VehicleVerdict

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 199 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Grand Prix year — the 2008 model ranks #16 of 39 Grand Prix years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (46), lighting (31), and engine (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

199

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

15

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Grand Prix years?

Grand Prix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted1,064 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 0 complaints1970: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 1 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 2 complaints1984: 3 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 2 complaints1988: 119 complaints1989: 202 complaints1990: 249 complaints1991: 242 complaints1992: 158 complaints1993: 185 complaints1994: 306 complaints1995: 245 complaints1996: 116 complaints1997: 1,064 complaints1998: 618 complaints1999: 500 complaints2000: 588 complaints2001: 427 complaints2002: 410 complaints2003: 137 complaints2004: 624 complaints2005: 209 complaints2006: 365 complaints2007: 323 complaints2008: 199 complaints
Grand Prix NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand Prix years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4623%
Lighting3116%
Engine2412%
Airbags2312%
Transmission189%
Brakes126%
Steering95%
Speed Control95%
Body & Structure63%
Fuel System53%
Tires & Wheels53%
Other42%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Seat Belts21%
Suspension11%
Seats11%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX BEGAN TO CATCH FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FUSE BOX AND THE WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 23, 2014 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING AT DARK HOURS WITH HEADLIGHTS ON AND LIGHTS JUST WENT OUT. TURNED ON BRIGHT LIGHTS AND THE LIGHTS WORKED. TURNED BACK TO DIM AND LIGHTS WORKED FOR ABOUT HALF A MILE.LIGHTS WENT OUT AGAIN TURNED ON BRIGHTS AND SAME THING AS BEFORE THE LIGHTS WORKED. I THOUGHT I SEEN SOMEWHERE A RECALL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · November 8, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ATTEMPTING TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A DEER, THE CONTACT TRIED TO REGAINED CONTROL BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED CAUSING THE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES TO MALFUNCTION. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A DITCH AND THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 3, 2014 · crash

“I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT GOING ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I HIT A BRONCO I KNOCKED HIS TIRES OFF COMPLETE TOTAL OF MY VEHICLE THE HOOD WAS DESTROYED I HAVE PICTURES OF MY CAR THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND I HIT MY HEAD PRETTY HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL I'M GLAD IT WAS JUST ME AS MY KIDS WOULD HAVE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 11, 2013 · crash

“2008 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GXP. SLIPPING TRANSMISSION, STILL UNDER WARRANTY, DEALER SAYS CANNOT REPLICATE ISSUE. CAR VIBRATES HORRIBLY, SLIPS INTO EVERY GEAR. DEALER WILL NOT FIX UNTIL TRANSMISSION STOPS WORKING ALL TOGETHER. CAR HAS BEEN TURNED IN FOR THIS ISSUE 6 TIMES. GM NEEDS TO FIX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 30, 2009

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix — common questions

Is the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 199 complaints put the 2008 model at #16 of 39 Grand Prix years. It is one of the Grand Prix years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 Grand Prix problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (46 complaints), lighting (31 complaints), engine (24 complaints).

Does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2008 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 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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.