Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 102 | −84% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2004 | 293 | −51% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 325 | −45% | 2 | Electrical | Good |
| 2002 | 395 | −20% | 1 | Electrical | Average |
| 2001 | 538 | 1.3× | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 2000 | 675 | 1.7× | 5 | Headlight | Caution |
| 1999 | 849 | 2.3× | 3 | Brake | Avoid |
| 1998 | 172 | −56% | 1 | Brake | Good |
| 1997 | 383 | typical | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 1996 | 450 | 1.2× | 4 | Electrical | Average |
| 1995 | 409 | 1.2× | 1 | Electrical | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Grand AM year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Pontiac Grand AM problems
Latest Pontiac Grand AM recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
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.
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.
Suspension › Rear
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear suspension knuckle bolts that are not to specification and could fracture under high loads that can occur in some driving conditions.
Remedy: Dealers will replace both rear suspension knuckle bolts free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2005. Owners May contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' in hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm May stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage
Certain passenger vehicles May have been built with a fuel tank that does not meet specification. A weld on these fuel tanks May be insufficient, resulting in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the fuel tank, and replace it, if necessary. Owner notification began on June 23, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Pontiac Grand AM should you avoid?
1999 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Grand AM years at the same age, led by brakes problems in the 1999.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Grand AM?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Grand AM years at the same age, followed by 1998 and 2004. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Pontiac Grand AM problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the electrical system (1,336), brakes (746) and engine & cooling (742). Electrical complaints peak in the 2001 model year.
How many recalls has the Pontiac Grand AM had?
17 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 2000. See all Pontiac Grand AM recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.