Owners have filed 600 complaints
about the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM with NHTSA between 1996 and 2020.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 6 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the Pontiac Grand AM. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 18
10% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Pontiac Grand AM
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
32.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
86.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1713.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1713.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3024.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3125.0%
150,000+ miles
1814.5%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 1996peak 22Jun 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
1
investigation is
still open.
RQ98013Opened 26 Aug 1998Still openAIR BAGS
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
ON JUNE 26, 1998, GENERAL MOTORS BEGAIN A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-146, TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) IN THE 1996 AND SOME 1997 J BODY CARS, CAVALIER AND SUNFIRE.DUE TO CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG SDM, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.THE RECALL POPULATION CONSISTS OF 675,302 VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 1995 THROUGH MAY 1997.ODI HAS RECEIVED 8 OWNER REPORTS ALLEGING INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT A CRASH.THE PURPOSER OF THE RQ IS TO DETERMINE WHETHER GM SHOULD EXPAN...
RQ03001Opened 2 Jan 2003Closed 15 Sep 2003STEERING
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). THE RECALL COVERED 1,159,156 MODEL YEAR 1997-1998 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX VEHICLES BUILT BETWEEN MARCH 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, 1996-1998 PONTIAC TRANS SPORT, CHEVROLET LUMINA APV, CHEVROLET VENTURE, OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE MINIVANS, AND CHEVROLET CAVALIER AND PONTIAC SUNFIRE SEDANS BUILT BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997.ODI OPENED THIS RQ AFTER RECEIVING REPORTS THAT OTHER VEHICLES WERE EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS T...
Recalls on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
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.
Risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
07E015000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
Risk: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
02V070000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
Risk: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.
97V059000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD
THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.
Risk: THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003162224,528 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. The owner’s manual for these vehicles does not provide specific information about this situation. Inadvertent deployment of the driver and / or passenger front airbag in a non-accident (non-impact) situation may cause damage to the surrounding vehicle environment (windshield / instrument panel), and create expensive vehicle repair, including replacement of the airbag module(s) and the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: GM will notify the owners of these 1996 and 1997 vehicles of the potential affect of water accumulating in the vehicle interior on the function of the airbag system (as included in the owner's manuals of 1998 and later model years vehicles).
Recall 2002041293,250 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain passenger vehicles if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Recall 1997078279 units in Canada
Electrical
THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTRE MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED ON THESE VEHICLES. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED, AND MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. PROLONGED CONTACT MAY RESULT IN ABRASION OF THE NEGATIVE CABLE INSULATION AND COULD CAUSE AN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND THE NEGATIVE CABLE. THIS CURRENT FLOW COULD CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE. CORRECTION: A PROTECTIVE COVER WILL BE INSTALLED IF NECESSARY.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 189,000 milesPrudentville, MI2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 189,000. UPDATED 02/01/118 LJ THE CONSUMER AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED DUE TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. UPDATED 03/18/11
NHTSA complaint #10360091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,728 milesShawano, WIFire
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
NHTSA complaint #10217821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,728 milesShawano, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
NHTSA complaint #10217821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,728 milesShawano, WIFire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:FOG LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
NHTSA complaint #10217821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dundalk, MDCrash
TIRES
1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM TIRE BLEW CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND END UP IN A DITCH. *KB THE VEHICLE HAD DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE AND LEFT SIDE MIRROR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #10207177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,715 milesBrunswick, MDFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPARKS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT DID NOT MAKE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 97V059000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,715.
NHTSA complaint #10195603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 178,000 milesBrockton, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE THEFT WARNING SYSTEM KEEPS THE IGNITION SWITCH FROM ENGAGING. THE CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS THE KEY IS IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES AND RESETS THE SYSTEM.
NHTSA complaint #11327228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Rose, NY
STEERING
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH FOR IT TO CATCH AND FINALLY WILL START LIKE IT KEEPS LOCKING UP. MY SON BOUGHT THIS CAR AS HIS FIRST CAR SO NO SURE HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS DOING THIS AS WE PURCHASED FROM A FRIEND AND HE DID SAY THAT SOMETHING WAS UP WITH THE STEERING WHEN TRYING TO START.
NHTSA complaint #10861427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Rose, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH FOR IT TO CATCH AND FINALLY WILL START LIKE IT KEEPS LOCKING UP. MY SON BOUGHT THIS CAR AS HIS FIRST CAR SO NO SURE HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS DOING THIS AS WE PURCHASED FROM A FRIEND AND HE DID SAY THAT SOMETHING WAS UP WITH THE STEERING WHEN TRYING TO START.
NHTSA complaint #10861427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesBolingbrook, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE IGNITION ON THIS COLLEGE STUDENTS 97 PONTIAC GRAND AM RANDOMLY DEFAULTS. IT WILL GET STUCK IN ON OR OFF POSITION. CAR SOMETIMES CONTINUES RUNNING. KEYES WILL LOCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE KEYS ARE STUCK IN IGNITION. IGNITION GETS WARM.
