Owners have filed 1,318 complaints
about the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM with NHTSA between 1998 and 2023.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 100
Against the median year of the Pontiac Grand AM. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 76
14.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 34
20% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1999 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
20.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
102.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
348.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8721.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
8521.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
10125.4%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
6015.1%
150,000+ miles
194.8%
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.
Jul 1998peak 39Jul 2023
NHTSA investigations into the 1999 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.
RQ04005Opened 18 Jun 2004Closed 30 Nov 2004EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS:SWITCH
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COV...
EA03021Opened 4 Nov 2003Closed 19 Oct 2004SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
PE03031Opened 14 Jul 2003Closed 4 Nov 2003SUSPENSION:FRONT
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FA...
Recalls on the 1999 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.
United States — NHTSA
14V400000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
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.
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.
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
06E064000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
00V140000
STRUCTURE:BODY
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Risk: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
98V320000
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Risk: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014284641,121 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a defect in the ignition switch could allow the switch to move out of the "run" position if the key ring is carrying added weight or the vehicle goes off-road or is subjected to some other jarring event. If this were to occur, engine power, power steering and power braking would be affected, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. The timing of the key movement out of the “run” position, relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of the crash event, may also result in the airbags not deploying in a subsequent collision, increasing the risk of injury. Correction: For each key, dealers will install two key rings and modify the key ring opening shape. Note: Until the correction is performed, all items should be removed from the key ring.
Recall 200012347,272 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 201 - Occupant Protection. The console cover does not remain closed when a specified vertical load is applied. During a crash, the console cover could open and the cover or items stored under it could injure an occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.
Recall 1999060989 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210.1 - Tether Anchorages for Child Restraints . The bolt in the child rear seat tether kit is too long, has insufficient threads to meet proper clamp load, and the spacer in the kit is too short. In the event of a vehicle crash, a child seat may not be properly restrained by the anchor, and injury to the seat occupant could occur. Correction: Dealers will replace any previously installed child seat tether bracket kits.
Recall 1998248104 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering wheel could become loose on the steering shaft due to insufficient torque on the steering wheel retaining nut. This could result in loss of steering control and a crash without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct torque and tighten as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pittsburgh, PACrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 268,500 milesJanesville, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER THAT WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE CONTACT'S LANE, FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED TWO TRUCKS. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO OTHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE DRIVER'S. THERE WAS NO WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS ON THE UPPER LEFT SHOULDER AND A BIG BUMP ON THE BACK. THE CONTACT WOULD BE GOING TO THE DOCTORS ATA A LATER POINT IN TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 268,500.
NHTSA complaint #11235024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesQuaker City, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10850191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roslindale, MACrash1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER AN UNKNOWN OBJECT WHICH CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CHANGE TO THE OFF SETTING INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING AND BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND CRASH INTO A CREEK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE CREEK AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ..UPDATED 03-16-15 *BF ...UPDATED 04/15/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DEFECT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. UPDATED 10/8/2015*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH MOVED FROM THE ON POSITION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT BECAUSE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 11/12/2015
NHTSA complaint #10677107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Pittsburgh, PACrash2 injured
STRUCTURE:BODY
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11533840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The gas gauge will show full then without warning quickly drop to “E” and the low fuel indicator will ding and the light will come on then just as quickly as it started it will go back to full or 2/3rds the slow creep back to the full position. (The tank was not full) While driving all the electrical components start going wild, everything goes on and off quickly. The accelerator will rev(while foot is on or off accelerator) and drop over and over (as if there were bad gas in it) then go back to normal. This happens while I’m on the road and is a massive hazard. I’m so afraid this will cause an accident that leads to loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11525143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The gas gauge will show full then without warning quickly drop to “E” and the low fuel indicator will ding and the light will come on then just as quickly as it started it will go back to full or 2/3rds the slow creep back to the full position. (The tank was not full) While driving all the electrical components start going wild, everything goes on and off quickly. The accelerator will rev(while foot is on or off accelerator) and drop over and over (as if there were bad gas in it) then go back to normal. This happens while I’m on the road and is a massive hazard. I’m so afraid this will cause an accident that leads to loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11525143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
New Market, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The gas gauge will show full then without warning quickly drop to “E” and the low fuel indicator will ding and the light will come on then just as quickly as it started it will go back to full or 2/3rds the slow creep back to the full position. (The tank was not full) While driving all the electrical components start going wild, everything goes on and off quickly. The accelerator will rev(while foot is on or off accelerator) and drop over and over (as if there were bad gas in it) then go back to normal. This happens while I’m on the road and is a massive hazard. I’m so afraid this will cause an accident that leads to loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11525143 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 268,500 milesJanesville, WICrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER THAT WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE CONTACT'S LANE, FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED TWO TRUCKS. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO OTHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE DRIVER'S. THERE WAS NO WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS ON THE UPPER LEFT SHOULDER AND A BIG BUMP ON THE BACK. THE CONTACT WOULD BE GOING TO THE DOCTORS ATA A LATER POINT IN TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 268,500.
