7.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$191.00
Average Mileage:
96,216 miles
Total Complaints:
49 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (19 reports)
- release under steering column up a channel. (10 reports)
- put it in park until i hear the ignition unlock (3 reports)
- replace switch behind ignition (3 reports)
- automatic shifter pushed up to far (2 reports)
- depressed button (2 reports)
accessories - interior problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Pontiac mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- No one has added a helpful site for this 2002 Grand Prix problem yet. Be the first!
2011Jun 28
Grand Prix 3800
- Automatic transmission
- 210,000 miles
The car will not turn on. no matter what I do. I had my brother come over and look at it, he doesn't know either! What do I do?????? My key goes in but it doesn't turn like its stuck! How do I fix this?
2011Jan 25
Grand Prix GT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
my key is stuck in ignition took it to get fixed was told the tumblers that are used for the GM are good for weqaring out. Another fine design by GM this car is now an on going problem with things going out and not working
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jan 30
Grand Prix LS 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
Ok, so the first time this happened 3 or 4 years ago, the dealership replaced the switch behind the ignition and it cost me $100 deductible under my extended warranty that I bought in 2004 when I bought the Grand Prix. A couple years down the road, when the warrant had already expired, the key got stuck again. This time I searched the internet and found out that there was indeed a real ease button under the steering column, but was only accessible to push with your finger when you tilted the steering column all the way up as far as it could go. My wife and I just got used to the procedure and continued to do that for almost a year before I finally decided to do something about it. I removed the steering column cover and exposed the switch. I then took 2 zip ties with a very small piece of card board , laid the cardboard over the button and crisscrossed the 2 zip ties around and over the cardboard and tied it tight. This has since kept the button compressed, and eliminating my problem for good. Car is up for sale....went with a ford this time...thought I would never say that, but things have changed.
2005Jun 08
Grand Prix GT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 9,564 miles
Posting this as I saw so many people having the same problem on this model. Same thing, key stuck in ignition unless I played with the gear shift or used the key release button. Took into a mechanic as was a pain. Issue was a sensor wire on the gear shift under the car had become frayed. Mechanic replaced the wire and have had no issues since, originally when fixed thought was a design flaw. It's been over five years, cheap parts used is my conclusion at this point.
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2010Mar 12
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 124,988 miles
I have had the same problem as everyone else key getting stuck I unhooked the battery for 5 min to reset computer seem to work fine for a good six months now the ignition won't turn to the off position so I use a screwdriver in the whole underneath the steering wheel and the car won't go into any gear so I use the screwdriver to release the shifter I will let you know what ever I find out from that or if anyone has a solution please let me know
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2008Aug 24
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 156,000 miles
Like everyone else, my key gets stuck in the ignition too. Usually happens a couple times a week. When this happens I usually just turn the car back on and put the car in drive or reverse and then back to park and usually i hear the click noise and the key comes out. this isn't the only problem with my car either. when driving in heavy traffic sometimes the car heats up to 210ish and there is always plenty of coolant. about 8 months ago the service engine soon light came on, so i took it to two different places and they both said nothing is wrong with the car and finally last month and light just turned off by itself.
2010May 10
Grand Prix GT
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I have owned my '02 GP since new and the first time I noticed this problem was 3 years ago in '07. I mistakenly took it to my local Pontiac dealership and they fixed it(so I thought) in a day. They claimed it was two bad wires in the module but I knew better. This car has had issues with it since 2005 and has been a major pain in the butt since then. I did not see a repeat of this problem until late 2009 when it started happening again. I took it back to the dealership and asked how long their work was guaranteed for and they claimed a few months. I told them their product stunk and would never buy another one again as long as I lived and wrote a letter to Pontiac(for which I never received a reply) stating that if they did not satisfy me on this problem that I would spread the word as long as I could that the Pontiac brand could not be trusted and to stay away from it. I should have learned from my fathers mistakes when he purchased a new Fiero back in '85 and a Bonneville in '90. Both were trouble from the get go and stupid old me took Consumer Reports at their word that the '02 was a good buy and highly rated and reliable.
