1994 Pontiac Grand AM

Fatalities reported

Owners filed 377 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Pontiac Grand AM years to avoid. Which Pontiac Grand AM years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
123,000 milesMedian miles at failure

27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.

Most common 1994 Pontiac Grand AM problems

66 of the 377 complaints (18%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine38
000
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags32
29022
Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar26
330
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes25
602
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch18
162
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine16
010
Steering › Column15
010
Electrical System › Starter Assembly11
040
Electrical System › Ignition9
030
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission8
100

1994 Pontiac Grand AM electrical system problems

18% of all complaints

66 of the 377 complaints are about the electrical system. This is what owners describe:

  • smokes or smells of burning23% · 15
  • will not start12% · 8
  • stalls6% · 4
  • drains the battery or stops charging6% · 4
  • drops into neutral5% · 3

Share of the 66 electrical system complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
208,000 mi
median of 4 reports
Peak year of filing
2001
31 electrical system complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
2 · 24 · 2
in these complaints
Recalls on the electrical system
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 pontiac grand am. The contact's daughter attempted to drive the vehicle, but it failed to start. She exited the vehicle and noticed smoke inside the passenger compartment under the steering column approximately 10 minutes later. The smoke turned into flames, which were extinguished by the fire department.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 20, 2008 at 118,000 miles
“While driving 50-55 MPH consumer noticed smoke coming out the driver's air bag. Consumer immediately pulled over, turned the engine off, and got out. Within two minutes vehicle was on fire. *ak”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 28, 2004

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1994: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'941995: 41 complaints, 2 about the electrical system1996: 24 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'961997: 27 complaints, 2 about the electrical system1998: 43 complaints, 5 about the electrical system'981999: 51 complaints, 6 about the electrical system2000: 51 complaints, 7 about the electrical system'002001: 75 complaints, 31 about the electrical system2002: 25 complaints, 2 about the electrical system'022003: 12 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2004: 14 complaints, 3 about the electrical system'042005: 5 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2006: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'062007: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2008: 3 complaints, 1 about the electrical system'082009: 1 complaints, 1 about the electrical system2010: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'102011: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system2012: 0 complaints, 0 about the electrical system'122013: 2 complaints, 0 about the electrical systemRecall 94V122000 (fuel system)Recall 00V287000 (electrical system)NHTSA investigation EA00007NHTSA investigation PE99063
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1994 Grand AM peaked in 2001, with 75 filed that year. Owners had filed 24 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 00V287000 in October 2000; 42 more have come in since. In 2013 owners filed 2 so far.

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Electrical System › Starter Assembly00V287000
Filed Oct 2, 2000699,617 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.

Risk. A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly94V122000
Filed Jul 1, 19941,681 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Risk. THIS CAN RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF A VEHICLE FIRE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION.

Remedy. DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

NHTSA investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 2 name the 1994 Grand AM.

STEERING COLUMN FIRESEngineering analysis EA00007Closed
Opened Mar 3, 2000Closed Feb 7, 2001Led to recall 00V287000electrical system

There is no summary currently available

STEERING COLUMN FIREPreliminary evaluation PE99063Closed
Opened Oct 7, 1999Closed Mar 3, 2000steering

Odi has expanded the scope of its investigation of steering column fires to include all models built on the n-platform.GM has indicated in its response that the subject vehicles are equipped with a rotary ignition switch that has been in use in a number of vehicle models since 1991 on both the n and j-platforms.however, the 1994-1995 n-platform is over represented accounting for 83 (81%) of the combinded total of 102 reports despite being only 14.2% of the combined population. Of the 10 new reports received since opening ea99-063, 7 include allegations of a no start condition when attempting …

Technical service bulletins

43 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1994 Grand AM. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 9brakes 8electrical system 8transmission 6equipment 3fuel system 3body and frame 2throttle and acceleration 2
00079Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 8, 2001electrical system

INFORMATION REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT. *JB

00079Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 22, 2000electrical system

SUBJECT REGARDING 00079 - PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN IGNITION SWITCH HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT. *TT

00153Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 22, 2000electrical system

CAMPAIGN PARTS BULLETIN REGARDING IGNITION SWITCH HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT. *TT

00079Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 15, 2000electrical system

SUBJECT REGARDING PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN IGNITION SWITCH HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT - PART 1. *TT

00079Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 15, 2000electrical system

