CarBrief

NHTSA has 143 owner complaints for the 2008 Grand Prix, led by electrical issues[1][2]. One recall applies, and it involves the ignition switch[3].

143owner complaints[1]
1recalls[4]
19–21MPG combined (EPA)[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 143 complaints for this model year[1]. Nine mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints
Electrical system[2] 43
Exterior lighting[6] 30
Engine[7] 24
Air bags[8] 22
Power train[9] 18
Brakes[10] 12
Steering[11] 9
Speed control[12] 9

Electrical system. The median mileage at failure was 91,079[2]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 9 describe the engine stalling or power cutting out while driving[2]. Three of the 12 mention the ignition recall, and some say parts were not available or the car was left out of it[2].

Exterior lighting. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 10 describe low beam headlights going out or not working on dim, while high beams kept working[6]. The median mileage at failure was 110,000, and none of these complaints mention a crash, fire or injury[6].

Engine. The median mileage at failure was 81,000[7]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 5 describe stalling, sometimes with trouble restarting[7]. Four describe a check engine light tied to emissions parts such as an air valve, an air injection pump or a vapor hose[7].

Air bags. This group has the most serious outcomes: 8 crashes, 10 injuries and 1 death, with a median mileage at failure of 80,000[8]. In a sample of 12 complaints we read, 6 describe the passenger air bag sensor or warning light acting up, and 3 say the air bags did not deploy in a crash[8].

Power train, brakes, steering and speed control each have fewer complaints[9][10][11][12]. We did not read samples for them, so we do not describe what owners report there.

Recalls

One recall is on file for this model year.

Fuel economy

EPA lists two versions.

Engine City / highway / combined MPG Fuel Annual fuel cost
3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, front-wheel drive[5] 18 / 28 / 21 Regular $3,200
5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic (S4), front-wheel drive[13] 16 / 25 / 19 Premium $4,350

EPA's annual cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 4-door front-wheel-drive version are listed as not rated[14]. That means there is no star score to compare.

Engine and size

The EPA lists a 3.8L 6-cylinder and a 5.3L 8-cylinder[5][13]. Our data does not include horsepower. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Version Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
Base 4-door sedan, FWD[15] 198 in 72 in 56 in 111 in 3,477 lb
GXP 4-door sedan, FWD[16] 198 in 72 in 56 in 111 in 3,600 lb

How 2008 compares with other years

1995: 169 complaints, 3 recalls19951996: 79 complaints, 1 recalls19961997: 810 complaints, 5 recalls19971998: 499 complaints, 4 recalls19981999: 412 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 461 complaints, 5 recalls20002001: 308 complaints, 6 recalls20012002: 330 complaints, 3 recalls20022003: 106 complaints, 3 recalls20032004: 454 complaints, 7 recalls20042005: 148 complaints, 1 recalls20052006: 239 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 220 complaints, 3 recalls20072008: 143 complaints, 1 recalls1432008
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Grand Prix model year. The 2008 is highlighted[4].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951693
1996791
19978105
19984994
19994124
20004615
20013086
20023303
20031063
20044547
20051481
20062391
20072203
20081431

NHTSA shows 143 complaints and 1 recall for 2008[4]. Of the 14 model years from 1995 to 2008, only 1996 (79 complaints) and 2003 (106) have fewer complaints[4]. The highest is 1997 with 810[4].

On recalls, 2008 ties with 1996, 2005 and 2006 at 1 each[4]. The most is 7, for 2004[4]. These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

Should you buy a used 2008 Grand Prix?

Compared with other Grand Prix years, 2008 has few complaints and few recalls[4]. The reports that do exist center on stalling, headlights that go out and air bag sensor trouble[2][6][8]. Air bag complaints include the most serious outcomes, so check that the air bag warning light works normally on a test drive[8]. Ask whether the ignition recall work was done, since it covers the ignition switch[3]. A complaint count is not a reliability score, and our data does not cover oil, towing or tires.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Electrical system complaints are the largest group at 43, followed by exterior lighting at 30 and engine at 24[2][6][7].
Does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have any recalls?
Yes, one: 14V400, about the ignition switch moving out of the run position. The fix is free key hardware from a dealer[3].
What MPG does a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
The 3.8L is rated 18 city, 28 highway and 21 combined[5]. The 5.3L is rated 16, 25 and 19 combined[13].
Is 2008 a good year for the Grand Prix?
It has 143 complaints and 1 recall, fewer complaints than all but 1996 and 2003[4].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 143 owner complaints on file for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix (9 mention a crash, 3 a fire, 11 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 43 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 3 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 91,079). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 14V400, filed July 3, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  4. Owner complaints and recalls for every Pontiac Grand Prix model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Grand Prix, 3.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. 30 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 110,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 24 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 81,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 22 complaints name the air bags component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 18 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,525). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 12 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 46,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 9 complaints name the steering component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 93,079). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 9 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 105,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA rating for Grand Prix, 5.3L 8-cyl, Automatic (S4), Premium, Front-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND PRIX BASE 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 198 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,477 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND PRIX GXP 4DR SEDAN FWD: length 198 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,600 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.