1992 Pontiac Grand Prix

Introduction: The 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix is a mid-size coupe that was available with three engine options: a 3.1L V6, a 3.8L V6, and a 5.0L V8. The 3.1L V6 had 140 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.8L V6 had 170 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0L V8 had 200 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All three engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. People like the Grand Prix for its stylish exterior, comfortable interior, and powerful engine options. However, it has some reliability issues that can be expensive to fix.

Engine

3.1L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaking from the intake manifold, rough idling, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking from the valve cover gaskets, burning oil smell.
  • Solution: Replace the valve cover gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

3.8L V6

• Plenum Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaking from the plenum, overheating, rough idling.
  • Solution: Replace the plenum gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Intake Manifold Runner Control (IMRC) Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Decreased engine performance, poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replace the IMRC actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.0L V8

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and oil leaking from the intake manifold, rough idling, decreased engine performance.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $700 - $1200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Steering Pump Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power steering, whining noise.
  • Solution: Replace the power steering pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Shift Solenoid Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission not shifting gears properly, slipping, or refusing to go into gear.
  • Solution: Replace the shift solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Filter Clogging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering, delayed shifting.
  • Solution: Replace the transmission filter and fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $350+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Ball Joint Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when turning or going over bumps, loose or wobbly steering.
  • Solution: Replace the ball joints.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Sway Bar Link Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise when going over bumps, excessive body roll in corners.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging, electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine not starting, clicking noise when turning the key.
  • Solution: Replace the starter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handle breaks or becomes loose, making it difficult to open the door.
  • Solution: Replace the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Instrument Cluster Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working, flickering, or providing inaccurate readings.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument cluster or repair the electrical connection.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not working, making noise, or moving slowly.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary: Overall, the 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix can be a great car, but it is not without its issues. The most severe problems are the engine gasket failures, which can lead to overheating and other major engine damage. The transmission can also have issues, which can be costly to fix. Other problems, such as electrical failures and suspension problems, are less severe but can still be annoying and expensive to fix. The average cost to fix the issues on a 1992 Pontiac Grand Prix is in the range of $500 - $1000 per issue.