SUBJECT REGARDING 00079 - PRODUCT SAFETY CAMPAIGN IGNITION SWITCH HIGH ELECTRICAL CURRENT - PART 2. *TT

776403Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 1, 1997electrical system

ENGINE MISS (REPLACE SPARK PLUG WIRE AND IGNITION COIL). *TW

Showing the newest 6 of 8 bulletins about the electrical system, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 16, 2013180,000 milesFL

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

Tires
Filed Jan 29, 2013IN

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY BACK FRAME THAT HOOKS TO THE TIRE BROKE IN HALF AND THE TIRE WENT FLYING IN THE AIR. IT LOOKS AS IF THERE IS A DEFAULT IN THE FRAME WHERE THE HUB IS CONNECTED. *TR

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers
Filed Feb 27, 2009DC

1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCKS BUT IT TURNED OUT TO BE THE FUSE. *NJ THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE FUSE THAT HE REPLACED WAS A HARBOR FREIGHT 15 AMP. RECENTLY A PENNY FELL INTO THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND CREATED A SHORT AND THE FUSE DID NOT BLOW. THIS RESULTED IN MELTING THE WIRE HARNESS. *JB

Steering
Filed Aug 22, 200882,000 milesKS

STEERING COLUMN HAS COME LOOSE. TOOK TO A PONTIAC DEALER TO HAVE REPAIRED AND THEY REPLACED A PIN IN THE COLUMN. REPAIR WORKED FOR A YEAR AND A HALF BUT THE STEERING COLUMN HAS COME LOOSE AGAIN AND THE ENTIRE UNIT HAS FALLEN IN THE DRIVERS LAP WHILE DRIVING. HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUSH THE PIN BACK IN SEVERAL TIMES, BUT IT DOES NOT STAY IN PLACE. HAVE NOT TAKEN BACK TO LOCAL DEALER BECAUSE THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND DO NOT SEEM OVERLY COMPETENT. *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 20, 2008118,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, BUT IT FAILED TO START. SHE EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER. THE SMOKE TURNED INTO FLAMES, WHICH WERE EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V287000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY). THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000.

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 2008125,000 milesTX

HELLO. I WAS IN A CRASH,SANDWICHED BETWEEN 02 PICKUP TRUCKS. MY AIRBAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. MY CAR WAS CRUSHED! THE FORCE BROKE MY FRONT SEATS SLAM ME INTO THE DASH. THE TRUCK IN FRONT OF ME WAS STOP ALSO AS I WAS A GREEN TRUCK SLAM INTO ME AT 45 MILES AN HOUR CRUSHING ME AGAINST A WHITE PICKUP WAITING TO TURN LEFT INTO A GAS STATION. *TR

Electrical System
Filed May 9, 2006208,000 milesOH

MY CAR, WHICH IS A 94 GRAND AM, IS A GOOD RUNNING CAR BUT I BEEN WORKING ON IT HARD TIME FOR 5 WEEKS TRYING TO GET IT TO RUN. IT HAS SOME PROBLEM WHERE THE FUEL PUMP FUSE KEEPS ON BLOWING ON IT. I REPLACE SPARK PLUG COIL, FUEL INJECTORS, FUEL PUMP, FUEL FILTER, UNDER THE HOOD WIRING HARNESS, CONTROL MODULE, IGNITION SWITCH, VACUUM LINES, AND THE LITTLE BOX THAT SOUNDS OFF YOUR ALARM WHEN YOU LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON AND/OR KEYS IN THE IGNITION WHEN YOU OPEN YOUR DOOR. I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO I AM TIRED OF BUSTING MY BUTT ON IT. IT TAKES A LOT FOR ME TO SAY THAT. *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2006123,000 milesTX

94' PONTIAC GRAND AM QUAD 4 2.3L BLOWN HEAD GASKET OR MAYBE EVEN HEAD. CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $2300. THE CAR IS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH. GM KNOWS THIS ENGINE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO RECALL IT!*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Feb 26, 2006123,000 milesTX

94' PONTIAC GRAND AM QUAD 4 2.3L BLOWN HEAD GASKET OR MAYBE EVEN HEAD. CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT FIXED. REPAIRS ESTIMATED AT $2300. THE CAR IS NOT EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH. GM KNOWS THIS ENGINE HAS BEEN A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THEY NEED TO RECALL IT!*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 22, 2005150,000 milesDE

