Most common 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Share of the 143 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand Prix complaints by model year
Best Grand Prix years: 2003, 1996, 2005. Years to avoid: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999, 2004. Compare all years →
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix:
Loss of Headlights
The subject vehicles are model year (MY) 2002-2009 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, 2004-2007 Buick Rainier, 2003-2008 Isuzu Ascender, 2005-2009 Saab 9-7X, 2002-2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2003-2006 Chevrolet SSR, 2005-2009 Buick Lacrosse, and 2006-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. This scope includes the Trailblazer/Envoy variants: 2002-2006 Envoy XL/Trailblazer EXT and 2004-2005 Envoy XUV.
What 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say
Electrical system all 43 →
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.
Purchased the car in march and filed with local dealership to get the recall repaired for the ignition. 6 months later and the dealership says that GM hasn't sent the part. It's needs repaired now. I'm tired of waiting, it shouldn't take this long to get a recall repaired.
Lights all 30 →
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.
Low beam lights quit randomly, running lights did once too. This has happened multiple times so I switch to hi beams before I crash. This is a documented safety issue and recall should include my car.
Engine & cooling all 24 →
We purchased the vehicle from a dealer inthe tri-cities area of eastern washington in 2010. The car May have been a lease return. However one of the selling points with the car was the remote starter option. The weather in eastern oregon where we lived at the time was a life saver. However when the battery went dead and replaced at the dealer the remote start quit working. Not only quit working but it even disappeared from the vehicle dic. The remote start is even listed in the vehicle owners manual. But the dealer in medford, oregon, air port Chevy/caddi cant seem to figure it out. We have had the vehicle at the dealers in medford 6 times. Even during the recall for the key fob issues and ignition switch fires, the dealers also looked into the darn failure of the remote start but they never did fix anything nor do they have any ideas as to get the thing fixed.
My Grand Prix recently started to display a message stating reduced engine power. It has been happening randomly for the past week. It only happens as I am driving the car. The car slows dramatically, and does not accelerate at all. As I was driving yesterday, I was merging into traffic where the speed limit is 45 MPH, I had more than enough room to merge into traffic, the reduced engine power message displayed and the car would not accelerate. The traffic quickly caught up to me and I was almost hit due to the car not accelerating. I am curious after looking into this matter and finding so many complaints about the same issue, how many complaints need to be filed, or how many deaths need to occur before something is done? I am now scared to drive my own car.
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 5.3L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix a good car?
Based on 143 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Grand Prix rates average: 32% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand Prix at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The electrical system — 43 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year, most often about wiring › fuses and circuit breakers. Next are the lights (30) and engine & cooling (24).
How many recalls does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
There is 1 recall for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand Prix?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2003, 1996 and 2005. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1997, 1998, 2000, 1999 and 2004. See the full Pontiac Grand Prix years comparison.
At what mileage do 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 81,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.