1986 Pontiac Grand Prix
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 2 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 3 |
| 1986 | 2 |
| 1987 | 2 |
| 1988 | 88 |
| 1989 | 139 |
| 1990 | 176 |
| 1991 | 172 |
| 1992 | 114 |
| 1993 | 131 |
| 1994 | 213 |
| 1995 | 169 |
| 1996 | 79 |
| 1997 | 810 |
| 1998 | 499 |
| 1999 | 412 |
| 2000 | 461 |
| 2001 | 308 |
| 2002 | 330 |
| 2003 | 106 |
| 2004 | 454 |
| 2005 | 148 |
| 2006 | 239 |
| 2007 | 220 |
| 2008 | 142 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 2 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 2 total reports mentions: structure.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WHICH STARTED IN THE ARM REST. THE VEHICLE IS BEING REPAIRED. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19970822
1 of 2 total reports mentions: fuel system, gasoline.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND THE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT BURNT. THE ALTERED GAS LINE WAS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020514
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE AND THE TRUNK AND REAR SEAT BURNT. THE ALTERED GAS LINE WAS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT) *YH
NHTSA ODI report, 20020228
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V056000 — check if this car was fixed
THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V131000 — check if this car was fixed
TIRE LABEL CONTAINS INCORRECT TIRE SIZE INFORMATION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 110
Remedy: INSTALL TIRE LOADING LABEL WITH CORRECT INFORMATION.
Campaign 86V139000 — check if this car was fixed
DRIVERS SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH MAY SEPARATE DURING ACTUATION, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL.
Remedy: INSPECT AND MODIFY POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH AS REQUIRED.
Campaign 87V046000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE NON-RETURN
JAMMED STEERING MECHANISM
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. TH
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Pontiac Grand Prix — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V131000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 86V139000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V046000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix?
The most-reported component is structure:body:door, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.