85 of the
600 complaints about the 1997 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
108,000 miles.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10210701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMarietta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10210701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesMarietta, GA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10210701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesSouth Lyon, MI1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THIS IS THE WORST CAR (LEMON) I HAVE EVER HAD. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A USED CAR DEALER SHIP CALLED NEW CAR ALTERNATIVE IN LIVONIA MI. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD ENGINE IN THE CAR. THE FIRST 2 FAILED DUE TO THE HEAD GASKETS BLOWING AND ANTI-FREEZE WAS MIXING WITH OIL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. ALL CAR WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BE REPLACED 4 OR 5 TIMES EACH AND STILL DON'T WORK. BACK TWO DOORS ARE BROKE ONE WONT OPEN THE OTHER WONT CLOSE. THE SUNROOF WONT CLOSE THE DEALER TOLD ME 1500 TO REPLACE MOTOR AND PUT BACK ON TRACKS. LOL I HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. I BOUGHT THE CAR DEC OF 99 AND HAVE HAD ALL THESE PROBLEMS SINCE. I DON'T RECOMMEND ANYONE TO BUY A GRAND AM OR A CAR FROM THIS DEALERSHIP THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL. THE FIRST ENGINE WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY SECOND ONE WAS AT MY COST OF 3500. THEN ANOTHER 1500 FOR NEW RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE. THEN ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION HOSE. THIS IS SUCH BULL CRAP. WHAT A LEMON! PLUS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION ONE DAY AND MY AIR BAG DECIDED TO COME OUT ON IT OWN NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND HIT ME IN THE FACE RESULTING IN INJURIES AND I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.
NHTSA complaint #10131095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth City, NC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:ABS WARNING LIGHT
RECALL CAMPAIGN; RECALL INSTALL PINION BEARING KIT, PERFORM RECALL 99091 REPLACED WIPER ARM, DEFLECTOR, BARRIER KIT. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. *BF WHEN GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND WHEN THE CONSUMER REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10108905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millington, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
VEHICLE IS 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAS NEVER SEEMED TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND ALSO REPLACED AND STILL BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE SMOOTHLY. WHEN BRAKING AT 70 MPH A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NON-BRAKING ALTERNATELY CAN BE NOTICED. WHEN SLOWING FROM 20 MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NO-BRAKING CAN BE FELT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS OUT OF TIME OR ADJUSTMENT. AT THE SLOW SPEED THE DANGER IS NOT GREAT; BUT AT THE HIGHER SPEED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS A PROBLEM. CONTROL IS A MUCH GREATER PROBLEM WHEN ROADS ARE WET, SNOWY, OR ICY.
NHTSA complaint #10106191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millington, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
VEHICLE IS 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAS NEVER SEEMED TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND ALSO REPLACED AND STILL BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE SMOOTHLY. WHEN BRAKING AT 70 MPH A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NON-BRAKING ALTERNATELY CAN BE NOTICED. WHEN SLOWING FROM 20 MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NO-BRAKING CAN BE FELT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS OUT OF TIME OR ADJUSTMENT. AT THE SLOW SPEED THE DANGER IS NOT GREAT; BUT AT THE HIGHER SPEED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS A PROBLEM. CONTROL IS A MUCH GREATER PROBLEM WHEN ROADS ARE WET, SNOWY, OR ICY.
NHTSA complaint #10106191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Millington, TN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
VEHICLE IS 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAS NEVER SEEMED TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND ALSO REPLACED AND STILL BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE SMOOTHLY. WHEN BRAKING AT 70 MPH A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NON-BRAKING ALTERNATELY CAN BE NOTICED. WHEN SLOWING FROM 20 MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NO-BRAKING CAN BE FELT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS OUT OF TIME OR ADJUSTMENT. AT THE SLOW SPEED THE DANGER IS NOT GREAT; BUT AT THE HIGHER SPEED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS A PROBLEM. CONTROL IS A MUCH GREATER PROBLEM WHEN ROADS ARE WET, SNOWY, OR ICY.
