2004 Pontiac Gto problems
The Pontiac GTO is a front-engine, rear-drive, two-door, four-passenger automobile manufactured and marketed by the Pontiac division of General Motors over four generations from 1963 until 1974 in the United States — with a fifth generation made by GM's Australian subsidiary, Holden, for the 2004 through 2006 model years.
The first generation of the GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market segment in the 1960s. The Pontiac GTO is considered by some to have started the trend with all four domestic automakers offering a variety of competing models.
For the 1964 and 1965 model years, the GTO was an optional package on the intermediate-sized Pontiac Lemans. The 1964 GTO vehicle identification number (VIN) started with 22, while the 1965 GTO VIN started with 237. The GTO became a separate model from 1966 through 1971 (VIN 242...). It became an optional package again for the 1972 and 1973 intermediate LeMans. For 1974, the GTO was an optional trim package on the compact-sized Ventura.
The GTO was selected as the Motor Trend Car of the Year in 1968.
The GTO model was revived from 2004 to 2006 model years as a captive import for Pontiac, a left-hand drive version of the Holden Monaro, itself a coupé variant of the Holden Commodore.
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Common 2004 Pontiac Gto problems
The 2004 Pontiac GTO is known for several common problems, which are often discussed in online forums and videos by owners of this car. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned issues:
- Strut Mount Failure: The strut mounts in the 2004 Pontiac GTO are made of rubber, which can crush under the forces exerted by the car's handling. This can lead to clunking noises and a less stable ride. To address this issue, many owners recommend replacing the rubber bushings with polyurethane ones, which are more durable and can withstand the forces better.
- Oil Starvation: The LS engines in the 2004 Pontiac GTO have a front sump design, which can cause oil to be pulled away during hard acceleration. This can lead to there being no oil for the oil pump to pull in, which can cause engine damage. To address this issue, some owners recommend upgrading the oil pump or changing the oil pickup to a design that is less prone to starvation.
- Wiring Harness Issues: The wiring harness behind the glove box is known to wear through the insulation, which can cause shorts and divert power to other circuits. This can lead to weird electrical issues, such as the traction control being deactivated. To address this issue, some owners recommend upgrading the wiring harness or adding a resistor parallel to the affected circuit to increase the amperage.
- LED Taillight Issues: The LED lighting in the 2004 Pontiac GTO can cause issues with the traction control, as it can deactivate the system when not enough amperage passes through the circuit. To address this issue, some owners recommend adding a 6 ohm resistor parallel to one of the tail light circuits to increase the amperage and prevent the traction control from being deactivated.
- Front Radius Rod Bushings: The front radius rod bushings in the 2004 Pontiac GTO can cause suspension issues and create weird handling conditions under braking. This can make the car unstable and less safe. To address this issue, some owners recommend replacing the bushings with high-quality aftermarket replacements.
- Rear Seat Splitting: The rear seats in the 2004 Pontiac GTO are prone to splitting, which can be a common problem in any car. To address this issue, some owners recommend taking care of the seats with leather cleaner and storing them if they are not being used.
- Drivetrain Issues: The drivetrain in the 2004 Pontiac GTO can be clunky and overly lashy, which can be a problem for some owners. To address this issue, some owners recommend replacing the drivetrain with high-quality aftermarket parts.
- Rear End Issues: The rear end of the 2004 Pontiac GTO can be prone to breaking under high horsepower levels, which can be a problem for some owners. To address this issue, some owners recommend upgrading the rear end with high-quality aftermarket parts.
- Backup Light Switch Issues: The backup light switch on the transmission can cause resistance and cause the fuses under the dash to pop, which can lead to issues with the blinkers. To address this issue, some owners recommend checking the switch and keeping an eye on it.
- Driver's Seat Tearing: The driver's seat in the 2004 Pontiac GTO is prone to tearing, especially on the right or left shoulder. To address this issue, some owners recommend replacing the seat with high-quality aftermarket parts.
In summary, the 2004 Pontiac GTO is known for several common problems, including strut mount failure, oil starvation, wiring harness issues, LED taillight issues, front radius rod bushings, rear seat splitting, drivetrain issues, rear end issues, backup light switch issues, and driver's seat tearing. Many of these issues can be addressed with high-quality aftermarket parts or upgrades, but it is important for potential buyers to be aware of these issues before purchasing the car.
