AI Damage1992 Pontiac Lemans: common problems
Owners of the 1992 Pontiac Lemans filed 21 complaints with NHTSA, most often about seat belts and exterior lighting. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 21
- involving a crash
- 2
What fails most often
- 1 Seat belts 57% of all complaints
- 2 Exterior lighting 14% of all complaints
- 3 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- 4 Electrical system 10% of all complaints
- 5 Powertrain 10% of all complaints
- 6 Engine and cooling 5% of all complaints
- 7 Equipment 5% of all complaints
- 8 Latches, locks, linkages 5% of all complaints
- Seat belts: 12 complaints (57% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Exterior lighting: 3 complaints (14% of all).
- Service brakes: 3 complaints (14% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 2 complaints (10% of all).
- Powertrain: 2 complaints (10% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 1.6 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- manual, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 21 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat belts | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Latches, locks, linkages | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
The drivers seatbelt shoulder portion would not restrain occupant in an accident. Please describe. Tt
Upon applying brake during panic stop, at approx. 10-12mph, brake pedal went to floor, allowing vehicle to continue to roll forward, no prior warning. Tt
Brakes continuously squeal even after repair/replacement; mechanics say dirt in wheels; lights go to bright when turn signals put on; door latch failed; spring snapped and flew out from beneath car on smooth surface, no warning sounds or feel; flew out behind car at speed of 10 mph or less - unable to find part…
Heater blower switch failure. Replaced switch three times, each time the switch melted and became inoperative. The last time it was replaced the wiring to which the switch is connected also melted. In regards to the drivers side automatic shoulder belt, it fails to retract.
Drivers and passengers side seat bel is do not restrain occupants while driving, seatbelts will come loose. Problem is intermittent. Dealers cannot correct problem.
While driving at night experienced headlamp switch failure, when turning switch to on position, light doesn't come on, unless pressed firmly and holding switch to keep lights on. Dealer replaced switch several times since 1994, now in shop for sixth replacement, when occurs must drive and hold switch.
Headlights goes off due to faulty switch; driver stranded on highway road; switch replaced 5 times. Tt
Bolt that hold hinge on side of trunk snapped resulting the trunk collapsing. Tt
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 8,077 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 22% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Lemans has 17 complaints (7 years in the data). This year has 21, above average.
What to check before buying
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Exterior lighting. Headlamps, leveling, sensors and mounts after a frontal hit.
- Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1992 Pontiac Lemans?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: seat belts, exterior lighting, service brakes. Total complaints: 21. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: seat belts (24%), A/C or heater (5%), door locks, latches, handles (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1992 Pontiac Lemans?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1992 Pontiac Lemans from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1992 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.