1989 Pontiac Grand Prix Recalls
NHTSA lists 9 recall campaigns for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Body and structureCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991, Buick Regal 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1988–1990 +2 more
Reported issue: 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…
Possible 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.
- Body and structureCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1991, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1991, Buick Regal 1988–1991 +5 more
Reported issue: 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…
Possible 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.
- WheelsCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1990, Buick Regal 1988–1990 +1 more
Reported issue: Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Possible 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.
- WheelsCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1990, Buick Regal 1988–1990 +1 more
Reported issue: Cracks develop in the wheel mounting surface. If these cracks become severe enough, the wheel will completely separate from the vehicle.
Possible 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.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1989
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1989–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1989–1990, Buick Regal 1989–1990 +1 more
Reported issue: 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.
Possible 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.
- Seat beltsCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1988–1990, Oldsmobile Cutlass 1988–1990, Buick Regal 1988–1990 +1 more
Reported issue: Front shoulder belt guide loop attachment fastener may pull through door mounted anchor plate.
Possible 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.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Turbo/superchargerCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1989
Reported issue: Misrouting of turbocharger oil feed pipe could allow pipe to contact the positive battery cable connecting stud on the starter motor.
Possible 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.
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1989, Buick Regal 1989
Reported issue: Fuel return lines could fracture and allow fuel to leak in the area of the fuel tank.
Possible consequence: In presence of an ignition source, this condition couldresult in a fire.
Remedy: Install new fuel return pipe assembly.
NHTSA investigations
- EA91051Brake light switch failureClosed · Nov 26, 1991
← All problems reported for the 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.