This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems
severe 61 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
61
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
16fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 61 electrical complaints filed for the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 4 model years of Pontiac Grand Prix we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 61.
Owners have filed 61 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming on. Technician may find Diagnostic Trouble Codes B3055, B3060, and/or B3935. Technician should not replace any parts for this concern. If unable to duplicate the concern ask if the customer uses any Radio Frequency Identification Devices when the concern is present. Dealer should also direct their customers to the appropriate section in the Owner manuals that references that the device complies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Low-beam headlight failures are the most common complaint. Owners report the lights cut out randomly while driving or won't turn on at all—often at highway speeds on dark roads. A dealership may struggle to diagnose it since the fault is intermittent. When it happens repeatedly, the real danger emerges: the headlight relay in the fuse box overheats and catches fire. Multiple owners describe the relay melting, the fuse box charring completely, and flames coming from under the hood—sometimes while the car is parked with the engine off. One owner's relay caught fire after a 10-minute shopping trip; another's melted down in the driveway with nobody in the car. Repair costs run $700 to $3,000 depending on damage, and GM has refused coverage in some cases. Engine stalls are the second major issue—the car loses all power, steering, and brakes mid-drive, then restarts. Owners who replaced the ignition module and crank sensor found the same failure recurred weeks later. The turn-signal stalk causes high beams to activate unexpectedly on turns, blinding oncoming drivers. Battery drains unexpectedly when the ignition key gets stuck in the ACC position due to shifter electrical faults. Across these problems, dealers often cannot locate root causes or generate diagnostic codes, even after multiple visits.
Same Pontiac Grand Prix electrical reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Low beam headlight failure
Low beams cut off randomly while driving or fail to turn on at all. High beams typically remain functional. Owners report the issue occurs intermittently, sometimes at highway speeds, creating a serious safety hazard since lights may suddenly go dark with no warning.
When: Random; some owners report onset at 20,000–140,000 miles; can happen within weeks to months of initial failure
Symptoms owners cite: Low beams turn off unexpectedly while driving; Low beams fail to turn on at all; Only high beams work; Problem occurs in both auto and manual light settings; Lights may come back on temporarily or stay off
Codes mentioned: No output from BCM to low beam relay module
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report BCM replacement (Body Control Module), low beam relay module replacement, and relay replacement. Costs cited: $694.07 for BCM and relay module; relay replacement alone in some cases. Some owners have replaced relays multiple times without permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V755 (HDM—Headlight Driver Module—headlight relay). Dealers often unable to diagnose intermittent failures.
Headlight relay fire/fuse box meltdown
The headlight relay in the fuse box overheats, melts, and catches fire. This can occur while the vehicle is parked with the engine off or during/shortly after driving. The fire damages the relay panel, wiring harness, and adjacent fuses. Multiple complaints report actual flames under the hood and potential risk to passengers.
When: Occurs after initial low beam problems develop; can happen months later (one owner: relay melted 10 months after initial failure); fires reported while parked, during short drives, and at various mileages (55,000–200,000+ miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from engine bay; Smoke from under hood or fuse box; Visible flames or fire under hood; Melted relay and fuse box; Damaged wiring harness from heat; Headlights will not turn off; Charred/blackened relay components
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse box replacement, relay replacement, wiring harness replacement/repair. Costs cited: ~$3,000 for full repair (relay, fuse box, wiring harness). One owner paid out-of-pocket when GM refused to cover under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V755 referenced by some owners. GM reportedly refused to cover fire damage in at least one case, citing no known defect. Some owners report dealer applied warranty coverage after file review.
High beam auto-activation on turn signal
High beams turn on unexpectedly when using the turn signal, particularly when making right-hand turns and the blinker turns off. The high beams activate without driver input on the light switch, creating a blinding hazard for oncoming drivers.
When: Observed starting approximately November 2013; ongoing at time of reporting
Symptoms owners cite: High beams illuminate randomly without driver action; High beams turn on when turn signal is engaged or disengaged; Especially occurs on right-hand turns; Occurs every day and on every trip; Blinding effect on oncoming drivers
Repairs/costs cited: Turn signal stalk replacement referenced; YouTube video and part number cited by owner (#11). No specific repair cost mentioned.
Engine stall/loss of power while driving
Vehicle suddenly loses all power while in motion at various speeds. Engine shuts down as if unplugged, causing loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle can be restarted after stalling but failure recurs intermittently. Occurs with no warning lights and no diagnostic codes found.
When: Occurs at various speeds and driving conditions; one owner reported stalling at 70 mph, 35 mph, and repeatedly over a one-month period; another had recurring failures at 42,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Vehicle can be restarted after stalling; Failure recurs within days or weeks; No warning lights; No diagnostic codes appear
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing ignition module and crank sensor, sometimes repeatedly. One owner replaced both parts twice within one year without resolution. Dealer unable to locate root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose; one dealer suggested faulty replacement parts rather than underlying defect. Vehicle eventually stopped starting entirely.
Ignition switch failure
Ignition switch fails to turn to off position or loses function while driving, causing loss of power and steering control. Key becomes stuck in accessory (ACC) position, draining battery and potentially trapping driver.
When: One owner had recall repair performed in October 2015 but ignition switch failed two months later (December 2015) at 40 mph; another experienced failure at 65,638 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn to off position; stuck in ACC; Loss of power while driving; Loss of power steering while driving; Loss of power brakes; Battery continues to drain while parked; Vehicle unable to start
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement required. One owner had dealer-performed recall modification in October 2015 but failure recurred two months later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service offered for some owners (recall modification performed October 2015 in one case, but failed two months later). One dealer refused to accept vehicle for repair without a recall code.
