RoadVitals

1987 Pontiac 6000

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest May 18, 2005
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 19, 2006
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
5
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
4

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1987 Pontiac 6000, most frequently naming the body & structure, steering and brakes categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 5 NHTSA investigations name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Body & structure313.6%
  • Steering313.6%
  • Brakes313.6%
  • Driver assistance313.6%
  • Engine29.1%
  • Electrical29.1%
  • Seat belts29.1%
  • Visibility14.5%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
The remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Jun 23, 1987
6,004 units potentially affected
The defect: THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH MAY EXHIBIT BRAKE FLUID SEEPAGE WHICH EVENTUALLY CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR. ADDITIONALLY, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND ABS ELECTRICAL RELAYS MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO WATER CONTAMINATION DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR AND/OR LOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION.
The risk: LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR WOULD RESULT IN A TOTALLOSS OF REAR BRAKES AS WELL AS POWER ASSIST TO THE FRONT BRAKES. THE RED BRAKEWARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON. IF THIS WARNING IS NOT HEEDED, ALOSS OF REAR BRAKES AT A TIME WHEN MINIMUM STOPPING DISTANCE IS REQUIRED COULDRESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH. AN INOPERATIVE ABS ELECTRICAL RELAY COULD CAUSELOSS OF THE ABS FUNCTION, BUT NORMAL POWER ASSISTED BRAKING WOULD BE RETAINED.THE AMBER ANTI LOCK WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND STAY ON.
The remedy: THE ABS AND HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ELECTRICAL RELAYS AND 30 AMP FUSES WILL BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE HYDRAULIC PUMP MOTOR ASSEMBLY AND PRESSURE/WARNING SWITCH WILL BE INSPECTED AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACED.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD

Mar 16, 1987
39 units potentially affected
The defect: POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN THE WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING COULD ALLOW THE WINDSHIELD TO SEPARATE DURING A 30 MPH FRONTAL BARRIER TEST REQUIRED BY FMVSS 212.
The risk: IF WINDSHIELD GLASS SEPARATION OCCURS DURING ANACCIDENT, AN UNBELTED OCCUPANT COULD BE EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND INJURED.
The remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELDS TO ASSURE PROPER BOND ADHESION.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE94048ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

SUB-FRAME ABSORBER FAILURE

Opened Jun 21, 1994
Closed Dec 30, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EA92024ClosedEngineering Analysis

STICKING THROTTLE

Opened Jun 26, 1992
Closed Jan 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
EA89026ClosedEngineering Analysis

LOSS OF POWER STEERING

Opened Jun 12, 1989
Closed Oct 9, 1990

SUMMARY: THE COMPLAINTS DESCRIBE A FAILURE OF THE PRESSURE HOSECONNECTED TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP.USED ONLY ON THE 4 CYL MODELS.THIS PART HAS BEEN REDESIGNED AND EACH GM DIVISION HAS ISSUED ASERVICE BULLETIN.WARRANTY CLAIMS AND PARTS SALES ARE VERY HIGH.===

STEERING
PE89105ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

POWER STEERING HOSE FAILS

Opened Mar 20, 1989
Closed Jun 12, 1989

===

STEERING

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed May 18, 2005

FUEL TANK FUEL LINES AND BRAKE LINES ARE RUSTING. FUEL TANK IS SEEPING GASOLINE WHEN FULL.

NHTSA ID
10121356
Incident
May 17, 2005
Body & structure
Filed Mar 10, 2004

CONSUMER STATED THAT ENGINE CRADLE CRACKED AT THE CONTROL ARM. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 1988 MODELS, BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO REPAIR SHOP, AND WAS TOLD THAT ENGINE CRADLE CRACKED, AND IT WOULD BE EXPENSIVE TO FIX THE ENGINE CRADLE. *AK

