1998 Pontiac Grand Am Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes3817.9%
- Electrical3416.0%
- Engine2612.3%
- Driver assistance167.5%
- Steering146.6%
- Visibility146.6%
- Suspension146.6%
- Airbags136.1%
- Transmission104.7%
- Fuel system94.2%
- Seat belts83.8%
- Powertrain (other)41.9%
- Body & structure31.4%
- Other / unspecified31.4%
- Tires & wheels31.4%
- Exterior lighting20.9%
- Interior & seats10.5%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S DOOR'S, BRAKES AND OTHER COMPONENTS. *NM *SC *JB
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE BRAKE PADS AND FRONT ROTOR NEEDED REPLACE DUE TO CORROSION. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 287 IN NEW JERSEY WHEN ENGINE CUT OFF CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES, POWER STEERING. CAUSED ACCIDENT WHEN RAN OFF ROAD DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING AND INABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY BRAKE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR THAT DID NOT REPAIR PROBLEM. AFTER CAR WAS REPAIRED INCIDENT CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE CODES. NOW THAT ISSUE HAS DEVELOPED WITH IGNITION SWITCHES, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS MAY BE A LONGER TERM PROBLEM THAN CURRENTLY THOUGHT. FINALLY SOLD THE VEHICLE DUE TO CONTINUING PROBLEM THAT NO ONE COULD SOLVE. *TR
1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE, WHEN SHE STARTED IT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, THINKING THE NOISE WOULD STOP, BUT IT DID NOT. SHE TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND IT CONTINUED TO MAKE THE SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THEY MADE A TEMPORARY FIX. HOWEVER, THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN ON THE VEHICLE. EITHER THE DEALER DID NOT FIX THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH OR IT WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THE CONSUMER, TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. ONCE AT THE DEALER, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM. *JB
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/22/14*CN UPDATED 05/19/2015 *JS
WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 287 IN NEW JERSEY WHEN ENGINE CUT OFF CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES, POWER STEERING. CAUSED ACCIDENT WHEN RAN OFF ROAD DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING AND INABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY BRAKE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR THAT DID NOT REPAIR PROBLEM. AFTER CAR WAS REPAIRED INCIDENT CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE CODES. NOW THAT ISSUE HAS DEVELOPED WITH IGNITION SWITCHES, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS MAY BE A LONGER TERM PROBLEM THAN CURRENTLY THOUGHT. FINALLY SOLD THE VEHICLE DUE TO CONTINUING PROBLEM THAT NO ONE COULD SOLVE. *TR
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 GT PONTIAC GRAND AM FROM PEORIA ILLINOIS ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. SHE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN NO POWER NO NOTHING...PULLED OVER WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5MINUTES AND SHE STARTED RIGHT UP...PLEASE HELP!!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
PONTIAC GRAND AM AIR BAGS ARENT SAFE AT ALL MINE BUSTED OUT FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER IT BURNED MY ARM AND LEFT A BRUISE AND COULD'VE CAUSED A WRECK!
