1992 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
- Complaints
- 114filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles, 7 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.1L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe steering-column smoke and turn-signal failures, along with rear brake problems such as seized calipers and sticking brakes. Complaints span many years of ownership and typically come in around 100,000-140,000 miles, with several issues developing gradually rather than suddenly.
- Electrical system
Smoke and burning smell from steering column
- 16 complaints (14%)
- median 90,761 mi at 13.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2006
Owners describe intermittent puffs of smoke and a burning smell coming from the steering column, sometimes with the engine running in park. In several accounts the turn signals stopped working at the same time, and one owner reported a fire after the turn-signal switch shorted. Some dealers acknowledged hearing of the condition, one attributed it to grease in the column, and repairs involved replacing the turn-signal switch. Came up across many years of ownership, often around 50,000-135,000 miles, and generally appeared intermittently before worsening.
What to check: Turn the key and work the turn signals and hazard switch, watching and smelling for smoke at the column; ask whether the turn-signal switch has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The steering column on my 92 Pontiac had started to smoke three times since I've owned it. The first time was in 1994. The second was around 1996. The last time was last month. The last time was the worst. Each time I shut off the key and it would stop smoking.”
NHTSA complaint #10162609, filed 2006-07, 51,523 miles“Since I bought the car, smoke has occasionally come from the around the steering column. I test drove another Grand Prix once and it did it during the test drive. My turn signals quit working properly, and only work if I pull the lever up or down and toward me and hold it there while I turn.”
NHTSA complaint #753102, filed 2001-10 - Brakes
Rear brake calipers seize and brakes drag
- 29 complaints (25%)
- typically at 5.5 yrs old
- filed 1995–2001
Complaints describe rear calipers seizing so the brakes drag or stop working, sometimes with a burning smell and smoke from a rear wheel. Some owners report replacing calipers repeatedly, in one case every eight to twelve months. Owners also describe rotors and pads being worn out shortly after a dealer inspection said the brakes were fine. Reported at widely varying mileages, often recurring within months of a repair.
What to check: Have the rear brakes inspected with the wheels off, checking for seized calipers and uneven pad or rotor wear, and ask for service records on prior brake work.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Ea94041, steel on rear brakes corroded, causing rear brakes to freeze. Resulted in extended stopping distance which may have caused a crash. Gm has offered to pay a small amount for the repairs required to fix their faulty brake system. Owner has not yet fixed their vehicle because of the cost.”
NHTSA complaint #864163, filed 2000-06“Rear brakes have no stopping power. Calipers seize to the point where they do not work at all. New calipers were put on, and within 8 months they also seized. Every eight to twelve months calipers need changing. Mechanics states that this is a common problem. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #846123, filed 1999-08 - Electrical system
Stalling, rough running and instrument warning lights
- 12 complaints (11%)
- median 113,370 mi at 14.3 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1995–2006
Complaints describe the engine stalling without warning at low speed, rough running and hesitation traced to ignition module failure, and repeated alternator and battery failures. Owners also report dashboard warning lights lighting up erratically with no mechanical fault found, and some say the problem was not repaired because of cost. Reported across a wide mileage range, generally in everyday low-speed driving rather than at highway speed.
What to check: Ask about the age and service history of the alternator, battery and ignition module, and check that the dashboard warning lights behave normally on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Indicator lights on instrument panel light up erratically. Read that this was somewhat common in this model. Started with check gauges light, then the low gas indicator light and now the service engine soon light. Car was tested and no mechanical issues found - issue is electrical or other - not fixed due to cost .”
NHTSA complaint #10037309, filed 2003-09, 135,000 miles“While driving in a low speed on parking lot or in slow traffic engine will shut down without prior warning, but never on highway at high speed. Dealer could not find out what could be causing the problem. The customer is concerned about safety since the vehicle could not be fixed and the problem continues.”
NHTSA complaint #874522, filed 2000-11 - Body and structure
Engine cradle and subframe bolts or bushings fail
Mentioned in 4 of 51 sampled complaints
Owners describe bolts or bushings holding the engine cradle and subframe breaking or giving way, which let the engine drop and the steering column separate. In these accounts the car lost steering, and one owner reported that rusted washers were identified as the cause and spacers were installed. Several owners note that similar parts were covered by a recall on earlier model years but not on theirs. Reported mostly between about 125,000 and 135,000 miles, often during ordinary driving.