NHTSA complaint #10106191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 133,000 milesWest Branch, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING INTO THE CORE. BRAKES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES LAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10092822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,000 milesNorthville, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:PADS
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND AUXILLARY LIGHTS REMAIN ON. THE LOCKSMITH ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT AND I HAVE TO KEEP HAVING HIM COME OUT; LOOKS LIKE A REPLACEMENT CORE IS NEEDED, THEE IS NOT A CHEAP WAY OUTOF THIS. THE BAKE PADS WEAR DOWN VERY QUICKLY. IT SEEMS THAT A BOLT ON THE CALIPER IS NOT EVEN WITH THE OPPOSITE BOLT, IT'S VERY SLIGHT BUT IT'S THE SAME ON BOTH CALIPERS AND SEEMS TO CAUSE PADS TO WEAR UNEVENLY AND OFTEN. IT IS PROBABLY CHEAPER FOR GM TO HAVE COSUMERS REPLACE PADS AND ROTORS OFTEN THAN TO RETOOL THE MACHINERY TO FIX ALL THOSE BOLTS.
NHTSA complaint #10082726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesBolingbrook, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT. CONSUMER HEARD SOUNDS AS IF SOME ONE HAD DROPPED MARBLES IN THE ENGINE. SOON AFTER THE VEHICLE STALLED. A MECHANIC EXAMINED THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND THAT THE TIMING CHAIN WAS DEFECTIVE. ALSO, CONSUMER HAD TO GET A NEW TRANSMISSION, AND ABS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10075893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesCincinnati, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
WHEN YOU RUN THE AIR, THE CAR STALLS AND WON'T START ANYWHERE FROM ONE HOUR TO THREE OR FOUR POSSIBLY THE NEXT DAY. THE HORN WORKS SOMETIMES, THE RAIDIO WORKS SOMETIMES AS DOES THE DISPAY, THE VOLUME GOES UP AND DOWN. THE FUEL SYSTEMS SHUTS DOWN ALONG WITH THE CAR WHEN THE AIR IS RUNNING. THE POWER WINDOW QUIT WORKING IN APRIL, I REPLACED THE ONE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE ONLY TO HAVE THE ONE ON THE DRIVER SIDE TO STOP WORKING. THE BRAKES WENT OUT WITH NO WARNING. ANYTIME THE CAR HAS ANY PROBLEMS NO LIGHTS COME ON TO WARN YOU IT WILL JUST STOP WORKING. THE SHOP THAT PUT THE USED ENGINE IN STILL CAN'T TELL ME WHY IT STARED KNOCKING. THE ETS SYSTEM COMES ON AND OFF ALL THE TIME WITHOUT PRESSING THE BUTTON, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE 1997 PONITAC GRAND AM GT.
NHTSA complaint #10070666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesBrampton, UN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
LEFT SIDE STEERING COLUM PIN FELL OUT STEERING WHEEL ALMOST FELL OFF DASH
NHTSA complaint #10071275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,124 milesSAN Luis Obispo, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHILE IN THE DRIVE POSITION AND STOPPED ON AN INCLINE WITH THE BREAK DEPRESSED, UPON RELEASE OF THE BRAKE THE CAR MAKES A GRINDING NOISE. TS
NHTSA complaint #10000319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOMITA-14, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
CONSUMER STATES HAS BEEN CHANGE THE BRAKES PAD MANY TIMES, GOT BROKEN EVERY MONTHS. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. TS
NHTSA complaint #8021567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurel, MD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FRONT DRIVERS SIDE WHEEL AREA. WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, MADE A THUMPING NOISE. REPLACED DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROLL ARM, WAS TOLD IT WAS BAD. 3 OR 4 DAYS AFTER I PICKED UP MY CAR, I NOW HAVE A SINGLE THUMP WHEN I BRAKE AND RELEASE THE BRAKE. THIS NOISE IS SO LOUD AND SCARY SOUNDING THAT I AM ABSOLUTELY AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. IT SOUNDS LIKE MY WHEEL IS READY TO FALL OFF. TAKING THE CAR BACK TO THE SHOP AGAIN TOMORROW. I READ SEVERAL REPORTS ON YOUR WEBSITE REGARDING THIS SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #766911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8016665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE DRIVING DOWN HILL, BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO PONTIAC AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKES PADS. WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HILL, CONSUMER COULD SMELL RUBBER BURNING, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO MAKE A STOP. CONSUMER SAW FIRE NEAR FRONT BRAKES. *AK THIS PROBLEM WAS ASSOCIATED WITH GM'S ORIGINAL PONTIAC FRONT BRAKE HOSE RESTRICTION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. IT LEAD TO OVERHEATING OF THE BRAKES AND FINALLY BRAKE FAILURE AND FIRE. WHILE IN MOTION THIS COULD HAVE LED TO AN ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #8016666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Parma, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AT 10 MPH, NO BRAKING ACTION, PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. BRAKES WERE APPLIED AGAIN. THIS TIME BRAKES WERE OPERATIONAL. DEALER STATED THAT ABS COMPUTER WAS FAULTY AND HAD TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #8016541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CAFire
