RoadVitals

2004 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.
293
Latest Nov 15, 2021
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.
4
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.
31
18 injuries, 1 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 293 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, most frequently naming the electrical, exterior lighting and engine categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 446 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

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

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
14V400000

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
09E012000

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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
07E021000

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.
DELPHIView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 293
Powertrain (other)
Filed Nov 15, 2021

NHTSA # 14V400, Mfg. Campaign # N140350 Was informed about this recall and called the number given to me by Pontiac (South County Buick GMC 2202 National City Blvd. National City CA 91950, (619) 477-4462) but all I got was endless automated messages. The one real person I talked to was rude and sounded like she was about to quit her job and gave me a number to call which was the same as the one I started with! This defect is putting my family at risk and the type of non-service I am receiving from Pontiac is truly a disgrace! [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID
11440526
Incident
Nov 15, 2021
Electrical
Filed Jun 30, 2020

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, I HAVE TO GO THROUGH A TIMELY SECURITY RE-SET PROCEDURE DUE TO THE SYSTEM DISABLING MY ABILITY TO START MY CAR. I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS A RECURRING ISSUE WITH OTHER CAR OWNERS LIKE MINE. THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. IT HAPPENS AT RANDOM TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ID
11331824
Incident
Jun 10, 2020
Mileage
132,483 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 17, 2019
Crash reported

I WAS THE OWNER OF THE CAR AND SOMEONE ELSE WAS DRIVING AND FILED A CLAIM. I WANT TO KNOW WHY I DID NOT GET ANYTHING IN THE LAW SUIT HER NAME IS [XXX] AT THE TIME SHE LIVED AT [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11232776
Incident
Jun 23, 1916
Mileage
130,700 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceEngine
Filed Jun 27, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. THE CONTACT EXITED THE INTERSTATE AND ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AS THE TRANSMISSION MADE AN ABNORMALLY LOUD SOUND. THE CONTACT PULLED INTO A FUEL STATION, RAISED THE HOOD, AND OBSERVED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAITED A WHILE AND THEN DROVE HOME WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DOWN TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS A MECHANIC AND DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE, BUT NO FAILURE CODE WAS FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11222967
Incident
Jul 18, 2018
Mileage
120,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 18, 2019

I PULLED UP TO A STOP LIGHT AND MY CAR JUST SHUT OFF. I TRIED TO START IT SEVERAL TIMES BUT ALL I GOT WAS A CLICK. THE IGNITION ISN'T CATCHING.

NHTSA ID
11220910
Incident
Jun 11, 2019
Mileage
200,000 mi
Fuel systemExterior lightingSteering
Filed Jun 5, 2019

FUEL SYSTEM RECALL , STRONG GAS SMELL INSIDE CAR EXTERIOR LIGHTING RECALL, HARD TO SEE WHILE DRIVING CAR AT NIGHT ELETRICAL SYTEM IGNITION RECALL POWER CUTS ON AND OFF

NHTSA ID
11218215
Incident
Jun 5, 2019
Mileage
170,000 mi
Airbags
Filed May 21, 2019

VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN AS IT DID DURING RECALL. THEY SUPPOSEDLY REPAIRED IT. I THEN BOUGHT IT FROM PREVIOUS OWNER WHO DID NOT MENTION THE PROBLEM AS BEING ON A RECALL. WE FOUND OUT BUT DEALER SAYS IT WAS REPAIRED. OBVIOUSLY THE FIX DID NOT WORK AS VEHICLE STILL SHUTS DOWN AND SAYS AIRBAG WARNING. WHAT RECOURSE DO WE HAVE WHEN THEY SAY IT WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED BUT WASN'T.

NHTSA ID
11208949
Incident
May 14, 2019
Mileage
101,049 mi
Filed May 8, 2019

I GOT A RECALL OF UNINTENDED IGNITION KEY ROTATION. I TOOK IT IN TO GM AND THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT HELP ME. THEY SAID IT IS FOR THE ORIGINAL KEYS , WHICH I HAVE. BUT MY PLASTIC ON ONE KEY IS BROKE ON ONE SPOT. I TOLD THEM MY IGNITION IS MESSED UP. THE KEY CAN BE PULLED OUT WITH THE CAR STILL RUNNING AND SOME TIMES IT WILL BE TURNED OFF AND KEYS IN MY HAND AND YET IT IS STILL ON. NO ONE EXPLAINED ANYTHING TO ME, EXCEPT THEY COULD NOT HELP ME, THAT IS WAS JUST A PLASTIC PIECE THAT THEY PUT ON THE KEY IN THE HOLE WHERE THE KEY RING GOES. YET I STILL KEEP GETTING THE RECALL IN THE MAIL. WHAT EXACTLY IS THE RECALL?

NHTSA ID
11206337
Incident
Mar 1, 2016

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
2004Viewing2934052.9
20033255053.9
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.