RoadVitals

2003 Pontiac Grand Am

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.
325
Latest Aug 4, 2025
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.
5
Latest Jul 3, 2014
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.
0
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.
32
28 injuries, 8 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 325 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and engine categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 461 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

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

5 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Jul 3, 2014
5,877,718 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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 recall is 14350.
General Motors LLCManufacturer number 14350View on NHTSA.gov

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

Mar 12, 2007
742 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Recent owner complaints

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

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Aug 4, 2025

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NHTSA ID
11678132
Incident
Aug 4, 2021
ElectricalEnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 25, 2023
1 injury reported1 death reported

Engine has lost power from 150hp @ 3K RPM and 200ft·lb @ 4K RPM. It is now 50hp @ ½K RPM & 75ft·lb @ 2K revolutions per minute. Gear Shift Button has seperated from globe. Radio needs to be replaced or reset daily. Rear window defroster has seperated from window, and won’t retain position. Tire Pressure Monitoring System hasn’t worked to no avail. Turn signals are showing discrepancies when activated from switch.

NHTSA ID
11556788
Incident
Apr 3, 2023
BrakesPowertrain (other)Visibility
Filed Nov 22, 2023

Disc are advanced, technologically superior, and come standard with enabling more braking force with less pressure. Albeit an impermeable transmission requires no fluid changes and less maintenance, servicing one is challenging. It works well in dusty environments or in heavy–duty tasks, and an malfunctioning transmission risk ruining the entire system. Wiper motor & transmission failed last spring. This mercifully costed my job after 832 days, and makes us perilous under Secretary Buttigieg. Pete naturally love money, and doesn’t get stressed managing large amounts. Democrats believe Pete Buttigieg is excellent at producing and saving money. While Pete is great making money in corporate settings, he ain’t entrepreneurial as other colleagues. Pete Buttigieg doesn’t want to gamble, and they won’t put money into his ideas. Prepare to put on your occupation clothes and start performing duties. Pete Buttigieg has demanded excellence, and want his reports to work as he did. Secretary Buttigieg expects us to come early, stay late, and never give an excuse for projects not being done in time. Pete may not give praise easily, so don’t expect too much personal ephemera. This boss may quiz us on headlines and obscure wisdom. Not as if this boss would throw us under buses and prove their wisdom. This boss assumes we have his interests and wisdom. Partnering with this boss offers benefits from his wisdom and experiences, providing valuable learning opportunities.

NHTSA ID
11556511
Incident
Jul 4, 2021
ElectricalFuel systemInterior & seats
Filed Nov 18, 2023
4 injuries reported2 deaths reported

Korr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You’re welcome for [XXXXXX] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11555755
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
ElectricalFuel systemInterior & seats
Filed Nov 18, 2023
2 injuries reported4 deaths reported

Ecotec Gen I was re–engineered to be smoother and more efficient than its predecessor. Featuring an dual in–block balance shafts, power–steering pump, water–pump housing, and removable oil filter housing. This engine replaced the Quad–4 and GM 122 in North America and first appeared. GM offers an official kit which can be converted into 2.2 supercharged versions using modified ECM software. Model L42 is an CNG version of the Ecotec 2.2, producing 129 hp and 129 ft⋅lb. This LSJ was listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2006! Sealed transmissions elude fluid access to function like regular transmission systems without requiring fluid changes for maintenance. A sealed transmission has fill and inspection plugs, with the inspection plug removing excess fluid and the fill plug adding fluid. Nobody told me during my tenure in ‘shop class!’ Knorr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to fix an exhaust leak, which is their disastrous mishandling. This situation is only going to get marked by more confusion & errors. Vehicle fires are rare and small leaks in fuel tanks or lines can ignite, in defective vehicles during crashes.

NHTSA ID
11555753
Incident
Aug 1, 2020
Body & structureDriver assistanceExterior lighting
Filed Jul 16, 2023

Debra J. Westfall—neighbour—loves controversy, and won’t back down from expressing her anger or bafflement exhibited from half–assed parenting. Funny how she hates us snowflakes for sharing her entitled, materialistic narcissism. Five porch monkeys were using electric scooters on our street when one of them vandalised our driver side taillight. Turnpike commissions can confirm that latter in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Debra Westfall hates people who aren’t genuine, and believes keeping us out of the loop justifies her behaviour. This leads to her central conflict and that mutability keeps gives that household insomnia. Tammy Pagareski, Louise Dobbins and Mark Westfall might confirm her character, if you can schmooze them into it. After two years of scooters driving around the city, this pilot program has finally ended according to local media stations. State leaders said the budget process slowed down any talks about continuing the pilot program in Pittsburgh. There are concerns about people leaving the scooters dumped in bad spots. State leaders acknowledge there have been issues, and if changes are going to be made. Samuel DeMarco III believes his Republican Committee articulates influential voices, leads efficient or transparent governments, and the political party of choice for eight billion voters as of 2020.