Which year of the Pontiac GTO is the best?
If there is a Holy Grail GTO it's the 1969 Judge Convertible with the Ram Air IV. Only five were produced, making it one of the only muscle cars that can make a Hemi Cuda convertible look common. Next up in terms of collectability is the 1970 Ram Air IV Judge Convertible, with an estimated 18 produced.
Are Pontiac GTO reliable?
GTO owners have made 22 complaints over 3 model years. It ranks 5th in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems.
Why did the Pontiac GTO fail?
GM cited the failure to reach 2007 airbag safety standards as the reason for discontinuing the imports of the GTO on February 21, 2006.
How much horsepower does a 2004 Pontiac GTO 6.0 have?
350 horsepower
The 2004 GTO boasts 350 horsepower.
Why did the Pontiac GTO fail?
GM cited the failure to reach 2007 airbag safety standards as the reason for discontinuing the imports of the GTO on February 21, 2006.
Which year of the Pontiac GTO is the best?
If there is a Holy Grail GTO it's the 1969 Judge Convertible with the Ram Air IV. Only five were produced, making it one of the only muscle cars that can make a Hemi Cuda convertible look common. Next up in terms of collectability is the 1970 Ram Air IV Judge Convertible, with an estimated 18 produced.
Are Pontiac GTO reliable?
GTO owners have made 22 complaints over 3 model years. It ranks 5th in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems.
Is a 2004 GTO fast?
The GTO charges headlights ablaze out of a toxic cloud of tire smoke to turn 5.3 seconds at 60 mph and 14 seconds flat in the quarter-mile at 102 mph, clobbering with big-bore snort new import coupes such as the Infiniti G35 and Mazda RX-8.
2004 Pontiac Gto car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Gto problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Tires problems
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Pontiac Gto vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2004 Pontiac Gto
The NHTSA has received 245 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Pontiac Gto. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2004 Pontiac Gto vehicles.
2021-11-03
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12G34L
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Evap code for gas tank cap leaking
2016-08-19
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-19
- VIN: 2G2WP522141
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAN USED FOR THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THE HEATER THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE REMAINED ACTIVATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OFF OR ON. THERE WAS ALSO CONDENSATION ON THE FLOOR THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE ABNORMAL CONDENSATION ORIGINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
2015-11-09
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-18
- VIN: 6G2VX12G54L
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: AFTER OWNING THE CAR LESS THAN 3 YEARS, THE SEAT BACK LATCHES STARTED STICKING SO ANYONE WHO WAS IN THE BACK SEAT HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OUT OR GETTING IN FOR THAT MATTER! AFTER A TIME THE LATCHES STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER SO IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO GET PEOPLE OUT OF THE BACK SEAT IF THEY WERE ABLE TO GET IN. THE POWER SEATS HAD TO BE MOVED ALL THE WAY FORWARD, JUST TO GIVE A SMALL SPACE FOR PASSENGERS TO SQUEEZE OUT. IN A CRASH, IT WOULD BE IMPOSSIBLE TO GET SOMEONE OUT OF THE BACK SEAT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM WHICH COULD RESULT IN HARM. WE WERE TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY SO IT STILL REMAINS AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR AS THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED. ALL THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
2014-11-09
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 6G2VX12G44L
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WAS DRIVING CAR ON THE FREEWAY AT APROX 75 MPH HIT A PATCH OF ICE AND LOST CONTROL SPUN OUT IN CIRCLES, HITTING THE GUARD RAIL CAUSING IT TO ROLL 3 TIMES CAR ENDED UPSIDE DOWN I HIT STEERING WHEEL AND SERIOUSLY HURT MY BACK NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
