The 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix has 5 recalls, the most serious involving three separate issues that can each cause a sudden loss of vehicle control: corroded engine cradle bolts that let the steering shaft separate from the steering gear, loose wheel lug nuts that can allow a wheel to detach while driving, and a transmission shift cable that can slip free and leave the vehicle in a different gear than the shifter indicates.
On the safety equipment side, the front shoulder belt guide loop on the door can catch against the interior trim molding and cut through the seatbelt webbing in a crash, reducing the belt's ability to restrain the occupant. There is also a brake concern: the parking brake may not meet the required standard for holding the vehicle on a grade, meaning it may not reliably keep the car stationary when parked on a slope.
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.
