“Brakes make grinding noise and shake/pulsate when applied at any speed. Brake rotors were turned and pads replaced. Then a week later dealer said calipers were sticking and needed replaced. Now 2 months later it needs to go back to dealer for brakes problems. *jb”
Owner complaint, filed May 9, 2006 at 67,000 miles
“About march 1, 2005, steering mechanism would vibrate and lose control. Front brakes would pull the car to the right. A subsequent motor vehicle accident occurred on february 7, 2005, on i80, 7pm, going southbound. Luckily no one was injured in either car ... My car was hydroplaning due to inclement weather conditions.”
Owner complaint, filed Jul 20, 2005
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the brakesRecall (red: the brakes)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 1999 Grand AM peaked in 2001, with 129 filed that year. No recall on file covers the brakes, the subject of 21% of the complaints. In 2023 owners filed 2 so far.
Defect. This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Defect. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
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 TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk. LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Filed May 18, 2000487,400 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Risk. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
Filed Dec 15, 1998217 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Risk. THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
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. 3 name the 1999 Grand AM.
TURN SIGNAL FAILURESRecall query RQ04005Closed
Opened Jun 18, 2004Closed Nov 30, 2004headlights
Gm conducted a recall (NHTSA recall number 03v327) on model year (my) 2000-2001 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles to replace defective hazard switches that cause the turn signals and hazard lights to fail.the recall covered vehicles built from february 2000 through may 2001 (depending on model).odi opened this investigation based on 64 reports alleging turn signal failure on my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under the recall and built prior to february 2000.in december 2004, GM will issue a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not …
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREEngineering analysis EA03021Closed
Opened Nov 4, 2003Closed Oct 19, 2004suspension
The failure rate of the subject vehicles is low relative to past odi investigations.the engineering analysis is therefore closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.the agency will continue to monitor complaints and other information relating to the alleged defect in the subject vehicles and take further action in the future if warranted.please see the attached report for additional details.
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTUREPreliminary evaluation PE03031Closed
Opened Jul 14, 2003Closed Nov 4, 2003suspension
The subject vehicles are equipped with a coil spring-over-strut front suspension with the spring itself resting in compression between two polymer isolators.pe03-031 was opened to investigate reports of fracture of this spring.the fractures occur in the first active coil above the lower isolator and apparently originate in corrosion pits found beneath regions of damaged epoxy coating.consumer complaints and warranty data show that the failures occur predominantly in the ?corrosion states? And tend to appear outside of the standard 36,000 mile warranty term.these data also suggest that these …
Technical service bulletins
155 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 1999 Grand AM. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
visibility 25brakes 21body and frame 21equipment 15engine 11electrical system 10transmission 10suspension 9
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.
Showing the newest 6 of 21 bulletins about the brakes, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service BrakesCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 22, 2023PA
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was at–risk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasn’t for our seatbelts, I could’ve been thrown through the windshield. I hereby declare that [XXX] deliberately caused our accident and lied about being blinded. [XXX] lost her son—[XXX]—and was jealous of my opportunity to do what he couldn’t. Her other son—[XXX]—choose not to attend college and contraband drugs among other things. [XXX] and his mother [XXX] were also jealous of me for having an opportunity that [XXX] chose not to take. They blame me for Chastity [XXX] & [XXX] turning their parental rights over to the Commonwealth of Kentucky. How their oldest daughter being raped by her paternal grandmother’s husband has to do me is absurd and childish in my opinion. Murray Police Department was called on October 23, 2014 at 7:23 am in reference to 2 vehicle collisions to inspected and verified by law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. [XXX] and his sister [XXX] their colleagues at Seacrest Rehabilitation—Healthcare Center and [XXX] or [XXX] Consolidated Schools with the latter allegations. Ma and I later went to Dr. [XXX] chiropractic center for evaluation, he can verify her back or knee problems as they related to this incident. [XXX] can verify us suffering from medicalised homelessness, despite state law in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania declaring residential leases cannot exceed three years. INFORMATION REDACTED
