1996 Pontiac Grand AM

Above average

Owners filed 450 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the airbags. It has been recalled 6 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
118,952 milesMedian miles at failure

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

Most common 1996 Pontiac Grand AM problems

102 of the 450 complaints (23%) are about the airbags.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags62
19035
Air Bags · airbags31
1215
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch30
020
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip · brakes29
503
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline · engine25
020
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission17
000
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator15
000
Electrical System14
103
Electrical System › Ignition12
010
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine11
000

1996 Pontiac Grand AM airbags problems

23% of all complaints

102 of the 450 complaints are about the airbags. This is what owners describe:

  • set off an airbag for no reason21% · 21
  • did not deploy its airbags in a crash13% · 13
  • shows an airbag warning light7% · 7
  • sets off warning lights on the dash6% · 6

Share of the 102 airbags complaints whose text describes each symptom. One complaint can describe several.

Typical mileage
126,000 mi
median of 46 reports
Peak year of filing
2008
11 airbags complaints that year
Crashes · fires · injuries
20 · 2 · 54
in these complaints
Recalls on the airbags
None
“Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that while driving 5 MPH, the driver and passenger air bags deployed without warning. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired by a dealer or mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted but the contact was advised to call back the following day. The vehicel was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 230,000.”
Owner complaint, filed Mar 21, 2011 at 230,000 miles
“Tl - the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am . The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH the air bags deployed without any explanation. He also mentioned that the air bag itself had burn marks. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 180,000. Pm”
Owner complaint, filed Feb 28, 2011 at 180,000 miles

Complaints and recalls over time

By year of filing
1996: 28 complaints, 6 about the airbags'961997: 62 complaints, 7 about the airbags1998: 38 complaints, 3 about the airbags'981999: 56 complaints, 7 about the airbags2000: 49 complaints, 2 about the airbags'002001: 42 complaints, 8 about the airbags2002: 69 complaints, 9 about the airbags'022003: 21 complaints, 6 about the airbags2004: 20 complaints, 9 about the airbags'042005: 10 complaints, 6 about the airbags2006: 5 complaints, 4 about the airbags'062007: 8 complaints, 5 about the airbags2008: 16 complaints, 11 about the airbags'082009: 6 complaints, 4 about the airbags2010: 7 complaints, 4 about the airbags'102011: 4 complaints, 4 about the airbags2012: 3 complaints, 2 about the airbags'122013: 2 complaints, 1 about the airbags2014: 2 complaints, 2 about the airbags'142015: 0 complaints, 0 about the airbags2016: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbags'162017: 1 complaints, 1 about the airbagsRecall 96V249000 (steering)Recall 96V250000 (headlights)Recall 98V027000 (interior lighting)Recall 02V070000 (electrical system)Recall 07E015000 (fuel system)Recall 07E021000 (fuel system)NHTSA investigation RQ03001NHTSA investigation RQ98013
All complaintsAbout the airbagsRecall (red: the airbags)NHTSA investigation opened

Complaints about the 1996 Grand AM peaked in 2002, with 69 filed that year. No recall on file covers the airbags, the subject of 23% of the complaints. In 2017 owners filed 1 so far.

6 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Other › Storage › Tank Assembly › Pressure Relief Devices07E021000
Filed Mar 12, 2007742 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. 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.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump07E015000
Filed Feb 26, 20073,124 vehiclesDelphi

Defect. CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.

Risk. A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy. DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch02V070000
Filed Mar 6, 20021,589,948 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Risk. IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Interior Lighting98V027000
Filed Feb 17, 1998249,420 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Risk. THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar96V249000
Filed Dec 17, 1996424 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER PINCH BOLT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Risk. AN UNDERTORQUED PINCH BOLT CAN RATTLE AND CAUSE LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. IF THE PINCH BOLT BACKED OUT OF THE JOINT COMPLETELY, ROTATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT AGAINST THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE INCREASING LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT FOR CORRECT TORQUE AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN THE BOLT TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights96V250000
Filed Dec 17, 1996270,014 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Risk. IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy. DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

All 6 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 1996 Grand AM.

POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURERecall query RQ03001Closed
Opened Jan 2, 2003Closed Sep 15, 2003steering

Gm conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as …

OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTSRecall query RQ98013Open
Opened Aug 26, 1998Led to recall 98V146000airbags

On june 26, 1998, general motors begain a safety recall, 98v-146, to recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (sdm) in the 1996 and some 1997 j body cars, cavalier and sunfire.due to certain calibrations in the air bag sdm, there is an increased risk of inadvertent air bag deployment in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.the recall population consists of 675,302 vehicles built from april 1995 through may 1997.odi has received 8 owner reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment without a crash.the purposer of the rq is to determine whether GM should …

Technical service bulletins

66 on file

Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1996 Grand AM. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.

engine 13equipment 10brakes 8electrical system 7transmission 7fuel system 3steering 3body and frame 3

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Jul 7, 2017163,000 milesKS

I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIWAY THE CAR DIED I TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT TO GET OFF THE HIWAY AND THE AIRBAG ON DRIVERS SIDE EXPLODED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND WAS TOLD THE PASS KEY SYSTEM OR THEFT SYSTEM WENT BAD IN IGNITION SWITCH AND NO EXPLANATION WHY AIR BAG WENT OFF? OR HOW TO FIX ANY OF IT, THIS IS NOW JULY AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 4, 2016140,400 milesNJ

AIR BAG WHEN OFF WHEN I WAS WAITING TO PULL AUT OFF PARKING LOT. HAVE INJURY TO MY SHOULDER.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 14, 2014120,000 milesNJ

DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Apr 21, 2014190,000 milesAL

I WAS LEAVING MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, HAD JUST BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. STARTED MOVING FORWARD AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO BUMPS, NO CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. JUST DEPLOYED. STEERING WHEEL PARTS HIT MY ARM, BRUISED IT PRETTY WELL. HAVE SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR

Steering
Filed Jul 9, 2013171,708 milesWA

CAR WOULD NOT START. STEERING LOCKED AND TRANSMISSION STUCK IN PARK.KEY WOULD NOT TURN. TOWED CAR HOME. REMOVED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND FOUND THE IGNITION LOCK HAD MELTED. THE OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD PROMPTED A RECALL SEARCH FOR THE MAKE AND MODEL FINDING AN IGNITION RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. I CONTACTED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE REPRESENTATIVE ASKED ME IF MY VIN WAS COVERED. I HAVE CONFIRMED THE VIN IS ON THE RECALL LIST ALTHOUGH THE REP. FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE RECALL, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND VALIDITY OF MY COMPLAINT WAS IGNORED AND [XXX] (PONTIAC REP.) WOULD NOT ASSIST ME FURTHER. I AM STUCK NOW WITH TRYING TO RESOLVE GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER. PLEASE ADVISE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 19, 2013140,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE SENSOR WAS DISCONNECTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 20, 2012136,141 milesNC

I STARTED MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS DRIVING APPROX 10MPH WHEN THE CAR DIED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, AFTER RESTART, IT DID IT AGAIN. THEN, IT WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A BAD FUEL PUMP. TURNS OUT IT WAS THE PONTIAC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE THAT WAS KEEPING IT FROM STARTING. WHEN YOUR KEY STARTS GETTING WORN AND ROUNDED OFF, (AS MOST KEYS DO AFTER SOME USE!) THE THEFT SYSTEM LOCKS YOUR CAR UP. THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN REPLACING THE ECU, IGNITION SYSTEM, KEY TUMBLER, OR A COMBINATION OF THE SAME, AND REPROGRAMMING IT, WHICH COSTS UPWARDS OF 1000.00 THIS ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS PREVENTING ME FROM USING MY LAWFULLY OWNED CAR! THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO HAVE A DEALERSHIP REPLACE DEFECTIVE PONTIAC PARTS. AN ANTI THEFT SYSTEM SHOULD BE A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO KEEP CROOKS FROM BOOSTING YOUR CAR, NOT SOMETHING THAT WILL COST THE OWNER MORE MONEY LATER WHEN THEIR KEY WEARS DOWN! WORSE YET, IF THE CAR IS DISABLED ON A HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, YOU RISK KILLING YOURSELF OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD! THIS HAS GOT TO BE A SAFETY VIOLATION AND A RED FLAG FOR A RECALL. I'M GOING TO PROBABLY SELL THIS RAT-TRAP FOR SCRAP/CRUSH VALUE TO A JUNK YARD AND BUY ANOTHER CAR, SO ALTHOUGH THIS COMPLAINT WON'T BENEFIT ME, HOPEFULLY MY COMMENT WILL HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR POS PONTIAC. *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Sep 17, 2012104,203 milesPA

