“Took vehicle to murphy motors, dealership here in my home town. Took to them due to fact my heat gauge kept rising and I didn't want to run car hot ;went to find out what was wrong. Technician stated that he put the car on the code machine and ran it. Said code popped up transmission. I didn't take car in for transmission. They refused to fix overheat problem.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 31, 2006 at 170,498 miles
“This is the worst car (lemon) I have ever had. I bought this car from a used car dealer ship called new car alternative in livonia mi. I am now on my third engine in the car. The first 2 failed due to the head gaskets blowing and anti-freeze was mixing with oil in the engine causing engine failure. All car window motors have be replaced 4 or 5 times each and still don't work.”
Owner complaint, filed Aug 2, 2005 at 74,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the electrical systemRecall (red: the electrical system)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1997 Grand AM peaked in 2002, with 68 filed that year. Owners had filed 1 complaints about the electrical system before the first recall that covers it, 97V059000 in April 1997; 81 more have come in since. In 2020 owners filed 1 so far.
4 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.
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.
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.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood97V059000
Defect. THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. IF THE INSULATION ON THE NEGATIVE CABLE BECOMES SUFFICIENTLY WORN, AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT CAN OCCUR BETWEEN THE POSITIVE TERMINAL AND NEGATIVE CABLE RESULTING IN EXTREMELY HIGH CURRENT FLOW.
Risk. THIS HIGH CURRENT FLOW CAN CAUSE ARCING AND RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THESE VEHICLES FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE PROTECTIVE COVER AND, IF NECESSARY, INSTALL A PROTECTIVE COVER TO THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER.
All 4 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 1997 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
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
67 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1997 Grand AM. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 12engine 12brakes 10transmission 7electrical system 6fuel system 4steering 2body and frame 2
PIP4723DService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsJan 31, 2020electrical system
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
PIP4723BService Bulletin/Repair InstructionsFeb 22, 2017electrical system
This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
010849020Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsDec 1, 2001electrical system
THE THEFT WARNING SYSTEM KEEPS THE IGNITION SWITCH FROM ENGAGING. THE CAR WILL NOT START UNLESS THE KEY IS IN THE "ON" POSITION FOR FIFTEEN MINUTES AND RESETS THE SYSTEM. *TR
Steering
Filed Apr 26, 2016NY
WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND YOU HAVE TO MOVE THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH FOR IT TO CATCH AND FINALLY WILL START LIKE IT KEEPS LOCKING UP. MY SON BOUGHT THIS CAR AS HIS FIRST CAR SO NO SURE HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN LIKE THIS DOING THIS AS WE PURCHASED FROM A FRIEND AND HE DID SAY THAT SOMETHING WAS UP WITH THE STEERING WHEN TRYING TO START.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 28, 2014165,000 milesIL
THE IGNITION ON THIS COLLEGE STUDENTS 97 PONTIAC GRAND AM RANDOMLY DEFAULTS. IT WILL GET STUCK IN ON OR OFF POSITION. CAR SOMETIMES CONTINUES RUNNING. KEYES WILL LOCK IN THE IGNITION AND CAN NOT BE REMOVED. LIGHTS REMAIN ON WHILE KEYS ARE STUCK IN IGNITION. IGNITION GETS WARM. *JS
Electrical System › Instrument Cluster/Panel
Filed Mar 18, 201490,000 milesID
I CANNOT DRIVE CAR WITH OUT SPEEDOMETER. THERE WAS A SERVICE BULLETIN #66-83-04A I FEEL THE DEALER SHOULD REPAIR THIS AT THERE COST. IT IS NOT SAFE DRIVING IT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SEE SPEED. THE DEALER SAYS IT COST 450.00 THE VSS IS WORKING FINE. I BUY A LOT OF CARS. *TR
Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2013223,027 milesMI
THE MOST RECENT OF PROBLEMS IS MY STEERING WENT OUT ON ME WHILE TURNING IN TO A PARKING LOT. HAD MY MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND HE SAID IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION SEAL THAT CAUSED IT TO POUR OUT THE FLUID. I HAVE ALSO HAD MANY OTHER PROBLEMS SUCH AS GAS LEAKING EVEN THOUGH ALL LINES WERE REPLACED. POWER STEERING LINE REPLACED DUE TO PIN HOLE LEAKS, MULTIPLE WHEEL BEARINGS, RADIATOR. IGNITION SWITCH, AND ONE OF THE SENSORS IN THE UPPER BACK SIDE OF THE MOTOR SOMEHOW CAME UNDONE AND MELTED THE CONNECTOR AND CAUSED A DEAD SHORT IN MY CAR. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 13, 201276,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION BUT THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLED. THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED ON A SEPARATE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICE WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 07E021000 (FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY: PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES) BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,000.
