TroubleAtlas Score
PONTIAC 6000 (1982–1991) — Technical Guide, Fault Codes & Maintenance
Built 1982–1991 · all production years covered on this single page
3.1L V6 • Gasoline
1991
© Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA
TroubleAtlas Score
An independent value score for the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) — reliability, safety, cost, parts, upkeep and documentation. Owing nothing to the manufacturer.
Scorecard · each voice 0–10
Reliabilityn/a
Safety & recallsn/a
Repair costn/a
Parts & repairability7.3
Maintenance & durabilityn/a
Documentation & supportn/a
Independent · Verified · Never for sale
Every figure on this Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) page is aggregated and cross-checked against more than 6.6 million real workshop operations, NHTSA records and OEM technical sources — and updated continuously. No invented estimates.
The Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) is powered by a 3.1L V6 engine. Its OEM tyre size is 215/55 R16. Use the sections below for verified fluids, battery, OEM tyres, the maintenance schedule, recommended parts and the most commonly reported OBD2 fault codes for this vehicle.
Common problems
Common repairs
Fluids & lubricants
Battery
Fault codes (OBD2)
Dashboard lights
Parts comparator
Accessories & tools
Tyres
Recalls & TSB
Complaints
Workshops nearby
COMMON PROBLEMS
Transmission fault signal (TCM)MODERATE
The transmission module detected a fault — check separate transmission codes.
Related codes: P0700
Misfire / Loss of cylinderMODERATE
Rough running, idle vibration, power loss.
Related codes: P0300
Thermostat: coolant temperature lowLOW
Thermostat stuck open — engine does not reach operating temperature.
Related codes: P0128
Battery/system voltage lowLOW
System voltage below 10V — check alternator, battery or wiring.
Related codes: P0562
P0011LOW
Check with an OBD2 scanner.
Related codes: P0011
AVERAGE INDICATIVE COSTS
Prices may vary by area and workshop.
Full service
€ 120 – € 200
Full brake service
€ 180 – € 300
Spark plug replacement
€ 80 – € 140
Electronic diagnosis
€ 40 – € 70
WORKSHOP LABOUR RATES BY COUNTRY
Average independent-workshop hourly labour rates, to estimate repair costs in your country.
🇩🇪Germany€95/h
🇪🇸Spain€55/h
🇫🇷France€75/h
🇮🇹Italy€45/h
🇬🇧UK£80/h
🇺🇸USA$120/h
Reference rate
€45/h
Source: Eurostat 2024
💧 FLUIDS & LUBRICANTS
📋 RECALLS & TSB (26)
NHTSA 85V034000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 29/03/1985
THE FUEL SYSTEM MAY LEAK AT THE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION FUEL FEED PIPE CONNECTION. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THIS LEAKAGE COULD RESULT IN AN UNDER…
NHTSA 86V056000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Date: 28/04/1986
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. …
NHTSA 87V093000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Date: 23/06/1987
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 DURI…
NHTSA 87V093000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Date: 23/06/1987
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 DURI…
NHTSA 84V053000
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Tailgate › Latch
Date: 23/04/1984
VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN WIRED IMPROPERLY SO THAT THE TAILGATE LOCK CAN BE RELEASED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS NOT IN PARK OR IS IN MOTION.
NHTSA 86V131000
Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Date: 19/09/1986
THE PUSH PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT. …
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 06E043000
Fuel System, Gasoline
Date: 19/05/2006
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 LI…
NHTSA 88V164000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 18/10/1988
FUEL FEED HOSE COULD LEAK AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA 84V132000
Vehicle Speed Control › Springs
Date: 16/10/1984
THE THROTTLE LINKAGE MAY BIND BECAUSE DURING NORMAL OPERATION, THE THROTTLE BODY CASE MAY INTERFERE WITH THE LINKAGE. THIS INTERFERENCE COULD PREVENT THE THROTTLE FROM CLOSING EVEN THOUGH THE DRIVER HAS REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.
NHTSA 87V034000
Visibility › Windshield
Date: 16/03/1987
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.
NHTSA 95V173000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 15/09/1995
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
NHTSA 95V173000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 15/09/1995
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
NHTSA 95V173000
Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage
Date: 15/09/1995
THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH REAR OUTBOARD SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGES THAT MAY NOT WITHSTAND THE REQUIRED LOAD. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES."
NHTSA 83V092000
Parking Brake › Conventional › Mechanical › Linkage And Cable
Date: 14/09/1983
PARKING BRAKE CABLES CONTAIN INCORRECT SPRINGS. THESE SPRINGS FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 105, "HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEMS".