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE PARK, DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WENT OFF, BURST OF POWDER AND HORN BLOWING, SCRAPED RIGHT HAND. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD AND UNDO FUSE TO HORN. FOUND OUT BY GOING ONLINE MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN IS THERE ANY RECOURSE TO THIS THAT I CAN FOLLOW UP ON? NOTE: IT SEEMS GMC HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS AND REALLY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE VEHICLES OR TAKEN THEM OFF THE ROAD, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THESE BLOW WITHOUT CAUSE. *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 27, 2012125,299 milesNY

I HAD JUST TURNED MY CAR ON AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I ONLY MOVED ABOUT TWO INCHES BACKWARDS, NOT EVEN GOING OVER 5 MPH, WHEN THE AIR BAG RANDOMLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. IT HIT ME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD/NECK, CHEST, AND ARM RESULTING IN CUTS, BURNS, AND BRUISES IN THOSE AREAS. MY LEFT EAR STARTED RINGING AND I MOMENTARILY LOST HEARING ON THAT SIDE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING WITH MY VEHICLE NOR DID SOMETHING HIT ME. MY CAR DID NOT EVEN LEAVE THE PARKING SPOT BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER I GAINED COMPOSURE AND REALIZED WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED, I MADE MY WAY OUT OF THE CAR AND A MAN WHO WITNESSED EVERYTHING WALKED ME TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT NEAR BY. MY CUTS WERE TENDED TO AND I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE FOR FURTHER TREATMENT AND EXAMINING. *TR

Air BagsFire
Filed Nov 3, 2011CT

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE AIR BAG WAS ON FIRE AND IGNITED THE JACKET THAT THE CONTACT WAS WEARING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TAPED THE AIR BAG INTO THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Mar 23, 2011146,242 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED AND THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG EXPLODED. AFTER THE EXPLOSION THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME AND PARK THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAG HIT HER IN THE CHEST BUT SHE DID NOT GO TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, FOUND NO OTHER DAMAGE AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED HER $500 AS A BUY BACK FOR THE VEHICLE. COMPLAINT FILE#297715 WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 146,242.

Air Bags
Filed Mar 21, 2011230,000 milesWV

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED BY A DEALER OR MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL BACK THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE VEHICEL WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 230,000.

Air BagsFire
Filed Feb 28, 2011180,000 milesMN

TL - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG ITSELF HAD BURN MARKS. THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000. PM

Electrical System
Filed Sep 3, 2010150,000 milesSC

ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM KEEPS ACTIVATING. HAD KEY SWITCH AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACED. STILL HAPPENING!!!!! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2010145,000 milesSC

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING OUR 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH WHEN THE AIRBAG SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jul 21, 2010183,000 milesMI

TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT HAD JUST PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WHEN THE DRIVERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS THEN DRIVING AT 30MPH WHEN THE PASSENGERS AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT A CRASH. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO INSPECT IT. AFTER THE INSPECTION WAS DONE THEY TOLD HIM THE WIRES WERE CORRODED WHICH CAUSED THE DEPLOYMENT. THERE HAVE BEEN NO REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE AND THEY STATED THIS ISSUE CAN'T BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 183000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 185000.CV

Air Bags › FrontalCrash3 injured
Filed Jun 29, 201020,478 milesAR

I WAS TRAVELING ALONG THE HIGHWAY GOING EXACTLY 60 MPH WHEN SOMETHING POPPED CAUSING ME TO LOSE CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE ( ALL PASSENGERS WERE IN SEAT BELTS) WE SLID DOWN A DITCH HITTING A LIGHT POLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO COME TO A STOP NEITHER THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYED. WE WERE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING MY FIANCE TO HIT HER HEAD ON THE DASH. *TR

