FaultScore report
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix with NHTSA between 1996 and 2016. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 12 of 16 worst.
FaultScore 47/100
Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Pontiac Grand Prix.
How this is worked out116
Complaints
10
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
6
Injuries reported
39,153 mi
Median mileage at failure
Half of reported failures happened before this
38%
Failed under 36,000 miles
Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty
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.
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 40,000 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,153 mi
Median failure at 93,375 miles
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 39,153 mi
0 crashes, 1 fires
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 35,000 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 14,500 mi
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 34,149 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 220 mi
1 crashes, 0 fires
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.
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 Pontiac Grand Prix 2-DR. | — | — | — | — |
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.
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.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
INAPPROPRIATE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT
THE FAILURE RATE (1.25/100K) ON THIS ISSUE IS LOW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF THE AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITURE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO CLOSELY MONITOR THIS ISSUE.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS CLOSING REPORT IS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC FILE.
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
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.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE RETAINERS COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.
Risk: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These retainers may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary. This is an extension of recall 02-199
Engine
On certain vehicles, the spark plug wires may be causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to be illuminated, as well as causing rough idle and poor performance. These conditions may be due to a dielectric breakdown of the plastic extender piece at the boot joint of the spark plug wire. Correction: Dealers will replace all six spark plug wires with a new service spark plug wire assembly kit that is designed to be robust against dielectric breakdown failures.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
POWER TRAIN
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE TWICE WHERE DROPS OF ENGINE OIL FELL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE FIRES OCCURRED THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST OF $2000. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL# 09V116000, COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD RESEARCH THE FAILURE AND CALL HIM; HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. WHEN THE THIRD FIRE OCCURRED THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE; ALTHOUGH, HE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE AND TO TOW IT TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER ASSUME THE TOWING COST; HOWEVER, THEY DENIED TO DO SO. THERE WAS NO REPORT FILED WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10282511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
SATURDAY MARCH 8, 2003, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM SHOPPING WITH MY 4-YEAR-OLD SON WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG OF MY 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM EXPLODED IN MY FACE. THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE BAG FORCED MY ARM BACK INTO MY FACE SNAPPING MY HEAD BACK AND COMPLETELY DISORIENTING ME. ONCE I REGAINED MY BEARINGS I REALIZED I WAS NORTHBOUND IN THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD. IN MISSISSAUGA. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO HAVE MY ARM AND NECK LOOKED AT. FORTUNATELY MY ARM WASN'T BROKEN. IT WAS HOWEVER SEVERELY BRUISED AND STILL NON FUNCTIONAL. MY NECK WAS STILL VERY STIFF AND SORE. I AM CURRENTLY UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR WHIPLASH AND LIGAMENT DAMAGE TO MY ARM. SINCE THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT I HAVE FOUND OUT A FEW THINGS REGARDING MY 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. 1- THERE IS A SENSOR/MODULE UNDER THE CARPET UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THAT WHEN IN CONTACT WITH MOISTURE CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. 2- MY FIREWALL HAD BEEN LEAKING WATER UNDER MY CARPET TO THE AREA WHERE THIS SENSOR/MODULE IS LOCATED. MY FIREWALL IS SO RUSTED IT CAN?T BE REPAIRED. 3- GM CONSIDERS THIS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I CONTACTED TRANSPORT CANADA TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING 1995-1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM'S FOR WATER LEAKING INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND POOLING ON THE FLOOR. THIS HAS CAUSED ?MANY? AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY SIMILAR REPORTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP HAD MY CAR FOR 17 DAYS WHILE GM INVESTIGATED BUT IN THE END I WAS TOLD THAT THE MODULE/SENSOR WAS TOO CORRODED TO READ THE INFORMATION STORED IN IT. I HAVE REQUESTED THE MODULE/SENSOR BACK. KEN LOCKE FROM GM CONTACTED ME HE SAID GM WAS WILLING TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME. GM WILL REPAIR MY AIRBAG SYSTEM IF I AGREE TO TWO THINGS. 1- I PAY FOR AND REPAIR THE WATER LEAK IN MY CAR (THE IRREPAIRABLE ONE) 2- I SIGN A RELEASE STATING THAT THIS MATTER IS CLOSED AND I HAVE NO FURTHER CLAIMS PERTAINING TO THIS MATTER. .
