1990 Pontiac Grand Prix

Routine

Owners filed 176 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the service brakes, hydraulic › foundation components › disc › caliper. It has been recalled 9 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper23
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc19
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip16
200
Structure › Frame and Members11
000
Structure11
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components7
201
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine7
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Drum6
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Rotor5
100
Suspension4
000

9 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline06E043000
Filed May 19, 200688,303 vehiclesHoneywell International, Inc.

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.

Risk. 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).

Structure00V189000
Filed Jul 11, 2000713,435 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

Structure97V058000
Filed Apr 8, 1997676,535 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

Wheels95V115000
Filed Jun 5, 199522,361 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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

Risk. 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.

Wheels94V041000
Filed Mar 28, 1995198,163 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts91V005000
Filed Oct 2, 1991412,792 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch90V185000
Filed Oct 16, 1990476,422 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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.

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts90V054000
Filed Mar 14, 1990673,000 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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

Risk. 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly90V036000
Filed Feb 20, 19901,121 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

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

Risk. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Structure
Filed Oct 19, 2007260,000 milesWI

REAR SUBFRAME RETAINERS RUSTED OUT CAUSING ENGINE/TRANSAXLE TO DROP AND STEERING SHAFT TO SEPARATE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHERE THE VEHICLE ENDED UP IN THE ON COMING LANE OF TRAFFIC. THE RETAINERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE. REPLACEMENT PARTS HAVE THE SAME DEFECT AS THE ORIGINAL PARTS. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS A SOLUTION. ONE GM DEALER (DON MILLER IN MADISON) DENIED ANY KNOWLEDGE OF A RECALL. ANOTHER GM DEALER SAID GM WILL OFFER A COUPLE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND TAKE THE CAR, BUT THERE IS NO REPAIR OPTION. YOUR PERSON I SPOKE WITH AT THE (888) PHONE NUMBER DIRECTED BE TO A GM (800) NUMBER WHO COULD NOT FIND ANY INFORMATION EVEN THOUGH I GAVE THEM THE RECALL NUMBER. IN ADDITION TO THE BOLTS AND RETAINERS THAT ARE "COVERED", THE RUBBER CUSHIONS AND TOP RETAINERS WERE UNABLE TO BE FOUND AND WILL REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. I HAVE ORDERED THE PARTS AT A COST OF ABOUT $110 AND A $60 TOW BILL PLUS ANY LABOR CHARGE I INCUR. LOOKING OVER THE NUMBER OF THESE FAILURES ON YOUR SITE, IT IS AMAZING TO ME THAT NO ACCIDENTS HAVE RESULTED THAT HAVE BEEN REPORTED. I WONDER HOW MANY HAVE OCCURRED AND THE CAUSE WAS NOT DISCOVERED. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE CONTINUED TO INSPECT VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN "REPAIRED" WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE PARTS. *TR

Suspension › RearCrash1 injured
Filed Apr 28, 2006105,000 milesTX

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.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 9, 200672,050 milesWA

CAR WOULD GET HORRID GAS MILEAGE, OCCASIONALLY STALL, EXHAUST SMELL UNDER HOOD, BLACK EXHAUST. THE CROSSOVER PIPE FROM EACH EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS A COMMON CRACKING ON THE BELLOWS AND MUST BE REPLACED, THEY RUN $2500 FROM GM WHICH JUST CRACK AGAIN, OR $425 FOR JEFF M ONE THAT DOESN'T CRACK. THE PIPE CRACKS CAUSE FRESH AIR TO ENTER THE EXHAUST AND THE OXYGEN SENSOR THINKS THE CARS RUNNING RICH, CAUSING HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE, OIL CONTAMINATION, AND STALLING. THE EXTRA HEAT FROM THE CAR RUNNING RICH CRACKS THE TURBO HOUSING. *NM

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Nov 28, 200550,000 milesOH

IF YOU USE THE TURN SIGNAL, THE STEERING WHEEL WILL START SMOKING. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND DEALER DIDN'T WANT TO FIX IT. TURN SIGNALS STILL WORKED WHEN APPLIED. *NM

Structure
Filed Jan 6, 2005RI

RECALL CAMPAIGN, HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH RECALLS NEVER RECEIVED. *BF THE REAR CRADLE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH THE RETAINERS DUE TO CORROSION. RECALL# 00V189000. *SC *JB

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 23, 2004NJ

CONSUMER INQUIRING ABOUT RECALLS FOR 1990 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. *MR RECALL #'S 90V185000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, 90V036000 FUEL SYSTEM TANK ASSEMBLY, 90V054000 SEAT BELTS, 00V189000 STRUCTURE, AND 94V041000 WHEELS. *SC *JB

Structure › Frame and Members
Filed Feb 19, 200474,987 milesMI

CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE WAITING AT AN ATM ENGINE FELL OUT OF VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO THE MECHANIC, WHO SAID THAT THE CRADLE BOLTS RUSTED. CONSUMER INDICATED HE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. BUT WHEN HE CALLED GMC HE WAS TOLD THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 30, 200365,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE FELL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE RETAINER CRADLE BROKE. CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. *NM *MR

