Pontiac Grand AM Recalls & Complaints by Model Year

NHTSA lists 40 safety recalls and 5,580 owner complaints across 25 model years of the Pontiac Grand AM (1973–2005). The most-complained-about year is 1999.

Pick your Pontiac Grand AM model year

• 1973
• 1975
• 1978
• 1983
• 1985
• 1986
• 1987
• 1988
• 1989
• 1990
• 1991
• 1992
• 1993
• 1994
• 1995
• 1996
• 1997
• 1998
• 1999
• 2000
• 2001
• 2002
• 2003
• 2004
• 2005

What Pontiac Grand AM owners complain about

Across all model years, owners have filed 5,580 complaints with NHTSA. The 1999 model year has the most, with 849.

• Electrical system622
• Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip328
• Engine and engine cooling: engine255
• Air bags: frontal217
• Electrical system: switch177
• Exterior lighting157
• Engine and engine cooling: gasoline139
• Service brakes, hydraulic: rotor137

All Pontiac Grand AM recalls (40)

Every NHTSA safety campaign that lists a Pontiac Grand AM, most recent first, with the model years each one covers.

1. Ignition (electrical system)

   NHTSA 14V400000 Reported July 3, 2014 5,877,718 vehicles potentially affected General Motors LLC

   This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling…

   Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this…

   Model years: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

2. Suspension: rear

   NHTSA 05V054000 Reported February 14, 2005 9,402 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear suspension knuckle bolts that are not to specification and could fracture under high loads that can occur in some driving conditions.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension knuckle bolts free of charge. The recall began on february 9, 2005. Owners may contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

   Model years: 2005

3. Accelerator pedal (vehicle speed control)

   NHTSA 04V528000 Reported November 1, 2004 92,863 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' in hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm may stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the accelerator…

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on december 20, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at…

   Model years: 2003

4. Storage (fuel system)

   NHTSA 04V301000 Reported June 30, 2004 2,857 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank that does not meet specification. A weld on these fuel tanks may be insufficient, resulting in a fuel leak.

   Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank, and replace it, if necessary. Owner notification began on june 23, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

   Model years: 2004

5. Switch (electrical system)

   NHTSA 04V036000 Reported January 27, 2004 1,415,231 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

   Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…

   Model years: 1998

6. Switch (exterior lighting)

   NHTSA 03V327000 Reported August 28, 2003 670,740 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.

   Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on february 5, 2004. Owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

   Model years: 2000, 2001

7. Owners/service/other manual (equipment)

   NHTSA 03V250000 Reported July 15, 2003 1,707,825 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." the owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

   Remedy: Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or…

   Model years: 2001

8. Switch (electrical system)

   NHTSA 02V070000 Reported March 6, 2002 1,589,948 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

   Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an…

   Model years: 1996, 1997

9. Manual transmission (power train)

   NHTSA 00V372000 Reported November 13, 2000 216 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

   Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (rpo m86) fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS no. 114, "theft protection." when a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever indicates…

   Remedy: Dealers will disable the 5th/reverse inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.

   Model years: 2000, 2001

10. Starter assembly (electrical system)

    NHTSA 00V287000 Reported October 2, 2000 699,617 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.

    Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps). This campaign does not cover…

    Model years: 1994, 1995

11. Body (structure)

    NHTSA 00V140000 Reported May 18, 2000 487,400 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: these vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." the console cover on these vehicles does not stay closed when a specified vertical load is applied.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.

    Model years: 1999, 2000

12. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 00V116000 Reported April 18, 2000 23 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolt that attaches the rear suspension trailing arm to the left rear knuckle may not have been tightened to specifications during assembly.

    Remedy: Dealers will tighten this bolt.

    Model years: 2000

13. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 98V320000 Reported December 15, 1998 217 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut could have been improperly tightened.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary.

    Model years: 1999

14. Interior lighting

    NHTSA 98V027000 Reported February 17, 1998 249,420 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "controls and displays."

    Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

    Model years: 1996

15. Electrical system: front underhood

    NHTSA 97V059000 Reported April 8, 1997 3,464 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

    Model years: 1997

16. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 96V249000 Reported December 17, 1996 424 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.

    Model years: 1996

17. Hazard flashing warning lights (exterior lighting)

    NHTSA 96V250000 Reported December 17, 1996 270,014 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

    Model years: 1996

18. Tank assembly (fuel system)

    NHTSA 94V122000 Reported July 1, 1994 1,681 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    These vehicles were constructed with welds in the rear compartment pan assembly that are not sufficient to comply with the requirements pertaining to fuel tank leakage in the event of a rear impact collision. The fuel tank assemblies do not comply with FMVSS no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

    Remedy: Dealer will install rivets adjacent to the locations where the suspect welds are located.

    Model years: 1994

19. Switch (electrical system)

    NHTSA 93V153000 Reported September 14, 1993 1,103 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The neutral start safety switch could have been fractured during installation.

    Remedy: The dealer will replace the neutral start switch. The manual switch of the automatic transaxle assembly will be inspected and replaced if an oversized condition exists.

    Model years: 1993

20. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 92V150000 Reported October 19, 1992 108,836 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Remedy: Replace front fuel feed hose assembly.

    Model years: 1988, 1989

21. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 92V106000 Reported July 17, 1992 20 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The vehicles were assembled with an incorrect suspension upper spring seat at the right-rear position. If the vehicle is involved in a rear impact accident, the right-hand rear wheel house flange could sever the fuel tank filler pipe and spill fuel.

