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Pontiac Lemans — Years to Avoid

Reliability breakdown of every Pontiac Lemans model year. Based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, and safety investigations.

Model Years
27
Years to Avoid
1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1978
Best Years
1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1972, 1970, 1969
1993Avoid
32 complaints2 recalls1 invest.2 TSBs
1992Avoid
28 complaints2 recalls2 invest.2 TSBs
1991Avoid
35 complaints3 recalls3 invest.2 TSBs
1990Avoid
31 complaints3 recalls3 invest.1 TSBs
1989
20 complaints2 recalls1 invest.
1988Avoid
24 complaints4 recalls2 invest.
1987Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1986Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1985Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1984Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1983Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1982Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1981
0 complaints1 recalls1 invest.
1980
0 complaints5 recalls1 invest.
1979
0 complaints5 recalls1 invest.
1978Avoid
0 complaints8 recalls1 invest.
1977
2 complaints3 recalls
1976
0 complaints2 recalls
1975
0 complaints2 recalls
1974
0 complaints4 recalls
1973
0 complaints4 recalls
1972Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1971
0 complaints1 recalls
1970Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1969Best Year
0 complaints0 recalls
1968
0 complaints1 recalls
1967
0 complaints1 recalls

How we calculate this

Each year receives a composite risk score based on NHTSA owner complaints, federal recalls, safety investigations, and technical service bulletins. Years scoring more than 2x the model's average are flagged as “years to avoid.” Years in the lowest risk bracket are marked as “best years.” All data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Which Pontiac Lemans Years Should You Avoid?

Based on federal safety data, the 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988, 1978 Pontiac Lemans are the most problematic years, with significantly higher rates of owner complaints, recalls, and safety investigations compared to other model years.

If you're shopping for a used Pontiac Lemans, consider the 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1972, 1970, 1969 model years — these have the fewest reported issues relative to other years.

27 model years analyzed