Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
About a year ago I purchased a 95 Pontiac Grand AM se from price point used car super center. When I bought the car I was told by the person selling it to me that it would be good for a kid going to college that it was reliable and such... Well I got the car, not only is it not reliable it keeps breaking down on me. For the entire year of owning the car it has overheated too many times to count... I contacted the dealer but they told me there was nothing they could do because of being bought as is... So I took it to an a place called auto lab... They said they fixed the problem of it overheating said it was a head gasket blown... So after it was fixed it worked for about a week then started overheating again... I promptly took it back they said that I had blown the water pump and fixed it a week later after getting it back it overheated again... …
I bought my 1995 Pontiac Grand AM se, used in 2001, not even a month after having it, I had to replace the radiator. From there went my coolant line, a dealer part I had to pay a fortune for. Then I also have significant water damage that somehow gets into my carand I end up with puddles of water on the floor. My heater core went, replaced that. Then ball joints, replaced that. Then the recall on my ignition that I failed to recieve, was out with my husband and son for the day, got in to start my car and it wouldnt turn over. Took the key out, then all of a sudden the car started to turn over repeditily. Needless to say if my husband wasnt there my son and I could have died, I wouldnt have know what to do. My son was strapped in his car seat and I popped the hood, next thing I know smoke starts pouring into my car from the dash. …
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. …
95 Pontiac Grand AM se 3.1l v6, automatic trans. With 113,264 miles. Car lost power, starting smoking very badly, car was pulled off highway and stopped immediately. Repair shop inspected and found oil filter gasket blew out, allowing engine oil to be expelled. This could cause an engine fire, but did not this time. Oil change shop inspected filter and claims regulator in oil pump caused oil to be over-pressurized, blowing out the gasket and claims no responsibility. Engine needs to be replaced according the repair shop. I bought car new and maintained it regularly and AM very disappointed with the apparent poor quality of this GM product.
Intake manifold gaskets deteriorated, causing fuel air mixture fumes to enter into the cab. The intake manifold allowed oil and antifreeze to leak out of the engine. At certain points of acceleration and deceleration the fuel air mixture would expel into the engine compartment and into the passenger compartment. The odor had become stronger.
While starting the vehicle, the engine caught on fire . Manufacturer has been notified. Consumer saw smoke first and then the fire within 3 minutes, vehicle would not shut off even with the keys removed from the ignition, consumer states that the horn sounded.
While driving the overheat light illuminated, and engine died. The mechanic said it is a cracked head gaskets. I have always followed the maintenance schedule in owner manual. Oil changes every three months etc.
Consumer noticed smoke coming from under the hood. Took the vehicle to the dealer. The dealer determined that intake manifold gasket leaked antifreeze into the engine, and the engine had to be replaced.
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. …
This car was bought used in 1998, it is a 1995. We have replaced heater core and the power window motor. The power window was taken care of by the dealer, once already. It is faulty still. Now we cannot safely drive the car, due to the possible blown head gasket. Two trusted mechanics have told us if we have to repair instead of replace, we really should replace the entire engine, a cost of 5600, with an expected life of 3 years. Haven been taken by the dealer, we still owe 5400. We cannot afford another car, or the repairs. Unfortunately, we have to find a way to afford the repairs and a rental. Thank you for your service.
Engine complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 60 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM, 15% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is engine (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Grand AM engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 110,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 4 injuries to engine & cooling 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.