Model year guide

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 142 on record.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints142
Combined20 mpg
Typical price$4,208

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix recalls 1

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · 03/07/2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix MPG & running costs

Combined20 mpg
City17 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,475

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix worth?

Low
$1,900
Typical price
$4,208
High
$7,000

From 141 comparable 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$17,375
Depreciation (5 yrs)$2,850
Total$20,225
Per mile$0.27

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($4,208) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,383), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix trims & engines on record

Trims
Base · GXP · SD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 5.3L 8-cyl

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Grand Prix model years

2008 Pontiac Grand Prix — frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix?

Based on 142 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are exterior lighting, electrical system, power train.

What is the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix crash-test ratings of frontal 5★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix at about 20 mpg combined (17 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix worth?

Comparable 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix listings run roughly $1,900–$7,000, typically around $4,208 (from 141 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.