1988 Pontiac Lemans problems
The Pontiac LeMans /ləˈmɑːnz/ is a model name applied to automobiles marketed by Pontiac. The name came from the French city of Le Mans, the site of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world's oldest active sports car endurance race that began in 1923. Originally a trim upgrade package based on the Tempest, the LeMans became a separate model in 1963.
In its first five generations spanning from 1961 until 1981 (1983 in Canada), the LeMans was a domestic RWD car; the first generation was a compact, with Gens 2-5 intermediates. From 1988 through 1993 the LeMans name was resurrected for a sixth generation, a FWD subcompact badge-engineered version of the Daewoo LeMans manufactured by Daewoo in South Korea.
Pontiac produced some notable GT/performance versions in the RWD models. The 1st generation not only featured a front-engine/rear-transaxle that very nearly resulted in an ideal 50/50 weight distribution, but also included four-wheel independent suspension for nimble handling, and could be ordered with an optional Buick 215 aluminum V8 engine. The Pontiac GTO is credited with popularizing the muscle car market segment of the 1960s, and by many as the very first muscle car. The 1970 model year introduced the LeMans GT-37 package. The 1973-75 Grand Am and 1977 Can Am combined luxury with performance features to emulate European coupes, focusing on balancing handling with power.
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Common 1988 Pontiac Lemans problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Pontiac LeMans 1988, common problems with this car include:
- Build Quality Concerns: The Pontiac LeMans was criticized for its build quality issues, indicating that the car may have had structural weaknesses or components that were prone to failure.
- Engine Reliability: The Pontiac LeMans faced challenges under the hood, with reports of issues like head gasket failures, slow performance, and noisy operation on the highway due to a 3-speed transmission.
- Transmission Problems: The THM-125 3-speed automatic transmission in the Pontiac LeMans was highlighted as a significant issue, being described as slow and noisy, impacting the car's overall performance and fuel efficiency.
- Mechanical Failures: Owners mentioned mechanical problems like the automatic seat belts malfunctioning, potentially causing safety concerns, and the need for regular part replacements like distributor caps and ignition cables.
- Quality of Components: Complaints pointed to poor quality rubber hoses and gaskets in the Pontiac LeMans, leading to issues like coolant leaks and failures after only a few hundred miles of use.
- Overall Reliability: The Pontiac LeMans was generally perceived as a car with reliability issues, with some owners expressing disappointment in its performance and longevity, suggesting that it fell short of expectations in terms of durability and quality.
These problems collectively contributed to a negative ownership experience for many Pontiac LeMans 1988 owners, highlighting various aspects of the car that were prone to failure or subpar performance.
1988 Pontiac Lemans car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Lemans problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Seat belts problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Suspension problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1988 Pontiac Lemans vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1988 Pontiac Lemans complaints
The NHTSA has received 24 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1988 Pontiac Lemans.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: FINGERS BENT AND TWISTED INDEX AND MIDDLE FINGERS ARE BENT AND TWISTED TOWARDS THE BABY FINGERS. THUNBS ARE BENT OUTWARD AWAY FROM HANDS. HANDS ARE PAINFUL. BENDING AND TWISTING DOESN'T APPEAR AS BADLY AS OTHER DRIVERS. PLEASE VIEW PHOTO AT HTTP://PHOTOS.YAHOO.COM/MIKETOMICH THIS INFORMATION IS BEING PROVIDED ON BEHALF OF JOAN LOPEZ BY MIKE TOMICH 989-665-2311. DT
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-17
- VIN: KL7TR5165JB
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING FRONT SPRINGS BROKE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. ONE SET BROKE WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL. THE OTHER SET BROKE WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT. HAVE NOT TAKEN VEHICLE TO DEALER YET. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-01
- VIN: KL2TN5163JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL FILLER NECK LEAKED FUEL DUE TO IMPROPER WELDING PRIOR TO/AFTER RECALL. OWNER NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE (88V-094.000). *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: PLASTIC COMPONENTS IN THE DASHBOARD THAT CONTROL THE INTERIOR DASHBOARD LIGHTS MELTED AND STARTED TO BURN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-12
- VIN: KL2TS216XJB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE SHOULDER BELT, THE SHOULDER BELT IS LOCKED IN PLACE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING (FAILED) . PLEASE DESCRIBE .*AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-12