Electrical System
Filed Jun 3, 2023TN
The gas gauge will show full then without warning quickly drop to “E” and the low fuel indicator will ding and the light will come on then just as quickly as it started it will go back to full or 2/3rds the slow creep back to the full position. (The tank was not full) While driving all the electrical components start going wild, everything goes on and off quickly. The accelerator will rev(while foot is on or off accelerator) and drop over and over (as if there were bad gas in it) then go back to normal. This happens while I’m on the road and is a massive hazard. I’m so afraid this will cause an accident that leads to loss of life.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 26, 2019268,500 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE BARRIER THAT WAS PUSHED OVER TO THE CONTACT'S LANE, FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT THAT INVOLVED TWO TRUCKS. THE PASSENGER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO OTHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED, INCLUDING THE DRIVER'S. THERE WAS NO WARNING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR ABRASIONS ON THE UPPER LEFT SHOULDER AND A BIG BUMP ON THE BACK. THE CONTACT WOULD BE GOING TO THE DOCTORS ATA A LATER POINT IN TIME. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 268,500.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 2, 2016149,300 milesCO
WINDSHIELD AND REAR WINDOW WERE BROKE AND BOTH HAVE BROKE INTO SHARDS. WINDSHIELD WAS APPROXIMENTLY 3" IN DIAMETER AND HALF INCH WIDE AND REAR WINDOW WAS APPROXIMENTLY 5" AND QUARTER IN WIDE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 15, 2016125,000 milesKS
THE HAZARD SWITCH MAKES A NOISE LIKE THE HAZARD LIGHTS ARE FLASHING WHEN THEY AREN'T EVEN ON. TO GET MY BLINKERS TO WORK I HAVE TO PUSH THE HAZARD BUTTON ON AND OFF SEVERAL TIMES.
Engine
Filed Jun 15, 2016120,000 milesKS
THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH WENT OUT CAUSING ME TO LOSE A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF OIL.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed May 24, 2016NC
TO START WITH I READ THE COMPLAINTS AND WAS WONDERING HOW MANY COMPLAINTS DOES IT TAKE FOR SOMETHING TO BE RECALLED. THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW FALLS, PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW HAS SCRATCHES ON IT FROM I AM GUESSING THE REGULATOR, THE DASH IS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD, THE STRUTS, AND SPRINGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON, THE SUSPENSION FEELS LIKE THE CAR IS FALLING APART THROUGH EVERY BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE HEADLIGHTS ARE FOGGED UP AND POINT DOWN. SIDE MIRROR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WE VISITED SEVERAL AUTO YARDS TO TRY TO FIND A DASH AND SIDE MIRROR AND WOULDN'T YOU KNOW IT ALL THE MODELS OF THE GRAND AM WAS MISSING THE PASSENGER SIDE MIRROR WHERE IT HAD BROKE OFF AND ALL OF THEM THE DASH WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDSHIELD. I AM NOT SURE AS TO WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF THE DASH COMES COMPLETELY OFF BUT I DON'T WANT TO BE IN THE CAR WHEN IT DOES HAPPEN. AND I DON'T WANT TO DRIVE A CAR THAT HAS THIS MANY ISSUES AND NO ONE IS RESOLVING THE PROBLEMS. NOW THE CV BOOT HAS TO BE REPLACED. I AM SO FRUSTRATED RIGHT NOW SEEING THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS AND ONLY SIX RECALLS THAT IS A PROBLEM. I AM SORRY TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT YOU PUT OUT. I GUESS IT WILL TAKE SOMEONE GETTING HURT OR KILLED TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS AND I HOPE YA'LL CAN SLEEP GOOD AT NIGHT KNOWING ALL THESE PROBLEMS HAVE EXISTED FOR THIS LONG AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY INTO SOMETHING THAT IS GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THE SAME ISSUES.
Steering
Filed May 20, 2016149,000 milesCO
CLOCK SPRING HAS A DISK THAT IS NOT A UNIFORM DESGINE DUE TO IT SPLITTING AND BOWING OUT. STEERING WHEEL STICKS WHEN TURNED EITHER DIRECTION AND HORN IS SET OFF AS WELL. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ALSO ON AND WOULD ASSUME THAT IT WOULD NOT INFLATE IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL COLLISION. PONTIAC FEELS THAT THE DISK THAT SHOULD BE ONE SOLID PIECE THAT I BELIEVE IS TWO PIECES, IM RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR DEFECTIVE CRAFTSMANSHIP.
Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2016149,000 milesCO
IGNITION FROZEN, UNABLE TO MOVE VEHICLE WITHOUT TOW. NO SHIFT REALEASE, AND UNSAFE IN THE EVENT OF ENGINE STALL ON OPEN ROADWAYS. VEHICLE IS DEAD ONCE YOU SHIFT INTO PARK TO RESTART.
EngineFire
Filed Mar 17, 2016175,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 17, 2016174,000 milesAR
I BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM A FRIEND ABOUT 2WEEKS AGO AND HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE IGNITION BUT HE TOOK IT UP THERE. BUT HE JUST DONE THIS ABOUT A WEEK BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR , SO NOW THE KEY WON'T EVEN TURN THE IGNITION TO START. WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR ME?THE CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE AND NOTICE THAT I COULD NOT.
Engine
Filed Jan 27, 2016120,000 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DRIPPING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE ENGINE WAS DRIPPING OIL ONTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN, YEAR, AND MODEL WERE NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 19, 201585,000 milesVA
IGNITION HAS SHUT DOWN NUMEROUS TIMES ALSO ACTIVATING GM PASSLOCK SYSTEM, VEHICLE HAS BEEN TOWED NUMEROUS TIMES, RAW FUEL HAS DISINTEGRATED MUFFLER AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER, NOTIFIED GM NUMEROUS TIMES ABOUT THIS, STONEWALLED, GIVEN LOCAL NUMBER TO CALL, THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF IT, CAR NOT SAFE TO DRIVE, PARKED IT, INCURRED INSURANCE/TAXES ETC TO KEEP CAR IN DRIVEWAY, MOSTLY INOPERABLE NOW WAITING ON GM TO ADDRESS, THEY REFUSE TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE PHONE CALLS/E-MAILS NOR WILL THEY TRY AND REACH AN ACCORD IN REGARDS TO A CAR UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I AM DISABLED AND RELIED ON THIS CAR TO GO TO DOCTOR OFFICES, BEING LEFT STRANDED NUMEROUS TIMES AND WAITING TO BE TOWED BY AAA WAS DIFFICULT ENOUGH YET WHEN I ASKED ABOUT BEING AT LEAST DISABLED, THEY WANTED TO THEN CHARGE A "DIAGNOSIS" FEE ON TOP OF BEING TREATED LIKE DIRT. I SENT THEM A "LIEN" ( I KNOW IT HOLDS THE WEIGHT OF AIR!) TO TRY AND WORK THIS OUT...AND HAVE HEARD NOTHING. THE CAR IS NOW A BRICK IN THE DRIVEWAY. I HAVE THE REPAIR BILL, TOTALING 700.00 DOLLARS AND THE TAX BILL AND INSURANCE COST FOR HAVING A VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I HAVE THE BILLS AND NO RESOLUTION FOR AN ISSUE I DID NOT CAUSE, GM HID THIS AND THEN DID NOTHING TO MAKE IT RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP OR AT LEAST INVESTIGATE THE IGNITION AND PASSLOCK PROBLEMS?
