The 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix has 5 recalls, the most serious involving corroded engine cradle bolt retainers that can allow the cradle to drop and the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear, causing a complete loss of steering control.
Two other recalls carry the same severity level. Wheel lug nuts on certain vehicles may not have been tightened to specification at the factory, allowing them to loosen over time and eventually let a wheel separate from the vehicle entirely while driving. There is also a transmission concern: a shift cable can disengage from the steering column connection, putting the transmission in a gear that does not match what the gear selector display shows. A driver expecting park or neutral may find the car moves unexpectedly, with no warning beforehand.
On the safety equipment side, the shoulder belt guide loop mounted at the upper rear corner of the door can press against the surrounding trim molding in a way that cuts through the belt webbing during a crash, reducing the belt's ability to hold an occupant. Finally, certain vehicles do not meet the required standard for parking brake holding force on a grade, meaning the parking brake may not keep the car stationary on a slope when the transmission is not engaged.
At a glance
What can fail
Corrosion can weaken the retainers holding the rear engine cradle bolts. The bolts may pull through, causing the cradle to lose support and the steering shaft to separate from the steering gear.
What the fix does
The rear cradle bolts and retainers will be replaced with new parts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The parking brake may not hold the vehicle on a slope as required by safety standards.
What the fix does
No remedy is currently available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front shoulder belt guide loop at the upper rear door corner may interfere with the trim molding. During a crash, the belt webbing could be cut by the guide, increasing injury risk.
What the fix does
A newly designed guide loop nut and spacer will be installed to prevent interference with the trim molding.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The transmission shift cable can rub against the gear selector clip and come loose from its connection point. This may cause the transmission to be in a different gear than what the dashboard display shows.
What the fix does
A redesigned gear selector clip will be installed to prevent the shift cable from rubbing and disconnecting.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Wheel lug nuts may not have been tightened to the correct specification during assembly, allowing them to loosen or come off. This could lead to wheel separation and loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
Technicians will check that lug nuts are properly tightened. Any loose or missing lug nuts and damaged studs will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
