2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems
- Complaints
- 143filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles, 112 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix most often report electrical and starting problems — stalling, no-start, and warning lights — along with daytime running lamps and headlights that quit while driving. Passenger airbag sensor and deployment complaints are also common, and many arise at moderate mileage. Several complaints reference a known ignition-switch recall, and some owners report the vehicle was or could not be covered by it.
- Air bags
Passenger airbag sensor and non-deployment
- 19 complaints (13%)
- median 80,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- 7 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2008–2015
Complaints describe the passenger airbag indicator cycling on and off with an adult seated, and some mention repairs quoted in the hundreds of dollars. Others report airbags that did not deploy in a collision, or deployed in a low-speed impact. Several owners say dealers could not reproduce the intermittent sensor issue. Reported from around 18,000 to 170,000 miles, with many under about 90,000 miles.
What to check: With an adult in the passenger seat, confirm the passenger airbag indicator reads on and does not flicker. Ask for any airbag sensor or module service records and check recall status.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Within a month of purchasing a pre-owned 2008 Pontiac, Grand Prix from mike smith buick gmc, located in lockport, ny, I realized the sensor for the passenger airbag would turn off and on while I have a passenger weighing over 200lbs in the passenger seat. I notified dealership and made an appt. On sept 22, 2014. My car went in for service on september 29, 2014. …”
NHTSA complaint #10640645, filed 2014-10, 80,000 miles“I was in an accident going about 35 miles per hour when I hit a bronco I knocked his tires off complete total of my vehicle the hood was destroyed I have pictures of my car the air bags did not go off and I hit my head pretty hard on the steering wheel I'm glad it was just me as my kids would have been injured but my concern is with the airbags not deploying even the cop on scene said they should have deployed.”
NHTSA complaint #10588983, filed 2014-05, 100,000 miles - Electrical system
Stalls, no-start and electrical faults
- 29 complaints (20%)
- median 85,500 mi at 6.6 yrs old (20 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2011–2025
Complaints describe the engine quitting while driving or at stops, and occasional failure to restart without repeated attempts. Owners mention ignition-switch, ignition-module, coil, or wiring harness repairs, and some say the problems recurred after repairs. Several note warning lights, flickering gauges, or a burnt fuse block. Some reference an ignition-switch recall and say their vehicle was excluded or the recall could not be performed. Mostly reported between roughly 55,000 and 155,000 miles, across varied weather and speeds.
Recall 14V4000002 related service bulletins
What to check: Ask whether the ignition-switch recall 14V400000 was completed for this VIN, and whether ignition module, coils, or wiring repairs have been done. During a test drive, watch for hesitation, stalls at stops, and any warning lights.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix in march 2014 and shortly after when I tried to start it it didn't want to start. This has happened probably 10-15 times a month give or take maybe more seeing as I'm not the only one who drives it so I don't know but I know it's about 10-15 times a month for me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659613, filed 2014-11, 78,000 miles“I filed a complaint in aug of 2017. Never heard anything. My car is worse. In the shop again. The car will die out in park or while driving it. Dies out waiting at a red light or at a stop sign. It also starts when it wants to start. The engine cranks over normally when you attempt to start the car, but the engine does not start at first attempt. Can take up to 4 attempts and 15 minutes (give or take minutes) between each attempt to finally start. 3 auto places and no one can find out what it wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #11092569, filed 2018-05, 65,000 miles - Exterior lighting
Headlights, running lights and lighting fuse faults
- 28 complaints (20%)
- median 112,500 mi at 8.0 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- filed 2010–2026
Owners report low-beam or daytime running lights going out while driving, sometimes returning after a wait or after switching to high beams. Some had the headlight relay module replaced, and others describe repeatedly blown park/tail light fuses traced to a body control module. Complaints note that high beams and turn signals usually still work. Reported from roughly 78,000 to 194,000 miles, often during night driving.
What to check: Test all exterior lights, including daytime running lights, and ask whether the headlight relay module or body control module has been replaced. Check for a history of blown lighting fuses.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving at dark hours with headlights on and lights just went out. Turned on bright lights and the lights worked. Turned back to dim and lights worked for about half a mile.lights went out again turned on brights and same thing as before the lights worked. I thought I seen somewhere a recall was issued for this problem. I guess I didnt.”
NHTSA complaint #11044743, filed 2017-11, 122,000 miles“When I turn off my car my daytime running light will not stay off and it kills my battery. I looked online for help with this and it seems my car is not the only Pontiac Grand Prix with this problem yet I see no recalls for this. Can you please help me?”
NHTSA complaint #11363299, filed 2020-10, 143,360 miles - Vehicle speed control
Reduced engine power / throttle faults
- 10 complaints (7%)
- median 99,500 mi at 6.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2013–2020
Complaints describe the vehicle dropping to roughly 25-40 mph with a reduced engine power message, often accompanied by check engine or traction lights. Owners report accelerator pedal, throttle body, or sensor replacements that did not always resolve the problem, and some had the car checked at multiple shops. Mostly reported between about 83,000 and 143,000 miles, at highway and city speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the throttle body or accelerator pedal assembly has been replaced and check for stored throttle-related codes. During a test drive, watch for a reduced engine power message or sudden loss of acceleration.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Driving on the highway or anywhere, it happens every other day. The information message center chimes then the check engine light comes on the car slows down to 25mph. When I am on the highway this is very dangerous. I have taken it to 3 different service stations, the last 2 dealerships. All the codes are throttle related and I get the car back after a week or 2 and the same thing happens again. No one can fix it. I have emailed GM they did not respond to my email. …”
NHTSA complaint #10730136, filed 2015-06, 105,000 miles“I was driving on the highway and exiting on a ramp. The ramp was on an incline. My driving speed around 45 MPH. Then, unexpectedly, the speed decreased to 30 MPH and immediately the reduce engine speed light came on. Shortly after, my check engine light came on. I continued on my exit, pulled over and parked. After car being off for 30 minutes, the car started right back up. The reduce engine speed light went off but the check engine light remained. I purchased my car in feb 2014 and this was the very 1st incident. …”
NHTSA complaint #10639839, filed 2014-09, 92,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission shudder or harsh engagement
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 61,525 mi at 4.0 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2024
Owners describe a shudder, chatter, or clunk when accelerating from a stop, and some report erratic shifting or a loud clunk on start-off. Complaints mention dealers saying the issue was inside the transmission or that they could not find a problem. One owner reported a shifter cable failure where the car would not stay in park. Mostly reported between about 35,000 and 143,000 miles.