Tires
Filed Jun 25, 2011118,653 milesPA
I HAVE BROUGHT A SET OF FOUR TIRE FROM FIRESTONE DOT NUMBER IS H Y C 6 38B 3896 DUR3M365182 P195/65R15 SO THE TIRES START WHAT DO I DO ABOUT THIS TO COME A PART THE FRIST TIME THIS HAPPEN I BROUGHT TO TIRES. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jun 20, 201195,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED A STRONG FUEL ODOR. THE FUEL CAP WAS REPLACED BUT THE ODOR PERSISTED WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED AN EVAPORATION LEAK CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR DUE TO THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 126,000.
Air Bags › Frontal2 injured
Filed Oct 12, 2010189,000 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER FRONT SIDE AIRBAGS HAD DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 189,000. UPDATED 02/01/118 LJ THE CONSUMER AND HER PASSENGER WERE INJURED DUE TO THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS. UPDATED 03/18/11 *JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Jan 12, 2010132,000 milesFL
THE PASSLOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IN MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT IS A FAILED PIECE OF JUNK THAT NEVER SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT INTO ANY VEHICLE. GM SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS SITUATION AS MANY, MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE SPENDING TOO MUCH MONEY NOT HAVING THIS SITUATION FIXED. MOST MECHANICS ARE AT A LOSS. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Nov 13, 200992,000 milesVA
COOLANT LEVELS IN RESERVE TANK ALWAYS WOULD DROP BELOW MINIMUM LEVELS, AND WE WOULD CONTINUE TO ADD COOLANT. LAST OIL CHANGE IN JUNE 2009 REVIEW NO PROBLEM. NOVEMBER 2009, WHILE SON WAS DRIVING HOME FROM COLLEGE (APPROXIMATELY 80 MILES) CAR BEGAN TO OVERHEAT WITH TEMP GAUGE READING IN THE RED. HAD CAR TOWED TO LOCAL SHOP AND REPORTED THAT COOLANT HAD LEAKED INTO CORE, ENGINE DESTROYED (ESTIMATED REPAIR - NEED NEW/REMANUFACTURED ENGINE $2500-3000). SEEMS WHILE REVIEWING THIS SUBJECT ONLINE AND W/NHTSA WEB SITE THAT THIS HAS BEEN A RE-OCCURRING PROBLEM WITH 1997 PONTIACS 4 AND 6 CYLINDER ENGINES. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System
Filed Oct 23, 200850 milesNH
COOLING SYSTEM IS FAILING ALL THE TIME ON ALL PONTIACS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM INTAKE MANIFOLD BLOW 5 TIMES AT 50.00 MILES OIL MIXES WITH THE COOLANT AND ALL THE SMOKE FROM THAT GOES IN THE AIR IT IS A MAJOR PROBLEM AND THAN THE CARS ARE JUNK SO THAN EVERYBODY WHO BUYS PONTIAC THEY ARE BUYING A LEMON CARS EVEN IF IT BRAND NEW FROM THE SHOP. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Oct 16, 2008150,000 milesNY
1) FIREWALL BODY SEAM LEAKS WATER INTO PASSENGER COMPARTMENT DUE TO RUST THROUGH. FILLS FLOORS BENEATH CARPETS WITH WATER. CAUSES AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) UNDER PASSENGER'S SEAT TO FAIL DUE TO MOISTURE. ACTIVATES "AIR BAR" DASH LIGHT. GM HAS ISSUED A LETTER RELATED TO "FLOOD" CARS. IT GOES BEYOND FLOODS!!!! THIS IS A DEFECTIVE DESIGN & BUILD PROBLEM. 2) WATER ENTERS EVERY TIME IT RAINS. THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) LOCATED UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT (STUPID DESIGN) HAS FAILED DUE TO MOISTURE UNDER THE CARPETING. "AIR BAG" LIGHT IS TRIGGERED AND GM WARNS THAT AIR BAG(S) COULD DEPLOY WITHOUT WARNING!!! 3) I HAVE REMOVED THE 10A AIR BAG FUSE AND DISCONNECTED BOTH AIR BAGS BY UNPLUGGING WIRES TO THE INFLATORS. GM SAYS THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE (SDM) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. NO THANK-YOU, GM SHOULD COVER REPLACEMENT AND FIREWALL REPAIRS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE, PERIOD. THIS IS THE 2ND CASE OF FIREWALL WATER LEAKAGE I HAVE SEEN ON THE GM "N" BODIED CARS. THE OTHER WAS AN OLDS ACHIEVA WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE RUST OUT AREAS FROM BOTH VEHICLES. GM SHOULD BE MADE TO RECALL & REPAIR THESE CARS - FREE OF CHARGE TO THE OWNERS. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 2008160,000 milesSC
