RoadVitals

2003 Pontiac Grand Am Fuel system Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the fuel system system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Fuel system reportsComplaints 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.
20
Latest Aug 4, 2025
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
6%
of 325 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
1
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
14

What this page shows

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 20 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming fuel system

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

ElectricalFuel system
Filed Aug 4, 2025

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NHTSA ID
11678132
Incident
Aug 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
BrakesElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 23, 2018

ON 01/19/2018 I PURCHASED 03,GRAND AM GT.THE SAME DAY THE CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION.IT WAS TOWED TO MY HOME THEN BACK TO WHERE I PURCHASED IT I WAS ADVISED THAT IT NEEDED COIL PACK , ALTERNATOR,.THESE REPAIRS WHERE MADE BY ME OUT OF POCKET.ON 03/09/18THE CAR OVER HEATED AND AGAIN HAD TO BE TOWED HOME THEN TO A SHOP WHERE I PAID TO HAVE A WATER PUMP PUT ON AGAIN OUT OF POCKET.AFTER HAVING THESE PARTS PUT ON THE CAR WOULD NOT START.I WAS INFORMED THAT IT MAY BE THE FUEL PUMP.I THEN PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE A FUEL PUMP PUT ON.IT STILL WOULD NOT START.ON 03/20/18 I CONTACTED GM AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS INFACT A RECALL ABOUT ALL OF THE ISSUE'S I AM HAVING WITH THIS CAR.I WAS GIVEN AN APT FOR 03/22/18 TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE GM DEALERSHIP.UPON MY ARRIVAL I WAS ADVISED THAT THESE RECALLS HAD BEEN PREFORM ED ON (11/1/02 (JCN 25863)AND AGAIN ON 12/3/14 (025777) .I WAS THE ADVISED THAT I WOULD BE CHARGED 111.00 DOLLARS JUST FOR DIAGNOSIS. WHEN I CONTACTED GM THEY FAILED TO INFORM ME OF ANY OF THIS INFORMATION.I FOUND IT TO BE A WASTE OF MY TIME AS WELL AS THE GM DEALERSHIP.HAD THEY INFORMED ME OF A FEE I WOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN IT IN ON THAT DAY AS I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS TO PAY FOR THE WHAT NEEDED DONE. I WAS GIVEN A TICKET NUMBER(8-4018839531) AND ADVISED THAT SOMEONE WOULD BE IN CONTACT.

NHTSA ID
11081014
Incident
Mar 22, 2018
Mileage
172,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Feb 13, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS A STRONG FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE ODOR INTENSIFIED WHEN THE HEAT WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 82,000.

NHTSA ID
10954240
Incident
Oct 15, 2016
Mileage
82,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 13, 2015
Crash reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE PRECEDING VEHICLE REVERSED AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT A TECHNICIAN FROM THE MANUFACTURER CAME OUT TO ASSESS THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THE PROCEDURE WAS NOT DONE CORRECTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 58,494.

NHTSA ID
10733585
Incident
Jun 7, 2013
Mileage
58,494 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Sep 5, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED UPON TAKING THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR ANOTHER SERVICE, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING FUEL. THE CONTACT HAD NOTICED THAT THE "CHECK ENGINE" WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH WHEN VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHUDDER. THE CONTACT THEN COASTED OVER TO AN EMERGENCY LANE AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE ENGINE DID NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN BACK TO A MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER :07E021000(FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,825.

NHTSA ID
10630937
Incident
Apr 1, 2013
Mileage
155,825 mi
ElectricalFuel systemExterior lighting
Filed Jul 29, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHEN THE DASHBOARD WAS BANGED THE ABNORMAL NOISE WOULD TEMPORARILY GO AWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE 4-WAY FLASHER, IGNITION SWITCH, AND THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.

NHTSA ID
10617259
Incident
Jul 29, 2013
Mileage
45,000 mi
Driver assistanceEngineFuel system
Filed Jun 4, 2014

I HAD 2 KIDS IN THE CAR,THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK,CAR KEPT SPEEDING UP.. I WAS USING BOTH FEET ON BRAKE & ER BRAKE AS WELL!! I WAS SWERVING IN & OUT OF TRAFFIC,RUNNING RED LIGHTS & PRAYING FOR OUR LIVES,WE GOT UP TO 85 MILES PER HOUR IN A 35MPH ZONE!! THE CAR WAS REVVING OUT OF CONTROL & BLACK SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD! I MANAGED TO SLAM IT INTO PARK & WE ALL JUMPED OUT & RAN,VERY FRIGHTENING & ALMOST ENDED IN A COLLISION. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET CRACKED AT 1YR OLD AND 10,000 MILES,THE TIRES NEEDED RESEALING AT 5000 MILES. RIDICULOUS!! *TR

