2003 Pontiac Grand Prix

Introduction

The 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size sedan that was praised for its stylish design, roomy interior, and powerful engine options. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including a 3.8L V6, a 3.8L supercharged V6, and a 5.3L V8. The horsepower and torque specifications for each engine option are as follows:

• 3.8L V6: 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque
• 3.8L supercharged V6: 260 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque
• 5.3L V8: 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque

While the Grand Prix offered many desirable features, it was not without its issues. Here is a comprehensive list of the specific problems that owners have reported:

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake manifold gasket failure: This issue affects 2003-2004 models and causes the intake manifold gaskets to fail, resulting in coolant and oil leaks.
  • Symptoms: Coolant or oil leaks, overheating, rough idling, power loss.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Valve cover gasket leak: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the valve cover gaskets to leak oil.
  • Symptoms: Oil leaks, visible oil around the valve covers.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets and clean the leaking area.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+

3.8L Supercharged V6

• Intercooler pump failure: This issue affects 2004-2005 models and causes the intercooler pump to fail, leading to overheating and loss of power.
  • Symptoms: Overheating, loss of power, coolant leaks.
  • Solution: Replace the intercooler pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+

5.3L V8

• Oil pan gasket leak: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the oil pan gasket to leak oil.
  • Symptoms: Oil leaks, visible oil under the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replace the oil pan gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $450+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• TCC solenoid failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the TCC solenoid to fail, resulting in harsh shifting and slipping.
  • Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping, transmission slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Replace the TCC solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

5-Speed Automatic Transmission

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front strut mounts failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the front strut mounts to fail, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
  • Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor handling, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the front strut mounts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
• Rear shock absorbers failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the rear shock absorbers to fail, resulting in a bouncing ride and reduced handling.
  • Symptoms: Bouncing ride, reduced handling, excessive body roll.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Electrical

• Battery failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the battery to fail prematurely.
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting, loss of power, dim headlights.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
• Alternator failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the alternator to fail, leading to a loss of electrical power.
  • Symptoms: Loss of electrical power, dim headlights, difficulty starting.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+

Exterior

• Headlight switch failure: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the headlight switch to fail, resulting in intermittent or inoperative headlights.
  • Symptoms: Intermittent headlights, inoperative headlights.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+

Interior

• Dashboard rattles: This issue affects 2003-2005 models and causes the dashboard to rattle while driving.
  • Symptoms: Rattles or squeaks coming from the dashboard.
  • Solution: Tighten loose screws or apply sound dampening material.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+

Summary

Overall, the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix is a reliable vehicle with few major issues. However, owners have reported some common problems, including engine leaks, transmission issues, suspension failures, and electrical problems. The severity of these issues varies, but most are relatively inexpensive to fix.