NHTSA recalls, safety ratings, and consumer complaints for the 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
| Trim | City | Hwy | Combined | Annual fuel $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6 cyl Automatic 4-spd | 18 | 26 | 21 | $2,850 |
| 2.8L 6 cyl Manual 5-spd | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,000 |
NHTSA has not published 5-star crash-test ratings for the 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. New vehicles are often added to the NCAP rating program after initial release; check nhtsa.gov/ratings for the latest status.
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Component: STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WHERE ROAD SALT USE IS HEAVY. A CONDITION WHERE ONE OR BOTH FRONT ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS CAN PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINERS.
Consequence: IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE FRONT OF THE CRADLE WOULD NO LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
I KEEP LISTENING TO THE NEWS ABOUT THE GM IGNITION SWITCH AND CARS CUTTING OFF. I LIVED IN NJ BOUGHT 1988 GRAND PRIX BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 9 MILES ON IT WHEN I TOOK POSSESSION. THE FIRST TITLE OFF IT HAD 24 MIES ON IT. I TOOK IT BACK TIME AFTER TIME RUNNING UP A SERVICE BILL WHICH EVENTUALLY CONTRIBUTED TO MY BANKRUPTCY BUT NJ HD NO LEMON LAW SO I WAS STUCK IN IT. I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO GET RID OF IT WITH 154000+ MILES ON IT AND IT WAS STILL CUTTING OFF WHENEVER. IT WAS SCARY TO DRIVE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU TOOK YOUR FOR OFF THE GAS IF THE ENGINE WOULD SHUT OFF AND THE STEERING WOULD FREEZE. I AM REPORTING THIS SO SOMEONE KNOWS THAT THE ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON WAY LONGER THAN GM IS LETTING ON.
WHEN GETTING INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE CAME OFF THE ASSEMBLY. CONSUMER STATED THAT THIS WAS THE THIRD TIME THAT SEAT WAS REPLACED. *AK
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING STARTED THE LEFT BALL JOINT FELL OFF AND THE AXLE BROKE. *NLM
WHILE DRIVING CRADLE BOLTS BROKE, CAUSING ENGINE TO FALL, AND VEHICLE TO BREAK DOWN.*AK
The 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix has 12 NHTSA recalls and 120 consumer complaints on file. The high number of complaints suggests potential reliability concerns — review the complaint details above before purchasing. For the most detailed information about a specific vehicle, decode its VIN using our free decoder above.
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Component: WHEELS
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING DATE CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Component: WHEELS
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
Consequence: IF WHEEL SEPARATION OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OCCURS, AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE MANUFACTURING CODES STAMPED ON EACH WHEEL OF THE VEHICLE AND IF A WHEEL FALLS WITHIN THE SPECIFIED DATE CODE RANGE, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THAT WHEEL ASSEMBLY.
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS MAY NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO, IN VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
Consequence: A TRAILING VEHICLE MAY NOT RECOGNIZE A BRAKING ACTIONIN TIME TO RESPOND APPROPRIATELY. ALSO, CRUISE CONTROL WILL REENGAGE UPONRELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL AND RESUME THE SET SPEED. IN EITHER CASE, IT COULDRESULT IN A CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: INSTALL AN IMPROVED DESIGN STOPLAMP SWITCH.
Component: STRUCTURE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS ORIGINALLY SOLD OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE FOLLOWING STATES: CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN. THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULL THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF THE RETAINER. IF BOTH BOLTS PULL THROUGH, THE REAR CRADLE WOULD NOT LONGER BE SUPPORTED AT THESE MOUNTING LOCATIONS AND THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING GEAR.
Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.
Component: SEAT BELTS
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
Consequence: SEAT BELT MAY NOT SUSTAIN LOADS REQUIRED BY FMVSS 210, AND IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT, THE SEAT BELT MAY NOT PROPERLY RESTRAIN A PASSENGER, RESULTING IN INCREASED RISK OF GREATER INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT NUTS AND INSTALL NEW GUIDE COVER.
Component: PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
THE PARKING BRAKE CABLE MAY BE DISCONNECTED FROM THE LEFT REAR BRAKE CALIPER.
Consequence: PARKING BRAKE CANNOT BE PROPERLY APPLIED AND VEHICLEWILL NOT MEET THE GRADE HOLDING REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 105.
Remedy: INSTALL A RETAINER ON LEFT REAR CALIPER IF CABLE IS NOT ALREADY RETAINED WITH A COTTER PIN AND ADJUST PARKING BRAKE SYSTEM.
Component: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH MAY NOT PROPERLY ENGAGE.
Consequence: IF PRIMARY LATCH DISENGAGES, HOOD COULD UNEXPECTEDLYOPEN. IF CAR WAS IN MOTION, HOOD COULD CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD, REDUCE THEDRIVERS FORWARD VISION AREA, AND COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT.
Remedy: REPLACE SECONDARY LATCH WITH A NEW LATCH.