NHTSA complaint #10616869 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesDowney, ID
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
I CANNOT DRIVE CAR WITH OUT SPEEDOMETER. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN #66-83-04A I FEEL THE DEALER SHOULD REPAIR THIS AT THERE COST. IT IS NOT SAFE DRIVING IT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE SPEED. THE DEALER SAYS IT COST 450.00 THE VSS IS WORKING FINE. I BUY A LOT OF CARS.
NHTSA complaint #10573161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 223,027 milesGwinn, MI
STEERING
THE MOST RECENT OF PROBLEMS IS MY STEERING WENT OUT ON ME WHILE TURNING IN TO A PARKING LOT. HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION SEAL THAT CAUSED IT TO POUR OUT THE FLUID. I HAVE ALSO HAD MANY OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS GAS LEAKING EVEN THOUGH ALL LINES WERE REPLACED. POWER STEERING LINE REPLACED DUE TO PIN HOLE LEAKS, MULTIPLE WHEEL BEARINGS, RADIATOR. IGNITION SWITCH, AND ONE OF THE SENSORS IN THE UPPER BACK SIDE OF THE MOTOR SOMEHOW CAME UNDONE AND MELTED THE CONNECTOR AND CAUSED A DEAD SHORT IN MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10551164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesEnglewood, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION BUT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES) BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #10443692 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,653 milesWilliamsport, PA
TIRES
I HAVE BROUGHT A SET OF FOUR TIRE FROM FIRESTONE DOT NUMBER IS H Y C 6 38B 3896 DUR3M365182 P195/65R15 SO THE TIRES START WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THIS TO COME A PART THE FRIST TIME THIS HAPPEN I BROUGHT TO TIRES.
NHTSA complaint #10408899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesConcord, NC
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED BUT THE ODOR PERSISTED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AN EVAPORATION LEAK CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
NHTSA complaint #10407554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesPrudentville, MI2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 189,000. UPDATED 02/01/118 LJ THE CONSUMER AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED DUE TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. UPDATED 03/18/11
NHTSA complaint #10360091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT IS A FAILED PIECE OF JUNK THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT INTO ANY VEHICLE. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS SITUATION AS MANY, MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY NOT HAVING THIS SITUATION FIXED. MOST MECHANICS ARE AT A LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10299128 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 92,000 milesFairfax, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
COOLANT LEVELS IN RESERVE TANK ALWAYS WOULD DROP BELOW MINIMUM LEVELS, AND WE WOULD CONTINUE TO ADD COOLANT. LAST OIL CHANGE IN JUNE 2009 REVIEW NO PROBLEM. NOVEMBER 2009, WHILE SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE (APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES) CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITH TEMP GAUGE READING IN THE RED. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP AND REPORTED THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO CORE, ENGINE DESTROYED (ESTIMATED REPAIR - NEED NEW/REMANUFACTURED ENGINE $2500-3000). SEEMS WHILE REVIEWING THIS SUBJECT ONLINE AND W/NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH 1997 PONTIACS 4 AND 6 CYLINDER ENGINES.
NHTSA complaint #10292067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesManchester, NH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM IS FAILING ALL THE TIME ON ALL PONTIACS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM INTAKE MANIFOLD BLOW 5 TIMES AT 50.00 MILES OIL MIXES WITH THE COOLANT AND ALL THE SMOKE FROM THAT GOES IN THE AIR IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAN THE CARS ARE JUNK SO THAN EVERYBODY WHO BUYS PONTIAC THEY ARE BUYING A LEMON CARS EVEN IF IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10246500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesManchester, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COOLING SYSTEM IS FAILING ALL THE TIME ON ALL PONTIACS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM INTAKE MANIFOLD BLOW 5 TIMES AT 50.00 MILES OIL MIXES WITH THE COOLANT AND ALL THE SMOKE FROM THAT GOES IN THE AIR IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAN THE CARS ARE JUNK SO THAN EVERYBODY WHO BUYS PONTIAC THEY ARE BUYING A LEMON CARS EVEN IF IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10246500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50 milesManchester, NH
EQUIPMENT
COOLING SYSTEM IS FAILING ALL THE TIME ON ALL PONTIACS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM INTAKE MANIFOLD BLOW 5 TIMES AT 50.00 MILES OIL MIXES WITH THE COOLANT AND ALL THE SMOKE FROM THAT GOES IN THE AIR IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAN THE CARS ARE JUNK SO THAN EVERYBODY WHO BUYS PONTIAC THEY ARE BUYING A LEMON CARS EVEN IF IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SHOP.
