← New search

1990 Pontiac Grand Prix

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Prix years

Owner complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix are substantially higher than the model-year median of 88.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
Compare all Grand Prix years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 7 of 176 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

10 crash reports1 fire reports7 injury reports

Suspension complaints

13 reports
Clear category filter
105,000 miles · Apr 28, 2006
SuspensionCrashInjury

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40MPH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL STEERED 45 DEGREES TO THE SIDE AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED HEAD ON WITH A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE POLICE TOOK A REPORT AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND INSPECTED B…

Read full complaint

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40MPH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL STEERED 45 DEGREES TO THE SIDE AND THE VEHICLE WENT OUT OF CONTROL. THE VEHICLE COLLIDED HEAD ON WITH A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE POLICE TOOK A REPORT AT THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNK YARD AND INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, WHO PROVIDED NO CLEAR DETERMINATION AS TO WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. AN ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THE TRAILING ARM FAILED AND CAUSED THE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI #10156381

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2002
Suspension

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND HITTING A BUMP STEERING COLUMN WILL PULL TO RIGHT OR LEFT. CAUSE UNKNOWN. DEALER NOTIFIED.*AK

NHTSA ODI #8011044

Mileage unknown · May 1, 2002
Power TrainSuspension

CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS SHAKING IN THE FRONT AND NOT SHIFTING PROPERLY. *JB CONSUMER STATED THAT THE DRIVE TRAIN WAS SLIPPING. ALSO THE FRONT CONTROL ARM FAILED. *YH

NHTSA ODI #8008913

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2000
Suspension

REAR RETAINER BOLT FAILED DUE TO CORRISION, CAUSING THE FRONT BOLT TO SNAP . DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE IT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #870455

Mileage unknown · Jun 5, 2000
SteeringSuspension

LEFT TIRE DRAGGED ON THE WALL AND THE CAR FINALLY CAME TO A STOP, DUE TO REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS, REAR CRADLE IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED AT THOSE MOUNTING LOCATION. STEERING GEAR BECOMES DISCONNECTED WHEN THE ENGINE DROPS DOWN.

NHTSA ODI #9001324

Mileage unknown · Jan 31, 2000
Electrical SystemSuspension

THE TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM INVOLVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, SIGNALS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. THE SMOKE WOULD STOP, THE AFTER SEVERAL DAYS START AGAIN. NOW THE TURN LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT HAS REQUIRED REPLACING THE BALL 4 TIMES, DUE TO THE BALL BREAKING OFF AT THE PO…

Read full complaint

THE TURN SIGNAL PROBLEM INVOLVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN, SIGNALS DO NOT WORK ALL THE TIME. THE SMOKE WOULD STOP, THE AFTER SEVERAL DAYS START AGAIN. NOW THE TURN LIGHTS DO NOT ALWAYS WORK. THE PROBLEM WITH THE FRONT RIGHT BALL JOINT HAS REQUIRED REPLACING THE BALL 4 TIMES, DUE TO THE BALL BREAKING OFF AT THE POINT WHERE THE BALL IS ATTACHED TO THE THREADED PART. AT THE PRESENT, THE CAR STALLS MOST OF THE TIME WHEN SLOWING DOWN. AT A STOP IT STALLS AND REQURIRES HOLDING THE ACCELERATOR TO KEEP RPM AT AROUND 1000 TO PREVENT STALLING. AUTO WAS AT A QUALIFIED SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. THEY WERE UNABLE TO STOP THE PROBLEM. THEY FELT THEY HAD TRIED EVERY AVENUE POSSIBLE, INCLUDING: CLEANING THROTTLE BODY AND IAC MOTOR, CHANGING MAP SENSOR AND IAC VALVE, CHECKED PROM UPDATE AND PROM, WHICH WAS NOT DEFECTIVE. CODES WERE 35, 44, 45 WERE STORED. CAR STALLS INTERMITTENTLY. RADIO HAS STATIC, CHECK GAGES LIGHT COMES ON AND TURNS OFF. ENGINE SURGES. SEVERAL MECHANICS HAVE RUN DIAGNOSTICS AND NO SOLUTION! WE ARE TIRED OF SPENDING MONEY ON IT!