2014-08-14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-08-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12G04L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTING INTO THE DRIVE POSITION, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE INTERMITTENT FAILURE OCCURRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
2014-07-11
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12GX4L
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHILE DOING A SPRINGTIME CHECK OF MY GTO, NOTICED COIL COVER RUBBING ON FUEL RAIL FEED LINE. ABRASION WAS ALMOST ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE LINE. HAD TO REPLACE WITH STEEL BRAIDED LINE FROM RUSSELS. COULD HAVE CAUSED FIRE IN THE ENGINE BAY. *TR
2014-07-03
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12G04L
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR FIRST FAILED IN AUGUST OF 2013. I RESEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT MANY OTHER 04 GTO OWNERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. I FIXED THE PART THAT COMMONLY SLIPS OUT OF PLACE CAUSING THE ISSUE AND THE SEATBELT ONCE AGAIN WORKED CORRECTLY. HOWEVER, NOW ON JULY 2ND 2014 AT ONLY 39,500 MILES THE SEATBELT RETRACTOR AGAIN FAILED LEAVING THE BELT FULLY EXTENDED. THIS MAKES THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND NOT DRIVABLE AS THE BELT WILL PROVIDE NO RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. IT IS MY OPINION WITH A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE THAT THIS IS A POOR AND UNSAFE DESIGN TO BEGIN WITH. FORTUNATELY FOR ME I DISCOVERED THIS ISSUE BOTH TIMES WHEN PARKED AND NOT DRIVING, BUT IF THIS FAILURE WERE TO OCCUR RIGHT BEFORE OR DURING A COLLISION THERE WOULD BE SERIOUS HARM DONE AS THE SEATBELT WOULD EFFECTIVELY DO NOTHING. THE SPRING FOR THE BELT INSIDE THE RETRACTOR MECHANISM IS HELD IN PLACE BY PLASTIC PARTS, WHICH IS CLEARLY A CHEAP CORNER CUTTING MOVE AND HAS LEFT THE SEATBELTS IN ALL OF THESE CARS IN A DELICATE AND UNSAFE STATE. I WILL BE CONTACTING A GENERAL MOTORS DEALERSHIP TO ASK IN THEY WILL COVER THIS REPAIR AS THERE IS NO CURRENT RECALL, BUT THIS IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING. *TR
2014-06-16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-14
- VIN: 6GVX12G84L2
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WE HAVE OWNED 2 2004 GTO'S AND THIS ISSUE HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH VEHICLES AND THE VIN NUMBER LISTED ABOVE IT HAS NOW HAPPENED TWICE. THE KEY WILL NOT WORK AND UNLOCK THE STEERING COLUMN THEREFORE THE CAR WILL NOT CRANK... THERE IS NO WARNING THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AND HAS LEFT US STRANDED ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. WHEN I CONTACTED PONTIAC (GM) ABOUT THIS ISSUE THEY INITIALLY SEEMED CONCERNED BUT NOW AFTER COUNTLESS CALLS AND EMAILS THEY ARE NOT RESPONDING. THEY HAVE EVEN ISSUED A SERVICE REQUEST: 71-1312795897 NUMBER WHICH APPARENTLY DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING BECAUSE THEY ARE DOING NOTHING TO INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE TO VERIFY THAT THIS ISSUE ISN'T A DEFAULT IN THE CAR. AS I AM AWARE THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THEM MULTIPLE TIMES ON THESE CARS SPECIFICALLY AND THEY REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND RECALL THE ISSUE. MY REQUEST IS FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE AND WE ARE CURRENTLY HAVING THE ISSUE SO WE HAVE A PERFECT CASE FOR THEM TO HAVE A GM DEALER LOOK AT AND SAY IF THIS A FLAW IN THE STEERING AND IGNITION COLUMN... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
2014-03-31
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-07-31
- VIN: 6G2VX12G74L
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, THE ENGINE FAILED TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000. ..UPDATED 05-09-14 *BF
2013-11-14
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 6G2VX12G64L
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY CLUTCH AND GAS WENT TO THE FLOOR AND MY STEERING WHEEL BROKE AND I RAN THROUGH THE WOODS. *TR
2013-10-25
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-10-24