NHTSA complaint #11235024 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,300 milesColorado Springs, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW WERE BROKE AND BOTH HAVE BROKE INTO SHARDS. WINDSHIELD WAS APPROXIMENTLY 3" IN DIAMETER AND HALF INCH WIDE AND REAR WINDOW WAS APPROXIMENTLY 5" AND QUARTER IN WIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10882222 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesAugusta, KS
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE HAZARD SWITCH MAKES A NOISE LIKE THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE FLASHING WHEN THEY AREN'T EVEN ON. TO GET MY BLINKERS TO WORK I HAVE TO PUSH THE HAZARD BUTTON ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10874326 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAugusta, KS
ENGINE
THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL.
NHTSA complaint #10874327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reidsville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TO START WITH I READ THE COMPLAINTS AND WAS WONDERING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMETHING TO BE RECALLED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALLS, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS SCRATCHES ON IT FROM I AM GUESSING THE REGULATOR, THE DASH IS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE STRUTS, AND SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, THE SUSPENSION FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS FALLING APART THROUGH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP AND POINT DOWN. SIDE MIRROR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE VISITED SEVERAL AUTO YARDS TO TRY TO FIND A DASH AND SIDE MIRROR AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT ALL THE MODELS OF THE GRAND AM WAS MISSING THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WHERE IT HAD BROKE OFF AND ALL OF THEM THE DASH WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. I AM NOT SURE AS TO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE DASH COMES COMPLETELY OFF BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE CAR WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE A CAR THAT HAS THIS MANY ISSUES AND NO ONE IS RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS. NOW THE CV BOOT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I AM SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW SEEING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND ONLY SIX RECALLS THAT IS A PROBLEM. I AM SORRY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT YOU PUT OUT. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING HURT OR KILLED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND I HOPE YA'LL CAN SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT KNOWING ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAVE EXISTED FOR THIS LONG AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY INTO SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10870578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Reidsville, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TO START WITH I READ THE COMPLAINTS AND WAS WONDERING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMETHING TO BE RECALLED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALLS, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS SCRATCHES ON IT FROM I AM GUESSING THE REGULATOR, THE DASH IS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE STRUTS, AND SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, THE SUSPENSION FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS FALLING APART THROUGH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP AND POINT DOWN. SIDE MIRROR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE VISITED SEVERAL AUTO YARDS TO TRY TO FIND A DASH AND SIDE MIRROR AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT ALL THE MODELS OF THE GRAND AM WAS MISSING THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WHERE IT HAD BROKE OFF AND ALL OF THEM THE DASH WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. I AM NOT SURE AS TO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE DASH COMES COMPLETELY OFF BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE CAR WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE A CAR THAT HAS THIS MANY ISSUES AND NO ONE IS RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS. NOW THE CV BOOT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I AM SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW SEEING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND ONLY SIX RECALLS THAT IS A PROBLEM. I AM SORRY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT YOU PUT OUT. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING HURT OR KILLED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND I HOPE YA'LL CAN SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT KNOWING ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAVE EXISTED FOR THIS LONG AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY INTO SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
NHTSA complaint #10870578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
STEERING
CLOCK SPRING HAS A DISK THAT IS NOT A UNIFORM DESGINE DUE TO IT SPLITTING AND BOWING OUT. STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHEN TURNED EITHER DIRECTION AND HORN IS SET OFF AS WELL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND WOULD ASSUME THAT IT WOULD NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION. PONTIAC FEELS THAT THE DISK THAT SHOULD BE ONE SOLID PIECE THAT I BELIEVE IS TWO PIECES, IM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #10865918 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
AIR BAGS
IGNITION FROZEN, UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. NO SHIFT REALEASE, AND UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF ENGINE STALL ON OPEN ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS DEAD ONCE YOU SHIFT INTO PARK TO RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10864610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
STEERING
IGNITION FROZEN, UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. NO SHIFT REALEASE, AND UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF ENGINE STALL ON OPEN ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS DEAD ONCE YOU SHIFT INTO PARK TO RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10864610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,000 milesColorado Springs, CO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IGNITION FROZEN, UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. NO SHIFT REALEASE, AND UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF ENGINE STALL ON OPEN ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS DEAD ONCE YOU SHIFT INTO PARK TO RESTART.
NHTSA complaint #10864610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesNorth Little Rock, AR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A FRIEND ABOUT 2WEEKS AGO AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION BUT HE TOOK IT UP THERE. BUT HE JUST DONE THIS ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR , SO NOW THE KEY WON'T EVEN TURN THE IGNITION TO START. WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME?THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE AND NOTICE THAT I COULD NOT.