DT: CONTACT STATED SHE IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A USED CAR THAT SHE PURCHASED ON 5-31-05. ON JUNE 3, 2005 THE RADIATOR WAS LEAKING. WHEN SHE TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER TO HAVE IT INSPECTED THEY TOLD HER THAT OIL AND ANTIFREEZE WERE LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. THEY INSISTED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ENGINE REPAIRS. *AL

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 3, 2005225,620 milesOK

THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ON MY 94 GRANDAM TOOK IT TO STUART PONTAIC IN ENID,OK TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED THEY PUT A RELAY ON THE CAR BUT DIDN'T CHANGE THE IGNITION SWITCH ON THE CAR CAUSING THE CARE TO LOOSE POWER WHEN THE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE POWER AND DIE WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH,CONTACTED PONTAIC AND THEY MADE THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH BUT WOULD NOT REPLACE THE WIRING GOING TO THE IGNITION SWITCH, WHICH IF NOT REPLACED WOULD OF CAUSED THE CAR TO CATCH ON FIRE , ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK ON 7/30 WHILE GOING 70 MPH THE CAR DIED 9 TIMES,. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL TO START IT , AND FINALLY GOT THE CAR HOME. *NM

Power Train › Axle Assembly
Filed Jul 6, 2005176,000 milesIL

DT: WHEN DRIVING OVER A POT HOLE THREE DAYS AGO, THE FRONT AXLE BROKE, RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE TIRE AND THE WHEEL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A SERVICE DEALER. THERE WAS NO PROBLEM BEFORE THE AXLE BROKE OFF. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT, POLICE REPORT AND DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN ASSESSED.*AK

Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Apr 4, 2005150,210 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING A LOUD CLICKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT END WAS PRODUCED. DEALER STATED THE CONTROL ARM AND THE STABILIZER BAR BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Feb 8, 200574,258 milesNY

I REPLACED THE HEATER CORE IN MY CAR AND AN UPPER RADIATOR HOSE AND NOW I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTIFREEZE LEAKIN OUT FROM BETWEEN THE ENGINE BLOCK AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHICH INDICATES THAT I NEED A NEW INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET AS WEEL AS VALVE COVER GASKETS DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS LEAKIN OUT THERE AS WELL. I SPENT $250 ON REPALCING THE HEATER CORE AND $45 ON THE UPPER RADIATOR HOSE TO BE REPAIRED FROM THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM. I WAS TOLD BY A FRIEND THAT HER GRAND AM WAS RECALLED DUE TO A HEAD GASKET PROBLEM. PLEASE INFORM ME OF A POSSIBLE SOLOUTION.*AK

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Oct 12, 2004TX

WHILE DRIVING,THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE HEAD GASKET HAD BLEW AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE DRIVER INFORMED THE MECHANIC. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 14, 2004145,200 milesKY

WAS JUST DRIVING AND IT OVERHEATED, REPLACED WATER PUMP, SENSORS, WIRES, HEATER COIL, THEMORSTAT TWICE, ALL TO NO AVAIL, TOOK IT TO 2 MECHANICS AND THEY COULDNT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT. CLEANED OUT THE RADITOR WITH A COMPLETE FLUSH AND RUN FINE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS, WE ALSO PUT 2 NEW COMPUTERS INTO IT.

Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle ShaftCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 6, 2004157,000 milesPA

I HAVE A 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE.I WAS COMING AROUND A TURN AND THE DRIVERS REAR AXLE SNAPPED CAUSING THE WHEEL TO FALL OFF. THERE WAS NO WARNING. I COULDN'T REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AFTER THE WHEEL CAME OFF AND WRECKED INTO AN EMBANKMENT ROLLING AND, TOTALING THE VEHICLE.*AK

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 28, 2004CA

WHILE DRIVING 50-55 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER, TURNED THE ENGINE OFF, AND GOT OUT. WITHIN TWO MINUTES VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. *AK

Steering › ColumnFire
Filed Jun 15, 2004125,000 milesNC

WHILE PULLING IN A PARKING LOT, THE STEERING COLUMN CAUGHT FIRE WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. NO INJURIES REPORTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *LA

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 4, 2004IN

PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES, EXHAUST, TIRES, SHOCKS, AND SUSPENSION ON 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM. *MR THE CONSUMER REQUESTED ASSISTANCE WITH THE REPAIRS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE ALSO NEEDED A COMPRESSOR. *SC *JB