I have so far sunk more than $3,000 into this car for unnecessary repairs for defective equipment(some made in Mexico) since the warranty ran out in '06. I still have the battle with the ignition which I win every time, every day with my trusty old pen to release the button. I have a 1990 Chevy Suburban that has run like a top and twice the mileage on it than this Grand Prix does and haven't put more than $400 into it in 5 years for oil changes and brakes. This is the reason why Pontiac went out of business. They sold bad cars and couldn't stand by them. Shame it had to happen after all they put out 40 years ago when they were in their heyday.
2010Mar 12
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 135,000 miles
well as I can see the key being stuck in the ignition is a common problem, but I am not sure about the shifting problem, had to push in the shift release button to be able to come home today. I just bought my car not even a month ago, and I wish I would have seen this website first. WHY DONT THEY DO A RECALL ON THESE CARS?
2008Nov 10
Grand Prix GTP 3.8L Sc V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Like everyone else the key kept getting stuck, I would work the shifter to get it out and beat the steering column to get it out, at this point I keep a screwdriver ti hit the release, I think I'm going to glue something in the release slot so it doesn't take me an extra 15-60 seconds to get out of the car and explain to everyone that I drive a POS after I get out.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Nov 03
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 69,000 miles
Well, this being a Pontiac kind of surprised me that I would run into stupid little problems like this but me being a mechanic I always have some tools in the car, so when it happens I just push the button under the ignition with a drill bit that I keep In the small console in front of the shifter. That way I always have the "key" for getting my key out.
2008Jun 01
Grand Prix SE 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My key gets stuck in the ignition almost everyday I have to wait 30 sec to a couple minutes to get the key out. I also have several other little problems. I will never buy a Pontiac again never had so many issues before even out of my much older cars with more miles. My Dad just told me that is a GM for ya. Some of my other problems are:
gas gauge is broken
drivers side door doesn't always unlock with key
I had to replace both head gaskets
had water in car on floor
water is in headlights all the time
ABS needs fixed
If you are thinking of buying a Pontiac DON'T unless you like to spend money on repairs!
windshield washer fluid will not work
2009Aug 26
Grand Prix GT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,596 miles
I'm having the same issue as everyone else with the key getting stuck in the ignition, I just wanted to add another complaint. :)
2009Jun 26
Grand Prix GT 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,992 miles
I called around asking what the problem was and how much it would be to fix it. No one could even promise me that it could be fixed and the dealership wanted $500 bucks just to try!! I looked it up on here and found the release button with a screw driver. Then I took the part that is supposed to hit the button and added a wall plug onto it so it is now longer and stronger and is able to push the button fully in. I replaced it back into the hole and haven't had anymore problems getting my key out.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Sep 03
Grand Prix GT
- Automatic transmission
- 198,000 miles
I just purchased this car and within one week I am ready to scream. I am so upset at this problem and it is more than annoying. You are late for work, doctors appointments and I do not feel the need to beat up on the stick shift trying to get the key out by shifting gears. I also do not understand for insurance purposes why PONTIAC has not admitted they have a huge safety issue and have a recall. I am not finished letting people know of this issue plus with Facebook now in everyone's homes, I will get the word out that GM is not standing behind their customers. I also do NOT think any consumer should be on the internet looking for a quick fix to this malfunction !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! GM, think about it, If I have to take one of my children to emergency and cannot get my vehicle safely parked, and there is an accident of any form because of it, there will be a lawsuit.
2009Jan 31
Grand Prix GTP 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 71,458 miles
Same problem with key not releasing. Dealer tried to fix and indicated there were a couple of broken wires. Reoccurred almost immediately. Carry small, rigid plastic wire that I push into the hole in steering column. Key always releases. Will try again to have fixed at dealer, preferably at no cost. Agree there should be a recall.
2009Jun 05
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Given what I have seen on this board, now I believe this is a very common problem and I agree that Pontiac has to take the responsibility to recall the car.
This problem has been occurring MOST OF times for about a year. Every time I have to be in the car to play with steer, wheel to get the key out. And every time I have to tell different people why I have to stay in the car and let them wait outside. And of course I will complain about Pontiac cars quality problems to them. Pontiac can forget about spending tons of dollars on TV advertising because owners like me are surely telling a different stories about the car.
2008Oct 01
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 117,000 miles
It is time for a recall. This is ridiculous. The day my key got caught in the ignition, I was returning from my lunch break. I could not get the key out. I had to leave my key in the ignition. I didn't know what to do. I was at a urban hospital on Colfax in Aurora, CO (meaning, you don't leave your key in the car in this area). I went inside and desperately searched the internet for a solution. If it weren't for the fact that this was happening to SO MANY of us, I wouldn't have known how to get the key out.
