VehicleVerdict

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix carries two red flags at once: 202 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 1.7× the Grand Prix norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 2 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: brakes issues account for 42% of all reports (85 of 202), far ahead of electrical system at 20.

202

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

9

Investigations · 1 open

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

2

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Grand Prix years?

See all Grand Prix years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes8542%
Electrical System2010%
Body & Structure199%
Engine168%
Steering136%
Seat Belts94%
Suspension73%
Fuel System73%
Lighting63%
Transmission52%
Seats42%
Other31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Speed Control21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

10 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

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).

00V189000Body & StructureJuly 11, 2000 · 713,435 units

Defect

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.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT AND REAR FRAME/CRADLE BOLTS AND RETAINERS.

97V058000Body & StructureApril 8, 1997 · 676,535 units

Defect

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.

95V115000Tires & WheelsJune 5, 1995 · 22,361 units

Defect

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.

94V041000Tires & WheelsMarch 28, 1995 · 198,163 units

Defect

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.

92V086000LightingJune 19, 1992 · 112,765 units

Defect

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.

90V185000LightingOctober 16, 1990 · 476,422 units

Defect

BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS WILL NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED 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.

90V054000Seat BeltsMarch 14, 1990 · 673,000 units

Defect

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.

89V108000EngineJuly 6, 1989 · 247 units

Defect

MISROUTING OF TURBOCHARGER OIL FEED PIPE COULD ALLOW PIPE TO CONTACT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTING STUD ON THE STARTER MOTOR.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL GROUND THAT COULD RESULTIN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.

Remedy

REROUTE OIL FEED PIPE; ALSO INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED CLAMP AND BRACKET TO LOCATE PIPE AWAY FROM THE STARTER.

88V188000Fuel SystemDecember 6, 1988 · 3,784 units

Defect

FUEL RETURN LINES COULD FRACTURE AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence

IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

INSTALL NEW FUEL RETURN PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ97017

CRADLE BOLT FAILURES

There is no summary currently available

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

ABS SPEED SENSORS HAVE FAILED TWICE, MASTER CYLINDER HAS FAILED AND REPLACED TWICE, ENITRE BRAKE SYSTEM HAS LOCKED UP, 8 FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED DUE TO ELECTRICAL SHORTS, BRAKE POWER ASSIST NOW FAILED.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 1, 2000

INSTRUMENT CLUSTER GOES OUT INTERMITTENTLY. SOMETIMES IT IS OFF ALL THE TIME, OTHER TIMES ONLY WHEN HEADLIGHTS ON, OTHER TIMES ONLY WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF. SPEED, FUEL ODOMETER... NOTHING CAN BE SEEN. *TR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2010

ABELOFF HAS HAD MY VEHICLE SINCE 9/10/02 DUE TO THE RECALL AND HAS NOT YET REPAIRED IT. I AM WITH OUT A VEHICLE. PLEASE LOOK IN TO THIS MATTER SO THAT I MAY HAVE MY CAR BACK. MR

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · September 9, 2002 · crash

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING THE MOTOR TO FALL AND THE STEERING COLUMN TO SPLIT INTO TWO, WHICH CAUSED LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 11, 1998 · crash

PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY HEARD A SNAP. HAD NO STEERING ABILITY. SHUT VEHICLE DOWN. RESTARED VEHICLE. IT MOVED FORWARD, BUT HAD NO STEERING CONTROL. HAD VENICLE TOWED. WAS INFORMED FRONT CRADLE BOLTS HAD BROKEN & HAD PULLED THE STEERING SHAFT. *AK

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · October 30, 1998

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 202 complaints put the 1989 model at #15 of 39 Grand Prix years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.

What are the most common 1989 Grand Prix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (85 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints), body & structure (19 complaints).

Does the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (CRADLE BOLT FAILURES). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Pontiac Grand Prix years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand Prix years to avoid are 1997, 2004, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 1994, 1990, 1995, 1991, 2005, 1989, 2008, 1993, 1988. The cleanest record among Grand Prix years belongs to 1982.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.