Pontiac / Grand Prix / 1990
1990 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Owners have filed 249 complaints about the 1990 Pontiac Grand Prix with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 44.2% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of structure at 11.2%.
Complaints249
Crashes17
Fires2
Injuries20
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 44.2% · 110
Structure 11.2% · 28
Electrical system 8.4% · 21
Engine and engine cooling 8.0% · 20
Suspension 5.2% · 13
Steering 4.8% · 12
Exterior lighting 4.0% · 10
Parking brake 2.8% · 7
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 2 describe a fire and 20 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the Pontiac Grand Prix in this data, 1990 sits 11th by complaint volume. 1997 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 7 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 89,993 miles.
In owners' own words
Abs braking system malfunctioned, causing the pedal to travel to the floor, resulting in extended stopping distance. Also problems with the struts which broke and needed to be replaced. In addition, electrical system malfuctioned, causing headlights and instrument lights to go on and off, affecting visibility and may result in an accident. Service brakes, hydraulic
There have been many brake failures since owning this vehicle, including one complete when on road. The fire in steering column stopped, then happened several times later. What has been done about brakes and ignition/steering fires in this vehicle. There are "sister" models of buick and olds which have the same problems. Please respond. Service brakes, hydraulic
Owner has abs brakes,he states that brake fluid leaks out and that when vehicle is being driven on ice the abs does not function correctly.Owner further notes that the brake piston used in these type of vehicles is too long which causes excess back pressure, resulting brake leakage and loss of brakes. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Pontiac Grand Prix years
1991 242 complaints · 38.4% service brakes, hydraulic 1992 158 complaints · 29.1% service brakes, hydraulic 1993 185 complaints · 39.5% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 306 complaints · 22.5% visibility 1995 245 complaints · 20.0% service brakes, hydraulic 1996 116 complaints · 18.1% engine and engine cooling