They need to recall this part. They need to look at the web, and the numerous sites and postings regarding this problem. I dare anyone to identify another car with such a problem, especially one that's occurring to so many of us.
2008Dec 23
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
key ignition will not come all the back when put in park, there for can not take key out.
seems like a common problem with this car . but I have a quick fix.
lift steering will all the way up and you will see a little round cap underneath ignition. Prey the cap out with screw driver. In the hole you will see a button this button needs to be pushed, this will allow the key to come all the way back. What I did was stick a depress foam ear plug up the hole, ear plug expands pushes button .This worked great!
put cap back on and all set. better then spending 300-400 dollars to get it replaced.
2009Jan 13
Grand Prix GT 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
Hey, I found an easy fix. Remove the steering wheel. Locate the release button and simply take a plastic cable tie and while pushing the button in secure the cable tie around the part to hold the button in. The key will always release, with the key out the steering column locks it acts completely normal. I did this several months ago and so far I have not had any further problems. Do not disconnect any wiring as this makes the system think the part is disconnected and then the steering wheel might not lock. Pontiac told me it could be that part or another one and it was trial and error. I did not want to spend several hundreds of dollars on parts so I tried this and it works.
2008Jul 03
Grand Prix GT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 110,000 miles
As you all know this is one of the most annoying issues with a car I have ever had...however I found away to at least get your key out. I have been getting my key out this way since July of 2008 and in this time have met 4 other people with the same issue and this also worked on their grand prix...On the bottom of the steering column there is a round little cover that will pop off, once you pop that off you can stick a flat head screw driver up inside that hole and there is a button up there. Press that button up with the screw driver and this will release your key!! I promise! I have been doing this for months now and needless to say I carry a screwdriver in the car all the time!!! I hope this works for others!!!
2009Jan 01
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
The key wont come out of the ignition it's annoying but I use a pen in the hole below the ignition and it comes out.
2008Dec 19
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 173,000 miles
Whenever I want to get the key out, it won't come, it gets locked in the ignition, and I have to sit and fiddle with the gears till I hear the ignition unlock, It has taken as long as 20 minutes on occasion.
2009Jan 07
Grand Prix GT 3.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 105,000 miles
I understand this is a huge problem with Pontiac, especially Grand Prix 2002. Is there any recall? What can we do to get a recall started? I've owned a dozen or more cars and most much older and higher mileage but Dodge, Ford, and Chevy never a problem like this one.
2009Jan 08
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,001 miles
Key wouldn't come out. Depressed key lock solenoid button to get out. Put key in ignition, goes in but does not turn. What the hell.
2008Nov 17
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
The key stuck in the ignition, can't be taken to OFF. It is really annoying and dangerous too.
It seems a general issue for Pontiac car owners.
Hope someone in Pontiac can give a responsible solution to this.
2007Aug 01
Grand Prix GT 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
i have been having this problem with my grand prix for about a year. when i shut the car off the key sticks in the ignition. initially i thought it was a locked steering wheel, but no that is not it. it seems like the car does no sensor when it has been placed in park. if i let the car sit for a minute or two the key will usually release on it's own.... but i let my little brother drive it and he just left the car stuck with the ignition over night. now the battery is dead. so if you key gets stuck, don't leave it for a long period of time, because the car is still on and the battery will die!!!
2008Jul 01
Grand Prix GTP 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 85,500 miles
This is just one of many disappointments I've had with this car. Although I've found a work around for getting the key out, I'm reluctant to have it fixed because it seems there could be multiple causes. I put in a new battery only because it started a little slow one day and I figured I got 6 and 1/2 years out of the 7 year battery. That seemed to have fixed it for awhile, but gets stuck everytime now. I just removed the cover like everyone else and pop the solenoid..
2008Mar 05
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Ok, so, I see that this is a common issue with this car... It's truly annoying. I have learned to move the gear shift around a little and you will hear a click in the ignition. Then you can pull your key right out. It's VERY aggravating, but it's better than paying the big bucks to get it fixed, until you have to...
