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Cross-comparison · Comparison spans different vehicle types

2005 Chrysler 300 vs 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix

Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.

Synced 2026-06-28 Source: NHTSA public records Reviewed by ASE-certified contributors
Quick verdict
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix edges this one on reliability data

Reliability data favors the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix (3.8 versus 3.3). These vehicles aren't a typical head-to-head comparison, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

2005 Chrysler 300

3.3/5
Reliability score
1,124 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$15,050 repair exposure
vs
More reliable

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix

3.8/5
Reliability score
148 complaints
0 recalls (0 critical)
$11,600 repair exposure

Stories from the shop

The 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix edges this comparison on reliability data (3.8 versus 3.3). These aren't a typical head-to-head, but if you're cross-shopping them, the data is what it is.

If you lean 2005 Chrysler 300, know what you're getting into on airbags and powertrain. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.

Going with the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix? Watch the brakes and body. The 2005 Chrysler 300 has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.

On the dollars-and-cents side, total repair exposure across the top problem areas runs 1.3x higher on the 2005 Chrysler 300. That's the number to keep in mind when you're pricing the deal — a $2,000 difference in purchase price disappears the first time you're staring at a transmission rebuild.

Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.

— ProblemsByVin editorial team, drawing on the NHTSA data and shop experience.

Side-by-side by problem area

Category
2005 Chrysler 300
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
airbags
272 reports
severe · ~$1,100
7 reports
severe · ~$1,100
powertrain
221 reports
moderate · ~$2,500
34 reports
severe · ~$2,500
electrical
95 reports
severe · ~$850
38 reports
severe · ~$850
engine
105 reports
moderate · ~$3,100
10 reports
severe · ~$3,100
fuel system
90 reports
moderate · ~$1,200
No reports
steering
64 reports
severe · ~$700
24 reports
moderate · ~$700
suspension
41 reports
moderate · ~$900
No reports
tires
31 reports
moderate · ~$150
4 reports
moderate · ~$150
brakes
No reports
8 reports
severe · ~$450
body
No reports
3 reports
moderate · ~$1,500

Common questions

Which is more reliable, the 2005 Chrysler 300 or the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Based on the NHTSA data we track, the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix comes out ahead with a reliability score of 3.8 versus 3.3. The margin is clear, so the verdict could shift if you weight specific categories differently or factor in your own use case.

What goes wrong more often on the 2005 Chrysler 300?

Compared to the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, the 2005 Chrysler 300 sees more reported issues in airbags and powertrain. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.

What goes wrong more often on the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Compared to the 2005 Chrysler 300, the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix has more complaints in brakes and body. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.

Which has more recalls?

Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.

Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?

Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $15,050 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.

Related comparisons

Reliability scores, complaint counts, and severity ratings derived from the NHTSA public records database. Verify each vehicle's federal record: 2005 Chrysler 300 on NHTSA · 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix on NHTSA. "Repair exposure" is the sum of average independent-shop repair costs across each vehicle's tracked problem categories and is intended as a relative comparison, not an exact prediction. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
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