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1989 Pontiac Grand Prix: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, most recently filed July 2000. Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the service brakes.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Recalls 9campaigns 2 structure · 2 wheel · 2 brake Source: NHTSA Complaints 139filed Owner reports, 1985–1994 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 21mpg combined $3,110/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.8 L 6-cyl· 4-speed automatic 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
Compare

Recalls (9)

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 00V189000 Filed Jul 11, 2000

GM/CRADLE BOLTS

Structure
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported713,435 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 00V189000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 97V058000 Filed Apr 8, 1997

GM/REAR CRADLE BOLTS

Structure
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported676,535 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 97V058000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 95V115000 Filed Jun 5, 1995

WHEELS

Wheels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported22,361 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 95V115000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 94V041000 Filed Mar 28, 1995

WHEELS

Wheels
Official NHTSA text
Summary
CRACKS DEVELOP IN THE WHEEL MOUNTING SURFACE. IF THESE CRACKS BECOME SEVERE ENOUGH, THE WHEEL WILL COMPLETELY SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported198,163 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 94V041000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 92V086000 Filed Jun 19, 1992

LIGHTING:SWITCH:BUTTON:RING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
BRAKE STOPLAMPS MAY NOT ILLUMINATE OR, IN SOME CASES, STOPLAMPS MAY NOT STAY ILLUMINATED ALL THE TIME WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED DUE TO A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH. ALSO, IN VEHICLES WITH CRUISE CONTROL, A FAULTY STOPLAMP SWITCH CAN RESULT IN RESUMPTION OF THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported112,765 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 92V086000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 90V185000 Filed Oct 16, 1990

LIGHTING:SWITCH:BUTTON:RING:BRAKE LIGHTS

Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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
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.
Repair progress not yet reported476,422 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 90V185000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 90V054000 Filed Mar 14, 1990

INTERIOR SYSTEMS:PASSIVE RESTRAINT:BELTS

Seat belts
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FRONT SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP ATTACHMENT FASTENER MAY PULL THROUGH DOOR MOUNTED ANCHOR PLATE.
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.
Repair progress not yet reported673,000 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 90V054000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 89V108000 Filed Jul 6, 1989

ENGINE:TURBO-CHARGER

Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · turbo/supercharger
Official NHTSA text
Summary
MISROUTING OF TURBOCHARGER OIL FEED PIPE COULD ALLOW PIPE TO CONTACT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTING STUD ON THE STARTER MOTOR.
Consequence
THIS COULD CAUSE AN ELECTRICAL GROUND THAT COULD RESULTIN AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Remedy
REROUTE OIL FEED PIPE; ALSO INSTALL A NEWLY DESIGNED CLAMP AND BRACKET TO LOCATE PIPE AWAY FROM THE STARTER.
Repair progress not yet reported247 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 89V108000
Listed for 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 88V188000 Filed Dec 6, 1988

FUEL:FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY:PIPE:FILLER:NECK

Fuel system, gasoline · storage · tank assembly · filler pipe and cap
Official NHTSA text
Summary
FUEL RETURN LINES COULD FRACTURE AND ALLOW FUEL TO LEAK IN THE AREA OF THE FUEL TANK.
Consequence
IN PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, THIS CONDITION COULDRESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy
INSTALL NEW FUEL RETURN PIPE ASSEMBLY.
Repair progress not yet reported3,784 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 88V188000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Grand Prix years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Pontiac Grand PrixAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (139)

139 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The service brakes is mentioned most often.

6involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported
1deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 139.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 1989 compares with other Grand Prix years

Best and worst Grand Prix years →
3 2 2 88 139 176 172 114 131 213
1985198619871988198919901991199219931994
This year (1989)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 21 mpg combined

21
mpg combined
18
city
27
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,200
CO₂ tailpipe
423 g/mi
EPA class
Midsize Cars

What it costs you to run

$3,110per year
$259per month
714gallons a year

Miles ÷ 21 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive18 / 27 / 21$3,200423
2.8 L 6-cyl · 5-speed manualFront-Wheel Drive16 / 27 / 20$3,350444
3.1 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 28 / 20$3,350444
3.1 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 17$4,850523

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 1989 Grand Prix for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Grand Prix years

Where to next

Which Grand Prix years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →1990 Pontiac Grand Prix report176 complaints · 8 campaigns →1988 Pontiac Grand Prix report88 complaints · 11 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

1989 Pontiac Grand Prix FAQ

How many recalls does the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns: 00V189000 (structure), 97V058000 (structure), 95V115000 (wheel), 94V041000 (wheel), 92V086000 (brake), 90V185000 (brake), 90V054000 (seat belt), 89V108000 (engine), 88V188000 (fuel system). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

Owners filed 139 complaints with NHTSA. Service brakes (63), Structure (18), Electrical system (14) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix get?

EPA rates the 2.8 L 6-cyl · 4-speed automatic version at 18 city, 27 highway and 21 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 1989 Grand Prix compare with other years?

Among the 1985–1994 Pontiac Grand Prix model years at least five years old, the 1986 drew the fewest complaints (2) and the 1994 the most (213). The 1989 drew 139. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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