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED WHEN DRIVING DOWN HILL. BRAKES BEGAN TO SMOKE/SMELL WITH SOFT PEDAL. DEALERSHIP REPLACED PADS AND CHECKED BRAKE SYSTEM. THE NEXT DAY WHEN DRIVEN DOWN A HILL FRONT BRAKES CAUGHT FIRE. PLEASE DESCCRIBE DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #8014735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carson, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CONSUMER HAS ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR THREE MONTHS. REAR BRAKE DRUMS WERE TURNED, AND THREE SETS OF BRAKES SHOES WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE HA BEEN IN A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. WHEELS LOCKED UP AT THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH OF BRAKE PRESSURE OR WHEN BRAKES OVERHEATED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8012429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carson, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DRUM:SHOES/LININGS
CONSUMER HAS ABS BRAKE PROBLEMS FOR THREE MONTHS. REAR BRAKE DRUMS WERE TURNED, AND THREE SETS OF BRAKES SHOES WERE REPLACED. VEHICLE HA BEEN IN A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES. WHEELS LOCKED UP AT THE SLIGHTEST TOUCH OF BRAKE PRESSURE OR WHEN BRAKES OVERHEATED. DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #8012429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Angelo, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN APPLYING BRAKES THERE WOULD BE A POPPING NOISE PRESENT, AND BRAKES WOULD LOCK UP. THIS WOULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT INTO ANOTHER LANE. ALSO LEFT REAR AND RIGHT FRONT WINDOW WAS INOPARTIVE, ALSO THE TRANSMISSION WAS SLIPPING.
NHTSA complaint #8010091 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Raymondville, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CONSUMER STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT ANY MPH, COULD STEP ON THE BRAKES PEDAL, BUT THE BRAKES WILL NOT ACTIVATE ON TIME, DEALER WAS CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. NLM
NHTSA complaint #8006634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterford, MI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
AFTER APPLYING, CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO DISENGAGE, THE CAR ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL AND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE WITH BRAKING, NEED TO TURN OFF CAR TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, BARELY AVERTED CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #753494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakland, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
IDENTICAL TO ODI ID: 727560. CONTINUING PROBLEM DESPITE BRAKE REPLACEMENT, ADJUSTMENT. NO SAFETY DEFECT LISTED.
NHTSA complaint #752982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbury, MN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
CAR ACCELERATED TO 100+ MILES, COULD NOT BRAKE OR SLOW DOWN FOR APPROX 3 MILES, AND THEN AT FIVE MILE INTERVALS IT WOULD DROP. THIS WAS DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I COULD NOT TURN KEY NOR SHIFT, UNTIL IT GOT DOWN TO 10-15 MILES PER HOUR. THEN I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT SO IT WOULD STOP. DEALER WAS CALLED. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER. DEALER SAYS THERE'S NO SIGN OF ANYTHING WRONG. BUT OF COURSE THERE IS. THIS WAS A HORRIFYING, TERRIFYING EXPERIENCE, AND I SHOOK FOR HOURS. WHEN I FINALLY GOT THE CAR TO STOP, IT SMOKED (BLACK) FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SEATBELT WAS ON. *AK I'M NOT SURE WHAT A 2-POINT OR 3-POINT BELT IS.
NHTSA complaint #750895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cape MAY Courthouse, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS WERE PREMATURELY WEARING, AND HAVE BEEN REPLACED/ CUT DOWN FOUR TIMES, CAUSE UNKNOWN. NO INJURIES OR COLLISION HAS OCCURRED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #889524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Senatobia, MS
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING BRAKE PROBLEMS, BRAKES HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE, WITHIN THE LAST 4 1/2 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #560774 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tyngsboro, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS. YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER BRAKING WHEN ABS IS ACTIVATED.
NHTSA complaint #740820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.