Electrical SystemCrash3 injured
Filed Apr 9, 201098,000 milesPA

WATER GETTING INTO VEHICLE SOMEWHERE BEHIND FIREWALL. STARTED APPROXIMATELY 1YR. AGO. CAUSED ALL LIGHTS ON DASH TO LIGHT UP, NOW VEHICLE WILL NOT START, COULD NOT AFFORD TO HAVE PONTIAC FIX, ALTHOUGH THEY DID ISSUE A WARNING REGARDING ISSUE, BUT WILL NOT HELP WITH REMEDY. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Apr 1, 2010175,000 milesCT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR SUDDENLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WRAP THE DEFLATED AIR BAG TO KEEP IT FROM OBSTRUCTING HIS VISION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 175,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 9, 2010120,000 milesME

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE DRIVER SIDE HAD TWO INCHES OF RAIN IN THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. THE THEFT SYSTEM ACTIVATED AND THE VEHICLE RESPONDED AS IF IT WERE STOLEN WHICH MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO HAD A LOT OF MAJOR COMPONENTS REPAIRED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO TO ASSIST WITH THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS CURRENTLY 141,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 28, 2009186,000 milesMN

I HAVE A 1996 PONITAC GRAND AM THAT HAS WATER IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. GM SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE COULD DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS WITH WARNING WHILE DRIVING WITHOUT A CRASH OR WHEN THE KEY IS TURN ON. THIS HAS MANY COMPLAINTS BUT NO ONE IS DOING ANYTHING. AS A AUTO TECH FOR MY OWN SAFETY AS WELL OF OTHERS THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AND OF THE EFFECTIVE YEARS OR 96-98 GRAND AMS. THEY SAID INJURIES HAVE BEEN REPORTED ALREADY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 9, 2009160,000 milesOH

GM PASS LOCK SYSTEM ON A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM WONT ALLOW CAR TO START STRANDING ME AT WORK. *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 6, 2009100,608 milesPA

MY AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS (NO IMPACT/CRASH, NO DAMAGE, ETC.) AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I LEARNED THAT IT COULD BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY CAR WAS WET (NOT FLOODED.) I SUFFERED BRUSH BURNS UP MY FOREARMS. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM PONTIAC STATING THAT THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, HOWEVER, THERE IS NO RECALL AND IT IS UP TO THE OWNER TO FIX IT (AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.) IF PONTIAC IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, AND SENT OUT MILLIONS OF LETTERS, THEY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL. AT THE VERY LEAST, THEY SHOULD PAY FOR THE DAMAGES/REPAIRS. *TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Apr 29, 2009OH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED IN THE CONTACT'S FACE. THERE WAS NO IMPACT OR CRASH AT THE TIME OF THE DEPLOYMENT. SHE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, BUT MANAGED TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE AND SHE WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT AT THE TIME. SHE SUFFERED SEVERE CHEMICAL BURNS ALL OVER HER FACE AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR HER INJURIES. THE CONTACT HAS NOT YET NOTIFIED PONTIAC. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags
Filed Apr 28, 2009IN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 27, 2009181,271 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO START DUE TO THE THEFT SYSTEM. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, IT STALLED AT 40 MPH DUE TO THE THEFT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION CYLINDER MAY HAVE CAUSED THE FAILURE. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, THE CONTACT MUST WAIT TEN MINUTES BEFORE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURS. SHE FEELS THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE COULD STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 181,271 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 181,600.

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Nov 19, 2008122,000 milesIN

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE EYES AND MOUTH, IN ADDITION TO BROKEN TEETH. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE POLICE AND AMBULANCE WERE NOT CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 122,000. UPDATED 12/12/08 *CN UPDATED 12/15/08. *JB

Structure
Filed Sep 15, 2008KS

DRIVERS SIDE INTERIOR FLOOR KEEPS GETTING EXTREMELY WET. JUST THE OTHER DAY THERE WAS ABOUT AN INCH OF STANDING WATER ON THE BACKSEAT DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR BOARD. ALL WINDOWS ARE ALWAYS UP AND THERE IS EVEN WATER ON THE FLOOR BOARDS WHEN IT DOESN'T RAIN.*TR