Starting disabled theft system error
Vehicle displays 'Starting Disabled Due to Theft System' or 'Starting Disabled Due to Electronic Throttle Control' message and will not start. Issue triggered after jump-starting a dead battery. Diagnostic codes B3055 and B2960 indicate PK3 sensor fault in ignition switch.
When: Occurs after jump-start of dead battery; one owner jumped car, drove 1 mile, parked, and could not start next morning
Symptoms owners cite: Starting disabled message on display; Vehicle will not start; Triggered by jump-starting procedure; Fault codes B3055 and B2960
Codes mentioned: B3055, B2960
Repairs/costs cited: PK3 sensor in ignition switch requires replacement; ignition switch replacement likely needed.
Reduced engine power/electronic throttle control fault
Vehicle enters limp mode with 'Reduced Engine Power' and/or 'Starting Disabled Due to Electronic Throttle Control' messages. Engine power is cut, making acceleration difficult and unsafe at highway speeds. Failures occur in all driving conditions and temperatures but are more frequent in cold weather below 40°F.
When: Cold weather condition (under 40°F); occurs while on interstate, at stop lights, during turns, and while idling; one owner reports 3 years of recurrent failures during winter months
Symptoms owners cite: Reduced engine power message displayed; Electronic throttle control error message; Traction control off message; Inability to accelerate normally; Unsafe speed loss on highways; More frequent in cold temperatures
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement, brake switch replacement, sensor cleaning/replacement attempted in various cases; failures recur despite repairs. One owner reports throttle body and brake switch replaced, problem persists.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to generate diagnostic codes or fix problem. Manufacturer suggests repeat diagnostics even after multiple visits and prior repairs.
Headlights will not turn off
Low beam headlights remain on continuously even when switch is in off position and ignition is off. Lights do not respond to switch settings. In one case, relay became dangerously hot and melted.
When: Occurs after parking; one owner left headlights on during work shift (about 8 hours), found lights still on in parking lot
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights remain on despite switch being off; Lights on in all switch positions; Interior lights and other systems off; Relay becomes hot to touch; Relay melts or catches fire
Repairs/costs cited: Relay replacement; one owner burned hand removing overheated relay and had to use pliers. In at least one case, fire damage to fuse box and wiring harness occurred.
Transmission shifter electrical fault—key stuck in ACC
Transmission shifter fails to send electrical signal to allow ignition key to turn from ACC (Accessory) to OFF position. Key becomes stuck in ACC, battery continues draining, and driver becomes stranded. Locksmith warns that forcing key could injure driver if airbag deploys.
When: Occurs intermittently when driver attempts to turn key to off
Symptoms owners cite: Key will not turn from ACC position to OFF; Key stuck in accessory position; Battery drains continuously; Driver unable to fully shut down vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Requires transmission shifter or related electrical connector repair. Dealer stated recall code needed to accept vehicle for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated recall code number required to process repair; no resolution provided.
Door lock malfunction—child trap hazard
Doors become erroneously locked after vehicle is parked and driver exits. Doors will not unlock, trapping occupants inside. Occurs with shifter in park position.
When: One incident reported at 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Doors lock automatically after parking; Doors will not respond to unlock commands; Child trapped inside vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic had to force door open to free child. Vehicle not repaired.
Engine fire while parked
Vehicle catches fire under the hood while parked with no driver present and engine off. Fire starts without warning and destroys vehicle completely. No pre-incident warning signs, burning smells, or warning lights reported.
When: Vehicle parked for 5–15 minutes in one case; another fire occurred after parking at CVS for short time; one fire occurred after 10-minute stop at store; another after short drive to pick up children
Symptoms owners cite: Flames under hood; Burning smell (sometimes only minutes before fire); Smoke from engine bay; Fire department required to extinguish flames; Vehicle total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; repairs not possible. One manufacturer investigation concluded cause was faulty radio (complaint #24).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One manufacturer investigation attributed fire to faulty radio. Most cases show no manufacturer response or recall action.
Synthesized from 61 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Approximately after 3 minutes of driving the head lights go out. The high beams still work. If the car is off for 5 minutes it seems to reset, but will only last 3 minutes again.
When using my turn signal (primarily/ consistently when signaling a right hand turn) my bright lights come on and it is quite difficult to get them to turn off. Occurs occasionally when signaling a left hand turn. This happens when moving or stationary.
Contacted dealer regarding the recalled part. I was notified that they did not have the part to fix the issue and that they would call. Over 2 months later and still not contact. *tr
When leaving a friends house our low beam headlamps failed to illuminate. I tried to manually make them come on and they still would not illuminate. I still had high beams, tail lamps, and side marker lamps. I turned on my fog lamps to make it home with lighting to the front. *js
My low beam head lights are beginning to fail. My driver side headlight no longer turns on and I believe it be the failure of the hood lamp driver module. After replacing all bulbs and checking all fuses. I have concluded it is this relay that is causing my daytime running lights to fail. There is documentation that this is a known failure but my car is not showing up on the recall list.
While driving, especially when the temp is under 40 degrees. I randomly get error with traction control off and reduced engine power. I have trouble accelerating and keeping speed. Which has been very dangerous to get to a safe spot on the expressway to pull off, when my speed suddenly changes. This has been happening for the last 3 years during the cold months and I have got items cleaned and…
I had been having a few problems with the headlights. The would just randomly turn off at night. They only worked when they wanted to. On the morning of october 17th I stopped at the store on my way to school and once I came out of the store (about 10 minutes later) I smelt something burning and noticed smoke was coming from under the hood. When the hood was popped the relay box was completely…
Had electrical trouble with your 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix?
It's a meaningful issue. 61 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 49 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 74,000 and 140,000 miles, with the median around 109,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 74,000; a quarter make it past 140,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Pontiac/Grand Prix.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.