1988 Pontiac Lemans
Only 13 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 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1988
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1988: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1988 | 13 |
| 1989 | 15 |
| 1990 | 25 |
| 1991 | 24 |
| 1992 | 21 |
| 1993 | 18 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Seat belts
7 of 13 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing webbing and retractor.
Show complaint excerpts
The seat belt come out of buckle when consumer was in accident.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-31
Seat belt failure, shoulder belt did not keep driver from hitting windshield. Tt
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-05-22
Service brakes
4 of 13 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.
Suspension
3 of 13 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 13 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.
Power train
2 of 13 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing constant velocity joint and axle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Transaxle failed, also transmission mounts failed three times, causing transmission to fail. Z
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-04-13
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-07-08Fuel system, gasoline88V094000 Fuel filler neck may have been incompletely welded, allowing fuel to leak from the neck assembly.
Remedy: Replace fuel filler neck assembly.
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R
1988-11-29Seat belts88V163000 Seat belt buckles may not properly latch allowing the latch plate to be removed from the buckle without pressing the release button.
Remedy: Replace seat belt buckles.
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I
1989-04-12Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-11-30 Inadequate brakes
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I
1991-07-17Preliminary evaluationClosed 1991-11-04 Front brake disc/hub sep
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R
1993-12-16Seat belts93V154000 The safety belt buckle assemblies may not latch or may not release due to the fracture of the red release push button.
Remedy: Replace or repair the safety belt buckles.
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…
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).
Buy-smart checklist
1988 Pontiac Lemans — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Seat belts: 7 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V094000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 88V163000 · Seat belts
- Recall 93V154000 · Seat belts
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1988 Pontiac Lemans 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 1988 Pontiac Lemans?
- The most-reported component is seat belts, accounting for 54% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Lemans have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.