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ENTERED THE VEHICLE AND SMELLED GASOLINE FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE EVAPORATED CANISTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 132,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2013-04-01
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-31
- VIN: 6G2VX12G24L
- Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: I GOT NEW TIRES PUT ON YESTERDAY. THEY ARE THE STOCK SIZED TIRES. SHORTLY AFTER I HEARD A LOUD SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK RIGHT SIDE. I NOTICED THE TIRE WAS RUBBING ON THE FENDER. THE CAR SAGS MORE AND MORE EACH DAY. THEN YESTERDAY, I WAS JUST DRIVING NORMALLY FROM STOP LIGHT TO STOP LIGHT, AND MY CAR WOULD WOULDN'T GO INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. SO I CHECKED FLUIDS AND IT WAS OK ON THAT. I HAD TO DRIVE 30MPH BACK HOME. *TR
2012-03-28
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-03-06
- VIN: 6G2VX12GX4L
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SAFETY BELT) DOES NOT RETRACT AND INSTEAD IS FULLY EXTENDED PROVIDING NO SECURITY OR RESTRAINT IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT,. I HAVE REVIEWED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS FILED AND I CAN ASSURE THIS AGENCY THAT MY BELTS HAVE NO "SOFT DRINK SPILLS CAUSING THE SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERABLE". INSTEAD THE INTERNAL SPRING LOCK DEVICE OF THE BELT ITSELF IS RETAINED IN PLACE BY A PLASTIC DISK AND IS, IN MY OPINION, A FAULTY AND INFERIOR DESIGN. *TR
2011-07-18
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-07-15
- VIN: 6G2VX12G34L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: I OWN 2004 PONTIAC GTO THAT HAS HAD 2 FRONT END ALIGNMENTS AND HAS BEEN THROUGH 3 SETS OF FRONT TIRES IN 55K MILES. GM STATED TO ME THAT IT HAS TO BE MY DRIVING HABITS AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH A DEFECT ON THEIR PART. AFTER CLOSER INSPECTION DURING MY LAST TIRE SWAP OUT. I NOTICED TIRE DAMAGE TO INSIDE OF TIRE ON SIDEWALL,DUE TO TIRE RUBBING STRUT ASSEMBLY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE TIRE HAD I NOT BEEN LOOKING. WHO WILL DIE BEFORE GM FIXES THIS ISSUE? THE VEHICLE WILL NOT STAY ALIGNED NO MATTER WHAT I DO,CONSTANTLY LOOSING POSITIVE CAMBER TO THE POINT OF STRUT-TIRE CONTACT. *KB
2010-06-16
SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-06-02
- VIN: 6G2VX12G44L
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 2004 PONTIAC GTO TIRE BLOW OUT WE PURCHASED OUR 2004 PONTIAC GTO NEW, AND HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH RUBBING SOUNDS AND VIBRATIONS SINCE IT WAS NEW. THE CAR CURRENTLY HAS 45,000 MILES AND WE HAD A BLOW OUT. APPARENTLY THE TIRES ON 2004 GTO'S RUB THE SPRING POCKET OF THE STRUT CAUSING THE INNER SIDE WALL OF THE TIRES TO FAIL PREMATURELY. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE THE WEAR UNLESS THE TIRE IS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE. PONTIAC HAS REPLACED THE TIRES ONCE UNDER WARRANTY DUE TO THIS ISSUE, BUT WHEN I RETURNED TO GM TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE PREVIOUS "FIX" DID NOT WORK - THEY DISMISSED ME STATING THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. THIS IS OUR THIRD SET OF TIRES WITHIN 45,000 MILES AND MY WIFE FEELS THAT THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE OF HER BLOWOUT EXPERIENCE. I NEED GM TO COME UP WITH A SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND SPOKEN TO MANY GTO OWNERS ONLY TO FIND THAT THEY ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE, AND SOME DEALERS HAVE RETROFITTED GTO'S WITH THE APPROPRIATE 18" WHEEL AND TIRE COMBINATION, BUT CARL BLACK IN ROSWELL GA AND THE DISTRICT MANAGER "ROD" WILL DO NOTHING TO HELP US. PLEASE - CAN YOU HELP? *TR
2010-05-21
SUSPENSION,TIRES,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-20
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 2004 PONTIAC GTO, STRUT RUB. THE TIRES RUB THE FRONT TIRES AND WERE RIGHT THREW THE TIRES, WENT TO THE DEALER, AND SAID I NEED A ALIGNMENT AND THAT'S WHAT THEY DID, KNOW MY TIRES ARE WORN DOWN ON THE OUT SIDE OF THE TIRES, WAS TOLD THE BUSHINGS ARE ALL BAD BY OTHER GTO OWNERS. *TR
2010-05-21
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-05-18
- VIN: 6G2VX12G74L
- Components: SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,TIRES