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL2TN5166JB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: THE SEAT BELT COME OUT OF BUCKLE WHEN CONSUMER WAS IN ACCIDENT. TT CONSUMER STATES SHE WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH AND A DEER RAN OUT IN FRONT OF HER VEHICLE ON IMPACT AND SEAT BELT CAME OPEN, AND CONSUMER AND CONSUMER WENT INTO CONSOLE, WAS THORWN AROUND IN VEHICLE, DAMAGE WAS FRONT LEFT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, HOOD, AND RIGHT FENDER, CONSUMER ALSO SUFFERED INJURIES.*JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-09-09
- VIN: KL2TN516XJB
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MISALIGNED FRONT END, CAUSING NOISE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-09-09
- VIN: KL2TN516XJB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED LEAKING VALVE COVER GASKET.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-27
- VIN: KL2TN516XJB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPLACED NOISY FRONT BRAKE PADS.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-27
- VIN: KL2TN516XJB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: REPLACED REAR BRAKE SHOES.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-11-30
- VIN: KL2TN516XJB
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL DOWN.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-05-03
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: KL2TN2168JB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SEAT BELT FAILURE, SHOULDER BELT DID NOT KEEP DRIVER FROM HITTING WINDSHIELD. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-06-01
- VIN: KL2TN2166JD
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: VEHICLES FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT IT IS JAMMED IN ONE POSITION. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-10-01
- VIN: KL2TN2161JB
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: CONSUMER WAS LOCK IN SEAT BELT TRY TO RELEASE THE BELT TO GET OUT COULDN'T RELEASE BELT THIS ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT. TT
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1988-10-04
- VIN: KL2TN2163JR
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C FAILURE.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-03-19
- VIN: KL2TN2163JR
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: FRONT COIL SPRINGS REPLACED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-05-05
- VIN: KL2TN2163JR
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: FRONT/REAR BRAKES REPLACED. *AW
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1990-05-05
- VIN: KL2TN2163JR
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: LEFT/FRONT CV BOOT REPLACED.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1989-01-01
- VIN: KL2TN2163JR
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SHOULDER BELT TOO SHORT, CAUSING FASTENING DIFFICULTY.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-24
- VIN: KL2TN5165JB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSAXLE FAILED, ALSO TRANSMISSION MOUNTS FAILED THREE TIMES, CAUSING TRANSMISSION TO FAIL. Z*SKD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-24
- VIN: KL2TN5165JB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS FAILED, ALSO DEFECTIVE CALIPERS, CAUSING PREMATURE WEAR ON FRONT PADS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-24
- VIN: KL2TN5165JB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TIMING BELT FAILED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-01-24
- VIN: KL2TN5165JB
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: DISTRIBUTOR MODULE FAILED.
1988 Pontiac Lemans recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1988 Pontiac Lemans.
- 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: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES MAY NOT LATCH OR MAY NOT RELEASE DUE TO THE FRACTURE OF THE RED RELEASE PUSH BUTTON.
- Consequence: THE BUCKLE MALFUNCTION WOULD PREVENT THE USE OF THESAFETY BELT SYSTEM, PLACING THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT IN INCREASED RISK OF INJURYIN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
- Remedy: REPLACE OR REPAIR THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
- Summary: SEAT BELT BUCKLES MAY NOT PROPERLY LATCH ALLOWING THE LATCH PLATE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE BUCKLE WITHOUT PRESSING THE RELEASE BUTTON.
- Consequence: IN EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR COLLISION, SEAT BELT COULDRELEASE, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE SEAT BELT BUCKLES.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: FUEL FILLER NECK MAY HAVE BEEN INCOMPLETELY WELDED, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK FROM THE NECK ASSEMBLY.
- Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION IMPACT, FUEL SPILLAGE INEXCESS OF AMOUNT ALLOWED BY FMVSS 301 COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL FILLER NECK ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1988 Pontiac Lemans problems:
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