VehicleVerdict

1989 Pontiac Lemans problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 20 complaints on file for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

20

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Lemans years?

Lemans NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted35 complaints1967: 0 complaints1968: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1973: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 2 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1988: 24 complaints1989: 20 complaints1990: 31 complaints1991: 35 complaints1992: 28 complaints1993: 32 complaints
Lemans NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lemans years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Pontiac Lemans problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Seat Belts735%
Brakes420%
Lighting210%
Electrical System210%
Tires & Wheels15%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)15%
Other15%
Steering15%

Does the 1989 Pontiac Lemans have recalls?

2 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).

93V154000Seat BeltsSeptember 21, 1993 · 182,045 units

Defect

THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT LATCH OR MAY NOT RELEASE DUE TO THE FRACTURE OF THE RED RELEASE PUSH BUTTON.

Consequence

THE BUCKLE MALFUNCTION WOULD PREVENT THE USE OF THESAFETY BELT SYSTEM, PLACING THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy

REPLACE OR REPAIR THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHILE GOING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION . THE FRONT OCCUPANTS WENT THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THE RESTRAINTS DID NOT RETRACT, INJURING THE FRONT OCCUPANTS. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 24, 1997 · crash

“HEARD RUBBING NOISE, LEFT FRONT BRAKES SEIZED; WEARS OUT PREMATURELY; ALSO, ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DETAILED INFO WILL BE PROVIDED. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 29, 1989

“CONSUMER PARKED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT BUMPER WAS MELTED DOWN BY THE TURN SIGNAL, AND VEHICLE WAS NOT RUNNING AT THE TIME. AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 16, 1999

“HEARD RUBBING NOISE, LEFT FRONT BRAKES SEIZED; WEARS OUT PREMATURELY; ALSO, ENGINE STALLS WHILE DRIVING. DETAILED INFO WILL BE PROVIDED. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 29, 1989

1989 Pontiac Lemans — common questions

Is the 1989 Pontiac Lemans reliable?

The record is thin — 20 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 1989 Lemans problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are seat belts (7 complaints), brakes (4 complaints), lighting (2 complaints).

Does the 1989 Pontiac Lemans have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Pontiac Lemans. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1989 Pontiac Lemans under NHTSA investigation?

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

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.