Exterior Lighting › Headlights › Switch
Filed Mar 29, 2004104,900 milesMI

CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THE SWITCH THAT CONTROLLED THE HEADLIGHTS. THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO COME ON. *AK

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Feb 28, 2004FL

I BOUGHT THIS CAR USED AT A DEALERSHIP, I.E., BILL KELLEY CHEVROLET, AND WAS NOT GIVEN INFORMATION ABOUT THE RECALLS . THE CAR HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK PROPERLY AND THE DEALER WHO SOLD US THE CAR REFUSES TO GIVE US ANY HELP. MY SON PAID AN ADDITIONAL 300 TO GET THE CAR IN WORKING ORDER AND 3 DAYS LATER IT IS STILL NOT WORKING. I BELIEVE THEY SHOULD HAVE INFORMED US OF THE RECALL NOTICES TO REPAIR SAID CAR.*AK

Electrical System › Starter AssemblyFire
Filed Feb 11, 2004FL

I OWNED A 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT CAUGHT FIRE APPROXIMATELY 9/30/02 AND I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH ON CERTAIN MODELS BECAUSE OF FIRE THAT COULD OCCUR. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO TO FILE A CLAIM SINCE I LOST MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE FIRE THAT OCCURED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER MY PRIOR NAME OF ZOBEIDA DIAZ. THAT WAS THE NAME ON THE TITLE. TITLE IS HELD BY FIRST FIDELITY BANK OF OKLAHOMA CITY SINCE I STILL OWE ON THE LOAN FOR THIS VEHICLE.*AK

Steering › Column
Filed Feb 4, 2004158,824 milesWI

STEERING COLUMN TILT PINS BECAME LOOSE, ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL UPPER ASSEMBLY BROKE LOOSE FROM STEERING COLUMN AND LANDED IN DRIVERS LAP, HELD ON ONLY BY THE WIRES. VEHICLE WAS FORTUNATELY MOVING AT A SLOW SPEED AND DRIVER WAS ABLE TO STOP WITH OUT INJURY. VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STEERED AT ALL. *AK

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2004VA

STERING LOCK THAT ADJUSTS THE LOCATION OF THE WHEEL GAVE WAY WHILE DRIVING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE UP AND DOWN WHILE DRINING. DANGEROUS ON I95 AT 65MPH... LOSING SOME LEVEL OF CONTROL.

Steering
Filed Jan 15, 200436,000 milesAL

STEERING COLUMN: PIN KEEP FALLING OUT, FILE COMPLAINT 2 TIMES. YOU KNOW WHAT PONTIAC CORP. ASK ME. THEY ASKED WHAT DID I WANT THEM TO DO?

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 15, 2004108,970 milesIN

PURCHASED VEHICLE, HEATING DID NOT WORK - AIR WOULD BLOW OUT COLD. DEALER BLEW OUT HEAT CORE AND REPLACED THERMOSTAT. MINIMAL AMOUNT OF HEAT. ENGINE STARTED TO STUTTER AND STALL. FUEL INJECTOR IN 5TH CYLINDER BAD. MECHANIC FLUSHED INJECTED AND GAVE TUNE UP. RAN OK FOR A WEEK AND THEN CONSTANT STUTTER AND SHAKE AT 50 MPH. MECHANIC REPLACED 1 INJECTOR. STUTTER GONE. NO OVERHEATING, BUT ANTIFREEZE LEAK X 1. REPLACED WATER PUMP. 1 WEEK LATER CONSTANT OVERHEATING AND PUDDLE OF ANTIFREEZE AROUND ENGINE BLOCK. THEN THE ENGINE STALLED AND I CHECKED THE OIL TO FIND THE DIPSTICK SHOWED TWICE THE AMOUNT OF OIL AFTER SITTING FOR 8 HOURS. JUST HAD OIL CHANGED 1 WEEK AFTER REPAIRS, I HAD THE OIL CHANGED, THAT IS WHEN THE OIL APPEARED OVERFULL AND THE CAR STAULED.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Jan 15, 200426,000 milesAL

I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A DEALER IN FEBRUARY 2000 WITH 8000 MILES ON IT. SINCE THAT TIME I HAVE HAD THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WINDOW ENGINE REPLACED 3 TIMES. EACH TIME THEY TELL ME THE MOTOR OR TRACK SYSTEM HAS BROKEN AND SINCE THEY ARE ONE UNIT IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IN FEBRUARY OF THIS YEAR THE HOOD OF THE CAR HAS STARTED TO PEEL SEVERELY, IT IS NOW UP BOTH SIDE OF THE HOOD FROM THE NOSE TO THE TOP BY THE WINDOW. MAACO SAYS THEY WILL NEED TO SAND THE HOOD DOWN AND REPAINT THE ENTIRE CAR AND THAT IS ABOUT $900. WHAT CAN I DO????