NHTSA complaint #10071341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF WERE INVOLVED IN A HIGH IMPACT REAR END COLLISION. DUE TO THE SEAT BACK FAILURE MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAINT ME. I AM NOW A GRAND MAUL EPILEPTIC DUE TO MY HEAD INJURIES. I ALSO SUFFER FROM NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #745868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING MALFUNCTIONED. IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT HAD TO EXERT FORCE UPON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,998. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10919301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHILE MAKING LEFT TURN. CAR CONTINUED, RAN OVER A MAIL BOX AND CAME TO REST IN A FLOWER BED. WHEN TOW TRUCK ARRIVED AND PICKED CAR UP, TOW TRUCK DRIVER NOTICED THAT ENGINE CRADLE HAD FALLEN DOWN AND DISABLED THE STEERING. MECHANIC AND INSURANCE ADJUSTER LATER AGREED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS HAD SHEARED OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10608725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE TWICE WHERE DROPS OF ENGINE OIL FELL ON THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE FIRES OCCURRED THREE DAYS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR COST OF $2000. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AWARE OF RECALL# 09V116000, COMPONENT: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WOULD RESEARCH THE FAILURE AND CALL HIM; HOWEVER, HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A CALL. WHEN THE THIRD FIRE OCCURRED THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE; ALTHOUGH, HE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RENDERED INOPERABLE AND TO TOW IT TO A DEALER. THE CONTACT REQUESTED THAT THE DEALER ASSUME THE TOWING COST; HOWEVER, THEY DENIED TO DO SO. THERE WAS NO REPORT FILED WITH THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. HE HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO SPEAK WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10282511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
DT: AROUND SEPTEMBER 21, 2005 THE CONSUMER STARTED EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTY TURNING TO THE RIGHT. IT WAS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED. THE PROBLEM WAS ONGOING WHEN TRYING TO TURN RIGHT. WHEN THE CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED, THE MECHANIC TOLD HER THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED REPLACED. ALSO TOLD HER THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE ON HER TYPE OF VEHICLE. THERE WAS NHTSA RECALL 03V527000 AND GM RECALL RECALL 03062. WHEN SHE CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN.
NHTSA complaint #10138654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS (TWICE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ONCE ON SIDE STREET) MY GAS PEDAL PUSHED DOWN UNDER MY FOOT AND MY CAR ACCELERATED BY IT SELF. I HAD TO HAVE THE MECHANIC DISCONNECT THE CRUISE CONTROL. LUCKY NO ONE WAS HIT BUT IT WAS CLOSE.