NHTSA 83V105000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Differential Proportional Valve
Date: 13/10/1983
THE BRAKE PROPORTIONER VALVES MAY BREAK AND SEPARATE FROM THE MASTER CYLINDER. THIS WOULD ALLOW BRAKE FLUID TO LEAK AND WOULD RESULT IN A PARTIAL LOSS OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM.
NHTSA 82V021000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe And Cap
Date: 08/03/1982
UNDER CERTAAIN CONDITIONS, THE HOSE CLAMPS ON THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND FUEL TANK FILLER VENT PIPE COULD FRACTURE. THE FRACTURE OF THESE CLAMPS COULD CAUSE FUEL LEAKAGE AT ANY OF THE FOUR PIPE TO HOSE CONNECTIONS. LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR DURING REFUELING, OR WHILE DRIVING, IF THE F…
NHTSA 84V011000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 06/02/1984
SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.
NHTSA 92V124000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 01/09/1992
THE POWER SEAT OR RECLINER WIRING HARNESS CAN BE PINCHED OR CAN CHAFE ON THE SEAT FRAME OR SPRING SUPPORT ROD, WEARING THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION AND CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
NHTSA 92V124000
Seats › Front Assembly › Recliner
Date: 01/09/1992
THE POWER SEAT OR RECLINER WIRING HARNESS CAN BE PINCHED OR CAN CHAFE ON THE SEAT FRAME OR SPRING SUPPORT ROD, WEARING THROUGH THE WIRE INSULATION AND CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT.
NHTSA 88V048000
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm
Date: 01/04/1988
FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM BRACKET COULD DEVELOP METAL CRACKS.
NHTSA 83V007000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
Date: 01/01/1983
REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED INCORRECTLY WHEN THE METAL END FITTINGS WERE INSTALLED. SOME REAR BRAKE HOSES MAY SEPARATE FROM THE METAL END FITTINGS WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE PULLING FORCE SPECIFIED BY FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 106, "BRAKE HOSES".
COMMON OBD2 CODES TO CHECK
P0420
P0420
Powertrain
P0171
P0171
Powertrain
P0300
P0300
Powertrain
P0128
P0128
Powertrain
P0455
P0455
Powertrain
P0700
P0700
Transmission
P0442
P0442
Powertrain
P0172
P0172
Powertrain
P0401
P0401
Powertrain
All documented fault codes for this vehicle
The most documented diagnostic codes for this model, by system and severity. Tap a code for the full guide.
P0455
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0442
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.62h avgP0440
powertrain
LOW⏱ 0.78h avgP0420
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.24h avgP0300
powertrain
HIGH⏱ 1.22h avgP0172
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.13h avgP0171
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.95h avgP0730
transmission
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0700
transmission
HIGH⏱ 1.25h avgP0401
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 1.25h avgP0011
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 5.4h avgU0100
network
HIGHP0562
electrical
MEDIUM⏱ 0.58h avgP0128
powertrain
MEDIUM⏱ 0.88h avg
DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS — UNIVERSAL GUIDE
53 warning lights classified by urgency. Appears on your vehicle? Check the urgency level.
Show all dashboard warning lights
🔴 IMMEDIATE STOP — pull over
Oil Pressure WarningEngine
Engine Temperature WarningCooling
Brake System WarningBrakes
Immobilizer / Key FaultSecurity
🟠 WARNING — check soon
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) / Check EngineEngine
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)Emissions
Battery / Charging SystemElectrical
Low Fuel WarningFuel
ABS WarningBrakes
Brake Pad Wear IndicatorBrakes
Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)Brakes
Power Steering WarningSteering
ESC / Stability Control FaultChassis
Tire Pressure Warning (TPMS)Chassis
Transmission Temperature WarningTransmission
Transmission / Gearbox FaultTransmission
Airbag / SRS WarningActive safety
EGR / Exhaust Gas Recirculation FaultEmissions
Catalytic Converter / Emissions FaultEmissions
AdBlue / DEF Level LowEmissions
Coolant Level LowCooling
Hybrid / EV System WarningHybrid
EV Charge System FaultHybrid
12V Battery (Hybrid/EV Auxiliary)Hybrid
Suspension Fault / Air SuspensionSuspension
CAN Bus / Network Communication FaultNetwork
Water in Fuel FilterFuel
Diesel Injector FaultFuel
Steering Angle Sensor FaultSteering
Turbo / Boost Pressure FaultEngine
Regenerative Braking Fault (Hybrid/EV)Hybrid
🟡 MONITOR
Fuel Cap / Evap SystemEmissions
4WD / AWD SystemDrivetrain
Bulb Failure WarningLighting
Headlight Range / Leveling FaultLighting
Service / Maintenance DueMaintenance
A/C System FaultHvac
Clutch Wear WarningTransmission
Cruise Control / ACC FaultADAS
🔵 INFORMATION
Engine Temperature Low (Blue)Cooling
Glow Plug / Diesel PreheatEngine
Traction Control / ESC OffChassis
Seatbelt ReminderActive safety
Rear Fog Light IndicatorLighting
Lane Departure / LDWS WarningADAS
Forward Collision Warning (FCW/AEB)ADAS
Blind Spot Monitor FaultADAS
Rear Parking Sensor / Camera FaultADAS
Windshield Washer Fluid LowMaintenance
Door Open WarningBody
Hood / Trunk Open WarningBody
Gear Shift Indicator (Manual)Transmission
Sport / Performance Mode ActiveTransmission
REPORTED COMPLAINTS & PROBLEMS (NHTSA)
94 owner complaints filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Pontiac 6000 across model years 1982–1991. These are real, verified reports submitted by vehicle owners.