NHTSA complaint #10850293 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesQuaker City, OHFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
NHTSA complaint #10850191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesAnderson, IN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DRIPPING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DRIPPING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN, YEAR, AND MODEL WERE NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #10822483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSURANCE/TAXES ETC TO KEEP CAR IN DRIVEWAY, MOSTLY INOPERABLE NOW WAITING ON GM TO ADDRESS, THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE PHONE CALLS/E-MAILS NOR WILL THEY TRY AND REACH AN ACCORD IN REGARDS TO A CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM DISABLED AND RELIED ON THIS CAR TO GO TO DOCTOR OFFICES, BEING LEFT STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAITING TO BE TOWED BY AAA WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH YET WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BEING AT LEAST DISABLED, THEY WANTED TO THEN CHARGE A "DIAGNOSIS" FEE ON TOP OF BEING TREATED LIKE DIRT. I SENT THEM A "LIEN" ( I KNOW IT HOLDS THE WEIGHT OF AIR!) TO TRY AND WORK THIS OUT...AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE CAR IS NOW A BRICK IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL, TOTALING 700.00 DOLLARS AND THE TAX BILL AND INSURANCE COST FOR HAVING A VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE THE BILLS AND NO RESOLUTION FOR AN ISSUE I DID NOT CAUSE, GM HID THIS AND THEN DID NOTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK PROBLEMS?
NHTSA complaint #10783479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSURANCE/TAXES ETC TO KEEP CAR IN DRIVEWAY, MOSTLY INOPERABLE NOW WAITING ON GM TO ADDRESS, THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE PHONE CALLS/E-MAILS NOR WILL THEY TRY AND REACH AN ACCORD IN REGARDS TO A CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM DISABLED AND RELIED ON THIS CAR TO GO TO DOCTOR OFFICES, BEING LEFT STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAITING TO BE TOWED BY AAA WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH YET WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BEING AT LEAST DISABLED, THEY WANTED TO THEN CHARGE A "DIAGNOSIS" FEE ON TOP OF BEING TREATED LIKE DIRT. I SENT THEM A "LIEN" ( I KNOW IT HOLDS THE WEIGHT OF AIR!) TO TRY AND WORK THIS OUT...AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE CAR IS NOW A BRICK IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL, TOTALING 700.00 DOLLARS AND THE TAX BILL AND INSURANCE COST FOR HAVING A VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE THE BILLS AND NO RESOLUTION FOR AN ISSUE I DID NOT CAUSE, GM HID THIS AND THEN DID NOTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK PROBLEMS?
NHTSA complaint #10783479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesPortsmouth, VA
ENGINE
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSURANCE/TAXES ETC TO KEEP CAR IN DRIVEWAY, MOSTLY INOPERABLE NOW WAITING ON GM TO ADDRESS, THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE PHONE CALLS/E-MAILS NOR WILL THEY TRY AND REACH AN ACCORD IN REGARDS TO A CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM DISABLED AND RELIED ON THIS CAR TO GO TO DOCTOR OFFICES, BEING LEFT STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAITING TO BE TOWED BY AAA WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH YET WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BEING AT LEAST DISABLED, THEY WANTED TO THEN CHARGE A "DIAGNOSIS" FEE ON TOP OF BEING TREATED LIKE DIRT. I SENT THEM A "LIEN" ( I KNOW IT HOLDS THE WEIGHT OF AIR!) TO TRY AND WORK THIS OUT...AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE CAR IS NOW A BRICK IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL, TOTALING 700.00 DOLLARS AND THE TAX BILL AND INSURANCE COST FOR HAVING A VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE THE BILLS AND NO RESOLUTION FOR AN ISSUE I DID NOT CAUSE, GM HID THIS AND THEN DID NOTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK PROBLEMS?
NHTSA complaint #10783479 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesColumbus, OH
SEATS
SEATS DON'T RECLINE OR STICK. ELECTRIC SHORTAGES OUT AND MAY DEFECT RELAYS AND FUSES. SEAT BELTS STICK AND TWIST AND DON'T WINED BACK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10727000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesColumbus, OH
SEAT BELTS
SEATS DON'T RECLINE OR STICK. ELECTRIC SHORTAGES OUT AND MAY DEFECT RELAYS AND FUSES. SEAT BELTS STICK AND TWIST AND DON'T WINED BACK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10727000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesColumbus, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
SEATS DON'T RECLINE OR STICK. ELECTRIC SHORTAGES OUT AND MAY DEFECT RELAYS AND FUSES. SEAT BELTS STICK AND TWIST AND DON'T WINED BACK UP.
NHTSA complaint #10727000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.