Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
1. The transmission slipped into neutral at highway speed in close traffic, causing loss of control to escape collision with adjacent vehicles. The car is totalled. We have found a technical service bulletin #677164 feb 1997 from alldata listing this defect but we are not aware of any action taken by the mfg to recall or remedy the defect. 2. The front seats in this and other GM coupes of this type have defective seat back locks. This defect prevents the seats from staying locked in an upright position during a collision. Thereby, allowing the driver and front passenger to be propelled forward and allowing anyone or anything in the rear seat to add additional crumpling impact on the front passengers.
Erls fuse blows, ignition switch failure, replaced ignition and repaired wires, heating and air ac/compresser wil not come on, compresser shorted out, auto trans will not shift into overdrive and passing gear, transmission replaced once, will replace again.
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. …
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
Would have knocking under the vehicle when changing gears. Also, there would be some loose wires that would need to be placed on the battery to get vehicle to start. The brake lights come on at the wrong time. Vehicle also will be squeaking. The lights fail to work properly because the electrical system is not working. Have taken vehicle to arbitration. The dealership was suppose to do repairs on the problems, but failed to do so. Problems still exist.
Transmission jerked when shifting from park to reverse at first, then an extremely loud whining noise @ 15 - 20 MPH. Had a local garage listen to vehicle which inturn they told me that the transmission was in need of replacement or a complete rebuild. I called airport transmission in rochester n.y and they rebuilt it for a sum of $1,866.24.
Consumers vehicle was brought into service department of dealership for a rebuilt transmission. Vehicle had been driven for three weeks before it had to be put back in the shop for a broken water pump. Dealer will not repair at no charge. Please provide furthur details.
Premature defective rear action drum within transmission required transmission rebuild by local transmission shop. No accident or on road failure occurred, popping/thumping sound was occuring upon light accerleration from a dead stop.
When driving at any speed the vehicle is stalling and jerking and not going into gear properly. Vehicle has been into the shop three times for transmission, and the dealer can't determine the problem. Manufacturer has been informed.
When raining and applying the brakes pedal stiffens, and vehicle feels as if rear ended, and keeps going. Dealer has seen 2 or 3 times. Also, dealer replaced 4-wheel drive locking hubs, and problem still exists.
Transmission complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM, 8% of the model year's 409 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (22 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1995 Pontiac Grand AM transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 121,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 5 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.