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
FLUID WAS LEAKING BY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. ALSO, NOTICED A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING. CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. REPAIR SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK & PINION AND HEATER CORE. COST FOR REPAIRS: $700.00. *AK
GENERAL MOTORS NEED TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES TO DIAGNOSIS THIS MAJOR ISSUE. MY CASE NUMBER WITH GM 1382341310 HOWEVER, THEY WONT ASSIST ME AND SAID THEY ARE CLOSING MY CASE. I INFORMED THEM NOT TO I AM NOT DONE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH THEM... THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM OR DEFECT WITH MY GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 3.1L V6 ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD, 3 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURES IN LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, THE FIRST OCCURRING AT APPROX 24,000 MILES THE SECOND AT APPROX 27,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES BUT I HAVE SUSPECTED THE ANTI-FREEZE I HAVE BEEN SMELLING IN THE CAB WHEN I TURN THE HEATER BLOWER ON, IS SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THIS LEAK. WHICH MEANS ITS BEEN LEAKING FOR SOME TIME JUST NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DRIP ONTO THE GROUND BRINGING MY ATTENTION TO IT. I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS RAPED FINANCIAL OVER THE YEARS. THE REPEATED FAILURES OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET STARTED LONG AGO AND DUE TO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE BBB AND GM YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO ALARM GENERAL MOTORS THAT THEY ARE HAVING A MAJOR ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD OF BEGAN A RECALL OF THEIR VEHICLES LONG AGO. IN THE YEAR 2002 THEY COULDN'T SUPPLY ENOUGH INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS TO KEEP UP WITH THE GM VEHICLES THAT NEEDED REPAIR EITHER UNDER WARRANTY OR OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD OTHER MAJOR NON-RELATED REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE AS WELL, 19,693 MILES THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, HEATER CORE REPLACED, THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ROD REPLACED. NOW MY CAR AND MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER GM OWNERS VEHICLES ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND GM WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR OWN VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH WORK WAS DONE REPEATEDLY UNDER WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE. I AM CURRENTLY 3 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT ONLY 12,900 APPROX MILES SINCE THEY DID THE LAST REPAIR ON MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS THE ONLY THING GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION WILL RESPOND TO. *JB
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
FLUID WAS LEAKING BY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. ALSO, NOTICED A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING. CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. REPAIR SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK & PINION AND HEATER CORE. COST FOR REPAIRS: $700.00. *AK
GENERAL MOTORS NEED TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES TO DIAGNOSIS THIS MAJOR ISSUE. MY CASE NUMBER WITH GM 1382341310 HOWEVER, THEY WONT ASSIST ME AND SAID THEY ARE CLOSING MY CASE. I INFORMED THEM NOT TO I AM NOT DONE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH THEM... THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM OR DEFECT WITH MY GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 3.1L V6 ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD, 3 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURES IN LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, THE FIRST OCCURRING AT APPROX 24,000 MILES THE SECOND AT APPROX 27,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES BUT I HAVE SUSPECTED THE ANTI-FREEZE I HAVE BEEN SMELLING IN THE CAB WHEN I TURN THE HEATER BLOWER ON, IS SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THIS LEAK. WHICH MEANS ITS BEEN LEAKING FOR SOME TIME JUST NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DRIP ONTO THE GROUND BRINGING MY ATTENTION TO IT. I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS RAPED FINANCIAL OVER THE YEARS. THE REPEATED FAILURES OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET STARTED LONG AGO AND DUE TO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE BBB AND GM YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO