Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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).
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.
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. …
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.
2008 Grand Prix low beam headlights/daytime running lights work intermittently or don't work at all. Lights will work when car is started and will go out as I am driving or will not come on at all. VIN search says no recall on my year, but this same exact issue is in recall for 2007 and 2006 Grand prixs. This is a safety issue for my vehicle and I have now been pulled over and ticketed by the police for having headlight issues. I have tried replacing the hdm/headlight relay fuse, but the problem has persisted. I believe the issue to be the fuse socket or fusebox itself that is overheating the hdm
Lowbeam lights turn off at same time randomly while driving. This is very hazardous and your "safety coverage" only covers hdm modules to be replaced which is a temporary fix (lasts usually 2 months) this is widely known issue on these vehicles dating back to 2005 and if I get in a serious wreck due to your negligence I will be taking action. I'm sickened you would cover the costs of a permanent fix when your customers are such at a high risk of fatalities while driving. (this issue has been reoccurring for the last year and have come close to many accidents)
Lowbeam headlights suddenly quit while driving causing me to almost run off road. This is directly related to the GM recall #14291 concerning the sudden failure of the hdm without any warning. The recall not cover my 2008 Pontiac at this time. Was told "under investigation". This needs to be immediately addressed by GM or federal government since it is a deadly matter. Sudden loss of lights at higher speeds will cause deaths.
I was driving at dark hours with headlights on and lights just went out. Turned on bright lights and the lights worked. Turned back to dim and lights worked for about half a mile.lights went out again turned on brights and same thing as before the lights worked. I thought I seen somewhere a recall was issued for this problem. I guess I didnt.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the headlights failed to remain illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Was driving down road and smelt a burnt odor, found out my low beams where not working. Once home, I popped the hood, opened the fuse box and found it smoking. Quickly disconnected battery cable. Further observation, found low beam relay started melting and must have caused small fire. Burnt part of the fuse box.
NHTSA investigations
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.
Headlight complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the lights of the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, 21% of the model year's 143 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems?
No. NHTSA lists no lights recall for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 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.