I HAVE HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH MY 1997 GRAND AM GT SINCE PURCHASING IT. I HAVE REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH THREE TIMES IN ONE YEAR, THE SERVICE COSTS ARE $900.00 IN TOTAL. I CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE SAME THING KEEPS BREAKING EVERY 3 MONTHS. MY WINDOWS GET STUCK AND DON'T WANT TO ROLL UP, IT HAS POWER WINDOWS. I WAS REAR ENDED IN 2003, BUT OTHER THAN THAT, NO DAMAGE DONE TO MY CAR. WHAT CAN I DO? JUST KEEP REPLACING IGNITION SWITCHES EVERY 3 MONTHS? I HAVE GOTTEN WRITTEN UP AT WORK FOR MY CAR NOT STARTING. I DO NOT HAVE TRIPLE A. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 23, 2008120,000 milesFL
IGNITION WON'T TURN TO THE OFF POSITION. I HAVE TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY SO I DON'T DRAIN IT. I HAVE TO LEAVE MY KIDS IN THE HOT CAR WHILE I DO THIS. OR PAY $200 THAT I DON'T HAVE TO GET IT FIXED. I HAVE FOUND MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD IT COULD BE THE SENSOR ON THE TRANSMISSION THAT TELLS THE CAR ITS IN PARK. WHATEVER THE PROBLEM IS IT HAPPENS TO A LOT OF VEHICLES. I UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE TO MAINTAIN MY CAR BUT I DON'T SEE WHY SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Jun 17, 200890,000 milesPA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE BECAME COMPLETELY SATURATED WITH WATER. TWO YEARS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE ADVISING CONSUMERS THAT THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE COULD FAIL AND ALLOW WATER TO ENTER THE VEHICLE, CAUSING UNEXPECTED AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND FLOODING. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE LETTER WAS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME ANY FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COSTLY REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly
Filed Apr 16, 200897,000 milesMI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT CONSTANTLY SMELLS ANTIFREEZE AND IT HAS LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT AND BACK FLOORS OF THE VEHICLE. SHE NOTICED THAT THE FLOORS WERE WET, BUT NEVER PAID ATTENTION TO IT UNTIL SHE REMOVED THE FLOORMATS AND SAW THE GREEN ANTIFREEZE. AS OF APRIL 16, 2008, THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
Steering › Column Locking › Anti-theft Device
Filed Mar 31, 2008194,544 milesOH
PASSLOCK SYSTEM TURNED CAR OFF IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY HAD TO PUSH CAR TO SIDE OF ROAD WITH 100'S OF CARS PASSING ME AT 65 MPH (LIFE THREATENING) RESET PASSLOCK BUT HAS DONE THE SAME 4 TIMES. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Mar 13, 200890,000 milesCA
THE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES ARE MALFUNCTIONING. THEY ARE OFTEN LEAVING CODES AND POPPING ON MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. *TR
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Feb 12, 2008128,728 milesWI
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 30-35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AND ON THREE DIFFERENT TIMES. THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP AND DOWN PROPERLY UNLESS CONTROLLED BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE CONTROL SWTICH. THE FOG LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AS WELL AND THE FUSES ARE CHARRED. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 128,728.