ALARM GENERAL MOTORS THAT THEY ARE HAVING A MAJOR ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD OF BEGAN A RECALL OF THEIR VEHICLES LONG AGO. IN THE YEAR 2002 THEY COULDN'T SUPPLY ENOUGH INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS TO KEEP UP WITH THE GM VEHICLES THAT NEEDED REPAIR EITHER UNDER WARRANTY OR OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD OTHER MAJOR NON-RELATED REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE AS WELL, 19,693 MILES THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, HEATER CORE REPLACED, THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ROD REPLACED. NOW MY CAR AND MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER GM OWNERS VEHICLES ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND GM WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR OWN VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH WORK WAS DONE REPEATEDLY UNDER WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE. I AM CURRENTLY 3 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT ONLY 12,900 APPROX MILES SINCE THEY DID THE LAST REPAIR ON MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS THE ONLY THING GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION WILL RESPOND TO. *JB
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
GENERAL MOTORS NEED TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES TO DIAGNOSIS THIS MAJOR ISSUE. MY CASE NUMBER WITH GM 1382341310 HOWEVER, THEY WONT ASSIST ME AND SAID THEY ARE CLOSING MY CASE. I INFORMED THEM NOT TO I AM NOT DONE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH THEM... THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM OR DEFECT WITH MY GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 3.1L V6 ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD, 3 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURES IN LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, THE FIRST OCCURRING AT APPROX 24,000 MILES THE SECOND AT APPROX 27,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES BUT I HAVE SUSPECTED THE ANTI-FREEZE I HAVE BEEN SMELLING IN THE CAB WHEN I TURN THE HEATER BLOWER ON, IS SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THIS LEAK. WHICH MEANS ITS BEEN LEAKING FOR SOME TIME JUST NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DRIP ONTO THE GROUND BRINGING MY ATTENTION TO IT. I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS RAPED FINANCIAL OVER THE YEARS. THE REPEATED FAILURES OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET STARTED LONG AGO AND DUE TO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE BBB AND GM YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO ALARM GENERAL MOTORS THAT THEY ARE HAVING A MAJOR ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD OF BEGAN A RECALL OF THEIR VEHICLES LONG AGO. IN THE YEAR 2002 THEY COULDN'T SUPPLY ENOUGH INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS TO KEEP UP WITH THE GM VEHICLES THAT NEEDED REPAIR EITHER UNDER WARRANTY OR OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD OTHER MAJOR NON-RELATED REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE AS WELL, 19,693 MILES THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, HEATER CORE REPLACED, THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ROD REPLACED. NOW MY CAR AND MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER GM OWNERS VEHICLES ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND GM WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR OWN VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH WORK WAS DONE REPEATEDLY UNDER WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE. I AM CURRENTLY 3 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT ONLY 12,900 APPROX MILES SINCE THEY DID THE LAST REPAIR ON MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS THE ONLY THING GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION WILL RESPOND TO. *JB
NOISE HEARD IN FRONT END GOING OVER BUMPS. FAILURE= LOWER CONTROL ARM REAR BUSHINGS SEPARATING FROM CONTROL ARM.LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES. CORRECTION+ REPLACEMENT OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED AND STRUCK HER IN THE FACE. SHE WAS BADLY BRUISED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS CORRODED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING A VEHICLE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ROLLED ONTO THE FOOT OF THE CONTACT, WHICH LEFT THE CONTACT TRAPPED FOR 18 HOURS. MINOR BRUISING INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A PASSERBY ASSISTED, AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ROLLING, AND COLLIDED WITH A NEARBY TREE. MODERATE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR WAS IN PARK. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO AWAIT FURTHER INSPECTION BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED.*AK UPDATED 12/28/06. *JB
