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Research · Midsize Cars

2008 Pontiac Grand PrixRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 143 owner complaints for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. Most complaints involve electrical system (43) and exterior lighting (30). The EPA rates it 19–21 mpg combined.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
19–21mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Jul 2014
Owner complaints
143
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Jul 3, 2014NHTSA 14V400000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

143 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2008 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system43
  2. Exterior lighting30
  3. Air bags22
  4. Engine19
  5. Power train18
  6. Vehicle speed control9
  7. Steering9
  8. Service brakes8
  9. Structure6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Grand Prix model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
199679
1997820
1998499
1999412
2000461
2001319
2002340
2003119
2004454
2005148
2006239
2007220
2008143
Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
11
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

43 reports1 crash3 fires
“The contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ignition switch unintendedly turned off the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to immediately restart the vehicle. Occasionally, the contact had to wait for several minutes before the vehicle restarted and was able to be driven. The failure had become more persistent over time and the contact became aware that the failure mostly occurred in warmer weather. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V400000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 194,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2025Electrical systemODI 11690909

Exterior lighting

30 reports
“Took it in to Valvoline for an oil change and they checked the headlights,blinkers etc.They could not get main headlights to come on so they replaced them and they still would not come on.Told me I was going to have to take it to a mechanic.High beams and fog lights work but replaced bulbs and still no low beam headlights.There should be a recall on this since so many are having an issue.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Exterior lightingODI 11768598

Air bags

22 reports8 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 24, 2015Electrical system, Air bags, Electronic stability control (esc)ODI 10806510
All 2008 Grand Prix problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd · Automatic (S4)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Grand Prix
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182821$2,950423
Grand Prix
Auto (S4), 8 cyl, 5.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162519$4,050468
  • Grand Prix
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    18 city · 28 hwy · $2,950/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
  • Grand Prix
    Auto (S4), 8 cyl, 5.3 L
    16 city · 25 hwy · $4,050/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 2602
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2008 Grand Prix questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 10, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems?

Owners filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (43), exterior lighting (30), air bags (22). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?

The EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix at 19–21 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026