74 of the
515 complaints about the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM are about the
braking system — 14% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
180,000 miles.
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
NHTSA complaint #10535722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Osceola, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES, EXHAUST, TIRES, SHOCKS, AND SUSPENSION ON 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED A COMPRESSOR. *SC
NHTSA complaint #10075859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vidor, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR CAR KEPT GOING, STEERING LOCKED, AIRBAG DEPLOYED STRIKING DRIVER IN FACE, HIT STALLED CAR FROM BEHIND. HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED CAR HAS HAD PREVIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS BY PREVIOUS OWNER RESULTING IN BRAKES BEING REPLACED 4 TIMES, ALSO PREVIOUS OWNER REPORTED TO DEALER STEERING PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #765784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 34MPH, VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION, NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE FAILED BRAKES WAS THE REASON FOR THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #8010168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alexandria, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, ABS LIGHTS BLINKED OFF AND ON, WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THEY DID NOT HOLD, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. *AK. CONSUMER WAS SLOWING DOWN AT LIGHT AND THE BRAKES FAILED AT 40 MPH, THE DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #8010169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Struthers, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHILE DRIVING BRAKES GRAB AND PULL BEFORE STOPPING.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8006793 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Silverdale, WA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
A PART OF ABS SYSTEM IS SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING THE ALTERNATER TO SHORT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #754169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Troy, AL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:WHEEL CYLINDERS
POWER WINDOWS STOPPED WORKING AND HEATER COIL WENT OUT, AND RADIATER BROKE AND STEERING WILL AND PUT SOMETHING IN THE STEERING COLUMN HAD WHEEL CYLINDER REPLACED HEAD GASKET , AND CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING.
NHTSA complaint #735522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cicero, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKE FAILED. NLM. CONSUMER STATES PRIOR TO RECALL, A NEW STARTER WAS NEEDED AS WELL AS A NEW ENGINE AND ALSO A NEW LIGHTING SWITCH, CONSUMER HAS ALSO HAD TO GET NEW TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #559944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canal Winchester, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPORTED OR TOLD BEFORE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE MAY FALL UNDER THE OHIO "LEMON" LAW. NO SAFETY DEFECT MENTIONED.
NHTSA complaint #741810 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Liberty, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 00V287000/ ENGINE STARTER. ALSO, EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED EXTERIOR LIGHTS OF VEHICLE MALFUNCTIONING. EXTERIOR LIGHTS WOULD STOP OPERATING WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN DIM AND BRIGHT. AT TIMES, THERE WAS SMELL OF BURNING WIRES. *AK PING OF TILT ON STEERING COLUMN BACKED OUT TWICE. THE REPLACEMENT NEW SWITCH FAILED. THE DASH LIGHTS WERE OUT. THE WINDOW BRACKETS WERE WEAK. THE FRONT DISC BRAKE PADS FAILED FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA complaint #880869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdonough, GACrash1 injured
PARKING BRAKE:CONVENTIONAL:MECHANICAL:LINKAGE AND CABLE
WHILE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, AND VEHICLE WAS IN NUETRAL POSITION WITH EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE ON, EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE CABLE BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO ROLL AWAY. IT HIT A PERSON THAT WAS BEHIND VEHICLE, AND CAUSED INJURIES. PONTIAC CLAIMED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM CONCERNING THIS ISSUE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #877390 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
National City, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BUBBLE IN BRAKE CASING CAUSED BRAKE PADS TO PREMATURELY WEAR. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #876708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, GACrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WAS DRIVING 10MPH & STARTED TO APPLY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN, AND BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO MOVE. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO STOP & REARENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. HAD CONTACTED DEALER & WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS THE ABS BRAKES. OWNER UNPLUGGED THE ABS SYSTEM & HAD NO PROBLEM EVER SINCE.
