Pontiac Parisienne problems
The Pontiac Parisienne is a full-size rear-wheel drive vehicle that was sold by Pontiac on the GM B platform in Canada from 1958 to 1986 and in the United States from 1983 to 1986. Right-hand drive models were locally assembled in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa until 1969. For most of its run, the Canadian Parisienne was nearly mechanically identical to the American Chevrolet Impala or Chevrolet Caprice. The Parisienne wagon continued under the Safari nameplate until 1989. Parisienne or La Parisienne means a grammatically female person or thing from Paris, France.
Differences from US Pontiacs
The Parisienne entered the production lineup as a sub-series within the Laurentian line in the 1958 model year. Parisienne became a separate model in 1959.
For most of its life, the Parisienne was the Canadian nameplate for the top-of-the-line model sold in GM of Canada's Pontiac showrooms. Parisiennes were distinct from other Canadian Pontiac models by their standard features: the luxuriousness of upholstery fabrics; standard equipment such as courtesy interior and trunk lights; bright trim mouldings in the interior; distinct exterior accent chrome pieces; and availability of two- and four-door hardtops and convertibles.
In particular, Canadian "full size" Pontiacs were actually closely related to Chevrolets, making use of the economical Chevrolet chassis and drivetrain, though with the American Pontiac-styled exterior body panels (They weren't the same as U.S. Pontiac panels since they had to fit the shorter-wheelbase 119-inch Chevrolet "X" frame. U.S. Pontiacs used a full perimeter frame.) and interior instrument panels. As Chevrolets under the skin, Canadian Pontiacs including the Parisienne used the same engines and transmissions as full-size Chevys, including the 230 and 250 cubic inch 6 cylinder and 283, 307, 327, 350, 396, 400, 409, 427 and 454 cu inch V8s. These engines were mated to the same transmissions as Chevrolet, including 3 and 4 speed manual and the 2 speed Powerglide and later the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions.
The first Parisienne, offered for the 1958 model year, was a super deluxe "halo" model in the Laurentian line, much like Chevrolet's Bel Air Impala of the same year. Chevrolet's Ramjet fuel injection system, introduced in 1957 in the U.S., was a Parisienne option as well. It was marketed as the "Power Chief" option, but it was identical to Chevy's Ramjet. Also available for the first year Parisienne was Chevrolet's Turboglide automatic transmission.
Built in the same GM of Canada assembly plant in Oshawa, Ontario, Pontiacs had parallel model lineups as "full size" Chevrolets: the Pontiac "Strato Chief" had similar trim level and upholstery as Chevrolet's "Biscayne", the "Laurentian" matched the trim level of the Chevrolet "Bel Air" and while the Parisienne offered similar amenities as Chevrolet's "Impala", the Pontiac version had unique and more costly upholstery fabrics, and beginning in 1964 the "Custom Sport" (later rebadged the "2+2") two-door hardtop and convertible model line was in lock-step with Chevrolet's "Super Sport". Finally, starting in 1966 Pontiac offered the "Grande Parisienne", in two-door and four-door hardtop models parallel to Chevrolet's luxurious "Caprice," although Grande Parisiennes through 1967 used the styling of the US-market Grand Prix. Also for 1967 and 1968 a Grande Parisienne wagon was offered. Through most of its life, the Parisienne resembled the US-market Bonneville despite its Chevrolet underpinnings.
In contrast, the Pontiac Motor Division of GM in the US manufactured models with drivetrains, chassis and equipment unique from the other GM stablemates—Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Buick, and Cadillac. Through much of the 1950s through 1970s, the American Pontiac model lineup included the "Catalina", "Ventura", "Executive", "Star Chief" and as the top of the line model, the "Bonneville". Additionally, unique to the US lineup until 1969 was the "Grand Prix", a distinct 2-door hardtop model with unique styling features and both luxury and "sporty" accoutrements such high output V8s, bucket seats, tachometers and flashy trim pieces.
The mix of Pontiac exterior styling on an economical Chevrolet chassis and drivetrain at a price point marginally higher than Chevrolet, was a huge marketing success for GM of Canada. For decades "full-size" Pontiacs took third place behind Chevrolet and Ford in sales, typically 70,000 plus units annually. In contrast, heavier and bulkier American Pontiacs, with far higher sticker prices and higher operating costs due to large displacement V8s requiring high octane fuel, would have little appeal in the Canadian marketplace for a number of reasons: a population base one tenth the size of the US, a less stratified society with lower disposable incomes, more prudent spending and savings sensibilities and far higher taxes and gasoline prices. On the manufacturing side, maintaining unique part availability for a low-sales vehicle along with import-export tariffs and barriers between the U.S. and Canada would make the sale of American Pontiacs unprofitable in Canada.