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
THE FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHED TO THE UPPER REAR CORNER OF THE DOOR MAY INTERFERE WITH THE GARNISH MOLDING.
Consequence: THIS INTERFERENCE COULD LIMIT THE ROTATION OF THE GUIDELOOP. IF THIS CONDITION EXISTS AND VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A CRASH IT COULD BEPOSSIBLE FOR THE SHOULDER BELT WELDING TO BE CUT BY THE GUIDE. LOSS OF THESHOULDER BELT FUNCTION DURING A VEHICLE CRASH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OFINJURIES TO OCCUPANTS.
Remedy: A NEWLY DESIGNED GUIDE LOOP NUT AND SPACER WILL BE INSTALLED TO ELIMINATE THE POTENTIAL FOR INTERFERENCE CONDITIONS.
Component: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION:COLUMN SHIFT ASSEMBLY
AN INTERFERENCE BETWEEN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT CABLE AND THE BELLCRANK CLIP IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAN RESULT IN DISENGAGEMENT OF THE TRANSMISSION CABLE.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD ALLOW THE TRANSMISSION TO BE IN AGEAR OTHER THAN THAT DISPLAYED BY THE SHIFT INDICATOR. THE VEHICLE COULD MOVEIN AN UNEXPECTED DIRECTION AND CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Remedy: A NEWLY DESIGNED BELLCRANK CLIP WILL BE INSTALLED.
Component: WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS
WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT PROPERLY TORQUED TO SPECIFICATIONS.
Consequence: WHEEL LUG NUTS COULD LOOSEN AND/OR COME OFF THE WHEELSTUDS. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN WHEEL SEPARATING FROM THE VEHICLE.LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF VEHICLE AND ASSURE PROPER TORQUE REPLACES ANY MISSING LUG NUT OR LOOSE STUD.
CONSUMER WAS INJURED WHEN HER SEATBELTS FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN HER WHILE DRIVING, HOWEVER THERE WAS A RECALL CAMPAIGN 90V054000 REGARDING THE BELTS.(ATTORNEY ON BEHALF OF CLIENT)*JB
NHTSA RECALL 00 V 189 000/MANUFACTURER'S RECALL 00061/65 CONCERNING CRADLE BOLTS. DEALER:PONIAC PUBLIC SERVICE GARAGE, MARQUETTE,MI; PHONE# 906/226-6518 WILL NOT HONOR RECALL, AND MANUFACTURER OFFERED $200 FOR COST OF RECALL. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMTION.*AK
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH FRONT COIL SPRING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE BROKE AND CUT UP THE TIRE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL.*AK CONSUMER STATES SPRING AND STRUT SUPPORT BROKE OFF CAUSING SPRING TO PUSH SUPPORT PLATE DOWN INTO THE PATH OF THE TIRE RIPPING THE TIRE. *YH
FRAME CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION OF RETAINERS, CAUSING MOTOR TO DROP OUT. TOOK TO DEALER TO HAVE IT REPAIRED.*AK
CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR FELL OFF TRACK, WHEN CONSUMER PARKED VEHICLE THE DOOR FELL OFF THE DOOR HINGE, BOTH HINGE PINS BROKE IN HALF. NLM *TT
DUE TO GAS TANK RUSTING, VEHICLE STARTED LEAKING FUEL. HAD GAS TANK REPLACED BY MECHANIC. *AK CONSUMER STATED THAT PRIOR TO REPLACING THE GAS TANK, MECHANIC TRIED TO MAKE REPAIRS BY USING JB WELD, HOWEVER THAT FAILED AND THE TANK HAD TO BE REPLACED. *SLC
DOOR ON PASSENGER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE FELL OFF. DID NOT HAVE ANY PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, A NOTICE WAS RECEIVED FROM DEALERSHIP ABOUT 5 OR 6 YEARS AGO STATING THAT IF THIS HAPPENS TO VEHICLE THEY WILL REPAIR IT, BUT HAD CONTACTED DEALER WHO REFUSE TO REPAIR IT. *AK
I JUST GOT THIS CAR AND I HAVE HAD TO GET 2 TRANSMISSIONS AND I HAD TO GET THE CV SHAFTS REPLACED AND THE BALLJOINTS REPLACED AND NOW THE WHEEL BEARINGS ARE GOING IS THERE ANY THING I CAN DO ABOUT THIS. *AK
THE CAR HAD WORK DONE ON THE FUEL TANK AND RECALLS CAME BACK AND TWO DAYS LATER A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASH IMMEDIATELY AFTER BEING STARTED,THE STARTER WAS STICKING ON AND THAT WAS IT THE CAR IS NOW TOTALED
THE FRONT FRAME TO BODY BOLTS ROTTED OUT CAUSING THE FRAME TO FALL TO THE GROUND WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN LOSS OF CONROL AND STEERING COLUMN SEPARATION, DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. NLM
CALIPER NOT ENGAGING WITH ROTORS ON ONE SIDE. DEALER NOTIFIED, AND MADE REPAIRS AT CONSUMER'S COST. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Showing 15 of 120 complaints