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 24, 2008100,000 milesWI

EVERY TIME IT RAINS I GET WATER ON THE FLOOR OF MY CAR, THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER BECAUSE IT WENT OUT ON ME WILE DRIVING BECAUSE THE WIRES BEHIND ON THE FIREWALL ARE WET.*TR

Air Bags1 injured
Filed Aug 5, 2008172,000 milesNY

1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO CONTACT OR COLLISION. VEHICLE HAD TO BE SOLD TO SALVAGE CO. DUE TO LOCAL CODES. VEHICLE DAMAGE TOO COSTLY TO REPAIR. DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURY. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Aug 1, 2008140,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM THE MANUFACTURER, WHICH STATED THAT THERE WAS AN UPDATE TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL REGARDING SPONTANEOUS AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IF THE AIR BAG MODULE GETS WET. THREE WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT AIR BAG SPONTANEOUSLY DEPLOYED. FOUR DAYS LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. BOTH FAILURES OCCURRED IN DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE COMPANY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 140,000. UPDATE 09/10/08 *CW UPDATED 09/16/08 *JB

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 26, 200822,000 milesNY

THE CAR'S HEADLIGHT, FOG LIGHTS AND REAR LIGHTS FLICKER ALL THE TIME, FUSES ARE OKAY, BATTERY TESTS OKAY, HEADLIGHTS CHANGED WITHOUT ANY CHANGE, FUSES CHANGED WITHOUT ANY DIFFERENCE, REAR LIGHTS REPLACED WITHOUT ANY CHANGE. MAKES DRIVING AT NIGHT DIFFICULT AND GIVES ME A MIGRAINE HEADACHE. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Jul 26, 2008126,000 milesNY

I WAS GOING TO WORK AND STARTED MY CAR. THE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVERS SIDE EXPLODED, KNOCKING ME BACK INTO THE SEAT, KNOCKING OFF MY GLASSES AND NAME TAG, LOOSENED 2 TEETH, GAVE ME ABRASIONS TO FACE, FILLED THE CAR WITH SMOKE AND KNOCKED ME UNCONSCIOUS FOR A FEW MOMENTS. I WAS NOT IN GEAR AT THE TIME AND WAS NOT TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY (WHICH IS A GOOD THING BECAUSE I COULD HAVE BEEN IN A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT), I WAS JUST SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. I HAVE CONTACTED MY DEALER AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS, NO RECALLS, NOTHING. IT IS TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME TO REPLACE AND CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR ANYMORE. I WANT THE AIRBAG REPLACED AT NO COST TO ME BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT IS MANUFACTURES DEFECT. OTHER THAN A FEW PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTS AND AIR CONDITIONING NOT WORKING I HAVE LOVED THIS CAR AND WOULD STILL BE DRIVING IT IF I COULD GET THE AIRBAG REPLACED FREE. CAN ANYONE OUT THERE HELP? I DID RECEIVE A NOTICE THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BUT NO RECALLS. HELP!!! *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 2008IL

THERE IS WATER ON ALL FOUR FLOORS OF MY CAR (FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER/BACK SEAT TWO BOTH PASSENGER SIDES). THE REAR LEFT FLOOR HAS PARTICULARLY HEAVY WATER SATURATION. MY AIR BAG LIGHT HAS ALSO STAYED ON FOR THE LAST TWO WEEKS. YESTERDAY, I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM GM INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROLLER ON THE 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM IS MOUNTED ABOVE THE FLOOR PAN BENEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, AND THAT IF THE VEHICLE IS EXPOSED TO SIGNIFICANT WATER ENTERING THE INTERIOR AND SOAKING THE CARPET, THE AIR BAG CONTROLLER CAN BE SOAKED AND DAMAGED. THE DAMAGED CONTROLLER CAN MAKE THE AIR BAGS DEFLATE, EVEN WITHOUT IMPACT OR CRASH. CONVERSELY, THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY AT ALL BECAUSE OF THE CONTROLLER DAMAGE. THIS LETTER WAS SENT BY GM AS AN OWNER MANUAL SUPPLEMENT AND THEY WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT, NO RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. BECAUSE I AM UNEMPLOYED, I HAVE NO MONEY TO REPAIR THE CAR, AND AM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. HENCE, I NOW HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION AS WELL AS NO MONEY OR JOB. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS. IF THEY ARE AWARE ENOUGH OF A PROBLEM AS TO NOTIFY OWNERS OF THIS CAR, THEY SHOULD BE PAYING FOR REPAIRS TO A CAR THAT IS SATURATED WITH WATER. *TR