1) FRONT ABS BEGAN TO PULSATE AS IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN A SKID HOWEVER THIS HAPPENED DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND BRAKING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO STOP. 2) ABS WIRING HARNESS WAS FAULTY DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR FROM TURNING THE WHEEL 3) HAD TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT ABS WIRING HARNESSES THIS BRAKING SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS BRAKING ISSUES. *TR
TiresCrash
Filed Oct 24, 2007MD
1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM TIRE BLEW CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOSE CONTROL AND END UP IN A DITCH. *KB THE VEHICLE HAD DAMAGE TO THE REAR AXLE AND LEFT SIDE MIRROR. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT)*JB
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Oct 15, 2007150,000 milesCT
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF AT A STOP WITHOUT WARNING. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED THE FAILURE. AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2007, THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE CONTACT FELT THAT HER VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS PART OF THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. UPDATED 01/11/08. *LJ THE DEALER STATED ENGINE REPLACED IN JUNE. UPDATED 12/12/07 *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 1, 2007VA
THE IGNITION KEY CONTINUES TO GET LOCK OR STUCK IN THE IGNITION. THIS REPRESENTS A SECONDARY SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT CAR HAS KEY IN THE IGNITION AT ALL TIMES. BATTERY COULD DRAIN LEAVING PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS STRANDED IN UNSAFE OR UNABLE TO REACT TO UNSAFE SITUATIONS (CRIMINAL PURSUERS, ASSAILANTS, ETC). BECAUSE YOUR CAR HAS BEEN DRAIN DUE TO AN IGNITION DEFECT THAT LOCKS YOUR KEY IN THE IGNITION. *JB
Electrical System › WiringFire
Filed Jul 9, 2007102,715 milesMD
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND SPARKS UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, BUT DID NOT MAKE THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXCLUDED FROM RECALL # 97V059000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,715.
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed Mar 3, 2007OH
PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM ON 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM DISABLES CAR'S ABILITY TO START. I HAVE HAD IGNITION SWITCH FIXED 2 TIMES ALREADY- THE LAST TIME BEING 2 YEARS AGO. AND THEY WANT ME TO REPLACE IT AGAIN! *JB
Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Dec 8, 2006133,753 milesWV
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH UNDER NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO WARNINGS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER. THERE WAS A RECALL ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE FOR THE SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL VEHICLE IN CANADA. THE RECALL NUMBER WAS 03-162. UPDATED 12/28/2006 - *NM
Suspension › Front › Control Arm
Filed Sep 25, 20062,000 milesPA
PURCHASED CAR NEW AT END OF 97 MODEL YEAR. WITHIN FIRST SIX MONTHS RETURNED CAR SIX TIMES DUE TO DEFECTIVE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS. PROBLEM HAS NEVER BEEN CORRECTED. CAR CLUNKS AS IT IS EITHER TURNED TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT OR TRAVELS (SLOWLY) OVER SPEED BUMPS. ALSO HAVE EXPERIENCED PAINT PEELING FROM OUTSIDE MIRRORS, RADIO VOLUME CONTROL PROBLEMS, RADIO/CLOCK DISPLAY WORKS ONLY PART OF THE TIME, RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MOUNTING BROKE AND SLID PASSENGER INTO DASHBOARD, 2 DOOR SPORT COUPE-BOTH POWER WINDOWS MOTORS HAVE BROKEN AND BEEN REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW JUST BROKE FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO YEARS. PASSENGER WINDOW HAS ALSO STARTED TO ACT SLUGGISH. DISCOVERED LEAKY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. ANOTHER EXPENSIVE REPAIR. RAIN LEAKS INTO CAR AROUND WINDOW GASKETS WHICH ALSO MAKE A HISSING SOUND AT SPEEDS OVER 45 MPH. CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN WITH CARE FOR NINE YEARS(ODOMETER=80,000 MILES) AND HAS HAD OIL CHANGES, TIRE ROTATIONS, ETC. COMPLETED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. OWNER CANNOT AFFORD ADDITIONAL COSTLY REPAIRS ESPECIALLY SINCE IT SEEMS TO BE GOING DOWNHILL FROM HERE. DISGUSTED WITH PROBLEMS AS WELL AS WITH LACK OF SERVICE FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT PONTIAC DEALERS. OWNER CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY A [DECENT] NEW CAR AND WILL HAVE TO PURCHASE SOMETHING USED. MAKE NO MISTAKE- IT WON'T BE A GM PRODUCT! *NM
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 31, 2006170,498 milesAR
TOOK VEHICLE TO MURPHY MOTORS, DEALERSHIP HERE IN MY HOME TOWN. TOOK TO THEM DUE TO FACT MY HEAT GAUGE KEPT RISING AND I DIDN'T WANT TO RUN CAR HOT ;WENT TO FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG. TECHNICIAN STATED THAT HE PUT THE CAR ON THE CODE MACHINE AND RAN IT. SAID CODE POPPED UP TRANSMISSION. I DIDN'T TAKE CAR IN FOR TRANSMISSION. THEY REFUSED TO FIX OVERHEAT PROBLEM. SAID WOULD HAVE TO PAY $2,500.00 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION. PICKED UP CAR TOOK TO CLIFFORD VINE GARAGE. HE LOOKED AT CAR AND IMMEDIATELY TOLD ME THE RADIATOR WAS POURING WATER OUT OF IT. HE REPLACED RADIATOR AND COOLING FAN. HE PUT CAR ON CODE MACHINE AFTER REPAIRING THOSE TWO ITEMS AND DID NOT SEE A CODE FOR TRANSMISSION. AFTER THAT ALTERNATOR WENT OUT, AND TWO DAYS LATER, MY COMPUTER AND FUEL INJECTORS WENT OUT. MURPHY MOTORS RAN CAR CHECKING TRANSMISSION NO TELLING HOW LONG AND PROBABLY RAN WITHOUT WATER SINCE RADIATOR WAS POURING IT OUT. THEY DIDN'T MENTION PROBLEM WITH RADIATOR AT ALL, JUST TRANSMISSION CODES. I FEEL THEY DAMAGED CAR WHILE RUNNING IT IN THEIR SHOP LOOKING FOR MORE MONEY TO GET OFF ME, LIKE $2,500.00 FOR A TRANSMISSION THAT HAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. THIS CAR WAS A LEMON FROM THE FIRST DAY I GOT IT. I'VE HAD COIL HOUSING REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES BY MURPHY MOTORS AND BY JOHN HAYS PONTIAC-HOPE AR 71801 WHEN I BROKE DOWN. CAR HAS BEEN TOWED IN MORE TIMES FOR COIL HOUSING. GM NEEDS THIS CAR DROVE RIGHT UP THEIR BACKSIDE FOR THE PROBLEMS IT HAS CAUSED AND CONTINUES TO CAUSE ME. I CURRENTLY HAVE A $750.00 OU
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator
Filed Aug 28, 2006NJ
NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING A 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM FOR REPAIRS/ REPLACEMENTS OF PARTS. DOOR WINDOWS DO NOT FUNCTION, MOTOR HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED BY FORMER OWNER, WE HAVE REPAIRED MOTORS ON DOOR WINDOWS SEVERAL TIMES ON OUR OWN, WINDOWS WOULD NOT GO UP AND DOWN AT ALL, COST TO REPAIR AT MECHANICS WAS OVER 400 AND WAS DONE BY FIRST OWNER AT LEAST ONCE. CAR SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER SYSTEM AND NOW SAME PROBLEM IS HAPPENING AGAIN, CAR IDLES HORRIBLY, SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL BE BLOWING UP, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. PRIOR TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE COMPUTER CAR FREQUENTLY STALLED OUT WHILE DRIVING IN MID TURN OR WHILE GOING FORWARD, AND CAR FREQUENTLY WAS DIFFICULT TO START, EVENTUALLY NEEDING TO BE TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHO HAD TO REPLACE ENTIRE COMPUTER. CAR HAS WHEEL BEARINGS THAT MAKE A LOT OF NOISE, SOUNDS LIKE WHEEL IS GOING TO FALL OFF. CAR HAS ACCELERATED ALL ON ITS OWN WITHOUT THE DRIVER STEPPING ON GAS PEDAL OR DOING ANYTHING AT ALL WITH ACCELERATOR, CAR RANDOMLY DECIDES BY ITSELF TO LUNGE FORWARD AND TRY TO DRIVE ITSELF. THIS STOPPED BRIEFLY AFTER THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED AND IS NOW HAPPENING AGAIN. *JB
