1989 Pontiac Lemans Problems
- Complaints
- 15filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- 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
- 26 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans. The part named most often is seat belts, with 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes (4) and electrical system (2). Of all complaints, 1 involved a crash, 2 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 1 recall campaign covering the buckle assembly filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
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.
- Seat belts6 40%
- Brakes4 27%
- Electrical system2 13%
- Exterior lighting2 13%
- Equipment1 6.7%
- Other or unknown1 6.7%
- Steering1 6.7%
- Wheels1 6.7%
Example complaints
Seat belts: “While going through a green light vehicle was involved in a collision . The front occupants went through the windshield because the restraints did not retract, injuring the front occupants. The dealer and the manufacturer have been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #816766, filed 1997-09Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1989 Pontiac Lemans 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemans FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Lemans FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed manual | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Lemans FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Lemans FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Lemans FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,050 |
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
- 93V154000Sep 21, 1993Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Pontiac Lemans 1988–1991
The safety belt buckle assemblies may not latch or may not release due to the fracture of the red release push button.
Recall details for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE91101Front brake disc/hub sepClosed · Jul 17, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans.
Other model years of the Pontiac Lemans
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | 18 | — | 1 | — | 28 | — | Stable |
| 1992 | 21 | — | 1 | — | 28 | — | Stable |
| 1991 | 24 | — | 2 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 25 | — | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 15 | — | 1 | — | 26 | — | Stable |
| 1988 | 13 | — | 3 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
All Pontiac Lemans model years
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1989 Pontiac Lemans have?
NHTSA recorded 15 consumer complaints for the 1989 Pontiac Lemans as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1989 Pontiac Lemans is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 6 complaints (40% of the total), followed by brakes with 4.
Has the 1989 Pontiac Lemans 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 1989 Pontiac Lemans get?
The EPA rates the 1989 Pontiac Lemans (Lemans, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,600 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. 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.