- Summary: 1. MY WIFE WAS COMPLAINING OF A SQUEAKING SOUND WHENEVER SHE PUT ON THE BRAKES. WHEN RESEARCHING BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ONLINE I NOTICED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR 2004 AND 2005 GTO'S REGARDING TIRES RUBBING ON THE FRONT STRUTS. SINCE I WAS GOING TO REMOVE THE TIRES TO GET A BETTER LOOK AT THE BRAKE PADS I ALSO CHECKED FOR THE TIRE RUB PROBLEM. SURE ENOUGH THE RIGHT SIDE TIRE AND STRUT BOTH SHOWED SIGNS OF WEAR. THE TIRES INSIDE TREAD WAS WORN AND THERE WERE AREAS ON THE TIRES WHERE SMALL CRACKS HAD STARTED AND ONE 3 INCH LONG CRACK THROUGH THE SIDEWALL. LEFT SIDE TIRE TREAD WAS NOT WORN YET THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF TIRE RUB ON THE STRUT. 2. SINCE I WAS FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO RUN ACROSS THE INFORMATION ONLINE, I WILL BE ABLE TO AVOID A FAILURE. THE FAILURE IF I WERE TO LET IT GO WOULD MOST CERTAINLY BE EATHER A GRADUAL LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE OR IF RUNNING FREEWAY SPEEDS A SUDDEN BLOWOUT. SIMPLY REPLACING THE TIRES (WITH OEM REPLACEMENTS) AND ADJUSTING THE FRONT END ALIGNMENT WILL NOT PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM OCCURRING AGAIN. 3. I'M CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF RESEARCHING OPTIONS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. WE PURCHASED THE CAR USED BUT WITH VERY LOW MILES AND GOT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. SINCE OTHER ITEMS CONTRIBUTE TO THE TIRE RUB SUCH AS PREMATURE FAILURE OF BUSHINGS AND BREARNGS I HOPE TO GET AT LEAST THOSE REPLACED SINCE THEY ARE COVERED. A FORMAL RECALL HAS NOT YET BEEN REQUIRED, SO ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS WOULD BE THE SAME AS THOSE THAT FAILED IN THE FIRSTPLACE. I'M STRONGLY LOOKING AT INSTALLING AN AFTERMARKET KIT DESIGNED TO CORRECT ALL THE PROBLEMS. *TR
2010-04-25
SUSPENSION,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-04-24
- Components: SUSPENSION,WHEELS
- Summary: NEAR MISS - AT LEAST THUS FAR. . . 2004 PONTIAC GTO FOUND BOTH FRONT TIRES TO BE WORN THROUGH ON INSIDE OF TIRE SUCH THAT CORD WAS SHOWING THROUGH. LUCKY I FOUND THE WEAR AS IT WAS ON THE FAR INSIDE OF A VERY WIDE TIRE WITH LOW CLEARANCES ALL AROUND. FORTUNATELY I PARKED THE CAR THE OTHER DAY WITH THE TIRES TURNED ALL THE WAY ONE DIRECTION, WHICH IS WHY IT WAS SPOTTED BEFORE A BLOW OUT ON THE INTERSTATE. I HAD THE TIRES REPLACED AT 20K MILES WITH SIMILAR WEAR AND WAS TOLD IT WAS AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE. SO I BOUGHT THE NEW TIRES AND HAD ALL THE WHEELS ALIGNED. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 20K MORE MILE THE TIRES ARE IN A WORSE CONDITION THAN THE PREVIOUS ONES. LOOKS LIKE THE STRUTS MAY BE WEARING THE TIRES. THIS IS A CLEAR CASE OF A DESIGN FLAW IF THERE EVER WAS ONE, WHICH IS WHY I FEEL I MUST REPORT IT. I WILL PROBABLY TRY TO HAVE SHORTER TIRES (EITHER WIDTH OR HEIGHT) INSTALLED TO CORRECT IT. SHAME I AM HAVING TO PAY FOR THIS PROBLEM AGAIN, BUT I AM THANKFUL THAT I FOUND THE PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GOT HURT. *TR
2010-03-17
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-18
- VIN: 6G2VX12G04L
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: MY PROBLEM WAS WITH THE 6 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION WHICH WOULD CAUSE A GRINDING SOUND WHILE SHIFTING AND "POPPING" OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE CLUTCH. THEY REPLACED THE CLUTCH BUT THE PROBLEM NOT ONLY STILL EXISTED BUT IT GOT WORSE. IT BECAME SO BAD THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO SHIFT INTO ANY GEAR AT ANY SPEED. I HAD THE CAR TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER ABOUT A WEEK LATER. NOW THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. OK. SO I TOLD THEM TO REPLACE IT BUT IT TOOK 4 WEEKS UNTIL GM COULD SUPPLY ONE. IT CAME WITH A 3 YEAR, 100K WARRANTY AT A COST OF $4000. THIS PLUS THE $1200 FOR A NEW CLUTCH MADE FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE OUT-OF-WARRANTY REPAIR. *TR
2010-02-26
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-24