6 crash reports 5 fires 3 injuries 1 death
Complaints by model year (most reported first)
Model year 198719
Model year 198617
Model year 198916
Model year 198814
Model year 199011
Model year 19857
Model year 19916
Model year 19833
Most reported components (all years)
Steering19
Service Brakes15
Hydraulic15
Seat Belts13
Power Train7
Electrical System7
Sample reports
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 COMPAR… (MY 1987)
WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 40 MPH, DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND STRUCK TWO SMALL TREES ACROSS THE LANE. DRIVER WAS KILLED INSTANTLY SINCE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN HER. *AK (MY 1985)
RECALL RELATED, 95V173000, INTERIOR SYSTEM RESTRAINT, PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABE THROUGH DEALERSHIP OR MANUFACTURER. TT (MY 1990)
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT) (MY 1985)
Source: NHTSA complaints database (U.S. data.gov). Figures cover production years 1982–1991.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pontiac 6000 have any safety recalls?
Yes — 26 official NHTSA recall campaign(s) affect this model, mainly: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE, FUEL SYSTEM. Check the recalls section for your exact year/VIN.
What does fault code P0300 mean on the Pontiac 6000?
Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0128 mean on the Pontiac 6000?
Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature — thermostat stuck open or faulty This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
What does fault code P0011 mean on the Pontiac 6000?
A Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1) This code is among the most documented for this model — tap it in the OBD2 section for the full step-by-step guide.
Are steering problems common on the Pontiac 6000?
Yes — 7 of 58 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the steering. One owner reported: “1985 PONTIAC 6000 STE. I EXPERIENCED THE SAME TYPE OF ACCELERATION PROBLEM TOYOTA IS HAVING. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME I WAS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN ON-RAMP. THE THROTTLE STUCK FULL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are engine problems common on the Pontiac 6000?
Yes — 11 of 58 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the engine. One owner reported: “THE LEFT AND RIGHT SUB-FRAME THAT SUPPORTS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION BROKE (RUSTED OUT MAYBE) AT THE FRONT ,AROUND THE ISOLATORS. THIS DROPPED EVERYTHING DOWN ABOUT 6-8INCHES. LUCKILY THIS HAPPENED …” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
Are brakes problems common on the Pontiac 6000?
Yes — 14 of 58 real owner reports filed with NHTSA mention the brakes. One owner reported: “1985 PONTIAC 6000 STE. I EXPERIENCED THE SAME TYPE OF ACCELERATION PROBLEM TOYOTA IS HAVING. IT HAPPENED THREE TIMES. THE FIRST TIME I WAS MERGING INTO TRAFFIC FROM AN ON-RAMP. THE THROTTLE STUCK FULL…” See the owner-reported complaints section below for more.
What tyres does the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) use?
The original OEM tyre size for the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) is 215/55 R16. Compatible alternative sizes: ["245/45R19"]. See the Tyres section on this page to compare offers from the main suppliers.
Which OBD2 fault codes are commonly documented for the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991)?
Commonly documented OBD2 codes across many vehicles include: P0420, P0300, P0171. Find the full description, likely causes and estimated repair costs in the OBD2 Codes section on this page.
How often should the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) be serviced?
Routine maintenance for the Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991) typically includes an oil change every 6,000–9,000 miles (10,000–15,000 km), an air filter every 12,000–18,000 miles (20,000–30,000 km) and a brake inspection every 12,000 miles (20,000 km). Check the full plan with specific intervals in the Scheduled Maintenance section on this page.
Considering buying a Pontiac 6000 (1982–1991)? Use this guide to check expected maintenance costs, the most reported fault codes and parts availability on the market. Real data, zero commercial estimates.