In 1977, GM downsized its full-sized lineup. Pontiac continued with the Catalina and Bonneville nameplates it had used since 1973, but the cars failed to manage the sales volume of their divisional siblings and were dropped completely in 1981. However, the Bonneville name was then simply switched to the smaller G-body Pontiac (the cousin of the Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Buick Regal) for 1982. Previously, those cars had been sold as the LeMans, but sales were poor and GM decided to swap nameplates on the grounds that Bonneville carried higher name recognition among customers.
With the recession of 1979–82 lifting and gas prices beginning to drop, sales of larger cars began to pick up and so Pontiac dealers began demanding the return of the full-sized B-body line. However, the assembly plants used for the Catalina/Bonneville had been converted over to other uses, thus GM had to now source Pontiac B-bodies from Canada, where the line had not been discontinued.
Even though the re-sized Bonneville was also sold in Canada, the full-size Parisienne continued for 1982, although its distinct Pontiac front- and rear-end treatments and interiors were largely replaced with Chevrolet components (described in detail below). At the request of US Pontiac dealerships who still wanted a full-size rear wheel drive car to replace the lost U.S. market share and gain back traditional Pontiac customers who longed for a large rear wheel drive car, the Parisienne was imported from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada and sold in the United States beginning in the 1983 model year, retaining the model name "Parisienne" and specs from the Canadian original. Externally, it was a rebadged Chevrolet Impala (1983-84 models (and 1982 in Canada) had the Impala rear taillight panel fitted with Pontiac-spec taillight lenses, whereas the nose was borrowed from the Chevrolet Caprice fitted with a Pontiac grille). The 1985 and 1986 models resumed use of the rear-end styling from the 1980 to 1981 Bonneville. Two Parisienne ranges were sold: a base model (similar to the former Catalina and the then-current Oldsmobile Delta 88 Royale) in four-door sedan and Safari station wagon form, and a more-luxurious Brougham four-door sedan (with velour upholstery that featured loose-pillow fitted seats). The two-door version of the 1977-81 B-bodies did not return to the US market, although it persisted in Canada through 1983.
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Pontiac Parisienne model years
Common Pontiac Parisienne problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Pontiac Parisienne, common problems with this car include issues with starting the engine, misfiring, and air conditioning problems.
- Engine Starting Issues:
Owners have reported difficulties starting the engine, with symptoms like slow cranking, high compression, or partial seizing. This could be due to various factors such as lifters leaking down, causing excessive compression strokes, or issues with the starter, battery, or electrical system. Recommendations include checking for coolant in the cylinders, inspecting the oil for unusual colors, and performing maintenance like fogging the cylinders and changing the oil. - Misfiring and Hesitation:
Another common complaint is misfiring and hesitation during acceleration. This could be caused by a range of issues such as a faulty PCV valve, problems with the ignition system like the HEI module or timing chain, or carburetor issues. Owners have suggested checking the ignition module wires for breakage, inspecting the timing chain for plastic teeth, and ensuring proper functioning of the EGR valve. Regular maintenance like spark plug replacement, distributor cap, and wires are also crucial. - Air Conditioning Ventilation Problems:
Some owners have experienced air conditioning problems where air only blows through the floorboard and defrost vents, not through the main vents. This issue is often linked to a malfunctioning HVAC control switch that controls the directional vent door. Replacing this switch can help restore proper airflow through the main vents.
In conclusion, the Pontiac Parisienne, like any older vehicle, can face a range of issues related to engine performance, ignition, and HVAC systems. Regular maintenance, thorough inspections, and addressing issues promptly can help keep this classic car running smoothly.
Are Pontiac parisiennes rare?
But regardless of what's under the hood, the Parisienne is notably rarer than any US-made Pontiac of the era. Accurate production numbers are not available, but yearly output rarely exceeded 60,000 units throughout the 1960s. And these totals include five different body styles.
What motor was in the Pontiac Parisienne?
As Chevrolets under the skin, Canadian Pontiacs including the Parisienne used the same engines and transmissions as full-size Chevys, including the 230 and 250 cubic inch 6 cylinder and 283, 307, 327, 350, 396, 400, 409, 427 and 454 cu inch V8s.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne have?
The base engine in the final-year Parisienne was a 4.3-liter Chevy V6 good for 130 horses. This car has the optional 305-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) Chevy small-block V8 rated at 15o horsepower.
What is the American version of the Pontiac Parisienne?
For most of its life, the Parisienne was the Canadian nameplate for the Bonneville, sold in Pontiac's Canadian showrooms, while American Pontiac dealers sold the Catalina, Ventura, Star Chief and Bonneville (the Catalina and Ventura were also available in Canada).
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Parisienne years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Parisienne cars and compiled the top 2 most problematic Pontiac Parisienne model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Parisienne model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Parisienne years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac Parisienne car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Parisienne , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Wheels problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Parisienne vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Parisienne model years
A total of 2 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Parisienne model years
There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Parisienne . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Parisienne vehicles.