NHTSA complaint #871357 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
MY BRAKES ARE STILL FAILING AFTER BEING FIXED BY THE PONTIAC DEALER IN MY HOME TOWN. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TAKING ANT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR WORK AND AFTER ABOUT A YEAR 1/2 AND 300 DOLLARS LATER THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME AGAIN TO FIX MY BRAKES. I KNOW THEIR IS A RECALL ON THESE TYPES OF BRAKES AND MY CAR HAS THE SAME SYMPTONS AS THE RECENT SCHOOL BUS SITUATION. I HAVE A GREAT CONCERN OF THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND MYSELF. I FEEL THAT PONTIAC GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. I JUST HOPE I DON'T GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #730230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedalia, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS CLAIMS FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE, BRAKE FAILURE, AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHY HASN'T PONTIAC FIXED THESE PROBLEMS? THESE ARE SAFETY PROBLEMS. ARE THERE ANY WARRANTIES AVAILBLE? ALSO HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF ALL SAFETY RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETE ON MY CAR. MY LOCAL DEALER DID NOT CALL ME BACK ON THIS. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE GAS TANK REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #730857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
MY BRAKES ARE STILL FAILING AFTER BEING FIXED BY THE PONTIAC DEALER IN MY HOME TOWN. THIS CONCERNS ME BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT TAKING ANT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR WORK AND AFTER ABOUT A YEAR 1/2 AND 300 DOLLARS LATER THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME AGAIN TO FIX MY BRAKES. I KNOW THEIR IS A RECALL ON THESE TYPES OF BRAKES AND MY CAR HAS THE SAME SYMPTONS AS THE RECENT SCHOOL BUS SITUATION. I HAVE A GREAT CONCERN OF THE SAFETY OF OTHERS AND MYSELF. I FEEL THAT PONTIAC GM IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THEY ARE TRYING TO CHARGE ME AGAIN FOR THIS PROBLEM. IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURER PROBLEM. I JUST HOPE I DON'T GET INTO A SERIOUS ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF MY BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #730230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sedalia, MO
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK
THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS CLAIMS FOR STEERING COLUMN FAILURE, BRAKE FAILURE, AND TRANSMISSION FAILURE. WHY HASN'T PONTIAC FIXED THESE PROBLEMS? THESE ARE SAFETY PROBLEMS. ARE THERE ANY WARRANTIES AVAILBLE? ALSO HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF ALL SAFETY RECALLS HAVE BEEN COMPLETE ON MY CAR. MY LOCAL DEALER DID NOT CALL ME BACK ON THIS. I NEED TO KNOW IF THE GAS TANK REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR.
NHTSA complaint #730857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DEALER HAS REPAIRED BRAKES; HOWEVER THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK THE ABS FAILED REPEATDLY AFER BEING REPLACED BY DIFFERENT DEALERS.
NHTSA complaint #869493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hornell, NY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 25 MPH BRAKES ON THE REAR WHEELS LOCKED UP. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT SAFELY. IF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT A HIGHER SPEED VEHICLE WOULD HAVE WENT INTO A TAIL SPIN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY SERVICE SHOP FOR REPAIRS. THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT REPORTED TO A PONTIAC DEALERSHIP .
NHTSA complaint #866492 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
CONSUMER EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE WEAR OF THE FRONT BRAKE PADS/ROTORS, AND CLIPERS. ALSO, UPON DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL CONSUMER NOTICED A LOUD GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALER, DEALER HAS REPLACED THE BRAKES ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS . PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #854757 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Biglake, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I HAVE REPLACED MY FRONT BRAKES SEVERAL TIMES AND ROTERS 3 NEVER GETTING MORE THAN 25,000PER SET. I HAVE TRY USEING DIFFERENT BRANDS AND ASKED THE DEALER WHY THEY KEEP GOING BAD ?
NHTSA complaint #715818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Huron, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF BRAKES TWICE, OIL PAN ONCE AND CONTINUE HAVING PROBLEMS MAINTAINING OIL PRESSURE
NHTSA complaint #715098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Southfield, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
WHILE DRIVING THE VALVE SPRING FAILED CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/STEERING ABILITY AND SEVERE VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #548336 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS; WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS, THE PEDAL WENT DOWN ABOUT AN INCH FROM THE FLOORBOARD, AND THERE WAS NO BRAKING ABILITY, UNTIL THE REGULAR BRAKING SYSTEM STARTED HOLDING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BRAKE SHOP TO BE CHECKED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #847242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FLCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
INTERMITTENT BRAKE FAILURE.PEDAL GOES STRAIGHT TO FLOOR WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. DEALER CONTACTED AND IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. NO WARRANTY. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #843884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westminste, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
BRAKES FAILED DUE TO FAULTY MASTER CYLINDER. MJS
NHTSA complaint #546408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Secor, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
BRAKES HAVE FAILED SINCE DAY ONE, I HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY REPLACED THE MASTER CYLINDER. THEY SAID IT HAD AN INTERNAL LEAKE. DID NOT SOLVE PROBLEM. WHEN STOPPING THE PEDEL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND A SQUEEKING NOISE CAN BE HEARD. THE CAR DOES NOT STOP. I REPLACED THE FRONT DISC BRAKES A FEW WEEKS AGO. THEY WERE BROKEN APART IN LAYERS. THOUGHT THAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE PROBLEM BUT IT WAS NOT. HAD VEHICLE ANALIZED ON A COMPUTOR TO SEE IF ANY CODES CAME UP BUT THERE WERE NONE. I NOTICED A LOT OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS IN YOUR FILES. ALSO NOTICED A RECALL BY GM ON BLAZERS AND JIMMY'S AND S-10S FOR SIMILAR PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE PROBLEM OR GET ANY HELP FROM DEALER. WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP.
NHTSA complaint #709059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
BRAKE PADS FAILED, ROTORS WARPED CAUSING NOISE AND VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #522840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andrews, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
BRAKE PADS FAILED, ROTORS WARPED CAUSING NOISE AND VIBRATION.
NHTSA complaint #522840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.