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 6, 2003OH

AIR BAG NON-DEPLOYMENT. ON OCTOBER 25, 2003 MY DAUGHTER WRECKED HER 1994 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE FRONTAL RIGHT DRIVERS IMPACT. THE POLICE REPORT STATES SHE WAS TRAVELING A 55 MPH AT THE TIME OF THE IMPACT. WE, HOWEVER, WERE ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR HOME FROM THE TOWING LOT. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. IS THERE A PLACE IN CENTRAL OR SOUTHEAST OHIO THAT CAN DOWNLOAD THE CRASH DATA RECORDER TO DETERMINE WHY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY OR IF THE SPEED WAS LESS THAT REPORTED? *LA

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 3, 200386,000 milesTX

1994 PONTIAC WITH QUAD 4 ENGINE HAS A CRACKED HEAD. IT SEEMS THERE ARE SEVERAL OCCURRENCES OF THIS DEFECT, AND PONTIAC SHOULD RECALL.*AK

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle BarCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2003124,000 milesFL

WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL COLLAPSED AND CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB *PH

Air Bags › FrontalCrash
Filed Aug 1, 2003NC

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH AND WHILE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. *AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jul 30, 2003119,000 milesWI

HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED WINDSHIELD. *AK

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jul 11, 2003IL

AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP REPLACED TRANSMISSION ON JULY 22, 1996 AT 13,830 MILES, AGAIN WERE REPLACE ON MAY 4, 2001 AT 51,125 MILES. CONSUMER STATED TRANSMISSION WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AT 63,000 MILES. *AK

Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer
Filed Jun 26, 2003OR

THE DRIVERS SIDE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOVED VERY SLOW. THE ONLY TIME THE WIPER WORKED PROPERLY WAS WHEN THE MOTOR WAS PLACED ON FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSTALLED A NEW ARM BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. *NLM *CB *JB

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal
Filed May 19, 200320,000 milesGA

WHILE DRIVING IN FAIRLY HEAVY RAIN, THE TURN SIGNALS STOP FUNCTIONING. AFTER 2-3 DAYS OF DRY WEATHER, THEY BEGIN FUNCTIONING AGAIN. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME WHILE ON THE FREEWAY. IT'S HORRIFYING. DURING MY OWNERSHIP, THIS HAS HAPPENED NO LESS THAN 14 TIMES. *JB

Steering › Column
Filed May 14, 2003SC

THE STEERING COLUMN WAS REPLACED 3 TIMES. *JB

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle BarCrash
Filed May 12, 200399,000 milesOH

TILT STEERING BUSHING ARE NOT PROPERLY PUNCH SET FROM MFG. (PUNCH MISSES MARK OR NOT SET PROPERLY) RESULTING IN ONE OR BOTH PINS FALLING OUT OVER TIME. RESULT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CRASH! *NLM

Steering › Column
Filed Mar 25, 2003100,000 milesKS

THE TILT PINS AND THE SPRING CAME OUT OF THE STEERING COLUMN. 1 MONTH LATER THE TILT FINGURES BROKE AND WILL NOT CATCH. CAUSING THE TILT NOT TO WORK. THE STEERING WHEEL MOVES UP AND DOWN AND LEFT TO RIGHT. VIN # 1G2NE153XRM19022. EST. COST TO FIX 300.00