NHTSA complaint #10135778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS
SATURDAY MARCH 8, 2003, I WAS ON MY WAY HOME FROM SHOPPING WITH MY 4-YEAR-OLD SON WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG OF MY 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM EXPLODED IN MY FACE. THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE BAG FORCED MY ARM BACK INTO MY FACE SNAPPING MY HEAD BACK AND COMPLETELY DISORIENTING ME. ONCE I REGAINED MY BEARINGS I REALIZED I WAS NORTHBOUND IN THE SOUTHBOUND LANES OF WINSTON CHURCHILL BLVD. IN MISSISSAUGA. THE NEXT MORNING I WENT TO THE HOSPITAL TO HAVE MY ARM AND NECK LOOKED AT. FORTUNATELY MY ARM WASN'T BROKEN. IT WAS HOWEVER SEVERELY BRUISED AND STILL NON FUNCTIONAL. MY NECK WAS STILL VERY STIFF AND SORE. I AM CURRENTLY UNDERGOING TREATMENT FOR WHIPLASH AND LIGAMENT DAMAGE TO MY ARM. SINCE THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT I HAVE FOUND OUT A FEW THINGS REGARDING MY 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. 1- THERE IS A SENSOR/MODULE UNDER THE CARPET UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THAT WHEN IN CONTACT WITH MOISTURE CAN CORRODE AND CAUSE THE AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. 2- MY FIREWALL HAD BEEN LEAKING WATER UNDER MY CARPET TO THE AREA WHERE THIS SENSOR/MODULE IS LOCATED. MY FIREWALL IS SO RUSTED IT CAN?T BE REPAIRED. 3- GM CONSIDERS THIS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I CONTACTED TRANSPORT CANADA TO REPORT THE INCIDENT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY INVESTIGATING 1995-1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM'S FOR WATER LEAKING INTO THE CAR THROUGH THE FIREWALL AND POOLING ON THE FLOOR. THIS HAS CAUSED ?MANY? AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING. I HAVE ALSO READ MANY SIMILAR REPORTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. A LOCAL GM DEALERSHIP HAD MY CAR FOR 17 DAYS WHILE GM INVESTIGATED BUT IN THE END I WAS TOLD THAT THE MODULE/SENSOR WAS TOO CORRODED TO READ THE INFORMATION STORED IN IT. I HAVE REQUESTED THE MODULE/SENSOR BACK. KEN LOCKE FROM GM CONTACTED ME HE SAID GM WAS WILLING TO DO SOMETHING FOR ME. GM WILL REPAIR MY AIRBAG SYSTEM IF I AGREE TO TWO THINGS. 1- I PAY FOR AND REPAIR THE WATER LEAK IN MY CAR (THE IRREPAIRABLE ONE) 2- I SIGN A RELEASE STATING THAT THIS MATTER IS CLOSED AND I HAVE NO FURTHER CLAIMS PERTAINING TO THIS MATTER. .
NHTSA complaint #10071341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS WORKING ON THE VEHICLE NOTICED THAT GAS WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER STATED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD A LEAK. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10059741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
THE CONSUMEREXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT. A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR THIS MAKE/MODEL AND YEAR, HOWEVE THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10053857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THE SEAT WAS GETTING EXTREMELY WARM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ELECTRIC SEAT MOTOR WAS BECOMING RED HOT, AND INTERIOR NEARLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT IN AT PRECISELY THE RIGHT TIME. BY THE TIME THE MECHANIC GOT TO THE MOTOR HE WAS UNABLE TO TOUCH IT WITH HIS BARE HANDS. HE HAD TO PUT ON INSULATED GLOVES AND DISCONNECT THE MOTOR.*AK CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE SEAT AND THATS WHEN SHE DROVE TO A MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC SAW THE SMOKE AND UNPLUGGED THE SEAT WITH SOME PLIERS. THE MECHANIC STATED IF THE CONSUMER WOULD'VE TOOK ANY LONGER GETTING THERE, THE VEHICLE WOULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10034153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS
SEAT BELT BUCKLE FAILURE, TWO OF THREE IN BACK SEAT HAVE FAILED IN LAST 4 MONTHS NOW TODAY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. LUCKLY THESE WERE DISCOVERED BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER INCIDENT OCCURRED THAT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SEVER INJURY OR DEATH TO SOMEONE.
NHTSA complaint #10030474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A GAS LEAKED. *JB THE GAS TANK STARTED TO LEAK ACROSS THE ENTIRE REAR WELD SEAM AFTER BEING FILLED. GAS DRIPPED FROM THE TANK AT THE CORNER(S), NEXT TO THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE MECHANIC THAT REPLACED THE TANK/PUMP/SENDING UNIT, SAID THE ENTIRE WELD SEAM LEAKED. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10022459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
THE POWER WINDOW ON DRIVER'S SIDE KEEPS COMING OFF OF THE TRACK, IT HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES FOR THIS, AND STILL IS NOT FIXED. ONCE REPAIRED IT WILL LAST FOR 3 TO 6 MONTHS THAN THE WINDOW WILL FALL DOWN INTO THE DOOR.
