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.
The worst 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical43
- Lights30
- Engine24
- Airbags22
- Transmission18
- Brakes12
- Acceleration9
- Steering9
- Body6
- Fuel system5
- Tires3
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts2
- Visibility2
- Wheels2
- Seats1
- Suspension1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Headlights 26Stalling 15Check engine light 10Won't start 8No deployment 7Loss of power 6Airbag light 5Jerking 5Slipping 5
Recalls 1
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
- Risk
- If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Recall number 14V400000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Defect 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. The original scope of this investigation was expanded to include all vehicles equipped with the subject Headlight Driver Module (HDM). The focus of the investigation was to determine whether actions performed by General Motors adequately addressed any unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in the subject vehicles concerning the headlights and the HDM that controls them.Under normal electrical load and environmental conditions, the HDM can overheat inside the Underhood Electrical Center (UEC). This can cause the module to fail and result in a simultaneous loss of both low beam headlights and both daytime running lights (DRLs), often with no warning or prior detectability to the driver. This failure can be intermittent or permanent. No other exterior lights are affected. High beams, turn signals, brake lights, and reverse lights are still operational.General Motors addressed this issue with 2 recalls (14V755 & 15V519) and a special coverage program (N172091910). In view of the recalls and special coverage program implemented by GM and the vehicle high beams continuing to operate, ODI has tentatively concluded that the actions taken by GM mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by HDM failure in the subject vehicles.Accordingly, the investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by new circumstances.The ODI reports cited above are available for review online at under the identification numbers in the attached document.
RQ17002
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix 872
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Unknown or other
- New Vehicle Monitoring Programs Section in IVH
- Unknown or other
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- This service bulletin provides information for maintenance cleaning of the fuel injectors and gasoline...
- This service bulletin provides information on some vehicles that may rock or move slightly forward or...
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 28 | 21 |
| 5.3L 8‑cyl | FWD | 16 | 25 | 19 |
What 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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 the federal safety agency 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.
The transmission shifting cable has clips that keep it held in place for you to be able to put your car into drive or reverse and park ect. Is broke and at least once a month or more my car won't go into gear the shifter just slides smoothly but don't catch a gear. So far it hasn't happened on the road just when it's parked. But still feels like it's not in park. I worry that it won't be in park and back up or roll forward on me while I'm trying to get into or out of my car. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car cuts off without notice while driving . Starts back up but eventually shuts off again . Also when put in reverse it shuts off
I was riding on the highway and a car infront of me slammed on brakes avoiding a deer causing me to slam on brakes ever since I have had a oil leak running down the manifold. I never wrecked into the vechile in front of me I seen on diffrent year poniac were simular recalls were made.
When I turn off my car my daytime running light will not stay off and it kills my battery. I looked online for help with this and it seems my car is not the only pontiac grand prix with this problem yet I see no recalls for this. Can you please help me?
Engine power reduced warning light came on and car has minimal acceleration not allowing to go over 40 MPH. Antilock break and traction control lights both on. Breaking issue when this happens causing breaks to hesitate. All issues listed happen while in motion on city street & highway, while going straight & turning and when breaking.
Front passenger seat presure sensor is going bad. The warning light will periodically come on and then go out after a few minutes. This would occur when the vehicle was; stationary, moving and or turning.
Compare the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Other model years
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Questions about the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
Is the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
Owners have filed 143 complaints about the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix, fewer than a typical Grand Prix model year.
What is the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix year score?
The 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Grand Prix: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?
Electrical system, with 43 complaints, typically around 92,159 miles. Next is lights (30).
How many recalls does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have?
1 recall, covering electrical system.
Was there a recall on the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 14V400000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Grand Prix have the most electrical problems?
The Pontiac Grand Prix model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (107 complaints), 1997 (88 complaints) and 2007 (68 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?
Official estimates for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 28 highway.
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