vehicle is unattended.

Recall 09V-116: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Apr 8, 2009 · 1,497,516 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: General motors is recalling 1,497,516 my 1997-2003 buick regal, my 1998-2003 chevrolet lumina, monte carlo and impala, my 1998-1999 oldsmobile intrigue, my 1997-2003 pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l v6 naturally aspirated engine. Some of these vehicles have a condition in which drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking.

Risk: If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engineâ’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engineâ’s plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668 or http://www.pontiac.com or http:www.gmownercenter.com.

Recall 08V-118: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 12, 2008 · 207,542 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: Gm is recalling 207,542 my 1997-2003 buick regal and pontiac grand prix vehicles equipped with a 3.8l supercharged V-6 engine. These vehicles have higher front rocker cover gasket temperatures, creating the potential for earlier degradation of the front rocker cover gasket and eventual oil seepage.

Risk: Certain underhood fires may be caused by drops of engine oil, from seepage or spillage, being deposited on the exhaust manifold through hard braking. If the manifold is hot enough and the oil runs below the heat shield, it may ignite into a small flame and, in some instances, the fire may spread to the plastic spark plug wire channel and beyond.

Fix: Dealers will replace the engineâ’s front valve cover and front-valve-cover gasket with new parts of an improved design and remove the engineâ’s plastic cover and plastic oil-fill-tube extension, along with the 1-3-5 spark plug wire retainers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. , free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2016. Until the remedy is completed, GM strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions (1) that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, car port, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual. Owners may contact buick at 1-866-608-8080 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or through their website at <a href=http://www.gmownercenter.com>http://www.gmownercenter.com</a> .

2002 Pontiac Grand Prix problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine87
Engine and Engine Cooling62
Electrical System57
Exterior Lighting34
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21
Visibility19
Power Train18
Fuel/Propulsion System13
Suspension12
Steering12
Air Bags11
Fuel System, Gasoline10

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 14
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 8
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 7
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 6
  • Structure › Body — 6
  • Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch — 6
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe — 5
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 4

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 92,200 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Nov 5, 2026
I took my 2002 Pontiac to Thompson Chevrolet, located in Patterson, CA., for a recall that was not needed since the engine was rebuilt. My car had no issues and was operating just as it was when first bought. It was running excellent. On March 20, 2025, after I got my car back I noticed my gas gauge going up rapidly and not reading accurately. My car was also not accelerating as it was before but hesitates and jumps as it changes gears. It also has a small oil leak since I got it back. I complained to them and have reported this to the Better Business Bureau and have gotten no positive…
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 38,500 miles · reported Oct 9, 2025
The contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V701000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was an older vehicle, and the dealer informed the contact that the recall part had been discontinued. The contact was referred to the manufacturer for assistance. The vehicle was then taken to Christian Brothers Automotive, where it was serviced, and the contact was informed that engine oil was leaking onto the exhaust manifold. The…
Fuel/Propulsion System · reported May 29, 2023
On May 27th 2023 just three days ago I went to start my car but it would not start, I tried two times then I smelled gas so I let it sit over night then the next day my friend went out to start it for me and it made a loud bang and the intake manifold exploded causing a fire and debris went everywhere, my is lucky he got away from the when he did or he would have been injured maybe even killed from the flames. I did not take any photos or report to anyone, a neighbor heard the load bang and came out to see if anyone was ok. There were no warning signals that appeared to my knowledge. There…
Engine · reported Oct 2, 2022
I had just drove about 30 miles home and when I arrived my engine was was smoking a little more than was usual because of oil burn off. So I popped the hood and a fire started in the back of the engine where I was having problems previously with the power steering pump. Obviously when I opened the hood it helped the fire and it grew. Took 30 minutes to put out. Car is now out of commission and I don't know what to do.
Air Bags · reported Jan 10, 2022
I was driving a red 2002 Pontiac. While sitting at a stop sign and the driver of a 2012 Ford Fiesta was going 55-60 MPH and ran in the back of my vehicle.

Other Pontiac Grand Prix years

Compare all Pontiac Grand Prix years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix: 15V-701 (engine and engine cooling), 09V-116 (engine and engine cooling), 08V-118 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Owners report engine problems most often (87 reports), followed by engine and engine cooling (62). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 92,200 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.