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 20,000 MILES. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 5 YR BATTERIES 3 TIMES NOW AT MY OWN EXPENSE. LAST TIME RESULTED IN CAR NEEDING TO BE TOWED AND KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO BE TAKEN OUT OF IGNITION. TRIED JUMP STARTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVER HEATED. MY COMPLAINT IS THIS I JUST RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL STATING THAT IF THE CAR IS HARD TO START IT COULD START ON FIRE IF JUMP STARTED MORE THEN 3 TIMES AND IF THE KEY IS ON THE ON POTION TO LONG. THEY WANT TO INSTALL A RELAY DEVICE TO PREVENT FIRES BUT WHY IS THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION PROBLEM NOT BEING FIXED. WHY DO WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. THE RELAY DEVICE WILL NOT FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM IT WILL ONLY FIX THE FIRE THREAT. ALSO SIDE MIRROR ADJUSTMENT KNOB HAS FALLEN INSIDE CAR DOOR AND WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN OR UP. CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE AT TIMES. FRONT TIRES WORE ON THE INSIDE OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE. *JB
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE GAS TANK SEAL IS LEAKING. I HAVE NOT DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT YET. *NM
I OWN A 1998 GRNAD AM GT AND FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD ALL SIX INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE TOTALING OVER $600.00 EACH TIME. OTHER PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO ALSO OWN 1996-1999 GRAND AMS/GRAND PRIX HAVE ALSO SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE INJECTOR CLEANERS THAT ARE ONE THE MARKET DON'T SEEM TO GET RID OF THE BUILD UP AND EVENTUALLY THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THE INJECTORS AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION TO FIND OUT. *NM
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DT: THE HARNESS OF THE CAR SEAT LOOSENS AND POPS OUT. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR SEAT. HAS NOT CONTACTED MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THERE IS A WAY OF REPAIRING THE CAR SEAT. HAS NOT CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS. AFTER PLACING THE CHILD IN CAR SEAT, WHILE DRIVING, STRAP POPS OUT OF THE BRACKET IN THE BACK OF CAR SEAT. PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS SOMETIMES.*AK
CONSUMER STATES SEATBELTS DO NOT LOCK UP WHEN BRAKE IS APPLIED IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION. DEALER STATED THAT SEATBELTS WERE WORKING AS DESIGNED.*AK *SCC
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVETRAIN FAILED AND VEHICLE WAS MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE.*AK
TRANSAXLE CASE WHEEL BEARING FAILED AND WAS REPAIRED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER STATES THAT IT STILL ISN'T CORRECT. *SLC
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CONSUMER REPORTED PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE'S DOOR'S, BRAKES AND OTHER COMPONENTS. *NM *SC *JB
98 PONTIAC GRAND AM AIR BAG NOT WORKING, WATER LEAKS ON FLOOR BOARD WHEN AC IS ON, RUNS HOT, STOPS RUNNING, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. *NLM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
WINDOW REGULATORS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER REGULATORS HAVE GONE BAD TWO TIMES. ONCE AT 40,000 AND AGAIN AT 80,000. *JB
I OWN A 1998 GRNAD AM GT AND FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD ALL SIX INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE TOTALING OVER $600.00 EACH TIME. OTHER PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO ALSO OWN 1996-1999 GRAND AMS/GRAND PRIX HAVE ALSO SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE INJECTOR CLEANERS THAT ARE ONE THE MARKET DON'T SEEM TO GET RID OF THE BUILD UP AND EVENTUALLY THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THE INJECTORS AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION TO FIND OUT. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AFTER 20,000 MILES. HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 5 YR BATTERIES 3 TIMES NOW AT MY OWN EXPENSE. LAST TIME RESULTED IN CAR NEEDING TO BE TOWED AND KEY NOT BEING ABLE TO BE TAKEN OUT OF IGNITION. TRIED JUMP STARTING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OVER HEATED. MY COMPLAINT IS THIS I JUST RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL STATING THAT IF THE CAR IS HARD TO START IT COULD START ON FIRE IF JUMP STARTED MORE THEN 3 TIMES AND IF THE KEY IS ON THE ON POTION TO LONG. THEY WANT TO INSTALL A RELAY DEVICE TO PREVENT FIRES BUT WHY IS THE ELECTRICAL IGNITION PROBLEM NOT BEING FIXED. WHY DO WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE BATTERY EVERY YEAR. THE RELAY DEVICE WILL NOT FIX THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM IT WILL ONLY FIX THE FIRE THREAT. ALSO SIDE MIRROR ADJUSTMENT KNOB HAS FALLEN INSIDE CAR DOOR AND WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL DOWN OR UP. CAR WILL NOT SHIFT INTO REVERSE AT TIMES. FRONT TIRES WORE ON THE INSIDE OUT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE. *JB