NHTSA ID
10062917
Incident
Mar 10, 2004
Body & structure
Filed Mar 10, 2004

THIS IS REFERRING TO A CURRENT RECALL THAT NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED. YOUR CURRENT RECALL # IS 88V048000 UNDER THE NHTSA GUIDELINES. THIS RECALL INCLUDES CARS FOR ONE MONTH OF PRODUCTION FOR ONE YEAR. THE PROBLEM EXISTS IN ALL YEARS OF THE CAR, 88 AND EARLIER. I AM A MEMBER OF A CLUB THAT HAS OVER 200 MEMBERS WITH THIS PROBLEM ON THERE CAR. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO CONTACT YOU PHONE, BUT HAS BEEN BUSY FROM 12 MIDNIGHT, TO 12 MIDNIGHT. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM AND I CAN PROVIDE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THIS CLAIM. IN 1989 GM UPGRADED THEIR ENGINE CRADLE WITH A SUPPORT BRACKET TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM FROM OCCURING. MY QUESTION IS, WHAT ABOUT THE 10 OF THOUSANDS OF CARS STILL ON THE ROAD TO TODAY THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM, AND COULD BE POTENTIALLY FATAL FOR A NUMBER OF PEOPLE.*AK

NHTSA ID
10061825
Incident
Mar 10, 2004
Electrical
Filed Dec 24, 2003
Fire reported

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED UNDERHOOD FIRE WHILE DRIVING.*MR WHILE PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE AT 68 MPH THE VEHICLE MADE A POPPING SOUND AND THE VEHICLE'S SPEED REDUCED. THE CONSUMER THEN NOTICED SMOKE EMITTING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND PULLED ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE WITH HER SON AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE UNDER THE VEHICLE. *PH *NM

NHTSA ID
10053306
Incident
Aug 24, 2003
Driver assistanceEngine
Filed Sep 22, 1999

RADIATOR FAILED. NLM

NHTSA ID
548652
Brakes
Filed Jan 16, 1999
Crash reported

SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE I HAVE HAD A HISTORY OF BRAKE PROBLEMS THAT INCLUDE REAR BRAKE LOCKING AND CAR GOING INTO SPINS ON SNOW AND ICE. I HAVE HAD THREE MASTER CYLINDERS REPLACED, I HAVE HAD REAR BRAKING SYSTEM INSPECTED AND SERVICED BY FIRESTONE. GOODYEAR, AUTOMOTIVE SPECIALISTS, CARX AND NO ONE HAS BEEN ABLE TO CORRECT THE REAR WHEEL LOCKING PROBLEM FOR ANY EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME . OFTEN THE PROBLEM ONLY SEEMS TO OCCUR WHEN THE WEATHER IS DAMP. ON JAN 13 MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND HIT THE BRAKE AND THE CAR WENT INTO A SPIN AND HIS REAR END STRUCK ONCOMING VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY NEITHER WAS INJURED. I WISH I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF NHTSA BEFORE NOW BECAUSE THIS CAR HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS (POWER STEERING, SPARK KNOCKING, AND ENGINE VALVE COVER LEAKING TO NAME A FEW). I LOOKED AT THE NUMBER OF TECHNICAL BULLETINS ON THIS CAR AND WAS SHOCKED! I NEVER HAVE BEEN CONTACTED BY PONTIAC OF DEALER FOR A SINGLE CAMPAIGN ON THIS CAR IN ALL THE YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. I KNOW ANOTHER OWNER OF A 6000 STE WHO IS ALSO HAVING SIMILAR BRAKE PROBLEMS. HIS MOTHER HAS A 6000 AND HER CAR GOES INTO SPINS LIKE MINE. I HAVE RECORDS OF ALL OF THE SERVICE PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE THE PAST 4-5 YEARS.PLEASE DON'T ALLOW OTHER OWNERS OF PONTIAC 6000 RISK DEATH OR INJURY FROM THEIR BRAKE SYSTEM FAILURE.

NHTSA ID
702270
Brakes
Filed Nov 9, 1998

BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND WHEN DRIVING AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES WERE HARD AND THE CONSUMER HAD TO PUSH DOWN HARD ON THE BRAKES TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY SEP. '86, THIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURED DEC. '86, BUT HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS. *AK *ML

NHTSA ID
830485
Incident
Aug 14, 1998
Driver assistance
Filed Oct 19, 1998
Crash reported

WAS PULLING OUT OF PARKING SPACE ABOUT 5MPH WHEN VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. HAD NO WARNING. VEHICLE HIT TRUCK ACROSS STREET. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER. *AK

NHTSA ID
829173
Incident
Sep 24, 1998

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac 6000 by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
1992001
1991622
1990112257.5
1989162251.5
1988143450.1
1987Viewing183564.9
1986164357.2
1985524
1984147
1983325
1982024
1981001
1980001

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.