List of Pontiac Parisienne complaints
Pontiac Parisienne 1985
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2003-12-22
- Fire: 1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE'S TRANSMISSION CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING, SO SHE PLACED THE VEHICLE IN LOW GEAR WHICH RESULTED IN A FIRE THAT HAD SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. *SC *JB
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-11
- Date Complaint: 2001-04-11
- VIN: 1G2BL35H6GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE IN 3/00. IN ONE INCIDENT, BRAKES FAILED COMPLETELY AT HIGHWAY SPEED; BY SHEER LUCK I WAS ABLE TO AVOID CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THIS BRAKE SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECALLED, BUT GM REFUSES TO WORK ON MY CAR BECAUSE THE VIN NUMBER IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND FURTHER BRAKE FAILURES COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. *AK
Pontiac Parisienne 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1987-03-12
- Date Complaint: 1999-03-11
- VIN: 1G2BL69H1FX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MPH THE CRUISE CONTROL SLIPPED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. CONSUMER TOOK CRUISE CONTROL OFF AND APPLIED THE BRAKES. *AK
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1990-06-19
- Date Complaint: 1998-03-17
- VIN: IG2BL3SH6GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, POWER MASTER ASSEMBLY REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES HOWEVER BRAKES CONTINUE TO FAIL.
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 1997-08-06
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: LEFT WHEEL CAME OFF, BENDING FENDER.
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-10
- Date Complaint: 1997-05-06
- VIN: 1G2BL35YXGX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED 4 TIMES.
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1994-06-28
- Date Complaint: 1997-04-22
- VIN: 1G2BL35H5GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: POWER BRAKE HYDRO BOOSTER FAILED. *AK
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-15
- Date Complaint: 1996-10-16
- VIN: 1G2BT69Y0G1
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY
- Summary: STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN, BRAKES APPLIED; VERY LOW SPEED. *AK UPON ACCELERATION VEHICLE DOES NOT PICK UP SPEED THERE IS A HORRIBLE SMELL OF PRESTONE IN THE VEHICLE, THE WINDOWS FOG UP AND IT HAS PRE IGNITION, THE POWER STEERING FLUID AND OIL DISAPPEARS AS QUICKLY AS CONSUMER PUTS IN.*JB
Pontiac Parisienne 1985
- Date Of Incident: 1996-09-11
- Date Complaint: 1996-09-13
- VIN: 1G2BT69H7FX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: MASTER CYLINDER FAILED TWICE, ALSO POWER BOOSTER FAILED. *AK
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-08
- Date Complaint: 1996-05-15
- VIN: 1G2BL35Y6GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: HARD BRAKE PEDAL AFTER RECALL REPAIRS..
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-16
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-17
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2BL69H5GX
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ACCELERATOR STUCK AND WENT TO FULL THROTTLE AND THE BRAKES COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-11
- Date Complaint: 1996-04-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2BL35Y6GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE FAILURE RESULTED IN ACCIDENT. *DH
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1988-05-18
- Date Complaint: 1996-01-24
- VIN: 1G2BL35H0GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED 3 TIMES. *SD
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1990-09-15
- Date Complaint: 1995-08-30
- VIN: 1G2BL35Y6GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ELECTRONIC POWER BOOSTER BRAKE SYSTEM LEAKS BRAKE FLUID; BRAKE SWITCH REPLACED; REOCCURRED; NO BRAKING PROBLEMS, CAUGHT/REPLACED IN TIME. TT
Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Date Of Incident: 1995-08-02
- Date Complaint: 1995-08-03
- VIN: 1G2BL35H0GX
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONTINUE INTERMITTENTLY BRAKE LIGHT COME, APPLIED BRAKE LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE (ABS). TT
Latest 5 recalls Pontiac Parisienne
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 10 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Parisienne.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- 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.
- Model: Pontiac Parisienne 1985
- Report Received Date: 2007-10-24
- 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.
- Model: Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- 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).
- Model: Pontiac Parisienne 1985
- Report Received Date: 2006-05-19
- 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).
- Model: Pontiac Parisienne 1986
- Report Received Date: 1989-06-16
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A SMALL NYLON BUSHING IN THE CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL MAY SLIP OUT OF PLACE, CAUSING INTERMITTENT AND UNEXPECTED INCREASES IN ENGINE SPEED OR DIESELING (ENGINE RUN ON WITH IGNITION OFF).
- Consequence: SERVO ROD ASSEMBLY COULD CATCH ON ENGINE COMPONENTS ANDRESULT IN A STUCK THROTTLE WITH POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: INSTALL A NEW BUSHING IN CRUISE CONTROL SERVO BAIL.
Are you having problems with your Pontiac Parisienne?