Seats
Filed Jun 24, 2015100,000 milesOH
SEATS DON'T RECLINE OR STICK. ELECTRIC SHORTAGES OUT AND MAY DEFECT RELAYS AND FUSES. SEAT BELTS STICK AND TWIST AND DON'T WINED BACK UP.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 13, 2015111,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000. UPDATED 6/30/15*CN UPDATED 07/02/15*JB
Engine
Filed Mar 27, 2015180,678 milesCA
HI I'VE BOUGHT A CAR FROM CAR HOP THE FIRST TIME IT BROKE N 3 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND CAR HOP HAD IT TOWED TO ONE OF THERE SHOPS AND I WAS TOLD THEY PUT A NEW ENGINE IN IT 6 MONTHS AGO CAR BROKE DOWN AGAIN THEY WOULDN'T GET IT FIX SO I STOPPED MAKE N PAYMENT ON CAR FOR 3 MONTHS AND THEY CALL ME AND ASKED ME IF I'D LIKE TO START THERE FRESH START PROGRAM WERE I'D HAVE A WARRANTY N I'D JUST HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH MY PAYMENT BUT THEY WILL FIX THE CAR SO THEY PUT N ANOTHER ENGINE 4 MONTHS AFTER NEW ENGINE CAR BROKE DOWN AGAIN NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME I HAVE NO WARRANTY AND THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY 700 DOLLARS ON TOP OF MY 340 PAYMENTS TO GET CARDIAC IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO I'M A SINGLE MOM OF TWO KIDS AND THIS IS STRESSFUL I'VE GIVE IN CAR HOP 5,000 N PAYMENTS AND THEY ARE NOT BEING FAR. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 9, 2015PA
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO IGNITION SWITCH ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED ON AUGUST 3, 2005. *JB
Electrical System
Filed Jan 27, 2015NM
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE SERVICE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE. *TA THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER ALSO ATTACHED THE IGNITION RECALL TO HER COMPLAINT. *JB
Electrical System
Filed Jan 23, 2015146,000 milesIA
I CAN REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION AT ANY TIME ANY SPEED AND ANY CONDITION. *TR
Electrical System › Ignition › SwitchCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 21, 2015MA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE TRAVELED OVER AN UNKNOWN OBJECT WHICH CAUSED THE IGNITION SWITCH TO CHANGE TO THE OFF SETTING INDEPENDENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING AND BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SWERVE OFF THE ROADWAY AND CRASH INTO A CREEK. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED UNKNOWN INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REMOVED FROM THE CREEK AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS IT WAS ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT HAD ALSO RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE DEALER REFUSED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REMEDY ON THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. ..UPDATED 03-16-15 *BF ...UPDATED 04/15/15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DEFECT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT. UPDATED 10/8/2015*JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE IGNITION SWITCH MOVED FROM THE ON POSITION. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DEFECT BECAUSE IT CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. UPDATED 11/12/2015*JS
Air BagsCrash
Filed Dec 15, 2014115,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A SIDEWALL. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 9, 2014OH
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER STATES THE VEHICLE WAS SCRAPED BECAUSE OF THE DASH CATCHING ON FIRE AND ALL THE ELECTRIC PARTS IN THE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING. *TGW ALSO, THE TRANSMISSION WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB
Electrical System
Filed Dec 8, 2014138,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE KEY RELEASED FROM THE IGNITION AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TURNED OFF. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Wheels
Filed Dec 6, 201478,000 milesTX
