1996 Pontiac Grand Prix

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The most popular engine choice was the 3.1L V6, which produced 155 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options included a 3.8L V6 and a 5.7L V8. Transmission options included a 4-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual.

People who like the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix often cite its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and powerful engine options. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s reliability.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR valve failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, poor performance, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace EGR valve
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power steering pump failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No power steering assist, whining noise
  • Solution: Replace power steering pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Head gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace head gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-speed automatic

• Transmission slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle hesitates to accelerate, rough shifting
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque converter failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle shuddering, transmission overheating
  • Solution: Replace torque converter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed manual

• Clutch failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle slipping out of gear, difficulty shifting
  • Solution: Replace clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining or grinding noise from transmission
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle bouncing excessively, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway bar link failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from suspension, poor handling
  • Solution: Replace sway bar links
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle battery not charging, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle not starting, dim headlights
  • Solution: Replace battery
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door handle failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks or becomes loose
  • Solution: Replace door handle
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tail light failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tail lights not working
  • Solution: Replace tail light assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Heater core failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No heat from heater
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air conditioning failure
  • Description/Symptoms: No cold air from air conditioning
  • Solution: Recharge air conditioning system or replace compressor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix has a number of potential issues that can be costly to repair. Some of the most common issues include engine gasket failures, transmission problems, and suspension issues. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem and the condition of the vehicle.