- VIN: 6G2VX12G14L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GTO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE STRUTS BEGAN TO RUB ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE TIRE AND DROVE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER REGARDING THE STRUTS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO LOOK AT THE VEHICLE BUT ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE STRUTS WERE A CONCERN. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO HAVE ANOTHER DEALER DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOW OUT COULD HAVE CAUSED A CRASH TO OCCUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
2010-02-13
SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-20
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: 2004 PONTIAC GTO, BOTH FRONT STRUTS GOUGED FRONT TIRES TO THE POINT STEEL BELTS WERE SHOWING. 44,000 MILES ON CAR. ALMOST HAD A BLOW OUT! *TR
2010-02-02
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12G44L
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BOTH DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DOORS LEAK WATER DURING A HARD OR EXTENDED RAIN. THEY LEAK TO THE POINT WHERE THE WATER OVERFLOWS, SOAKING THE FLOORS, BOTH FRONT AND BACK. CARPETING SOAKED, PRODUCING A MOLDY ODOR. GOOGLED THE ISSUE AND DISCOVERED IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM FOR GTO OWNERS. THERE'S NO VISIBLE LEAKS AND DEALERS WILL POINT THAT OUT TO YOU. MEANWHILE, SOAKED, MOLDY CARPETING & EVENTUALLY ROTTING FLOORBOARDS. *TR
2009-12-04
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12GX4L
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 2004 PONTIAC GTO STRUT RUB. *TR
2009-11-08
SUSPENSION,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-09-01
- VIN: 6G2VX12G84L
- Components: SUSPENSION,TIRES
- Summary: I PURCHASED A USED 04 PONTIAC GTO. I NOTICED THE CAR TIRES WERE VERY NOISY. AFTER CLOSE INSPECTION OF THE TIRES, I DISCOVERED THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE WAS WORN ALMOST BALD WITH SEVERE CUPPING. I BOUGHT NEW TIRES AND WAS TOLD THE INSIDE OF THE PREVIOUS TIRES HAD WEAR ON THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE- APPARENTLY FROM RUBBING AGAINST THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUT. I WAS TOLD THAT I SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE STRUT REPLACEMENT ON THE CAR OR THIS CONDITION COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. U BEGAN TO RESEARCH THIS ISSUE AND FOUND THAT IT WAS INHERENT IN THIS CAR AND THAT THE SIMPLEST REMEDY WAS TO HAVE A PEDDERS CERTIFIED MECHANIC INSTALL A KIT OF BUSHINGS MADE SPECIFICALLY FOR THE PROBLEM. THIS KIT REPLACED DEFECTIVE OEM BUSHINGS THAT HAS DISINTEGRATED AT LESS THAN 16K MILES. IN MY CASE, BOTH OEM SHOCKS AND STRUTS WERE LITERALLY SHOT AT 18K MILES AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE SIZE TIRE THE MANUFACTURER PUT ON THE CAR TO HANDLE THE HEFTY WEIGHT OF THE VEHICLE, THE TIRE SITS LESS THAN A PENCIL WIDTH FROM THE STRUT SO ON IMPACTED SURFACE CONTACT, THE INSIDE OF THE TIRE RUBS ON THE STRUT AND WILL EVENTUALLY SHRED THE TIRE. MY CARS REAR SPRINGS ARE SHOT FROM EXCESSIVE COMPRESSION TIED-DOWN IN SHIPPING FROM AUSTRALIA TO AMERICA SO THE COMPLETE FIX JOB WILL COST ME 3 THOUSAND DOLLARS - GM KNEW ABOUT THE ENGINEERING FLAW IN THE MATCH OF TIRES AND SUSPENSION WITH PARTS THAT WOULD BUST IN SHORT TIME AND THEY ALSO KNEW ABOUT SPRINGS BEING WEAKENED IN SHIPMENT BUT SOLD THESE CARS WITHOUT WARNING TO THE CUSTOMER OR ANY RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN. I BELIEVE THAT GM SHOULD PAY THE 3K TO GET THE CORRECTIVE SUSPENSION CONFIGURATION ON MY CAR AND REIMBURSE ME FOR THE 1100. I REPLACEMENT STRUTS (TEMP FIX) AND PEDDERS STRUT-RUB BUSHING REPLACEMENT KIT. NO ONE IS SAFE IN THIS CAR OR ANY GTO. I CAN PROVIDE EYEWITNESS TESTIMONY/AFFIDAVITS FROM THE SHOP THAT PERFORMED THE REPAIR. *TR
2009-09-18
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-17
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: NO FAILURE BUT THE TIRES ON MY 2004 PONTIAC GTO ARE WEARING EXCESSIVELY DUE TO BAD BUSHINGS AND REAR SPRINGS. *TR
Positive 2004 Pontiac Gto car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2004 Pontiac Gto problems:
Common GTO problems? | Pontiac GTO Forum
https://www.gtoforum.com/threads/common-gto-problems.43482/
Apr 19, 2013 ... Battery drain issues if the car is stored for 2-3 weeks without running. Rear spring sag causing improper tire wear. Strut rub causing improper ...
