Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1995 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
We have had the crank shaft sensor replaced ,and that cost us two trips to a mechanic to figure that problem out. The timing belt changed twice, another motor put in this year, new altenator, new radiator, fuel pump, water pump,and a new throttle position sensor. We still have an oil leak, we need new struts and we continually have problems with the brakes. Not to leave out that when we bought the car we had to have the heater coil replaced. The door lock does not work on the passenger side and the motor mount is broke. I AM sure there are other things I have left out but I can not think of everything right now. What got me to the point of sending a complaint is that we just replaced the radiator 08/02/03, and we seem to have to replace something every month or so, and there does not seem to be one part on this car that does not cost a bundle. …
The brake system fails with the pedal going soft to the floor. When the problem fixes itself the brakes are still soft and then you have the brakes to the floor and the system slams on the brakes. This only happens at speeds less than 15 MPH, all ABS sensors have been changed and it still happens. ABS light comes on dash, but tech's can't find a problem. When slow backing you can hear brakes working though your not touching them. Fell free to contact at numbers listed for additional information or to give insight as to problem as tech's can't figure it out. *dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*730195
We have had a problem with the windows not working. We've had to push up the window with our hands while pushing the power window button and it doesn't close all the way. Now it does not work at all. Also we have problems with the headlights staying on. We noticed if we play with the multifunction switch (like turning the high beams on and off) then the headlights will come back on after a few tries. We recently replaced all 4 brakes and now the ABS light is on and stays on. Dealer stated that there's nothing wrong with the ABS brakes.
Consumer was traveling at approximately 20 MPH when she attempted to apply brakes, but brake pedal had disconnected and was laying on the floorboard.vehicle went through a 4 way stop due to a lack of brakes. Dealership was examining vehicle.
1995 Pontiac Grand AM overheating. Replaced the thermostat four times and finally the head gaskets warped. Paid for the head gasket replacement. Continued to overheat and called general motors. Mediator was of very little help. Took it back under the repair warranty, then the radiator blew because they had replaced the radiator cap with a higher pressure rating. We took it back and they replaced the radiator, hoses, heater core and numerous other things. It continued to overheat. In general we have spent about $2500.00 and still have this issue. Additionally, we now have the ABS warning light coming on occasionally and I found some engine wires twisted up over the manifold. I have since moved them back to their original location and had to use electrical tape on another wire connection that the lock (snap) was broke off. Since doing this I have not had the car overheating as often. …
Brakes failed when car sat all day or overnight and I would just start to move at no more than 10 MPH. The first three times it happened I could pump up the brakes until they would begin to hold. The last time the brakes would not pump up, and I had to let the car roll slow enough to bump into a curb and throw it into park. The last time car was undrivable. Dealers service manager came out and attempted to drive the car and brakes failed. After hearing the "clanging' noice I have complained about since January, he diagnosed the problem as the ABS malfunction. This was confirmed at the service center and the ABS motor pak was replaced at a cost to owner of $160. GM and dealer picked up balance of repair costs. Dealer confirmed the original problem in January 1999 was the ABS and not master cylinder--never was the master cylinder. …
I have been having an intermittent problem with the brakes on my 1995 Pontiac Grand AM. Occasionally, when applying the brakes I hear a rapid clicking sound and the brake pedal immediately releases and goes to the floor. At that point the car is without brakes, an obviously unsafe and unacceptable situation. I have taken the car to the local Pontiac dealership ( master Pontiac Buick GMC) twice for this problem. They have told me that they can t duplicate the problem and are therefore unable to fix the car. When I spoke with the service manager he agreed that the clicking sound that precedes the loss of braking could indicate a problem with a relay. However he insists that they can t diagnose a problem with a relay until it fails completely. I sincerely doubt that I AM the only person owning a 1995 Pontiac Grand AM who has ever had this braking problem.
The brake system on this car has had problems from day one, at approx. 3,000 mi. The ABS system light came on and was "repaired" under warranty. At approx. 5,000 mi. The ABS/brake warning light both came on the dealer kept the car for 2 1/2 days "reparing the system". The only problems up untill now have been the ABS/brake warning light both coming on at the same time, turning the car off and back on would clear the lights and seem to clear the problem. At about 48,000 mi. The pedel would occasionaly drop very close to the floor when applying the brakes(more so under light braking). Now the pedal must be pushed to the floor to slow and stop. As of todays brake inspection, my local mechanic tells me to take it back to the dealer, because there is somthing wrong with the master cylinder/ABS modulator.
When the brake is applied it works up until you are just getting ready to stop, at that point the car slides and then the brakes grab very hard. It takes extra distance to get the car to a complete stop. I've had the front brakes replaced & the back brakes adjusted. Neither helped. Since this isn't a consistant problem it's never done it for the dealer therefore, they can't detect the problem. I filed a complaint with Pontiac. They told me there wasn't anything that could be done until the dealer diagnosis the problem. The car is very unsafe to drive.
I have replaced these items or had them replaced. 1.heater core 2.belt tensioner 3.alternator twice 4.fulepump 5.breaks back breaks are never right. Causes right back to stope rolling 6.gas hand does not work 7.car loses power than regains power and surges 8.after starting car there is a loud knocking under car, possibly torq converter 9.starter sounds bad when car is getting started 10.right front axel is bad wobbles and ruins tire 11. Clear coat paint is chipping 12.power locks do not work 13.window track on driverside bad 14.seal in trunck is bad leaks
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the brakes of the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM, 19% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (53 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1995 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to brakes problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.