Electrical System
Filed Jun 23, 2006KY
SEPT. 2005 MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM WOULDN'T START. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED. COULDN'T GET THE KEY INTO THE SWITCH,TRIED TO SHAKE STEERING WHEEL AND TRIED BANGING ON THE SWITCH AND TRIED FORCING THE KEY IN, BUT NOTHING WORKED. HAD TO TAKE COVER OFF UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL AND PUSH A BOTTOM THAT I FOUND AND IT UNLOCKED, THEN IT STARTED. EVEN THE DASH LIGHT STOPPED WORKING. BEEN DRIVING WITH NO DASH LIGHT FOR A WHILE. IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN, BUT HIS TIME THE BUTTON UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL WOULDN'T WORK. HAD TO PUT A TOGGLE SWITCH IN, TO EVEN START. I TURNED THE KEY ON PUSHED THE TOGGLE SWITCH AND IT STARTED. THAT LASTED TILL 6-7-06. THAT DAY I TURNED ON THE SWITCH AND IT SOUNDED LIKE THE STARTER WAS HUNG. NOW MY POWER WINDOWS WONT WORK, THE POWER DOOR LOCKS STILL WORK. FOUND RECALL ONLINE, THE CODE NUMBER IS 02008B, IT SAYS THE ENGINE FAILS TO START WHEN THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE START POSITION FOR A PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS. TOWED CAR TO PONTIAC DEALER 6-22-06 THINKING MAYBE THE RECALL WOULD FIX MY PROBLEM. I TOLD HIM TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON IT AND IT CAME BACK THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER IS BAD. THEN HE TOLD ME THE PRICE AND I SAID, I CANT AFFORD THAT. HE SAID, THAT IT HAD TO BE FIXED BEFORE HE COULD FIX THE RECALL. THEY WANTED $222.86 FOR THE PART AND $275.88 FOR LABOR, $7.27 FOR MISC. $14.58 FOR TAXES THEN HE CHANGED IT $20.00 FOR MISC. TOTALING TO $533.32 T
Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control Module
Filed May 29, 200688,800 milesIN
PASSLOCK SECURITY SYSTEM ON 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO START THE CAR AT ALL. *JB
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Apr 6, 2006127,000 milesMI
THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION IN THE AUXILIARY POSITION. THE CAR HAS TO BE STARTED AND TURNED OFF MANY TIMES UNTIL THE KEY WILL FINALLY MOVE TO THE CORRECT POSITION TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. *JB
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Mar 31, 200685,000 milesNC
IN 2001, DRIVER SIDE WINDOW MOTOR DOES NOT OPERATE ANYMORE. REPLACED IT. ($150). IN 2003, DRIVER WINDOW MOTOR AND PASSENGER AND REAR PASSENGER MOTOR DIES ONCE AGAIN. REPLACED ALL MOTORS, NOW THEY ARE DEAD AGAIN. ESPECIALLY WHEN MY AC DOES NOT WORK EITHER. IN 2004, HEATER CORE AND WATER PUMP BROKEN. REPAIRED. NOW I HAVE A WATER LEAK IN THE DRIVER'S FLOOR AREA WHICH RUINED MY CARPET AND THAT HAS TO BE REPLACED! ANOTHER $200. IT SEEMS IT ALL EVOLVES AROUND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. *NM
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 19, 2006154,000 milesOH
INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET WARPED AND COOLANT LEAKED. THIS IS THE SECOND GM 3.1 L ENGINE WHICH HAS HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED. ALSO HAD TO REPLACE THE WATER PUMP AT THE SAME TIME. ADDITIONALLY THE ALTERNATOR HAS BEEN REPLACED (AGAIN IN BOTH GM 3.1 L'S I'VE HAD). THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE COMMON WITH PONTIAC'S AND MALIBU'S (AND OTHER GM MADE CARS). IT'S EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AT A SHOP AND TIME CONSUMING AND FRUSTRATING TO DO ON YOUR OWN. IT'S RIDICULOUS THAT SUCH A CHEAP PART AND CHEAPLY MADE PART HASN'T BEEN RECALLED. *JB
Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly
Filed Sep 26, 2005CA
DT: 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONSUMER CANNOT LATCH SEAT BELT ON DRIVER'S SIDE. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT YET CONTACTED THE DEALER. THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED SEAT BELT PROBLEM 8 MONTHS AGO. SEAT BELT WILL NOT GO INTO THE BUCKLE. *AK
Electrical System › Alternator/Generator/Regulator1 injured
Filed Aug 2, 200574,000 milesMI
THIS IS THE WORST CAR (LEMON) I HAVE EVER HAD. I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A USED CAR DEALER SHIP CALLED NEW CAR ALTERNATIVE IN LIVONIA MI. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD ENGINE IN THE CAR. THE FIRST 2 FAILED DUE TO THE HEAD GASKETS BLOWING AND ANTI-FREEZE WAS MIXING WITH OIL IN THE ENGINE CAUSING ENGINE FAILURE. ALL CAR WINDOW MOTORS HAVE BE REPLACED 4 OR 5 TIMES EACH AND STILL DON'T WORK. BACK TWO DOORS ARE BROKE ONE WONT OPEN THE OTHER WONT CLOSE. THE SUNROOF WONT CLOSE THE DEALER TOLD ME 1500 TO REPLACE MOTOR AND PUT BACK ON TRACKS. LOL I HAVE THE BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES IN 5 YEARS. I BOUGHT THE CAR DEC OF 99 AND HAVE HAD ALL THESE PROBLEMS SINCE. I DON'T RECOMMEND ANYONE TO BUY A GRAND AM OR A CAR FROM THIS DEALERSHIP THEY WERE NO HELP AT ALL. THE FIRST ENGINE WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY SECOND ONE WAS AT MY COST OF 3500. THEN ANOTHER 1500 FOR NEW RADIATOR AND HEATER CORE. THEN ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION HOSE. THIS IS SUCH BULL CRAP. WHAT A LEMON! PLUS I WAS PULLING OUT OF A GAS STATION ONE DAY AND MY AIR BAG DECIDED TO COME OUT ON IT OWN NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED AND HIT ME IN THE FACE RESULTING IN INJURIES AND I HAD TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. *JB
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 15, 2005UT
THE CONSUMER'S 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM ACCELERATED SUDDENLY. *MR THIS MAINLY OCCURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS AND DRIVEN AFTER BEING PARKED. *NM
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Apr 4, 200560,094 milesNY
RECALL 02V070000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. IGNITION SWITCH WIRING MELTED. DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT REPAIR FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 10, 200596,997 milesIN
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE DAY AND THE ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE A FUNNY NOISE, AND WHEN I SHUT IT OFF. TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC , THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE CONNECTING ROD. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS CHEAPER TO PUT AN ENGINE IN RATHER THEN REBUILD THE ONE I HAVE. THE ENGINE IS STILL IN THE CAR BECAUSE I HAVEN'T GOT ENOUGH MONEY TO REPLACE IT.*AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 19, 2005137,000 milesNJ
MINOR COLLISION, FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED RIPPING THE ENTIRE DASH INSIDE THE CAR. *AK
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Jan 12, 2005TN
VEHICLE IS 1997 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM HAS NEVER SEEMED TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY. THE PADS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, THE ROTORS HAVE BEEN RESURFACED AND ALSO REPLACED AND STILL BRAKES DO NOT OPERATE SMOOTHLY. WHEN BRAKING AT 70 MPH A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NON-BRAKING ALTERNATELY CAN BE NOTICED. WHEN SLOWING FROM 20 MPH TO A COMPLETE STOP A FEELING OF BRAKING AND NO-BRAKING CAN BE FELT. IT SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS OUT OF TIME OR ADJUSTMENT. AT THE SLOW SPEED THE DANGER IS NOT GREAT; BUT AT THE HIGHER SPEED, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE IS A PROBLEM. CONTROL IS A MUCH GREATER PROBLEM WHEN ROADS ARE WET, SNOWY, OR ICY.*AK