NHTSA ODI #718120

Mileage unknown · May 13, 1999
Electrical SystemParking BrakePower Train

EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE BROKE 1994; BALL JOINTS BROKE ONCEON STREET; BRAKES WENT OUT COMPLETELY ONCE ON STREET;; REAR MAIN SEAL OUT; COMPLETE REBUILT FRONT END, 1999; SMOKING IN STEERING IS INTERMITTENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #706485

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 1999
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE PEDAL TO TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE STRUTS WHICH BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS TO GO ON AND OFF, AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND MAY RESU…

Read full complaint

ABS BRAKING SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED, CAUSING THE PEDAL TO TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE STRUTS WHICH BROKE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUCTIONED, CAUSING HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT LIGHTS TO GO ON AND OFF, AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND MAY RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

NHTSA ODI #836172

Mileage unknown · Jul 6, 1998
Suspension

RECALL 97V058000. THE PARTS HAVE BEEN ON BACK ORDER SINCE THE OWNER CALLED DEALER ON NOVEMBER OF 1997. *AK

NHTSA ODI #824974

Mileage unknown · Aug 11, 1997
Suspension

CRADLE BOLT/RETAINER RECALL REPAIRS REFUSED DUE TO UNAVAILABILITY OF PARTS.

NHTSA ODI #520771

Official recalls

8

00V189000 · Structure

Jul 11, 2000

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 & remedy

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.

97V058000 · Structure

Apr 8, 1997

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 & remedy

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.

95V115000 · Wheels

Jun 5, 1995

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

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.

94V041000 · Wheels

Mar 28, 1995

CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.

Consequence & remedy

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.

91V005000 · Seat Belts

Oct 2, 1991

FRONT SHOULDER SAFETY BELT WEBBING MAY SEPARATE AT FRONT BELT UPPER GUIDE LOOPS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE FRONT SEAT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: WEBBING SEPARATION COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING ANDINCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO BELTED FRONT OUTBOARD OCCUPANTS IN A HIGH ENERGYCRASH.

Remedy: INSTALL A CONTROLLED ROTATION BRACKET ON DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT GUIDE LOOPS.

90V185000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

Oct 16, 1990

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 & remedy

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.

90V054000 · Seat Belts

Mar 14, 1990

FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.

Consequence & remedy

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.

90V036000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Feb 20, 1990

DURING A REAR END COLLISION, THE REAR EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD, WHICH IS WELDED TO THE TAIL PIPE ASSEMBLY, MAY PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN EXTERNAL SOURCE OF IGNITION, THIS COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: REMOVE REAR EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELD FROM THE PIPE ASSEMBLY.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

10

RP01001 · Structure

Opened Nov 28, 2001 · Closed Jun 13, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

EA00011 · Engine Cradle Separation

Opened Apr 10, 2000 · Closed Jan 12, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling

THE ENGINE CRADLE FRONT BOLTS AND/OR RETAINERS MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE CRADLE TO FALL, POSSIBLY SEPARATING THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FROM THE STEERING GEAR, WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL

RQ97017 · Cradle Bolt Failures

Opened Oct 2, 1997 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available

PE94063 · Corroded Rear Disk Brakes

Opened Aug 12, 1994 · Closed Dec 21, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

There is no summary currently available

PE93085 · Wheel Failures

Opened Sep 29, 1993 · Closed Feb 28, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension

There is no summary currently available

EA92024 · Sticking Throttle

Opened Jun 26, 1992 · Closed Jan 31, 1994

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

There is no summary currently available

EA91049 · Jack Failure

Opened Nov 26, 1991 · Closed Oct 28, 1992

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

===

PE91107 · Jack Failure

Opened Aug 1, 1991 · Closed Nov 26, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Equipment

There is no summary currently available

PE91072 · Steering Wheel Separation

Opened May 1, 1991 · Closed Jul 8, 1991

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering

There is no summary currently available

PE90088 · Failure Stop Lamp Switch

Opened Jun 11, 1990 · Closed Oct 31, 1990

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting

There is no summary currently available