NHTSA ID
10596041
Incident
Jul 16, 2010
Mileage
20,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 1, 2013

COOLANT LEAKED INTO ENGINE CAUSED PROBLEMS, WOULDN'T START HALF THE TIME, COULDN'T FILL UP WITHOUT GAS PUMP CUTTING OFF CONSTANTLY (TOOK 20 MINUTES TO FILL UP). TOOK CAR TO DEALER AND OTHER SHOPS SPENT TONS OF MONEY PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. GOT SO FEED UP WITH THIS CAR I PULLED THE TAGS AND BOUGHT A HONDA. IT IS REALLY UNFAIR HOW THE MANUFACTURER OF THIS CAR WAS ALLOWED TO GET AWAY WITH PUTTING OUT SUCH AN INFERIOR PRODUCT. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A MAJOR RECALL ON ANY NUMBER OF THESE PROBLEMS. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS OR THE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT. *TR

NHTSA ID
10500953
Incident
Mar 1, 2009
Mileage
50,000 mi
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Mar 31, 2011

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT INITIALLY START UP. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED AND TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING FOR MORE THAN 30 MINUTES WITH THE HEAT OR AIR CONDITIONER ON, THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY STALL AND SHUT DOWN. SHE LET IT SIT FOR 30 MINUTES AND IT WOULD RESTART, BUT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE A FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN AFTER THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 07/01/11

NHTSA ID
10393877
Incident
Feb 12, 2010
Fuel system
Filed Feb 27, 2009

RECENTLY WE EXPERIENCED A VERY STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AFTER DRIVING OUR CAR. WHEN WE OPENED THE HOOD, IT APPEARED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM A PART ALL OVER THE HOT ENGINE. WE GOT IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAKING. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY FUEL LEAKING AT THIS POINT. OUR MECHANIC STATED THAT THE SLIGHTEST SPARK IN THE ENGINE COULD HAVE STARTED A FIRE. COST OF REPAIR: $196.19. *TR

NHTSA ID
10260259
Incident
Feb 23, 2009
Mileage
81,964 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 27, 2008
1 injury reported

MY 2003 GRAND AM SUFFERED A FAILURE OF IT'S FUEL PUMP ON FEB. OF 2005 DURING A TRIP TO THE BAY AREA. I WAS FUELING UP AT A WILLITS CA. GAS STATION ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON . I FILLED UP MY GAS TANK AND THEN ATTEMPTED TO START THE PONTIAC. IT WOULDN'T START. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC WHO LOOKED AT MY CAR AND WHO MADE THE SUBSEQUENT REPAIR THAT IT WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURE DEFECT. I HAD JUST FILLED UP AND MY TANK WAS AT ONE QUARTER FULL PRIOR TO THIS AND WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT GET THE MOTOR TO TURN-OVER AND START. FORTUNATELY FOR ME THE REPAIR SHOP WAS RIGHT NEXT DOOR TO THE GAS STATION AND SO THE CAR WAS LOOKED AT AND DIAGNOSED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY BY THE MECHANIC. I WAS SUBJECTED TO HAVING TO WAIT FOR THE REPAIR SINCE IT OCCURRED ON A FRIDAY AND THE MECHANIC DID NOT WORK ON WEEKENDS AND PLUS HE HAD TO WAIT FOR THE PART TO BE SHIPPED FROM A UKIAH CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. THIS PUT A STRAIN ON MY TRAVEL PLANS HOWEVER THE MECHANIC WAS KIND ENOUGH TO LOAN ME HIS WIFE'S CAR FOR I HAD TO MAKE MY TRIP BECAUSE I WAS PICKING UP MY SON AT U.C. DAVIS AND HE WAS COMING HOME TO CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY WITH US,HIS FAMILY. I WAS GIVEN THE CAR BACK WITH THE NEW FUEL PUMP THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS A DEFECT ON THIS PONTIAC GRAND AM ALSO CONCERNING THE FUEL GAUGE. IT IS NOT ACCURATE. I SEEK REMEDY TO THE EFFECT OF TOTAL REIMBURSEMENT OF SAID REPAIR BILL OF 850.00 DOLLARS. *TR

NHTSA ID
10216188
Incident
Feb 14, 2005
Mileage
40,000 mi
BrakesFuel systemSuspension
Filed Dec 12, 2007

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROTORS ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE WERE COMPLETELY WORN. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ROTORS, BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE BRAKE PADS OR THE BEARING. THE HUB BEARING ON THE DRIVER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. THE FUEL FILTER WAS THE INITIAL CAUSE OF THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE, BUT IT WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,512.