2008Jul 14
Grand Prix 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 97,567 miles
I LOVE MY GRAND PRIX BUT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH IT MY CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD MY KEY KEEPS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION BUT THE PROBLEM JUST STARTING AND IT'S REALLY HOT IN NEW ORLEANS ME TRYING TO GET AN KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION IS A PAIN IN MY ASS I'M STARTING TO HATE THIS CAR I JUST GOT MY WINDOW FIXED ON IT I NEEDED A MOTOR AND A REGULATOR WHY CAN'T PONTIAC MAKE THEY CAR'S MORE BETTER THEN WHAT THEY ARE DON'T GET ME WRONG THEY BODY STYLES ARE NICE BUT THEY PARTS EXCUSE MY LANGUAGE ARE SH*TTY.
2007Aug 08
Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
The key keeps getting stuck in the ignition. A huge pain in the rear when you're trying to run a quick errand, but can't get the key out of the flippin ignition. A few times I just had to leave the keys in the car, hoping it wouldn't disappear while I was in a store. It is such a random problem. We took in to our friends shop to have it repaired. It was going to cost approximately $300.00. We opted for a different solution. He removed a small round cap under the steering column, right below the ignition. Stick a screw driver up into the hole and move it towards the dash until you feel the switch pop. This will release the ignition. I'm beginning to hate this car! Transmission is slipping, CD player is broke, and my rear passenger window is stuck DOWN! This car is only 6 years old.
2008Apr 16
Grand Prix SE 3.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
I just bought this car. It is immaculate. But the stupid key won't come out of the ignition!!! And you know what? I have friends, both with 97 GTP's that do the same exact thing!
I usually pull the gear shifter down and back up again, or restart the car and move the car and try again. Annoying!
2007Jul 15
Grand Prix 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I just wanted to add mine to the list! Argh! My key gets stuck in the ignition. When it gets stuck, I have to push the gear shifter into park as far as it will go - sometimes jiggling it a little. It is a temporary fix that hopefully lasts a while - still very annoying none the less.
2008Jun 14
Grand Prix 40TH 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
My car is a well maintained 2002 Grand Prix 40TH 3.8L V6. About 6 mon't ago the windshield washers stopped working and they said it was a power problem in the steering column. Now, the key is getting stuck. Once the key is stuck I couldn't put in it park or reverse so I always have to leave the key in and lock it and hope it is there when I get back. I now can find the release button on the inside of the steering column, but this is a major inconvenience for my wife. Judging from the number of references to this problem, it is a major fault with the Grand Prix. Why can't Pontiac address the problem properly. I guess it's time to trade back to a reliable vehicle.
2008Jan 10
Grand Prix 40TH 3.8L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
I removed the console twice to release the switch on the shifter but the problem seems to be coming from the switch behind the ignition. I'm in the process of replacing it now. The key is always getting stuck. Once the key is stuck I couldn't put in it park or reverse so I always have to leave the key in and lock it and hope it is there when I get back.
2008Jan 01
Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This is a very will maintained 2002 Pontiac SE, with a 3.1L V6 and auto trans. We've owned it since new. The problem began when the gear shift would not go completely into Park. Also, sometimes it would go into park but the key would not turn to the OFF position. Therefore, in both situations above, the key would be stuck in the ignition. An emergency solution was to remove the small rectangular tab on the center console and use a key or screwdriver to release the gearshift. *** Our local Pontiac dealer's first attempt to fix the issue resulted in a $465 replacement of the gearshift assembly linkage. THis didn't fix the problem. A week later, they replaced the ignition assembly and tried to charge me another $250. I complained and said they were already paid $450 to fix the problem. They agreed. A week later it broke again. Not sure what they did the 3rd time (for free) but it is working fine now. I'm not happy about dropping $450, but they were good to work with in finally resolving the problem. I've owned Grand Prix's since 1990 with very good success until this one.
1920Mar 01
Grand Prix GTP V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
I took the car to the dealer 2x's and they find nothing wrong. It seem the gear shift does not register in park so it won't release the key. I can leave it for 10 minutes and it will then release but I usual hit the gear shift into park and it allows me to move the ignition and pull out the key, very frustrating. I've left my car parked in the garage overnight because I can't get the key out. How can this be fixed? Shouldn't this be a recall?/
2007Aug 01
Grand Prix GT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 130,488 miles
kimmythepooh has the same solution that has been working for me since it started happening to my car
although sometimes i have to take it all the way out of park and back in
2007Dec 25
Grand Prix SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
This morning my key got stuck in the ignition and it took me about 30 minutes to get it out. it was a pain in the ass. a few hours later, i go to turn on my car and i stick the key in the ignition but it wont move. the steering wheel is locked and so is the ignition. i tried taking it apart but i dont want to cause any more damage.