NHTSA ID
11532580
Incident
Jul 10, 2023
Body & structureBrakesElectrical
Filed Jul 16, 2023
Crash reported

Body, Brakes, and Electrical concern me. My family owned a 1999 same model vehicle, and the brakes failed us in an accident from its’ left driver seal being punctured. Here is what’s going on with the 2003 aside from the latter mentioned. Exhaust from manifold to catalytic converter followed by muffler rusted out by 175,ØØØ miles and now broke apart. Frame and rocker panels are rusted out before 175,ØØØ miles and broke apart by rear wheels on both sides. Electrical concerns caused me to quit my job on March 11, 2022 when the wipers quit working and nearly caused an accident by Chartiers Cemetery in a thunderstorm storm two days before. Front end vibration is felt in floor boards and steering wheel when brakes are applied at high speeds, usually between 45–75 as regulated by federal government. Disc brakes gradually replaced drum brakes from between 1960—1980. That practicality is debunked on these cars they didn’t utilise disc brakes on all both axles, which is my preference anyways for being mechanically–inclined. Koor’s confirmed our exhaust leak in Carnegie Pennsylvania and wants $5ØØ+ to replace the exhaust. Tireman Auto Service in Toledo Ohio confirmed the wiper malfunction, they replaced the window regulator and wiper transmission. Vehicle has been inspected by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Goodyear, Pittsburgh Police Bureau, and State Farm Mutual Insurance. I allow you to contact them for references and any ticketing information. Assuming we can afford to be better than slumlords. Group activities are blessed to keep your peace of mind. Might as well watch from the fray from my point–of–view. Unless you would rather demand my escape other travel options, then I didn’t my own identity to be audited by your Internal Revenue Service. Vehicle is still available for inspection, and I would like your recommendation to convince the owner that your issued recall isn’t for your peace of mind. She needs your social stimulation to flourish.

NHTSA ID
11532576
Incident
Oct 17, 2014
AirbagsDriver assistance
Filed Jan 13, 2020

**THIS IS NOT A STANDARD 2003 PONTIAC, SINGLE OWNER CURRENT MILEAGE OF 70,000** UPON VEHICLE REACHING OPERATING TEMPERATURE IT EXHIBITS THE SYMPTOMS OF RECALL #04092 124/ ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.FAILURE RESULTS IN LOSS OF RPM AND SPEED CONTROL.THIS ITEM WAS ADDRESSED ON 1-11-2004 BY APPROVED DEALER. CAR LAST FAILURE OCCURRENCE WAS ON 1/12/2020. THIS VEHICLE WAS ALSO INCLUDED IN RECALL#14350 IGNITION SWITCH. WHEN FAILURE OCCURS LOSS OF POWER,SPEED,AIR BAGS,ECT.. INITIAL RECALL REPAIR WAS ON 3-07-2014. AT THAT TIME A NEW KEY WAS CUT TO RESOLVE ISSUE. FAILURE HAS REOCCURED, LAST TIME BEING 12-23-19 WHILE DRIVING MID DAY NO EXCESSIVE TEMP OR DRIVING CONDITIONS.

NHTSA ID
11299042
Incident
Dec 23, 2019
Mileage
70,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

PIP5601C

This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.

PIP5358D

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.

PIP4723J

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester  and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT5099H

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.

PIT3271P

This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac Grand Am by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20051024053.5
20042934052.9
2003Viewing3255053.9
20023954154.2
20015387357.5
20006758562.3
19998496362.0
19981723157.1
19973834261.5
19964506263.7
19954091257.4
19943772262.4
19932041046.8
19921683051.9
1991823054.6
1990381043.2
1989443158.9
1988313463.3
1987283365.5
1986112258.9
1985453
1984001
1983100
1981001
1980011
1979011
1978051
1975010
1973130

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.