Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix sits mid-pack among Grand Prix years: 158 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 119, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.
Brakes leads the complaint categories with 48 reports (30% of the total).
158
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
10
Crash-involved
7
Fires reported
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 48 | 30% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 31 | 20% | — flat |
| Engine | 17 | 11% | — flat |
| Lighting | 13 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 9 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 8 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Other | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 3% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | — flat |
2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Consequence
FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy
DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
Defect
THE REVERSE SERVO APPLY PIN MAY BIND IN THE CASE WHICH COULD CAUSE REVERSE BAND DISTRESS (LOSS OR SLIPPING OF REVERSE), REVERSE BAND DRAG IN DRIVE RANGE (POOR PERFORMANCE -- POOR POWER), OR THE TRANSMISSION TO REMAIN IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFT INDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL GEAR POSITION.
Consequence
IF THE TRANSMISSION REMAINS IN REVERSE WHILE THE SHIFTINDICATOR SHOWS NEUTRAL, THE VEHICLE MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE REARWARD AND RESULTIN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
REPLACE THE TRANSAXLE WHERE REQUIRED.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING A VEHICLE TURNED IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE, BRAKES HARD, COULD NOT STOP WHILE TRAVELING 40MPH, RESULT IN HITTING THE OTHER CAR AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT CATCH AND STEERING WHEEL BROKED AFTER PUSHING ON IT.”
“CONSUMER STATED THAT UPON TURNING THE INGITION NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE TURN SIGNAL WHICH SHORTED OUT, CAUSING A FIRE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. TURN SIGNAL WAS REPLACED. *AK”
“I WOULD HAVE TO RESEARCH ALL THE DATES NEEDED FOR ABOVE INFO. MY 1992 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX SE IS A HAZARD TO MY HEALTH AND EVERYONE ELSE ON THE ROAD. I HAVE SMOKE FROM STEERING WHEEL AND LOSS OF POWER AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, AND MUCH MUCH MORE.”
“1992 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS HAD TURN SIGNAL ISSUES FOR WELL OVER A YEAR NOW. THEY WOULD NOT WORK VERY WELL MOST OF THE TIME. I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE COLUMN A COUPLE OF TIMES RECENTLY. THEY RECENTLY STOPPED WORKING ALTOGETHER. DEALER SAID THEY HAD HEARD OF IT OFTEN AND A REPLACEMENT PART COSTS…”
“WHILE PLACING VEHICLE IN GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK. SAME AS RECALL 91V214000/ AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, THE ORANGE MARKER BEHIND THE WINDOWS IN THE GEAR INDICATOR CAME LOOSE FROM THE LNKAGE. *AK *SLC”
It is close to typical for the Grand Prix: 158 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (48 complaints), electrical system (31 complaints), engine (17 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.