Air Bags
Filed Jun 17, 2008101,197 milesPA

AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON AFTER YOU START THE CAR DUE TO AIR BAG CONTROLLER GETTING WET. IT IS UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. *TR

Structure
Filed Jun 17, 200811,700 milesIN

06/05 WATER UNDER THE DASH MADE ME THINK THE WINDSHIELD WAS LEAKING-AN AUTO GLASS DEALER DETERMINED IT WAS NOT LEAKING AND AGREED TO TAKE OUT THE CARPET-HE DISCOVERED THE FIREWALL WAS NOT SEALED PROPERLY FROM THE FACTORY- I PAID HIM TO SEAL IT & DRY & REPLACE THE CARPET...09/07 I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ALL THE ALARM LIGHTS ON THE DASH COMING ON---AFTER TURNING OFF &RESTARTING THE CAR--THE ONLY LIGHT LEFT ON WAS THE AIR BAG LIGHT----06/17/08 I RECEIVED AN 'OWNER MANUAL SUPPLEMENT' TO ADD TO MY OWNERS MANUAL TELLING ME THE "AIR BAG CONTROLLER" MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH OR EVEN WITHOUT WARNING....THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT ...THERE ARE 1000'S OF THE THESE TIME BOMBS GOING DOWN THE SAME HIGHWAYS WE ARE TRAVELING-GM NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL & REPLACE THESE---GM IS NOT ABLE TO NOTIFY EVERY OWNER OF THIS PROBLEM AFTER 12 YEARS-PEOPLE ARE DRIVING THESE VEHICLES 60 AND 70 MILES AN HOUR DOWN THE HIGHWAYS & THEIR AIR BAG MAY DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING--THE POTENTIAL FOR HORRIFIC ACCIDENTS EVEN DEATHS OF INNOCENT PEOPLE ARE INEVITABLE-PLEASE FORCE GM TO TAKE RECALL NOT PRINT INSERTS FOR THE OWNERS MANUALS. *TR

Air Bags2 injured
Filed May 22, 2008180,000 milesNY

AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ( NO CRASH). *TR

Air Bags
Filed May 5, 2008172,000 milesWI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH UPHILL, BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO NOTIFY THE DEALER DUE TO A WEEKEND SCHEDULE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT HER PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Apr 11, 2008118,952 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING ALONG IN MY 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED RESULTING IN AN INJURY TO MY 17 YR OLD DAUGHTER. THE CAR WAS GOING ABOUT 20 MPH AND IT HAPPENED FOR NO REASON. *TR

Air Bags2 injured
Filed Mar 17, 2008OR

AIR BAGS DRIVER AND PASSENGER DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING CAR FOR NO REASON NO AUTO CRASH. *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Feb 14, 2008179,000 milesMA

1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 8, 2008102,000 milesMO

I HAVE TWO PONTIAC GRAND AM 1995, 1996 BOTH CARS HAS THE SAME PROBLEM THE INTAKE AND HEAD GASKET NEEDS REPLACE THEY SENT ME A PAPER IN THE MAIL AND SAID THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY CARS BUT NEVER HEARD ANY THING ABOUT IT MY CAR IT ABOUT TO STOP RUNNING AND MY 1995 WON'T RUN WITH OUT OVER HEATING IF SOMEONE COULD GET ME ANY INFO PLEASE DO AND PASS IT MY WAY I COULD REALLY USE THE HELP. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Jul 27, 2007OH

I OWN A 96 PONTIAC GRAND AM. HAVING ON GOING PROBLEMS WITH THE THEFT SYSTEM PREVENTING THE CAR FROM STARTING. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchFire
Filed Jul 25, 2007107,350 milesNE