2007Nov 12
Grand Prix SE 3.2L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 83,657 miles
Tilt the steering wheel all the way up. In the gap on the underside of the column just below the ignition switch. Inside the gap a little to the right you can feel a round button protruding. Simply press on that round button just enough to release the key. My husband figured it out. Gotta love those quirks.
2007Oct 18
(reported on)Grand Prix SE 3.1L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,100 miles
Earlier this summer my car was having this trouble. Nothing I did was a solution, it would just eventually give me the key back. Then I got it fixed at a Pontiac dealer (for an amount I can't remember off hand) and they totally replaced a certain part that fixed the problem. So now it's October and I've moved halfway across the country, away from the dealer that fixed the car, and it's again no longer giving me my key back at all. Nothing I try, no tricks, no methods will give me my key back. This is no good because that little park light stays on and I don't know how long it needs to be on to drain my battery. So I don't know what would make a replaced part break so soon.
2007Jun 08
(reported on)Grand Prix GT 3.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 41,010 miles
I really hope this helps you guys as I'm realizing now how nice the dealer who sold me my used car was. He actually thought of mentioning this to me... Anyway, the reason why the key gets stuck in the ignition is because the automatic shifter is pushed up too far. To solve this problem you simple have to remind yourself not too push it up so far or if you forget you simply have to pull your shifter slightly (no more than a few millimeters) towards reverse (R). Actually, when I do this I hear a little tiny click and I know its ok. I love my car :)
2007Jun 18
(reported on)Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 75,000 miles
As with the others above, my fiancee's 2002 Grand Prix is experiencing the ignition key stuck in the cylinder problem. So far it's only occasionally; however, it won't get better on it's own. Has anyone had any luck getting this fixed? If so, what was required in the course of the repair? Thanks!
2007Jul 20
(reported on)Grand Prix
- Automatic transmission
- 114,000 miles
I use a screwdriver to release the key so I can take it out of the ignition. I can live with this versus the cost of the repair.
2007Feb 27
(reported on)Grand Prix Limited 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I believe that not getting my ignition fixed has lead to the shifter not operating also.(I have heard there is a sensor between the ignition and the shifter) I now have to release the shifter to get it out of gear by sticking something down into the release slot to the right of the shifter.
2007Jan 20
(reported on)Grand Prix 3.2 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
Key frequently gets stuck in the ignition. It is not a matter of moving the steering wheel or dealing with a locked steering wheel. I am not sure what the problem is because it happens intermmitently. It often takes putting the car in and out of park or taking it for a ride in order to fix it. Some people say the linkage isn't lined up properly when in park, others think it is in the ignition itself. I really don't want to pay someone $80.00 and hour to try and fix it. It hasn't become totally intolerable... yet. there have been times, however, when I have had to lock the keys in the car, in the ignition and use the spare set to get in and out of the car. It is a royal pain!
2007Jan 18
(reported on)Grand Prix SE V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
On my 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix, my key tends to get stuck in the ignition. This is a major inconvenience, when you are some place where it could possibly get stolen. I have noticed when this happens and I leave it alone for five minutes or so, it will come out. Anyone might know why this is happening please let me know. Thank you.
2006Aug 27
(reported on)Grand Prix
- 71,000 miles
When we shut off the car, our key is stuck in the ignition. Sometimes, it does not stick. We have to restart the car, put it in reverse, or put it in drive, or both and it works about half the time. any suggestions??
2006Apr 20
(reported on)Grand Prix
- 89,000 miles
When I park and try to cut off the ignition the key will not go to the off position. Some times I have to to start back up and go through reverse and drive several times and then listen for a click in the steering column before I can place the switch all the way in off and remove the keys. I tried the shift lock override next to the shifter but still no avail. Sometimes I park the car at home and lock with the remote and then go back a couple of hours later and try to remove the keys. Sometimes it works.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jun 01
Grand Prix GTP V6
General Motors should recall all these cars with the ignition key stuck problem, there are thousands of them.
raygtp
Portage la Prairie, M.B, canada
SEND A COMMENT »