NHTSA ID
10211577
Incident
Oct 3, 2007
Mileage
53,512 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 4, 2007

FUEL PUMP FAILURE. MODEL #FG0375. *TR

NHTSA ID
10210825
Incident
Dec 3, 2007
Fuel system
Filed May 19, 2007

IN OCTOBER 2006 THE CAR WOULD NOT START. IT WAS TOWED TO MY MECHANIC. HE REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP. ALSO, HE TOLD ME THAT THE SECURITY SWITCH HAD BEEN TRIGGERED SO IT STALLED THE ENGINE. IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN I WAS SUPPOSED TO TURN THE CAR TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT 10 MINUTES THEN START IT. THE CAR WORKED UNTIL APRIL 3, 2007. THE SAME POROBLEM RECURRED. THE MECHANIC REPLACEDD THE STARTER, BUT COULDN'T FIND ANYTHINGELSE WRONG. NOW I HAVE TO TURN TO THE ON POSITION AND WAIT FOR THE FUEL PUMP TO ENGAGE THEN START IT. THIS ONLY WORKED ABOUT HALF THE TIME. THE OTHER HALF I HAVE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL THEN START IT. THIS WAS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE I NEVER KNEW WHEN I WILL BE STGRANDED. *AK

NHTSA ID
10191220
Incident
Apr 3, 2007
Fuel system
Filed Dec 27, 2006

TL* - THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN IT STARTED SHAKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT TURNED ON AND THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, AND HAD TO BE TOWED AWAY. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE EARLIER AND THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS OR LIGHTS. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAD HAPPENED. THE REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. \*AK UPDATED 02/22/07. *JB

NHTSA ID
10177060
Incident
Dec 19, 2006
Mileage
42,881 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Sep 23, 2005

DT: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS FEBRUARY 2004, AND THE SECOND TIME IT WAS IN JULY 2004. THE MOST RECENT TIME IT STALLED WAS SEPTEMBER 19, 2005. THE FIRST TIME THEY THOUGHT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE CLOGGED. THE SECOND IT WAS THAT COMPUTER NEEDED REPROGRAMMING. AND THE THIRD TIME THEY SAID THE FUEL PUMP/SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED EVEN AFTER THEY MADE THE ADJUSTMENTS. *AK

NHTSA ID
10137485
Incident
Sep 19, 2005
Mileage
19,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Aug 21, 2005

MY NAME IS [XXX], I HAVE A 2003 GRAND AM, I RECENTLY CAME BACK FROM A FUNERAL IN MISSISSIPPI GOING BACK TO ST. LOUIS MO, 3/4 OF THE WAY MY CAR STOPPED, AFTER 3 HOURS OF WAITING IT WAS DETERMINED THAT MY FUEL PUMP HAD WENT OUT, HOW CAN A CAR 2 YEARS OLD HAVE A FUEL PUMP GO OUT, I ALSO HAVE FRIENDS THAT ALSO SAY THERE SECURITY SYSTEM IS CAUSING THERE FUEL PUMPS TO SHUT-DOWN, WHY DOES THESE THINGS HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT IS NO OLDER THAN TWO YEARS, PLEASE INVESTIGATE AND ADD TO YOUR RECALL LIST, I HAD TO GET MY CAR TOWED 113 MILES, AND PAID $560 TO HAVE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, I DO NOT FEEL THIS IS RIGHT, I FEEL THAT A CAR SHOULD LAST OVER 5 YEARS BEFORE IT BREAKS DOWN INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10133666
Incident
Aug 18, 2005
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jul 30, 2003

PURCHASED BRAND NEW 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM ON JULY 14, 2003. FUEL PUMP FAILED TWO WEEKS LATER, LEAVING OWNERS STRANDED AND IN NEED OF A TOW. FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED, BUT THERE WAS 0 PRESSURE TO THE FUEL. AFTER DIAGNOSTICS, FOUND LOOSE WIRE AT IGNITION MODULE. TIGHTENED. CAR RUNS NOW.

NHTSA ID
10030466
Incident
Jul 25, 2003
Mileage
131 mi

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.

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