THE WALMART DOUGLAS BRAND PASSENGER CAR TIRES HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOUND ALL OVER THE INTERNET. THE DOUGLAS TIRE I PURCHASED IN 10/13 HAS NOW DEVELOPED A NOTICEABLE BULGE ON THE SIDE WALL UNDERNEATH THE TIRE VALVE STEM AREA. HOWEVER, WALMART REFUSES TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVELY MANUFACTURED TIRE EVENTHOUGH I EXPLAINED THAT IF I HAD NOT NOTICED THE BULGE, THE TIRE COULD OF BLOWN ON THE FWY AND COST ME MY LIFE. BUT THE EMPLOYEE SAID, SORRY.. I ASKED THE EMPLOYEE HOW OLD WAS THE TIRE AT THE TIME I PURCHASED IT. BUT HE COULD SAY. AT THE TIME OF INSTALLATION, THE WALMART MECHANIC / EXPERT WOULD OF NOTICED THE BULGE WHICH WAS MINOR AT THE TIME, AS I HAD NOTICED BUT THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT SINCE I AM NOT AN EXPERT. AS THIS WAS THE ONLY TIRE SIZE MY WALMART STORE HAD IN STOCK FOR MY CAR, I PURCHASED IT WITHOUT CONSIDERATION OF BRAND. IN OTHER WORDS, I WOULD OF BOUGHT A DIFFERENT BRAND TIRE IF THE SHELVES HAD IN MY SIZE. FURTHER, I BELIEVE WALMART IS AWARE OF ITS DEFECTIVE TIRE'S WHICH I DISCOVERED TODAY THAT THEY ARE MADE IN CHINA. SUPPOSEDLY, DOUGLAS TIRE IS A SUBSIDIARY OF GOODYEAR. SO I HAVE EMAILED THEM WITH MY CONCERN AND REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE WALMART SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR KNOWINGLY SELLING A POORLY MANUFACTURED PRODUCT FOR AUTOMOBILES. EVIDENCE OF THE UNSAFE TIRES ARE POSTED ALL OVER THE INTERNET. *TR
SteeringCrash
Filed Nov 7, 2014MI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT CRASHED AND THE VEHICLE BECAME LODGED IN BETWEEN TWO TREES, IN THE FRONT YARD OF A NEIGHBORING HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 6, 2014OK
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED NUMEROUS TIMES AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED MORE THAN THREE TIMES DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING AND THE KEY FAILING TO TURN OVER INTO THE ON POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS NOT ABLE TO REPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS LATER NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 00V140000 (STRUCTURE) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 5, 201498,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V400000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES FROM THE SEAT BELT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Nov 5, 2014141,000 milesIL
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH ATTEMPTING TO AVOID A CRASH, THE POWER BRAKES FAILED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO A VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS NOT AARE OF ANY INJURIES SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 28, 2014177,000 milesKY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL ON A SHARP TURN AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP AND CRASH INTO A DITCH. THE FRONT AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE INJURED, BUT DID NOT NEED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A REPAIR FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 16, 2014PR
WANTED TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS INCIDENTS. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER SINCE 2000 AND CONTINUE WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE DASH IS DEFECTED HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT LIFTS UP AND CAN'T SEE THE ROAD VERY WELL. IN PUERTO RICO THE DEALER ROYAL MOTORS DOES NOT SELL PONTIAC ANY MORE. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Aug 17, 2014IN
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ABS, BATTERY AND AIR BAG LIGHTS COME ON 99-2005 PONTIAC GRAND AMS HAVE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH WATER GOING THROUGH BLOWER MOTOR GOING ON TO THE FLOOR THE AIR BAG MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE CARPET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE GETS WET CAUSING AIR BAG FAILURE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS ADDRESSED AGAIN A COMMON PROBLEM GENERAL MOTORS HAS KNOWN ABOUT BUT ALL THEY DID WAS CREATE A SERVICE BULLETIN TO FIX WATER LEAK WHICH STILL DOESN'T SAVE AIR BAG IF YOU DON'T CATCH THE LEAK. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jul 2, 2014171,683 milesIN
I NOTICED THE IGNITION KEY COULD BE REMOVED FROM IGNITION REGARDLESS OF POSITION. SINCE HEARING OF GM INCLUDING THE 99 GRAND AM IN ITS RECALL I CALLED THE LOCAL GM DEALER. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTING THAT COULD BE DONE UNTIL I RECEIVE A RECALL NOTICE FROM GM. I CONTACTED GM AND WAS TOLD I COULD GET IT REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE AND THEM FILE PAPERWORK TO GET REIMBURSED. I RELAISE THERE IS PROBABLY A HUGE BACK-UP RELATED TO PARTS. AS THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND MY CAR IS EFFECTED BY THE RECALL, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I WOULD NOT EXPECT GM TO FIX THE PROBLEM IMMEDIATELY, BUT I DO THINK IT IS REASONABLE TO BE ABLE TO BE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. AS THINGS STAND RIGHT NOW, GM WILL DO NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. I AM A TOYOTA MASTER TECHNICIAN, ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN, AND WAS A NISSAN MASTER TECHNICIAN, SO I DO UNDERSTAND HOW RECALLS WORK ATE THE DEALER LEVEL. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed May 17, 2014182,000 milesMN
WELL I OWN A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE COUPE, AND I NOTICED ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO AT 50-60 MPH (OR 2000 RPMS), THE CARS SPEED AND RPMS WOULD DECREASE ABOUT 2 MPH AND THE RPMS WOULD DECREASE ABOUT 500 RPMS, THEN IT WOULD RETURN AND IT WOULD DO THIS EVERY TIME I WAS AT THAT SPEED, ALSO NOW WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 60 AND IF I LET THE CAR DECREASE SPEED THE TEMP GAUGE WOULD SKYROCKET AND AFTER ABOUT 1/8 A MILE IT WOULDN'T LET ME INCREASE SPEED ALONG WITH THAT MY ELECTRIC FANS IN THE CAR HAVE NEVER ENGAGED, I LOVE THIS CAR AND I DON'T WANT TO GET RID OF IT. ALSO I HAD THE TRANSMISSION CHECKED AND ITS NOT THAT. *JS
Service Brakes
Filed Apr 23, 2014NJ
IN APPROXIMATELY 2000 TO 2002, OUR 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM STALLED WITH ENGINE SHUTDOWN, LOSS OF BRAKING POWER, AND LOSS OF STEERING ON THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY AT HIGH SPEED, WHEN MY KNEE HIT A FEW KEYS AND MY KEY RING ALONG WITH THE PONTIAC KEY IN THE IGNITION, I.E. SHUTTING OFF THE CAR. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. FORTUNATELY, WITH ALMOST NO STEERING, BRAKING, OR ENGINE POWER, I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE INTO THE BREAK DOWN LANE AND STOP THE CAR. I AM REPORTING THIS NOW BECAUSE IT NEVER DAWNED ON ME THEN THAT IT COULD BE A CAR DEFECT, AND I AM CONCERNED THAT OTHERS MIGHT BE INJURED OR KILLED BY THESE OLDER GM VEHICLES IF FAULTY IGNITION SWITCH IS AN ISSUE FOR THEM, GIVEN THAT GM IS RECALLING MILLIONS OF VEHICLES FOR FAULTY IGNITION SWITCHES. I BELIEVE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE OTHER MODELS AND AGES OF GM VEHICLES, INCLUDING 1999 AND LATER YEAR PONTIAC GRAND AMS, AS THE DANGER WE EXPERIENCED FROM THAT VEHICLE SEEMS LIKE IT MIGHT BE THE SAME AS WHAT IS NOW BEING REPORTED. WE NO LONGER OWN THE PONTIAC. YOU CAN SEE THIS INCIDENT MADE A BIG IMPACT ON ME, BECAUSE I REMEMBER IT 12+ YEARS LATER. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Mar 20, 2014120,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED FIFTY TIMES OVER A ONE YEAR PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE IGNITION MODULE. THERE WAS A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 14V047000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) BUT THE CONTACT'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Suspension
Filed Nov 4, 2013125,000 milesMA