NHTSA complaint #10246500 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesIthaca, NY
AIR BAGS
1) FIREWALL BODY SEAM LEAKS WATER INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO RUST THROUGH. FILLS FLOORS BENEATH CARPETS WITH WATER. CAUSES AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) UNDER PASSENGER'S SEAT TO FAIL DUE TO MOISTURE. ACTIVATES "AIR BAR" DASH LIGHT. GM HAS ISSUED A LETTER RELATED TO "FLOOD" CARS. IT GOES BEYOND FLOODS!!!! THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN & BUILD PROBLEM. 2) WATER ENTERS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT (STUPID DESIGN) HAS FAILED DUE TO MOISTURE UNDER THE CARPETING. "AIR BAG" LIGHT IS TRIGGERED AND GM WARNS THAT AIR BAG(S) COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING!!! 3) I HAVE REMOVED THE 10A AIR BAG FUSE AND DISCONNECTED BOTH AIR BAGS BY UNPLUGGING WIRES TO THE INFLATORS. GM SAYS THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. NO THANK-YOU, GM SHOULD COVER REPLACEMENT AND FIREWALL REPAIRS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE, PERIOD. THIS IS THE 2ND CASE OF FIREWALL WATER LEAKAGE I HAVE SEEN ON THE GM "N" BODIED CARS. THE OTHER WAS AN OLDS ACHIEVA WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE RUST OUT AREAS FROM BOTH VEHICLES. GM SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL & REPAIR THESE CARS - FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10245708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesIthaca, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
1) FIREWALL BODY SEAM LEAKS WATER INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO RUST THROUGH. FILLS FLOORS BENEATH CARPETS WITH WATER. CAUSES AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) UNDER PASSENGER'S SEAT TO FAIL DUE TO MOISTURE. ACTIVATES "AIR BAR" DASH LIGHT. GM HAS ISSUED A LETTER RELATED TO "FLOOD" CARS. IT GOES BEYOND FLOODS!!!! THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN & BUILD PROBLEM. 2) WATER ENTERS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT (STUPID DESIGN) HAS FAILED DUE TO MOISTURE UNDER THE CARPETING. "AIR BAG" LIGHT IS TRIGGERED AND GM WARNS THAT AIR BAG(S) COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING!!! 3) I HAVE REMOVED THE 10A AIR BAG FUSE AND DISCONNECTED BOTH AIR BAGS BY UNPLUGGING WIRES TO THE INFLATORS. GM SAYS THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. NO THANK-YOU, GM SHOULD COVER REPLACEMENT AND FIREWALL REPAIRS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE, PERIOD. THIS IS THE 2ND CASE OF FIREWALL WATER LEAKAGE I HAVE SEEN ON THE GM "N" BODIED CARS. THE OTHER WAS AN OLDS ACHIEVA WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE RUST OUT AREAS FROM BOTH VEHICLES. GM SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL & REPAIR THESE CARS - FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10245708 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesKershaw, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 GRAND AM GT SINCE PURCHASING IT. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH THREE TIMES IN ONE YEAR, THE SERVICE COSTS ARE $900.00 IN TOTAL. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE SAME THING KEEPS BREAKING EVERY 3 MONTHS. MY WINDOWS GET STUCK AND DON'T WANT TO ROLL UP, IT HAS POWER WINDOWS. I WAS REAR ENDED IN 2003, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, NO DAMAGE DONE TO MY CAR. WHAT CAN I DO? JUST KEEP REPLACING IGNITION SWITCHES EVERY 3 MONTHS? I HAVE GOTTEN WRITTEN UP AT WORK FOR MY CAR NOT STARTING. I DO NOT HAVE TRIPLE A.
NHTSA complaint #10237169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSpring Hill, FL
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
IGNITION WON'T TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO I DON'T DRAIN IT. I HAVE TO LEAVE MY KIDS IN THE HOT CAR WHILE I DO THIS. OR PAY $200 THAT I DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE SENSOR ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT TELLS THE CAR ITS IN PARK. WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS IT HAPPENS TO A LOT OF VEHICLES. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE TO MAINTAIN MY CAR BUT I DON'T SEE WHY SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #10232006 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesCoal, PA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME COMPLETELY SATURATED WITH WATER. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE ADVISING CONSUMERS THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD FAIL AND ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, CAUSING UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FLOODING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LETTER WAS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COSTLY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA complaint #10231295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesLansing, MI
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY SMELLS ANTIFREEZE AND IT HAS LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT AND BACK FLOORS OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FLOORS WERE WET, BUT NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO IT UNTIL SHE REMOVED THE FLOORMATS AND SAW THE GREEN ANTIFREEZE. AS OF APRIL 16, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10224719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 194,544 milesGalloway, OH
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
PASSLOCK SYSTEM TURNED CAR OFF IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY HAD TO PUSH CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD WITH 100'S OF CARS PASSING ME AT 65 MPH (LIFE THREATENING) RESET PASSLOCK BUT HAS DONE THE SAME 4 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10222877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THEY ARE OFTEN LEAVING CODES AND POPPING ON MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10220992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,728 milesShawano, WIFire
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
NHTSA complaint #10217821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,728 milesShawano, WIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
NHTSA complaint #10217821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.