What to check: Test acceleration from a stop and listen for a clunk or shudder. Ask about transmission fluid service history and any shifter-cable repairs.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Every time I accelerate giving my car gas it always feel like the transmission is locking up then it will jerk out of the lock and start picking up speed and I have talk to other peoples that have the same car ,same year or 2007 said the same thing when you stop and accelerate it does a lock like it's chattering to take off then it just jerk then pick up speed .I took it to the dealership they said it's something in the transmission I had this issue for 4 yr's now .”
NHTSA complaint #10695526, filed 2015-03, 41,000 miles“I was pulling into the garage and I shifted into park, my car continued rolling as if I was still in drive. I attempted to switch gears and the gear shift had no traction. It was sliding back and forth b/w the gears as my car continued moving forward. I then slid it back in park and shut the engine off to prevent the car from moving. I then could not start my car because it wasn't technically in park. The car had to be towed to the dealership and the gear shift cable had worn away/broken. …”
NHTSA complaint #10671007, filed 2015-01, 143,000 miles
Buying note. Check recall 14V400000 status for the specific VIN and ask for records of ignition, airbag sensor, throttle, and transmission repairs. A thorough test drive plus a scan for stored codes can help reveal electrical and throttle issues that owners describe as intermittent.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 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 143 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. 112 of the complaints include a mileage, and 20% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 81,000 miles. Of all complaints, 9 involved a crash, 3 a fire, 11 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 871 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (fewer than 3 comparable model years). 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.
- Electrical system43 30%
- Exterior lighting30 21%
- Air bags22 15%
- Engine19 13%
- Brakes12 8.4%
- Steering9 6.3%
- Vehicle speed control9 6.3%
- Body and structure6 4.2%
- Engine cooling5 3.5%
Also reported: Fuel system (5), Other or unknown (4), Tires (3), Electronic stability control (2), Seat belts (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Equipment (1), Interior lighting (1), Seats (1), Suspension (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Was driving down road and smelt a burnt odor, found out my low beams where not working. Once home, I popped the hood, opened the fuse box and found it smoking. Quickly disconnected battery cable. Further observation, found low beam relay started melting and must have caused small fire. Burnt part of the fuse box.”
NHTSA complaint #10896036, filed 2016-08, 161,000 milesExterior lighting: “Lowbeam headlights suddenly quit while driving causing me to almost run off road. This is directly related to the GM recall #14291 concerning the sudden failure of the hdm without any warning. The recall not cover my 2008 Pontiac at this time. Was told under investigation . This needs to be immediately addressed by GM or federal government since it is a deadly matter. Sudden loss of lights at higher speeds will cause deaths.”
NHTSA complaint #10721703, filed 2015-05, 123,000 milesAir bags: “Since I bought the car, I noticed on motion the force on the pedal started reducing. When it happens I repress it again which will become stable at that particular time. Will got stuck while in motion( 55mpr). I took to the dealership they told me nothing wrong with the car, and then I was under warranty. This morning I took it to mechanic, they told me it's electrical problem with throttle pedal and seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10806510, filed 2015-11, 80,000 milesEngine: “I was riding on the highway and a car infront of me slammed on brakes avoiding a deer causing me to slam on brakes ever since I have had a oil leak running down the manifold. I never wrecked into the vechile in front of me I seen on diffrent year poniac were simular recalls were made.”
NHTSA complaint #11364028, filed 2020-10, 150,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
20% of the 112 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 115,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 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 FWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | — | — | — |
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 2008 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 | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 28 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Grand Prix FWD | 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 25 | 19 | $4,350 |
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
- 14V400000Jul 3, 2014Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Pontiac Grand Prix 2004–2008, Chevrolet Malibu 1997–2003, Pontiac Grand AM 1999–2005 +5 more
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring…
Recall details for the 2008 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. 871 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11023091Sep 9, 2025Other or unknown. New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- 11021792Aug 7, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an intermittent no crank, no start, or start stall concern with the security light coming…
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11019074May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019073May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11019072May 30, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B and Mini 50 terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11011782Dec 7, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11009531Sep 27, 2024Engine. This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline detergent additive.
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 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Owners of the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix most often report electrical and starting problems — stalling, no-start, and warning lights — along with daytime running lamps and headlights that quit while driving. The issues reported most often: Passenger airbag sensor and non-deployment; Stalls, no-start and electrical faults; Headlights, running lights and lighting fuse faults.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
NHTSA recorded 143 consumer complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 43 complaints (30% of the total), followed by exterior lighting with 30.
Has the 2008 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 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix (Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix reported?
Among the 112 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 81,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 115,000 miles; 20% 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.