I WAS BACKING UP SLOWLY OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. AS I TURNED ME WHEEL TO THE RIGHT, I HEARD A VERY LOUD NOISE. IT SOUNDED LIKE A POP OR A CRACK. IT WAS MIDNIGHT SO I COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING WRONG WHEN I INSPECTED MY VEHICLE. AS I WAS DRIVING HOME I HEARD A LOUD SCRAPING SOUND. AS I WOULD BREAK IT GOT LOUDER AND LOUDER. IT WAS SCRAPING AND TEARING. I GOT HOME AND STILL COULDN'T SEE ANYTHING. I CHECKED THE NEXT DAY AND I NOTICED THAT THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE COIL WAS COMPLETELY CRACKED. BECAUSE OF THIS CRACKED COIL, THE PROTRUDING PIECE OF METAL FROM THE COIL WAS JAMMED AND RESTING ON THE TIRE WALL. BECAUSE OF HAVING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME, THE COIL HAS TORN AND RIPPED UP MY TIRE WALL AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME BEFORE WITH A CRACKED COIL ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF MY VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS IS CRAZINESS AND COMPLETELY UNSAFE! I FEAR FOR MY LIFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AS IT CLEARLY HAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. I AM BAFFLED AS TO WHY THERE IS NO POSTED RECALL FOR THIS HAZARDOUS PRODUCT. PONTIAC SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR LETTING THIS GO AND NOT ADMITTING THEIR FAILURE AS A CAR MANUFACTURER. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 23, 2013149,000 milesMN
I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT AND I HIT THE GAS, THE CAR STALLED RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. I GOT IT STARTED THEN IT STALLED THE SECOND I STEPPED ON THE GAS. IT STARTED AGAIN AND I PULLED AROUND THE CORNER. LEFT ME STRANDED WITH A HUGE TOWING BILL! VERY PISSED OFF. I COULD HAVE GOTTEN KILLED IF SOMEONE DIDN'T PAY ATTENTION AND HIT ME WHILE I WAS IN THE INTERSECTION! IT RAN GREAT THEN ALL THE SUDDEN IT WAS LIKE SOMEONE SUCKED THE LIFE OUT OF MY CAR! *TR
Engine
Filed Mar 14, 2013180,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HAZARD SWITCH AND THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE 205,000. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 29, 201391,000 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH AND NOTICED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTING FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Visibility
Filed Sep 4, 201249,000 milesNY
CAR THE WORST. I'VE SUNK MORE $ IN2 IT THAN SHE COST TO BUY. $15,000 AT LST. HEAD GASKET X2. INTAKE MANIFOLD X2 WINDOW PARTS X2 BRAKES, PADS ROTORS ENGINE REPLACED IN 2009 BY QUACK MECHANIC ON ADVICE FROM A FRIEND CAR 3 MTHS ON LIFT! COST $1000 A YR 2 PASS NYS INSPECTION HAD CATALYTIC CONVERTER & GASKETS REPLACED AFTER I BEGGED DO IT! CAT WHOLE PROB FOR 31/2 YRS. ERG VALVE SELONOID CHANGED. COILS SPRINGS, STRUT MOUNT(SENSATRAC) STRUT WAS ONLY AFTER I HAD TIRES REPLACED FOR UPTEENTH TIME REALIZING IT WAS CUTTING INTO 1 TIRE DRIVING OUT OF THE SHOP. ANTIFREEZE STILL OOZES OUT REGARDLESS HOW MANY X'S WORK DONE ON COOLING SYSTEM. THERMASTAT TWICE FUEL INJECTOR OXYGEN SENSOR ANTIFREEZE RESERVOIR, HOSES MUFFLER REARVIEW MIRROR FELL OFF TWICE TIMING BELT. HEADLIGHTS SEVERAL TIMES REAR LIGHTS. 2 OR 3 BATTERIES. THIS CAR SHOULD RUN LIKE NEW- ALMOST EVERYTHING'S BEEN REPLACED NOPE! WAS TOWED TWICE LAST 2 WEEKS DUE TO COOLANT LOSS OVERHEATING ENGINE STOPPING. INFORMED TODAY AFTER CAR AGAIN OVERHEATED & LOST POWER IT'S PROBABLY INTAKE MANIFOLD & HEAD GASKET, OIL IS DRIPPING FROM SIDES OF ENGINE. COMPUTER AMUCK NOWODOMETER FLASHES 1/2 NUMBERS INSTEAD OF TRUE MILEAGE. ABS? LIGHT MECHANIC STATED ITS A WASTE OF YOUR $ TO REPAIR.... THREE HEAD GASKETS? ANOTHER INTAKE MANIFOLD? HELLO! I'VE MAINTAINED THIS CAR IT IS A LEMON A ROTTON LEMON AT THAT. GM KNOWS THESE ISSUES & DOES NOTHING. IN MICHIGAN CONSUMERS WON A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT BECAUSE OF THIS. GM SHOULDA RECALLED THIS CAR PERIOD. I WASN'T
Engine
Filed Jul 16, 2012SD
MY HUSBAND AND I HAD JUST MADE IT INTO THE CITY AFTER A 1 AND A HALF HOUR DRIVE. AFTER DRIVING AROUND TOWN FOR ABOUT AN HOUR OUR CAR, 99 PONTIAC GRAND AM, SHUT OFF. WE SAT FOR A BIT AND TRIED IT AND IT STARTED RIGHT UP. BUT IT KEPT DOING IT SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES THROUGHOUT THE DAY. WE THOUGHT IT OVERHEATED BUT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READ 200 DEGREES. HE CHANGED BOTH O2 SENSORS, CAM SHAFT, ALTERNATOR, WATER PUMP, PUT ON A USED FUEL PUMP. WE WERE THINKING THAT IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL PUMP, BUT ARE UNSURE. THE POSSIBLE PROBLEMS WE HAVE CAME UP WITH ARE THE FUEL PUMP SINCE IT'S USED, THE CADILLAC CONVERTER BECAUSE IT SMELLS BAD AT TIMES, LIKE WHEN WE GO UP HILL, OR AS I WAS READING ALL THE PROBLEMS PEOPLE WERE HAVING WITH THERE 99 PONTIAC GRAND AM VEHICLES, WOULD BE THE INTAKE GASKET OR THE ABS LIGHT THAT GOES OFF AND COMES ON WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. I HAVE SPENT ALOT OF MONEY TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS CAR AND I NEED HELP. *TR
