Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact noticed smoke appearing from the hood. The contact coasted the vehicle to an emergency lane, opened the hood, and noticed that the fuse box ignited into flames. The contact placed a towel on the fuse box, which extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. Consumer writes in regards to front and side airbags did not deploy during accident and vehicle on star issues. The consumer stated as she was turning left, the vehicle stopped and a truck hit her vehicle on the side front.
This vehicle keeps blowing the fuse for front park lights and tail lights. Without lights, cant drive vehicle at night or low light, inclement weather conditions. Initial investigation/troubleshooting leads to faulty body control module. The body control module provides ground circuit for multiple electrical functions on vehicle. This problem could result in vehicle wiring harness overloading and catching fire. Problem needs to be addressed with manufacturer. This fault can occur while driving or stationary. Fault occurs simply by turning ignition switch to on position and/or activating the multi-function switch to activate headlights and the fuse blows immediately. Simply replacing the fuse does not fix the problem. The vehicle should be diagnosed by GM dealer to validate proper function of lights/lighting system to pinpoint problem. …
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.
The door locks on the 2008 model do not lock with remote and the drivers door key entry lock doesn't work.won't turn left or right.only one key entry on the entire car so you must use the drivers side key entry.have to keep replacing car remotes at $125.00 a piece almost yearly. Have had car since 2009.keep having to get struts replaced on the right side and replace brakes on the front wheels.the lights on the gear panel keep going out and also the lights where the radio station shows is dimmed or burning out.my left headlight keeps going out.electric in the car basically an overall ongoing issue.when car is placed in reverse it doesn't reverse sometimes.I have to turn it off and restart the car then place it in reverse before it will reverse.the car shakes after going over 65mph.suspension is off.have to repair tires constantly because inner tires wear out quickly.
Upon starting of the car under normal conditions, noticed a slight burnt electrical smell, after inspection of the engine compartment, I did not notice any smoke or obvious signs, and the smell went away, this happened twice while out shopping at various places. On the final leg of the trip on the way home, I noticed the smell becoming more apparent, and the smell was noticeable at traffic light stops. Once home, I once again inspected the compartment, and noticed a melted spot on the top of the fuse box, after opening, the low beam relay was burnt beyond recognition and fused to the wiper relay. In order to use headlights, I now have to replace the whole fuse box due to the burnt spot in the cover and the fuse box. See attached pictures. I could not attach the picture of plastic dust which is what is left of the relay, due to size limitations.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the vehicle's speed reduced and smoke appeared under the front passenger side hood. The contact also stated that the gauges fluctuated and all the warning lights and the interior lights flickered. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that unknown wires were melted. As a result, the fuse block and the engine harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) could not be performed due to the failure that needed to be repaired prior to performing the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 181,104.
I filed a complaint in aug of 2017. Never heard anything. My car is worse. In the shop again. The car will die out in park or while driving it. Dies out waiting at a red light or at a stop sign. It also starts when it wants to start. The engine cranks over normally when you attempt to start the car, but the engine does not start at first attempt. Can take up to 4 attempts and 15 minutes (give or take minutes) between each attempt to finally start. 3 auto places and no one can find out what it wrong. This car can cause an accident when it dies out while driving.
Related recalls
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.
Electrical complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, 30% of the model year's 143 complaints. The component named most often is wiring › fuses and circuit breakers (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 92,000 miles, and 3% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 3 fires and 1 injury to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.