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 7, 2005NC
RECALL CAMPAIGN; RECALL INSTALL PINION BEARING KIT, PERFORM RECALL 99091 REPLACED WIPER ARM, DEFLECTOR, BARRIER KIT. REPLACED MASTER CYLINDER AND REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. *BF WHEN GOING THE SPEED LIMIT AND WHEN THE CONSUMER REMOVED HIS FOOT FROM THE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD CUT OUT. *SC
Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Dec 9, 2004FL
WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THIS CAUSED THE DRIVER TO SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE CAUSE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *JB
Steering › Gear Box (other Than Rack and Pinion)
Filed Dec 3, 2004100,000 milesKY
DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR STEERING RECALL FOR THE BEARING GEAR AS STATED ON THE RECALL NOTICE. *AK
Air Bags › FrontalCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Oct 29, 2004NY
PONTIAC GRAND AM 1997, FATAL ACCIDENT, AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY, ON EITHER SIDE. *BF THE DRIVER WAS KILLED AND THE PASSENGER WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *JB
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Sep 20, 2004133,000 milesMI
ANTIFREEZE WAS LEAKING INTO THE CORE. BRAKES WERE REPLACED THREE TIMES LAST YEAR.*AK
Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Sep 13, 2004MD
THE CONSUMER'S VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS MENTIONED IN NHTSA RECALL 02V70000. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE STAR POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK THE IGNITION LOCKED. *SC
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Aug 27, 2004122,000 milesKS
WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE LEAKAGE IN THE FUEL TANK. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT RESOLVED. *AK
Electrical System › Ignition › Switch
Filed Aug 12, 2004110,000 milesSC
THE DASHBOARD COMPONENTS REMAINED ILLUMINATED EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE CONSUMER ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE VEHICLE ON AND OFF BUT THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS STAYED ILLUMINATED. WITHIN SECONDS OF THIS, SMOKE STARTED COMING FORM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED AND DAMAGED THE STEERING COLUMN AND OTHER COMPONENTS. THERE WAS A IGNITION SWITCH RECALL 02V07000 BUT THE CONSUMER WAS NEVER NOTIFIED ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL. *JB
Complaints 1-50 of 383, newest first, reproduced as filed.
It is not among the Grand AM years to avoid. Owners filed 383 complaints, against about 351 for a typical Grand AM year. The most common complaint is about the electrical system (21%).
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
The electrical system: 82 of the 383 complaints (21%) are about it. Owners most often say it drains the battery or stops charging (13%), will not start (10%) and smokes or smells of burning (9%). The typical report comes at 121,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM have?
4 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 1997 Pontiac Grand AM problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 95,550 miles. For the electrical system the midpoint is 121,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1997 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 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
The manufacturer filed 67 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (12), the brakes (10) and the transmission (7). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
3 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: Mar 12, 2007. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.