Engine
Filed Jun 7, 2012130,000 milesIN
I BOUGHT THIS 99 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 3.4 LITER ENGINE AND OVERHEATING ALL THE TIME NOW I HAD IT LOOKED AT AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS MY HEAD GASKET I WAS TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOTORIOUS FOR THIS SOMETHING ABOUT A PLASTIC GASKET BEING THE CAUSE FOR IT AND THAT THERE WAS A POSSIBLE SUIT GOING ON ABOUT IT SO I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ACTION IF POSSIBLE. *JS
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed May 8, 2012WI
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FIRE FROM UNDER HOOD *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. *JB
Steering
Filed Apr 19, 2012102,000 milesIL
THE POWER STEERING RACK'S MOUNTING POINT ON THE FRONT SUBFRAME FAILED AND NOW THERE IS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF SLACK IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. *JS
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 3, 2012MS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER'S AIR BAG UNEXPECTEDLY DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AS A RESULT. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior
Filed Oct 10, 2011MO
THE OUTSIDE SIDE MIRRORS ARE COMING OFF. *KB
Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 26, 2011PA
1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. UNIT #1 WAS TRAVELING WESTBOUND ON THE OHIO TURNPIKE. UNIT #1 LOST CONTROL AND WENT OFF THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD WAY STRIKING A DITCH. UNIT #1 ROLLED OVER, COMING TO FINAL REST ON ITS ROOF. *LN (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASHREPORT#10-0455-91 ) *BF
Electrical System
Filed Jul 18, 2011125,000 milesIN
1999 GRAND AM TURN SIGNAL SOUND COMING FROM HAZARD SWITCH AREA ON DASH. THE SOUND IS INTERMITTENT & GOES OFF RANDOMLY. IT IS NOT THE TURN SIGNAL ITSELF NOR THE HAZARD SWITCH. THEY WORK FINE. *KB
Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 2011155,000 milesOH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PASSLOCK ANTI THEFT SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 155,000.
Air Bags › Frontal1 injured
Filed Jun 1, 201116,000 milesME
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURY TO THE UPPER AND MIDDLE BACK AREA. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE FAILURE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 849, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Grand AM years to avoid: owners filed 849 complaints, 2.4 times as many as a typical Grand AM year. The most common complaint is about the brakes (21%).
What is the most common problem with the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
The brakes: 176 of the 849 complaints (21%) are about it. Owners most often say it vibrates or shakes (24%), knocks, grinds or clunks (10%) and loses its brakes or the pedal sinks (4%). The typical report comes at 38,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM have?
6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Jul 3, 2014. The largest, 14V400000, covered 5,877,718 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 1999 Pontiac Grand AM problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 70,000 miles. For the brakes the midpoint is 38,000 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
Yes, 3 times. The latest, RQ04005 ("TURN SIGNAL FAILURES"), was opened Jun 18, 2004 and closed Nov 30, 2004.
Are there service bulletins for the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
The manufacturer filed 155 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the visibility (25), the brakes (21) and the body and frame (21). A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
4 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: Jul 3, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.