I HAVE HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION, CALIPERS, GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM,2 LIGHTERS, ALTERNATOR,2 SETS OF WINDOW MOTORS, 1 BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT,STRUT TORQUE WASNT BOLTED TO THE CAR WHEN LEASED, A RADIAL PULL IN 1 TIRE IN WHICH I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE REPLACED, TIRE SCRAPING ON FENDER RIGHT AFTER LEASING, 2 NEW HEADLAMPS,FUEL CAP, BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD A SHORT SOMEWHERE AND DEALER REFUSED TO LOCATE. DEALER AND PONTIAC CUSTOMER DIVISION REFUSE A BUY BACK OR TRADE IN. SENT PACKAGE TO GENERAL MOTORS TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THEY REFUSED THE PACKAGE ALL TOGETHER. PONTIAC TELLS ME THEIR FIELD REP WENT TO TALK TO JOHN MOORE AND HE REFUSED A BUY BACK SO IN TURN, SO DID PONTIAC. I JUST WOULD LIKE A CAR THAT RUNS. THIS IS MY SECOND PONTIAC THAT HAS BEEN A LEMON. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTAION TO PROVE IT. HOW DOES A SINGLE MOM WORKING TWO JOBS GET HELP? ITS COSTED ME A FORTUNE IN MISSED WORK.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15 )
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I HAVE HAD A NEW TRANSMISSION, CALIPERS, GEAR SHIFT MECHANISM,2 LIGHTERS, ALTERNATOR,2 SETS OF WINDOW MOTORS, 1 BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT,STRUT TORQUE WASNT BOLTED TO THE CAR WHEN LEASED, A RADIAL PULL IN 1 TIRE IN WHICH I HAD TO PAY TO HAVE REPLACED, TIRE SCRAPING ON FENDER RIGHT AFTER LEASING, 2 NEW HEADLAMPS,FUEL CAP, BATTERY, AND HAVE HAD A SHORT SOMEWHERE AND DEALER REFUSED TO LOCATE. DEALER AND PONTIAC CUSTOMER DIVISION REFUSE A BUY BACK OR TRADE IN. SENT PACKAGE TO GENERAL MOTORS TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE SITUATION AND THEY REFUSED THE PACKAGE ALL TOGETHER. PONTIAC TELLS ME THEIR FIELD REP WENT TO TALK TO JOHN MOORE AND HE REFUSED A BUY BACK SO IN TURN, SO DID PONTIAC. I JUST WOULD LIKE A CAR THAT RUNS. THIS IS MY SECOND PONTIAC THAT HAS BEEN A LEMON. I HAVE ALL DOCUMENTAION TO PROVE IT. HOW DOES A SINGLE MOM WORKING TWO JOBS GET HELP? ITS COSTED ME A FORTUNE IN MISSED WORK.( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P195/65R15 )
PURCHASED VEHICLE 6/98. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASE CAR IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. VEHICLE TOWED 3 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. FOUND WIRES IN HARNESS BAD CAUSING PROBLEM. BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE OWNING WHEEL CYLINDERS LEAKING BRAKE SHOES SOAKED WITH OIL. ROTORS MACHINED @ 10,462. EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST. BRAKE PADS WORN AT 10,465 MILES. REAR SHOES OUT OF ADJUSTMENT @ 10,465. 13,985 MILES ABS LIGHT FAILED. WHILE LIGHTS AND AC OR HEAT ON WHEN APPLYING BRAKES INTERIOR AND HEADLIGHTS DIM. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM! WHEN HEATER IS ON SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE. STABILIZER BUSHINGS BAD CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. NO BRAKE PEDAL AT TIMES. WHEN ROAD SURFACE IS WET AND BRAKES APPLIED CAR WILL NOT STOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
PURCHASED VEHICLE 6/98. THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASE CAR IGNITION SWITCH FAILED. VEHICLE TOWED 3 TIMES FOR SAME PROBLEM. FOUND WIRES IN HARNESS BAD CAUSING PROBLEM. BRAKE PROBLEMS SINCE OWNING WHEEL CYLINDERS LEAKING BRAKE SHOES SOAKED WITH OIL. ROTORS MACHINED @ 10,462. EXCESSIVE BRAKE DUST. BRAKE PADS WORN AT 10,465 MILES. REAR SHOES OUT OF ADJUSTMENT @ 10,465. 13,985 MILES ABS LIGHT FAILED. WHILE LIGHTS AND AC OR HEAT ON WHEN APPLYING BRAKES INTERIOR AND HEADLIGHTS DIM. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM! WHEN HEATER IS ON SMELL OF ANTIFREEZE. CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. FRONT SUSPENSION NOISE. STABILIZER BUSHINGS BAD CAN'T FIND PROBLEM. NO BRAKE PEDAL AT TIMES. WHEN ROAD SURFACE IS WET AND BRAKES APPLIED CAR WILL NOT STOP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .