1986 Pontiac Grand prix problems
The Grand Prix is a line of automobiles produced by the Pontiac Division of General Motors from 1962 until 2002 as coupes and from 1989 through 2008 model years as four-door sedans.
First introduced as a full-size performance coupe for the 1962 model year, the model varied repeatedly in size, luxury, and performance during its production. The Grand Prix was the most expensive coupe Pontiac offered until the 1970s, when the Bonneville Brougham and the Firebird Trans Am became more exclusive. Among the changes were positioning in the personal luxury car market segment and mid-size car offering from the second generation to the fifth generation for the sedan and from the second generation to the sixth generation from the coupe.
All Grand Prixs from 1962 through 1972 were pillarless hardtops (except for the 1967 convertible),
Social links
Common 1986 Pontiac Grand prix problems
The 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix, particularly the 2+2 model, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
- Nose Piece Deterioration: The composite nose piece in the front of the 1986 Grand Prix and its Monte Carlo SS counterparts can warble or become droopy over time due to exposure to the sun. This can affect the car's appearance and may require replacement or repair.
- Engine Compartment and Undercarriage: While the engine compartment and undercarriage of the 1986 Grand Prix are generally reported to be in good condition, the actual state of these components can vary based on factors such as maintenance history and mileage.
- Interior Issues: The interior of the 1986 Grand Prix, including the seats and steering wheel, may show signs of wear or damage over time. This can include issues with seat covers, worn steering wheel material, and other signs of aging or neglect.
- Engine Performance: The LG4 305 V8 engine in the 1986 Grand Prix, which had a horsepower rating of 165, may require maintenance or repair over time. This can include issues with the engine's performance, reliability, or longevity.
- Transmission Problems: Some owners of the 1986 Grand Prix have reported transmission problems, including issues with the transmission pressure control solenoid. This can cause erratic shifting or other performance issues, and may require repair or replacement.
- Rarity and Collectibility: Due to the limited production run of the 1986 Grand Prix 2+2 model, finding replacement parts or receiving specialized service for these cars can be challenging. This can add to the cost and complexity of maintaining and repairing these vehicles.
- Renaming Product Line: Pontiac's practice of renaming its models, such as the Grand Prix being replaced by the G6, can cause confusion for car buyers and may affect the car's perceived value or desirability.
- Visibility: The 2004 redesign of the Grand Prix, which featured larger headlamps, a smaller grill, and coupe-like styling on a 4-door sedan, has been criticized for poor visibility and substandard interior furnishings.
- Sales and Market Performance: The 1986 Grand Prix, particularly the 2+2 model, had relatively low sales compared to its GM cousins and competitors. This can affect the car's perceived value, desirability, and availability in the marketplace.
Are Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
Pontiacs generally have a good track record for longevity with many Grand Prix owners reporting an average mileage of 225,000 miles before the engine and transmission repairs start to pile up. Expect to reach a maximum of 250,000 miles if you're lucky, 200,000 if the car wasn't in great shape when you found it.
How many 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 2 were made?
1,225
Lot #624 - Exceedingly rare, these are believed to have a limited production of only 1,225. The Grand Prix 2+2 sold for an astonishing $17,800. All models were equipped exactly the same with no options.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 2 have?
165 horsepower
Return of the 2+2
Like the Monte SS, a 5.0-liter V8 engine powered the rear wheels, producing 165 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque. The red paint of this car raises some questions. All 1986 2+2 models originally had a 2-tone silver-and-gray paint job.
Why does my Pontiac Grand Prix stall?
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
Is the Pontiac Grand Prix reliable?
Pontiacs generally have a good track record for longevity with many Grand Prix owners reporting an average mileage of 225,000 miles before the engine and transmission repairs start to pile up. Expect to reach a maximum of 250,000 miles if you're lucky, 200,000 if the car wasn't in great shape when you found it.
Was the Pontiac Grand Prix a luxury car?
Among the changes were positioning in the personal luxury car market segment and mid-size car offering from the second generation to the fifth generation for the sedan and from the second generation to the sixth generation from the coupe.
How many 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix 2 2 were made?
In order to satisfy the homologation rules for the NASCAR series, GM built 1,118 Pontiac 2+2 Aerocoupes which were sold to the public; this enabled them to meet the production numbers NASCAR officials required for showroom stock model to be incorporated into the race cars.
Why does my Pontiac Grand Prix stall?
The most common reasons a Pontiac Grand Prix engine stalling are the fuel system, the air intake system, or the ignition system.
1986 Pontiac Grand prix car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Grand prix problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Pontiac Grand prix vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Pontiac Grand prix complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Pontiac Grand prix.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-21
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-11-21
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-08-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 2G2GK37A4G2
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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
1986 Pontiac Grand prix recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 6 recalls for different components of the 1986 Pontiac Grand prix.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 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. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 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 MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- 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).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH MAY SEPARATE DURING ACTUATION, EXPOSING THE ELECTRICAL TERMINAL.
- Consequence: THE TERMINAL MAY CONTACT THE STEEL REMOTE MIRROR CABLE,A SHORT CAN OCCUR WITHOUT BLOWING A FUSE. THIS MAY ALLOW THE CABLE TO OVERHEATAND COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE.
- Remedy: INSPECT AND MODIFY POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH AS REQUIRED.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: SUDDEN LOSS OF THE HEADLIGHTS UNDER SEVERE WEATHER OR NIGHTTIME DRIVING CONDITIONS COULD REDUCE DRIVER VISIBILITY WHICH MIGHT RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. NOTE: ALSO, SEE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 86V131000.
- Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Pontiac Grand prix problems:
Q&A: Just replaced AC system in 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix
Aug 24, 2007 ... It is very common to have a o-ring pinch when connecting new AC components, so have them check for a leak around the new components. Hopefully ...
Curbside Classic: 1986 Pontiac Grand Prix LE - Frozen Coke ...
Apr 19, 2022 ... Few treats seem to bring back the '80s summertime nostalgia for me like a frozen Coke. Once I had started earning my own money with my ...
Common 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix Problems - Q&A on Overheating
Nov 25, 2012 ... 2000 Pontiac Grand Prix with overheating problems. I've replaced the radiator, coolant temp sensor, coolant level - Answered by a verified ...
Dying and Reduce engine power message : Bonneville GXP ...
3) 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT 4) 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTII ... It was a common problem on '05/'06 GTO's too. ... It was a common problem on '05/'06 ...
Pontiac Grand Prix Questions - reduced engine power light - CarGurus
Jan 24, 2014 ... I had the same problem with my 2004 Grand Prix. It had 2 codes P0068 and p0101. I tried cleaning the MAF sensor and throttle body and ...
Other years of Pontiac Grand prix
Are you having problems with your 1986 Pontiac Grand prix?
Leave your review of 1986 Pontiac Grand prix