IGNITION WOULD NOT TURN OVER SO DRIVER POPPED HOOD AND REMOVED THE KEYS, DRIVER WAS WALKING TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR WITH KEYS IN HAND AND CAR STARTED BY ITSELF. DRIVER JUMPED BACK IN AND TURNED KEY FORWARD AND BACK TO GET CAR TO SHUT OFF AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. WITHIN MINUTES, THE STEERING COLUMN WAS FLAMING. EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. MELTED STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, FRONT OF DRIVER'S SEAT, HEADLINER, DASH, CONTROL PANEL AND VISORS. ALL DONE!!! CHECKED RECALLS: IGNITION SWITCH (RECALL # 02V070000) *TR

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Jul 10, 2007NY

1996 PONTIAC AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE STARTING THE CAR. CUSTOMER STATES AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT FIXED SOMETIME LATER HIS DAUGHTER WAS STARTING THE CAR UP AND THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED SHE WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR MINOR BURNS**SB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HIS DAUGHTER WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR ANYMORE DUE TO THE FACT THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED HER. THE CONSUMER STATED HE CAN'T AND WON'T SELL TO ANYONE AND WOULD LIKE THE DEALER TO PAY OFF THE ADDITIONAL $1,200 STILL OWED ON THE CAR AND WARN OTHERS ABOUT THE DEFECT. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Jul 9, 2007PA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER, WHICH HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES WITHIN THREE YEARS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 180,000 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Air Bags1 injured
Filed May 21, 2007123,910 milesNY

MY DAUGHTER'S VEHICLE AIR BAG CAME ON. WE MADE A APPOINTMENT WITH THE GARAGE. MEANWHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK SHE TURNED THE KEY ON AND THE AIR BAG WENT OFF. INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. *AK

Air Bags2 injured
Filed Mar 23, 200769,000 milesMI

TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THREE OF THE CUSTOMERS CHILDREN WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THEY DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SOME ABRASIONS FROM THE AIR BAG , INCLUDING A MINOR INJURY TO HIS EYE WHEN A PIECE OF PLASTIC POPPED OFF. GMC OFFERED THE CONTACT $3,000 FOR THE VEHICLE, AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSUME LIABILITY. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE 95,000. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HER DAUGHTER ALSO SUSTAINED MINOR BURNS AND INJURIES. UPDATED 10/16/07 *TR

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Feb 25, 200714,400 milesNY

I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, STARTED TO CREEP FORWARD TO SEE IF THERE WAS ANY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I PROCEEDED TO GO AND I HEARD A LOUD SOUND LIKE A GUN SHOT. LOOKED OVER TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AND MY AIRBAG HAD DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AND NO WARNING. PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED BUT THE DRIVERS SIDE DID NOT. AIRBAG LIGHT WAS NOT ON. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING HEAD ON AND THE ROAD WAS CLEAR. NO REASON FOR AIR BAG TO GO OFF. *JB

Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Feb 8, 2007NY

I WAS DRIVING TO SCHOOL AND THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON AND HIT ME IN MY FACE. I CALLED PONTIAC AND THE INSPECTOR IS COMING TOMORROW TO CHECK MY VEHICLE. IT IS PRETTY EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE AIRBAGS AND I AM HOPING PONTIAC REPLACES THEM FOR ME AS THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT....IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *JB

Complaints 1-50 of 450, 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
1996 — this page4506140Above average
19954091420High concern
19943772295Fatalities reported
19932041202Fatalities reported
1992168342Fatalities reported
199182352Fatalities reported
199038110Routine

Compare every Grand AM year →

1996 Pontiac Grand AM: questions buyers ask

Is the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM a good car?

It is not among the Grand AM years to avoid. Owners filed 450 complaints, against about 351 for a typical Grand AM year. The most common complaint is about the airbags (23%).

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?

The airbags: 102 of the 450 complaints (23%) are about it. Owners most often say it set off an airbag for no reason (21%), did not deploy its airbags in a crash (13%) and shows an airbag warning light (7%). The typical report comes at 126,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM have?

6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 12, 2007. The largest, 02V070000, covered 1,589,948 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Grand AM problems start?

Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 118,952 miles. For the airbags the midpoint is 126,000 miles.

Has NHTSA investigated the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?

Yes, 2 times. The latest, RQ03001 ("POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE"), was opened Jan 2, 2003 and closed Sep 15, 2003.

Are there service bulletins for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?

The manufacturer filed 66 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (13), the brakes (8) and the electrical system (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

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: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.