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Mar 4, 2003100,000 milesIL

WHILE THE CONSUMER MERGED ON THE HIGHWAY AN EXPLOSION OF SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD. *NLM

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Dec 6, 2002MO

WHILE DRIVING ENGINE'S HEAD GASKET BLEW CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. TS

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Filed Oct 25, 2002OH

THIS IS THE 2ND TIME I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BLOCK ( 1ST TIME ONLY HAD 28145 MILES ON THE CAR AND NOW I HAVE 58294 AND IT CRACKED AGAIN) HOW MANY TIMES SEEMS LIKE EVERY 30000 MILES IT CRACKS. GM SAID NOT THEIR PROBLEM, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN SEE FROM THE CONSUMERS AND ALSO IN TALKING TO THE DEALERS AND THE MECHINICS THEY HAVE PROBLEMS WITH ALL THE 1994 GRAND AM'S ENGINES HAVING THE BLOCK CRACKED. SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET WITH GM AND SAY FIX THE PROBLEMS AND HAVE A GOOD REPLACEMENT SO THAT YOU CAN GET MORE THAN 30,000 MILES ON A ENGINE. I WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC, AS IT HAS COST ME MORE MONEY THAN ANY OTHER CAR THAT I HAVE EVER HAD. BEFORE THIS CAR I HAD A FORD MUSTANG AND IT LASTED ME 12 YEARS. THIS CAR HAS LASTED ME 3 YEARS AND I STARTED PUTTING MONEY INTO IT. I COULD HAVE BOUGHT ANOTHER CAR WITH ALL THE MONEY I HAVE PUT INTO IT OVER THE YEARS. DT

Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Sep 19, 2002TX

ONE DAY CONSUMER UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE. REMOVED KEY AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO ADVISED CONSUMER THAT TOO HIGH VOLTAGE WAS USED WITH IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER ADVISED CONFIRMATION OF OPEN RECALL 00V287000 ON VEHICLE, BUT MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE.*AK

Structure › Body › Door
Filed Sep 5, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE TIGHT. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IF A PASSENGER IS PRESENT AND DOOR COMES OPEN WHILE VEHICLES IN MOTION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VERY HARD. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN AND DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB

Suspension
Filed Sep 5, 2002MI

CONSUMER STATES THAT AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES VERY HARD. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2002MI

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS STEERING WHEEL SHAKES VERY HARD. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, AND THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE ENGINE MOUNTS. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch
Filed Aug 30, 2002MI

DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT CLOSE ALL THE WAY. CAUSE UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 17, 2002TX

BRAKES WENT TO FLOOR CAR KEPT GOING, STEERING LOCKED, AIRBAG DEPLOYED STRIKING DRIVER IN FACE, HIT STALLED CAR FROM BEHIND. HAVE RECENTLY LEARNED CAR HAS HAD PREVIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS BY PREVIOUS OWNER RESULTING IN BRAKES BEING REPLACED 4 TIMES, ALSO PREVIOUS OWNER REPORTED TO DEALER STEERING PROBLEMS.*AK

Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 17, 2002TX

AIRBAG DEPLOYED DURING ACCIDENT, STRIKING DRIVER IN FACE, CAUSING BULDGING DISCS IN THE CERVICAL SPINE, FACIAL BRUISES, FACIAL BURNS, CHEST HEMATOMA, BRUISING TO BREASTS, BRUISING TO ARMS, AND HEARING LOSS. PASSENGER HAD NO AIRBAG AND WAS UNINJURED IN ACCIDENT. *AK

Complaints 1-50 of 377, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1999
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
2005102411Fatalities reported
2004293471Fatalities reported
2003325558Fatalities reported
2002395430Above average
2001538740Above average
20006758144Fatalities reported
19998496134Fatalities reported
1998172352Fatalities reported
19973834123Fatalities reported
19964506140Above average
19954091420High concern
1994 — this page3772295Fatalities reported
19932041202Fatalities reported
1992168342Fatalities reported
199182352Fatalities reported
199038110Routine

Compare every Grand AM year →

1994 Pontiac Grand AM: questions buyers ask

Is the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM a good car?

It is not among the Grand AM years to avoid. Owners filed 377 complaints, against about 351 for a typical Grand AM year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (18%).

What is the most common problem with the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

The electrical system: 66 of the 377 complaints (18%) are about it. Owners most often say it smokes or smells of burning (23%), will not start (12%) and stalls (6%). The typical report comes at 208,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM have?

2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Oct 2, 2000. The largest, 00V287000, covered 699,617 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1994 Pontiac Grand AM problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 123,000 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 208,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, EA00007 ("STEERING COLUMN FIRES"), was opened Mar 3, 2000 and closed Feb 7, 2001.

Are there service bulletins for the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

The manufacturer filed 43 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (9), the brakes (8) and the electrical system (8). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

5 deaths reported in complaints filed with NHTSA.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Oct 2, 2000. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.