1990 Pontiac Lemans Problems
- Complaints
- 25filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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 / 30 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1990 Pontiac Lemans (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Lemans. The part named most often is seat belts, with 8 complaints (32% of the total), followed by brakes (6) and transmission and drivetrain (4). Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year. Seat belts complaints overlap with 2 recall campaigns covering the webbing and 2 NHTSA investigations filed under the same part. Brakes complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation filed under the same part.
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.
- Seat belts8 32%
- Brakes6 24%
- Electrical system2 8.0%
- Engine cooling2 8.0%
- Vehicle speed control2 8.0%
- Body and structure1 4.0%
- Suspension1 4.0%
Example complaints
Brakes: “Experience brake malfunction, when front brakes heat up, pads wear excessively, pedal goes to floor, brake action inadequate normal stop and go conditions.”
NHTSA complaint #980423, filed 1996-03Transmission and drivetrain: “Comsumer's son was driving vehicle about 40mph when clutch cable broke, leaving vehicle without clutch to shift gear on highway. Took vehicle to dealer, but didn't find any problem.”
NHTSA complaint #814433, filed 1997-07Electrical system: “While driving noticed smoke coming from dash near steering wheel, then suddenly flames came from dash due to an electrical short in wiring harness, vehicle interior was totalled.”
NHTSA complaint #812325, filed 1997-05Complaints 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 1990 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 | 25 | 34 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Lemans FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Lemans FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Lemans FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
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
- 94V248000Dec 23, 1994Seat belts › Front › WebbingCovers: Pontiac Lemans 1990–1993
Insufficient lubrication in the guide track rail in which the shoulder belt carrier moves causing a chattering noise, momentary binding while traveling, cycling back and forth, or stops completely.
- 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 1990 Pontiac Lemans → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA94004Auto restraint system failClosed · Jan 31, 1994
- PE93078Auto restraint syst. FailsClosed · Sep 16, 1993
- PE91101Front brake disc/hub sepClosed · Jul 17, 1991
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1990 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 1990 Pontiac Lemans have?
NHTSA recorded 25 consumer complaints for the 1990 Pontiac Lemans as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1990 Pontiac Lemans is reported most often?
Seat belts is named most often, in 8 complaints (32% of the total), followed by brakes with 6.
Has the 1990 Pontiac Lemans been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1990 Pontiac Lemans get?
The EPA rates the 1990 Pontiac Lemans (Lemans, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 26 mpg combined, 23 city and 30 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 29, 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.