NHTSA — Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip Problems

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (Page 1 of 2)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,094 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Pontiac Grand Prix brakes problems

brakes problem

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1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #32

Jun 012003

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

About 1 out of 50 times applying brakes, the ABS system activates the ABS motors on the master brake cylinder, causing a brief (1/2 to 1 second) loss of brakes. Additional brake pedalis not effective during this time. Clicking noise from ABS motors and brake master cylinder. Able to reproduce the ABS motors activating for 1/2 to 1 second by: With key off, apply brake, start engine, release brake. When brake lights turn off, ABS motors run for 1/2 to 1 second. Unable to depress brake pedal during this time.removing ABS fuse prevents problem from occurring, but the ABS light is on.

- Glendale, AZ, USA

problem #31

Jan 282002

Grand Prix

  • miles
Engine completely shut off while driving, steering column locks, brakes barely functioned. Alternator replaced twice. Diagnosed with same problem. Once in July 2001, again in August 2001. Service engine light comes on again. Drives ok now, but worried it will continue to give me problems. In and out of shop 4 times in past year for same problem. Back in shop today for who knows what.

- Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

problem #30

Sep 012000

Grand Prix

  • miles
When driving over bumps such as small potholes or railroad tracks, sometimes the ABS and low traction lights come on. Usually they go off. Sometimes they don't. only method to turn the lights off are to pull of the road or highway and turn the engine off. Additonally, sometimes when braking over potholes / railroad tracks, the ABS engage and the clicking starts. Fortunately, due to my careful driving, I give myself plenty of room and don't need to press harder to prevent a collision. Also, sometimes with the low traction light coming on, the engine / transmission will rev up and engage the other front tire, which is completely useless when conditions are dry and normal.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

problem #29

Jan 122002

(reported on)

Grand Prix

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When driving in rain at high speeds, brakes take some time to dry off and begin to become effective. Driver must be aware of this and allow extra stopping room for wet brakes.

- Bloomingdale, NJ, USA

problem #28

Oct 041999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Car was taken to dealer to have oil changed after which brakes locked up ABS lights up dealer could not fix after instaling new ebtcm took to another dealer several times they said they installed new ebtcm still had problems got the feeling I was getting the run around didnt go back I feel they dont know what they are doing but I dont know where to go I feel this is a safety related problem they say now its not under warrenty now I would suppose if they fool around long enough with problems they will be out of warrenty thank you Geo anderson.

- Peo., IL, USA

problem #27

Aug 282000

Grand Prix

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
No summary listed for above vehicle.

- Escanaba, MI, USA

problem #26

Jul 132000

Grand Prix

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

When brakes were applied on moist pavement pedal went to floor, causing extended stopping distance, and resulting in a collision. Manufacturer has been notified. Dealer is inspecting vehicle. The consumer points out that brakes on this vehicle were very bad and deserve investigation.

- Cookevill, TN, USA

problem #25

Nov 152000

Grand Prix

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving 35-40 mph ABS/traction control light came on, slowed down vehicle to 10 mph. At that time vehicle sped up, wheels screeching. With foot on brake, and vehicle spun around and landed in ditch. Consumer tried to get out of ditch, vehicle accelerated again opposite way. Consumer realized he had a flat tire, drove 100-150 feet to find a flat spot to change tire. Vehicle lurched forward, and landed in ditch, had to be towed. Reported this to Pontiac, no response.

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #24

Nov 222000

(reported on)

Grand Prix

  • miles
This car has a significant # of safety problems that the dealer/manufacturer have refused to address w/out significant cost to consumer. Until I sustain a significant injury &/or injure someone due to these product defects, I can not afford a legal challenge to have GM address problems, nor can I bear cost. My car is available as a sample of their junk! (signed;claims adjuster). No safety defect listed in summary.

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #23

Aug 252000

Grand Prix

  • miles
Consumer was traveling about25mph on a highway and another vehicle had jumped in front of her. Consumer went to apply brakes, four dash light came on the dashboard. Consumer turned vehicle off. These are four lights that were showing on the dashboard. Airbag light/ABS brakes system/ checked tire pressure/.low tire. Dealership mechanic told consumer that brake pads needed to be replaced. Also, SRS light needed to be replaced.

- Longwood, NC, USA

problem #22

Aug 152000

Grand Prix

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Consumer has multiple problems with the vehicle. No coverage from warranty over 36,000 miles. Consumer chose to take vehicle to a mechanic. There were problems with the sensors. ABS light stayed on. Also, changed the brakes with hopes it would rectify the problem. Mechanic found that there was a problem with the ABS power pack(the brain of the system) in the left rear wheel. The dash was removed & the electrical wiring was burnt out. There was a faulty relay system that wiped out the wiring module. The consumer has to wait becuase ther is a shortage of GM parts.