What to check: Ask a mechanic to inspect the cradle and subframe bolts, bushings and washers for rust and looseness before purchase, especially on a car from a rust-belt area.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“1992 Grand Prix - engine cradle to body bushings. I was drive at 60 MPH when the washers for the body bushings gave way and caused my car to lose steering. I was lucky and didn't cross the center line or involve any cars but did end up in the ditch with damage to my car due to loss of steering secondary to engine cradle body bushings giving away. This exact part was recalled on similar vehicals up to 1990 models. This is a serious issue and next time the consumer may not be as lucky as myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #10037501, filed 2003-09, 126,000 miles“1) upon starting the car, smoke emitted from the hazard light switch. 2) as I was accelerating from a stoplight I heard a loud thud and the car jumped, thinking someone had hit me, I kept driving to pull over and noticed that I had no steering. By the time I had stopped I was in oncoming traffic and narrowly missed several cars. The motor had separated rom the a frame. The mechanic said it looked like the manufacturer had forgotten a bolt and the other one got stressed. …”
NHTSA complaint #748074, filed 2001-07
Buying note. Given the age of this model year, a pre-purchase inspection focused on the steering column, rear brakes, engine cradle mounting points and transmission is worthwhile, and service records showing prior repairs on these items are useful evidence. Condition and maintenance history are likely to matter more than mileage alone.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 51 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 114 consumer complaints for the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix. 7 of the complaints include a mileage, and 0% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 130,000 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 6 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 1 technical service bulletin for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes41 36%
- Electrical system30 26%
- Engine cooling14 12%
- Exterior lighting10 8.8%
- Steering6 5.3%
- Body and structure6 5.3%
- Other or unknown5 4.4%
- Vehicle speed control5 4.4%
Also reported: Seat belts (3), Suspension (3), Wheels (3), Equipment (2), Interior lighting (2), Tires (2).
Example complaints
Brakes: “I would have to research all the dates needed for above info. My 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix se is a hazard to my health and everyone else on the road. I have smoke from steering wheel and loss of power at any given moment, and much much more.”
NHTSA complaint #10069205, filed 2004-01Electrical system: “This was the scariest thing I have ever experienced and I later found out that the same thing that happend with my car also happend to someone else that I know. No safety defect.”
NHTSA complaint #742835, filed 2001-03Engine cooling: “Heard large bang under hood while driving on freeway. Took car to dealer since it sounded like engine trouble. Dealer identified problem as spark plug blew out of engine. Plug and cables appeared to be original (approx 150000 miles). Dealer thought this might be related to currents in aluminum engine wearing down spark plug threads due to elecrolysis. He explained that all spark plugs are in a state where they could blow out and so advised that head needed replacement at $1800. …”
NHTSA complaint #10039233, filed 2003-09, 138,950 milesExterior lighting: “1992 Pontiac Grand Prix has had turn signal issues for well over a year now. They would not work very well most of the time. I saw smoke coming out of the column a couple of times recently. They recently stopped working altogether. Dealer said they had heard of it often and a replacement part costs in excess of $150.00 not including labor. This is definitely a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10037308, filed 2003-09, 130,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
0% of the 7 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 126,000 and 135,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix · sedan | not rated | 2 / – | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 24 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 26 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 3.4L 6-cyl | 5-speed manual | 15 | 24 | 18 | $3,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 91V214000Dec 6, 1991Power train › Automatic transmissionCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 1992, Buick Regal 1992, Chevrolet Lumina 1992 +2 more
The reverse servo apply pin may bind in the case which could cause reverse band distress (loss or slipping of reverse), reverse band drag in drive range (poor performance -- poor power), or the transmission to remain in reverse while the shift indicator…
Recall details for the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 1 on record; the latest 1 are shown.
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Engine cooling. Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Other model years of the Pontiac Grand Prix
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 143 | 81,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years) | Falling |
| 2007 | 220 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 239 | 91,162 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 148 | 70,250 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 454 | 72,975 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 106 | 100,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 330 | 92,100 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 308 | 97,000 | 6 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 461 | 97,000 | 5 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 412 | 94,685 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 499 | 94,000 | 4 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 810 | 104,352 | 5 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 79 | 39,153 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 169 | 116,379 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 213 | 127,500 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 131 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 114 | 130,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 172 | 126,000 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 176 | 73,518 | 8 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 139 | 122,500 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 88 | 154,000 | 11 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Pontiac Grand Prix model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Owners of this model year most often describe steering-column smoke and turn-signal failures, along with rear brake problems such as seized calipers and sticking brakes. The issues reported most often: Smoke and burning smell from steering column; Rear brake calipers seize and brakes drag; Stalling, rough running and instrument warning lights.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
NHTSA recorded 114 consumer complaints for the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 41 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system with 30.
Has the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The EPA rates the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix (Grand Prix, 3.1L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix reported?
Among the 7 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 130,000 miles and the middle half falls between 126,000 and 135,000 miles; 0% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.