GTO myths are true - LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum ...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-gto-2004-2006/1314405-gto-myths-true.html
Aug 4, 2010 ... Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - GTO myths are true - GTO Myths true about the top 5 GTO common problems i have read on this board.1.
What to look out for in a used GTO? | Pontiac GTO Forum
https://www.gtoforum.com/threads/what-to-look-out-for-in-a-used-gto.38121/
Jun 20, 2012 ... Lookout for common problems such as ignition sticking, front tire rub (mostly cars with 17" wheels), rear headrest stitching falling apart, and ...
how are high mileage gto's holding up.what do I look for - LS1TECH ...
https://ls1tech.com/forums/pontiac-gto-2004-2006/1654065-how-high-mileage-gto-s-holding-up-what-do-i-look.html
Jun 13, 2013 ... Pontiac GTO 2004-2006 - how are high mileage gto's holding up.what do I look for - I am considering a 2005 or newer gto what common problems ...
Q&A: 2004 Pontiac GTO Transmission - Common Problems ...
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/bw0cy-2004-pontiac-gto-5-7-automatic.html
Dec 28, 2018 ... Or something different all together? Pontiac Mechanic: tims auto repair.
Other years of Pontiac Gto
Are you having problems with your 2004 Pontiac Gto?
Dante Blanda 2024-11-20
I bought this car in March and have enjoyed every minute of driving it since then. Rebates have dropped the price but I have no regrets. Everyone that sees the car compliments me on it. People have driven up to me to tell me how much they like the car and called out to me, beautiful car, while I was getting gas. The power is great. This takes me back to the feeling of the old muscle cars. Interior is well done. Once you get into the back seats they are as comfortable as the front. GM really did a great job on this car. What a kick it is to drive. I can't wait to go somewhere just so I can drive this car.
Ali Schaden 2024-11-04
Your 2004 GTO is the most refined, comfortable, and fun-to-drive vehicle you have ever owned. It easily surpasses the performance of both the '96 Mustang GT and '98 Camaro Z28 you have owned previously. You do not miss the scary feeling of the rear ends of these cars trying to 'kick out' every time a slight road imperfection would be encountered when cornering. The GTO's independent rear suspension (which, along with its motor, it shares with the 2004 Corvette) is a huge improvement over the live axle setup of many other muscle cars, including the '05 Mustang. While the new Mustang may have more flavor in the styling department due to its retro look, you have really come to appreciate the GTO.
Federico Hegmann 2024-10-22
Great car! It's definitely fast, but I've had a bit of trouble with speeding tickets since I got it. The gas mileage isn't great, especially since it requires premium fuel, but I've found that mixing in a lower grade of fuel doesn't cause any major issues. I get compliments on it almost every day, especially from younger people. All in all, I really love my GTO!
Wilber Rice 2024-10-02
Great to drive! This car is a wolf in sheep's clothing, a real nice true 2+2 muscle car.
Lucious Batz 2024-09-18
Great car! And the best part is that there aren't many on the road. You can even upgrade it with a supercharger up to 500hp without any problems and use it as an everyday car.