- De Soto, MO, USA

problem #21

Jun 132000

Grand Prix

  • miles
Parked car had no problems/next morning started car and ABS light came on and remained. Took car to dealer and they informed me the computer reported anti-lock brake failure cost $1400 dealer said this is the first one they have had to replace.

- Lavalette, WV, USA

problem #20

Apr 151999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Specifically asked dealer if car had been wrecked and was told no (with witness) - my concerns are that car may have been damaged beyond acceptable safety limits or repairs were not done properly, as well as misrepresentation at time of sale (car was presented and priced as non-wrecked) and non-concern when I showed them the damage signs within a month after the sale - I would like to check previous titles for salvage claims....headlight assembly popped off without warning....ABS system starts cycling during non-panic braking making it hard to stop, almost causing rear-end accidents on several occasions....rotors became dangerously warped, I replaced them with new pads (all four) and rotors are now warped again.

- Arlington, TN, USA

problem #19

Apr 151999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Specifically asked dealer if car had been wrecked and was told no (with witness) - my concerns are that car may have been damaged beyond acceptable safety limits or repairs were not done properly, as well as misrepresentation at time of sale (car was presented and priced as non-wrecked) and non-concern when I showed them the damage signs within a month after the sale - I would like to check previous titles for salvage claims....headlight assembly popped off without warning....ABS system starts cycling during non-panic braking making it hard to stop, almost causing rear-end accidents on several occasions....rotors became dangerously warped, I replaced them with new pads (all four) and rotors are now warped again.

- Arlington, TN, USA

problem #18

Apr 151999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Specifically asked dealer if car had been wrecked and was told no (with witness) - my concerns are that car may have been damaged beyond acceptable safety limits or repairs were not done properly, as well as misrepresentation at time of sale (car was presented and priced as non-wrecked) and non-concern when I showed them the damage signs within a month after the sale - I would like to check previous titles for salvage claims....headlight assembly popped off without warning....ABS system starts cycling during non-panic braking making it hard to stop, almost causing rear-end accidents on several occasions....rotors became dangerously warped, I replaced them with new pads (all four) and rotors are now warped again.

- Arlington, TN, USA

problem #17

Aug 281999

Grand Prix

  • miles
Vehicle windshield wiper arm (drivers) creaking noise (I believe a recall is underway). Loose trim throughout. Rearview mirror replaced, battery died (car was towed), power window failed (dealer replaced), headlights admit moisture, ashtray opens by itself, seat squeaks, dash rattles, rattle also comes from rear of car, vehicle vibration at highway speeds, seatbelts do not retract, leather on seats is cracking, key knob has too short a range, stiching is coming off the leather wrapped steering wheel, also the club lock burns inprints into wheel if left on in the summer sun, headlights turn on in the middle of the day, brakes stop working in heavy rain or when coming out of the car wash, the power door lock swithch on the passengers door fell into the door, various retaining clips have broken off trim, etc.

- Bethpage, NY, USA

problem #16

Jan 312000

Grand Prix

  • miles
ABS light came on and wouldn't go out. After arriving at destination turned vehicle off and tried to restart. Vehicle would not restart.

- Lusby, MD, USA

problem #15

Mar 041998

Grand Prix

  • miles
When this car was purchased, it had 30,000 miles on it, it now has 58,000 miles, this car has been in the shop every month or every two months, I have tried everything in my power to correct this problem with the dealership, they in no way want to help me, I have taken the car up there numerous times for the same things until they finally found a problem with my electrical components, they have replaced all of the wheel bearing on this car, the wheel sensors, block assembly, fuel sending unit, power steering pressure hose, body control module, I've even replaced the battery, alternator, water pump, tentionser, they even attempted to fix the interior, which was not torn due to abuse, rotors, they found a shortage underhood, and they replaced the underhood electrical center, wheel bearing assembly, tie rod ends, wheel speed sensor....after all of these problems that I have had with this car, I have had to come up with money to repair this car, and they finally agreed to help me into another car, but my car is valued at $14,995 and they only want to give me $9,000 for my car when they know that I owe $14,300, these problems with this car has caused me much hardship and I'm trying to save my credit, this is an attempt to get some help, if you could please lead me in the correct direction will greatly appreciate it.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #14

Aug 191999

(reported on)

Grand Prix

  • miles
ABS system experiences brake fade continually, brake system warning lights illuminate also, unable to determine failure. Mjs

- Champaign, IL, USA

problem #13

May 131999

(reported on)

Grand Prix

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
At normal braking/at any speed or going forward/turning or on uneven pavement, ABS will activate without making a panic stop. Dealer claims this is normal action. Speed sensor in the rear and front has been replaced, but defect still occurs.cannot determine what is causing the defect.

- Bloomington, IN, USA

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