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed May 14, 2003KS

WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR. *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Mar 24, 2003900,000 milesWA

VEHICLE'S REAR BRAKES WERE INOPERATIVE. RUST ACCUMULATED ON THE SURFACE OF THE BRAKES. AS A RESULT THE ROTORS AND PADS DID NOT COME IN CONTACT. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 3, 2002PA

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE MOUNTS. WHICH HE REPLACED AT 115 THOUSANDS MILES AND HAS TO REPLACED AGAIN. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FIURTHER INFORMATION. TS

Structure
Filed Jun 26, 2002MA

REAR LEFT AND RIGHT CARRIAGE BOLTS PULLED THROUGH RETAINERS, CAUSING THE STEERING SHAFT TO SPLIT AND THE ENGINE CRADLE TO DROP TO THE GROUND. PONTIAC ADMITS RESPONSIBILITY AND ALSO AGREED TO PROVIDE WORK ACCORDING TO "WARRANTY" I.E. PONTIAC WILL ABSORB THE COST OF REPAIR. WORK DONE BY RUSS AT WOBURN, MASS. PONTIAC. THE GM REP SPOKE WITH MY HUSBAND SEVERAL TIMES, INDICATING PONTIAC'S RESPONSIBILITY AND THAT THE WORK WAS BEING DONE AS A RECALL. HOWEVER, WHEN THE WORK WAS COMPLETED AND THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP, GM'S FINAL WORD WAS HANDED DOWN AND THEY REFUSE TO ABSORB THE COST (800-762-2737 FILE #S19313957). THE COST OF THE REPAIR IS $620.00 (WHICH INCLUDES AN INFLATED TOW CHARGE OF $115.00 -- THE ACTUAL COST OF THE TOW ACCORDING TO THE DRIVER IS $65.00). MY NORMAL DRIVING HABITS TAKE ME 15 MILES TO AND FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, IF THIS HAD HAPPED ON A WEEKDAY AND I WAS TRAVELLING AT MY USUAL AVERAGE RATE OF SPEED OF 70 MPH I WOULD BE HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR DEAD. I EXPECT TO BE FULLY COMPENSATED FOR THIS FAILURE AS A GOOD FAITH GESTURE THAT PONTIAC STANDS BEHIND THEIR VEHICLES EVEN AFTER 10 YEARS. IT APPEARS THAT THE BOLTS LOOSENED THEMSELVES FROM THE CARRIAGE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY DEFECT, WHICH PONTIAC IS RESPONSIBLE TO CORRECT BOTH PROFESSIONALLY AND FINANCIALLY. PRIOR TO THE ENGINE FALLING ONTO THE GROUND, THIS WAS A DEPENDABLE, EXCELLENT RUNNING VEHICLE. I CAN ONLY HOPE THAT THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE WHEN THE BOLTS FAILED. YOUR INTERVENTION IS AP

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Jun 5, 2002PA

WHILE DRIVING BRAKES MAKE A LOUD NOISE. CONTACTED DEALER. CALIPERS HAD FROZEN UP.*AK *YH

Suspension
Filed Jun 4, 2002IA

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

Suspension
Filed May 1, 2002MA

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

Structure
Filed Apr 10, 2002MI

ENGINE CRADLE HAD ROTTED OUT UNDERNEATH FRAME. THERE IS RECALL 10946 00 V 189 000. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Apr 20, 2001MT

NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Disc › Caliper
Filed Mar 13, 2001MD

REAR CALIPER HAS LOCKED UP. DEALERSHIP INFORMED CONSUMER OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT REGARDING THIS DEFECT. HOWEVER, CUTOFF DATE FOR CLASS ACTION WAS LAST YEAR. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 12, 2001MI

MOTOR MOUNTS CAME LOOSE AND ENGINE FELL DOWN SOME INCHES. CURRENTLY CONSUMER IS NOT ABLE TO START VEHICLE.*AK

Structure
Filed Feb 21, 2001MI

RETAINER AND INSULATER THAT HOLD ENGINE CRADLE HAD TO BE REPLACED DUE TO RUST. MANUFACTURER WILL BE NOTIFIED.*AK THREE OF THE FOUR RETAINER RUSTED OUT COMPELETELY. EVENTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL, THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT IN THE LIST. *YH

20 of 176 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1997
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2008142131Fatalities reported
20072204182Fatalities reported
20062392210High concern
2005148250Routine
20044549582Fatalities reported
20031067370High concern
20023307961Fatalities reported
2001308101068Fatalities reported
200046191620High concern
199941281252Fatalities reported
19984998601Fatalities reported
199781091082Fatalities reported
199679230Routine
1995169441Fatalities reported
1994213220Above average
1993131281Fatalities reported
1992114260Routine
1991172640Routine
1990 — this page176910Routine

Compare every Grand Prix year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: May 19, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.