    Remedy: Inspect and replace incorrect upper spring seat with the correct part.

    Model years: 1992

22. Power window devices and controls (visibility)

    NHTSA 92V043000 Reported April 1, 1992 37,030 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Moisture can enter the express-down electronic control module and cause a short circuit that causes window operation without operator control, and leaves the window in the down position.

    Remedy: Replace the window express-down electronic control module.

    Model years: 1991

23. Suspension: rear

    NHTSA 91V204000 Reported November 19, 1991 272 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The bolts and nuts which attach the bearing-hub assembly to the rear axle flange are not sufficiently tightened on some vehicles.

    Remedy: Tighten rear axle bearing-hub assembly fasteners, and replace all the fasteners on a wheel if two or more bolts are found to be loose.

    Model years: 1992

24. Recliner (seats)

    NHTSA 91V182000 Reported October 21, 1991 1,851 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The passenger's side easy-entry seat adjuster may fail fully lock into position after the seat back has been tilted forward and the seat slid forward, then returned to its original postition.

    Remedy: Replace the adjuster assembly on the seat.

    Model years: 1992

25. Steering wheel/handle bar (steering)

    NHTSA 91V018000 Reported January 4, 1991 35 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Remedy: Replace steering column assembly.

    Model years: 1991

26. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 90V042000 Reported March 5, 1990 61,765 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Remedy: Replace front fuel feed hose assembly.

    Model years: 1988, 1989

27. Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (fuel system)

    NHTSA 88V032000 Reported March 15, 1988 22,300 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The fuel feed or fuel return hose at the engine may rub against a shift lever on the 5 speed transaxle.

    Remedy: Replace the fuel feed and return hose/pipe assemblies.

    Model years: 1987

28. Filler pipe and cap (fuel system)

    NHTSA 87V184000 Reported December 1, 1987 131,476 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The fuel feed and/or return hose/pipe assemblies could crack or separate, allowing fuel to leak into the underhood area.

    Remedy: Replace both fuel feed and return hose/pipe assemblies.

    Model years: 1987

29. Structure

    NHTSA 87V124000 Reported August 10, 1987 261,171 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Small cracks may develop in the body pillar around the door striker bolt hole.

    Remedy: Install inner and outer reinforcement plate on both left and right body pillars.

    Model years: 1985, 1986

30. Springs (vehicle speed control)

    NHTSA 86V030000 Reported February 21, 1986 135,623 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The throttle return spring assembly may fail preventing the throttle from returning to the closed (idle) position when the accelerator pedal is released. Consequence of defect: engine speed may not decrease and loss of accelerator control could result in an accident without prior warning.

    Remedy: Replace throttle return spring.

    Model years: 1985

31. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 85V048000 Reported April 29, 1985 1,810,000 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Excessive enlargement of the wheel cylinder pilot hole in the rear brake backing plate could allow the wheel cylinder to rotate and cause loss of brake fluid. Consequence of defect: a loss of brake fluid leads to loss of rear brake action, creating the potential for an accident. Front brakes would remain operational.

    Remedy: Add a part to prevent wheel cylinder from rotating.

    Model years: 1978

32. Switch/wiring (visibility)

    NHTSA 84V146000 Reported November 20, 1984 973 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The switch used may not be compatible with the wiper motor. This system, although functional, is not in compliance with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 104, "windshield wiping and washing system". The windshield wiper speed may remain nearly constant whether in high or low speed mode. The standard requires that the difference…

    Remedy: Wiper switches will be replaced if necessary, without charge.

    Model years: 1985

33. Tie rod assembly (steering)

    NHTSA 84V124000 Reported October 10, 1984 10,359 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie rod to loosen and detach itself from the adjuster.

    Remedy: The tie rod end bolts will be tightened without cost to the owner.

    Model years: 1985

34. Fan (engine and engine cooling)

    NHTSA 78V139000 Reported June 13, 1978 333,619 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments would be free to fly from the vehicle.

    Remedy: Dealer will replace the fan blade assembly without charge to owner.

    Model years: 1978

35. Head restraint (seats)

    NHTSA 78V115000 Reported May 24, 1978 1,643 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Incorrect head restraints may have been installed on the involved vehicles. This fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 201, "occupant protection in interior impacts".

    Remedy: Dealer will replace incorrect head restraints with improved head restraints.

    Model years: 1978

36. Wheel cylinders (service brakes)

    NHTSA 77V181000 Reported October 17, 1977 636 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    The rear brake wheel cylinder retainer on the involved vehicles may not have been properly installed. Should the wheel cylinder retainer become completely disengaged, the wheel cylinder could move outboard causing a loss of brake fluid and a loss of rear braking action.

    Remedy: The dealer will reposition the rear wheel brake cylinder retainers, free of charge, on all affected vehicles.

    Model years: 1978

37. Axle shaft (power train)

    NHTSA 75V032000 Reported February 19, 1975 220,982 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1975

38. Storage (fuel system)

    NHTSA 73V186000 Reported September 14, 1973 685,434 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

39. Electrical system: wiring

    NHTSA 73V187000 Reported September 14, 1973 75,010 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

40. Linkages (steering)

    NHTSA 72V275000 Reported November 14, 1972 155,418 vehicles potentially affected GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

    Model years: 1973

Other Pontiac models

• G65,889 complaints
• Grand Prix5,426 complaints
• Bonneville1,979 complaints
• Vibe1,865 complaints
• Sunfire1,144 complaints
• Montana1,054 complaints
• Trans Sport973 complaints
• Solstice728 complaints

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.