NHTSA complaint #10020927 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAILURE OF THE IGNITION WIRES & PLUGS FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 3 YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10010483 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
VEHICLE ON 4TH ALTERNATOR AT 63,000 MILES. ALTERNATOR FAILURE IN THIS VEHICLE CAN OCCUR SUDDENLY, WITH LITTLE OR NO WARNING, AT ANY SPEED, LEAVING DRIVER WITH LIMITED ABILITY TO CONTROL VEHICLE. VOLUNTARY MANUFACTURER RECALL 8/99, SPARK PLUG WIRES REPLACED TO BETTER HANDLE ELECTRICAL LOADS. PROBLEM IMPROVED BUT NOT RESOLVED. OTHER VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE SAME EXPERIENCE AND COMPLAINTS INCLUDING AT NHTSA WEBSITE. VEHICLE MODEL & YEAR WITH 3.4 LITRE ENGINE UNABLE TO SUSTAIN NORMAL ELECTRICAL LOADS. ALTERNATOR FAILURE OCCURS EVERY 1-2 YEARS, ALWAYS WHEN AIR CONDITIONER OPERATING. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO COVER MOST RECENT REPLACEMENT UNDER "SECRET WARRANTY". REPAIRS WITH REBUILT ALTERNATOR COST NEARLY $800 EXCLUDING TOW, CAR RENTAL & CELL PHONE CHARGES. VEHICLE BLOCKING LANE OF TRAFFIC ON MAJOR ARTERIAL DURING RUSH HOUR. FREQUENCY OF ALTERNATOR FAILURE IS CLEARLY NOT NORMAL WEAR OR USE. RECEIVED NO WRITTEN RESPONSE FROM PRIOR WRITTEN COMPLAINTS TO PONTIAC. TS
NHTSA complaint #767826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
CONSUMER COMPLAINS THE HEATING SYSTEM HAS BECOME INOPERABLE. INSPECTION OF THE FAILURE LED TO THE DISCOVERY THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN NEED OF A NEW ENGINE. MECHANIC CAN NOT EXPLAIN WHY THIS OCCURED.
NHTSA complaint #785652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN, THE INNER TIE ROD ON PASSENGER'S TIRE BROKE OFF, CAUSING VEHICLE TO BE INOPERATIVE. *AK
NHTSA complaint #8011908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
CAR STALLS OUT WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE ALMOST KILLED MYSELF AN OTHER DRIVERS BECAUSE OF THIS. IT IS ALSO HARD TO START.
NHTSA complaint #762021 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TURN AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT, THE THROTTLE CABLE BROKE AND THE CAR WAS GOING AS IF IT WAS ON NEUTRAL, AS I COULD NOT CONTROL THE GAS PEDAL ANYMORE, AND MISSED GOING IN TO THE WALL BY ONLY A COUPLE OF INCHES.
NHTSA complaint #746452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF WERE INVOLVED IN A HIGH IMPACT REAR END COLLISION. DUE TO THE SEAT BACK FAILURE MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAINT ME. I AM NOW A GRAND MAUL EPILEPTIC DUE TO MY HEAD INJURIES. I ALSO SUFFER FROM NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #745868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF WERE INVOLVED IN A HIGH IMPACT REAR END COLLISION. DUE TO THE SEAT BACK FAILURE MY SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAINT ME. I AM NOW A GRAND MAUL EPILEPTIC DUE TO MY HEAD INJURIES. I ALSO SUFFER FROM NECK AND SHOULDER PAIN.
NHTSA complaint #745868 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT HIGH SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATES, AND PEDAL NEARLY GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STOP AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT THE PRESENT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #888960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT HIGH SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATES, AND PEDAL NEARLY GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STOP AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT THE PRESENT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #888960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
FRONT BRAKE ROTORS ARE PREMATURELY WEARING. WHEN APPLYING BRAKES AT HIGH SPEED VEHICLE VIBRATES, AND PEDAL NEARLY GOES TO THE FLOOR, CAUSING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO STOP AT SPEEDS OVER 35 MPH ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3 TIMES SINCE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AND NEED REPLACEMENT AGAIN AT THE PRESENT TIME.
NHTSA complaint #888960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.