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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

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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

Steering complaints

11 reports
Clear category filter
260,000 miles · Oct 19, 2007
SteeringStructure

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 S…

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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

NHTSA ODI #10206369

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2000
SteeringStructure

CONSUMER HAD RECALL (00V-189) REPAIR COMPLETED, HOWEVER ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM DUE TO RECALL RELATED FAILURE. *MJS

NHTSA ODI #556812

Mileage unknown · Aug 25, 2000
SteeringStructure

FRONT CRADLE THAT HOLDS ENGINE FELL OUT, POSSIBLY DUE TO CORROSION . *AK INTERMEDIATE SHAFT FOR RACK AND PINION STEERING ALSO SEPARATED CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. *YH

NHTSA ODI #868714

Mileage unknown · Aug 13, 2000
Steering

DRIVING TO WORK AT 9 PM WHEN POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED - CONTINUED DRIVING TO WORK BELIEVING POWER STEERING PUMP HAD FINALLY FAILED DUE TO AGE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK, I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, IT WAS AT CORRECT LEVEL AND SO AGAIN ASSUMED PUMP FAILED DUE TO AGE. WHEN I PREPARED TO LEAVE WORK THE NEXT MORNING AT…

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DRIVING TO WORK AT 9 PM WHEN POWER STEERING NO LONGER WORKED - CONTINUED DRIVING TO WORK BELIEVING POWER STEERING PUMP HAD FINALLY FAILED DUE TO AGE. WHEN I ARRIVED AT WORK, I CHECKED THE POWER STEERING FLUID, IT WAS AT CORRECT LEVEL AND SO AGAIN ASSUMED PUMP FAILED DUE TO AGE. WHEN I PREPARED TO LEAVE WORK THE NEXT MORNING AT 11AM, I DISCOVERED THE CRADLE WAS HANGING DOWN BELOW THE THE FRONT FACIA OF THE CAR. I INVESTIGATED UNDERNEATH THE CAR AND DISCOVERED THAT BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT BOLTS SUPPORTING THE CRADLE BASE HAD SLIPPED THROUGH SLOTS IN CRADLE BASE ALLOWING CRADLE TO FALL TO ITS CURRENT POSITION. WE SPOKE TO OUR LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED US THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM THAT IS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF. UPON MY FURTHER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT A RECALL HAS JUST BEEN ISSUED THIS MONTH, BUT NOTIFICATION HAS NOT GONE OUT TO DEALERSHIPS AND OWNERS. PONTIAC , UPON RESEARCHING OUR PROBLEM. ADVISED THAT CAMPAIGN #00061 RELATING TO THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ISSUED. WE BROUGHT THIS INFORMATION BACK TO OUR LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP, BUT THEY WERE STILL UNABLE TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AS THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE "OFFICIAL" NOTIFICATION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #727742

Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2000
SteeringStructure

WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE THROUGH, CAUSING ENGINE TO DROP AND THE STEERING SHAFT TO DICONNECT, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #866573

Mileage unknown · Jun 12, 2000
Steering

CONTACTED MANUFACTURER ON 06/02/00 (THEIR REQUEST # C005135) WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT PLUS THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE MILAGE (BECAUSE THE ODOMETER FAILED) EVEN THOUGH THEY RECALLED THE VEHICLE IN '98 (PONTIAC CAMPAIGN #97016, NHTSA CAMPAIGN #97V058000) FOR FAILURE OF THE REAR CRADLE MOU…

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CONTACTED MANUFACTURER ON 06/02/00 (THEIR REQUEST # C005135) WAS TOLD THE VEHICLE IS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT PLUS THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE MILAGE (BECAUSE THE ODOMETER FAILED) EVEN THOUGH THEY RECALLED THE VEHICLE IN '98 (PONTIAC CAMPAIGN #97016, NHTSA CAMPAIGN #97V058000) FOR FAILURE OF THE REAR CRADLE MOUNTS. THERE IS NO STEERING DUE TO SEPARATION OF THE STEERING SHAFTS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #723930

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 · Oct 2, 1998
Steering

GOING 20MPH WHEN FRONT CRADEL BOLTS JUST LET GO. THE ENGINE FELL. HAD VENICLE TOWED. WAS A RECALL ON REAR CRADLE BOLTS NOT FRONT. MECHANIC REPAIRED FRONT CRADLE BOLTS AS A GOOD WILL GESTURE. *AK

NHTSA ODI #828490

Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 1998
Steering

WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE WHICH WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE REAR CRADLE BOLTS THAT FELL OFF DUE TO CORROSION WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. MANUFACTURER STATES THIS VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. *AK

NHTSA ODI #826708

Mileage unknown · Jun 23, 1998
Steering

VEHICLE INCLUDED UNDER RECALL 97V-058, STEERING GEAR BOX. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED BECAUSE PARTS ARE NOT AVALIABLE. *AK PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. *SLC

NHTSA ODI #824591

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