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 1996 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On perfect road conditions when driving 55-60 MPH and applying the brakes normally there is vibration and the vehicle does not stop in time. This as caused an accident on 3/15/97. Vehicle rotors and brakes were changed 8/3/96. On 1/29/97 brakes were changed and rotors were grinded down. On 3/18/97 rotors were changed again, problem still occurring with brakes.
Brakes did not grip properly when trying to slow down for a turn. This resulted in an accident. The rotors were resurfaced 3500 miles previously and had to be replaced prior to this accident (2 days). The brakes (front) had to be relined and were at a rating of 7b 3500 miles previously. This appears to be both a faulty installation and manufacturers problem.
ABS failure; when applying the brakes on wet road conditions, the pedal went to the floorbroad, brakes locked up, sending vehicle into a spind, landing on grassy median. Dealer stated that the front braking system needs replacing.
My most recent problem included transmission failure, and according to the mechanic this had been happening for a very long time. The fourth gear of the transmission and the clutch were burned out. I've also had to replace a water pump on the vehicle. Immediately after purchase, I noticed anti-freeze leaking from the vehicle and the vehicle would just die while driving along. I attempted to get the dealer to repair the vehicle and did get his verbal agreement however, he lied and wouldn't follow through. I suppose because he knew he'd sold me a lemon and was more than eager to state his case, that had no lemon law. There are various electrical problems especially with the instrument panel and I suppose it May be something electrical that causes my vehicle to die while driving along. There is no warning, the vehicle just goes dead. …
Check engine light would come one for a day and go off did this 3 times before total failure of alternater & battery/front end/steering/brakes(ABS) abd shocks. Car will pull hard to the left while braking at highway speeds. Have to fight steering wheel to keep car in lane. Had brakes checked and could not find anything. ( front brakes were very hot) hit small bump or pothole or taking turn or going down the street/highway and car will wander left and rigth while you are holding the wheel. Sometimes it is bad enough to have to take corrective action to keep going straight. NHTSA recall #96V249000 my car does not fall in the manfactured date of July 96 can I still have checked no charge? I was taking wax of my car with keys in the ignition car off, the power door looks locked car. I have seen more complaints in your consumer complaint section of these issues I have just reported.
Car runs hot. When starting up windows would fog, could smell antifreeze. Took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced heater core, they said it had a pin hole in it. Consumer said car wasstill running hot, consumer could hear a flapping noise, like a helicopter under the hood. The poping front right suspension was due to sway bar link failure which made stablizer bar loose. Horn malfunctions due to dirty contacts. Window does not go up or down properly due to window motor failure. The noise in engine area when cold was due to alternator failure. Water pump was leaking. Temperature guage was inaccurate. The noise from front and rear brakes was caused by worn brake pads. Driver side mirror control fell into the door panel.
NHTSA recall 02 v 070 000/manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition switch: after recall repairs were done, the vehicle stalled on three separate occasions and would not restart. The engine check light, oil light, battery light and ABS light would come on intermittently while driving. Dealer notified. Consumer states that before the recall kit was installed the car hasn't been running properly. One incident the consumer was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled and a semi-truck was following. The consumer was told that it was a bad sensor which still didn't solve the problem. Then on another occasion was told that it wasn't the sensor but a bad fuel pump. The lights are still on 75 percent of the time.
I was doing 30 MPH on the expressway during rush hour. The car in front of me slammed on his brakes, as I slammed on my brakes I realized I was not stopping. I swearved to the left Land and hit the median wall that divides north and south bound traffic. My air bag did not inflate, I hit the wall directly on the left highlight and my brakes failed. This is the second time in the past year my brakes have failed. Whenever they are looked at afterwards, nothing is found. I would like to know if there is something I can do about the brakes and the air bag. Thank your.
While driving consumer attempted to engage brakes. Pedal went to the floor and brakes failed. Consumer had to take vehicle out of gear and "run off" road to make stop. Dealer diagnosed that a "push rod" clip was missing from master cylinder. Clip was replaced twice, but problem reoccured twice respectively. Finally dealer replaced "semi-worn" front brake pads and problem did not reoccur. Dealer determined that when brake pads wear down the "push rod" clip comes out of place(clip connects to brake pedal) causing brake loss. Ts
A few days after buying 96 Grand AM. I noticed the brakes didnt work effectively. When coming to a stop the car would jerk several times and continue to jump forward. This has happened more times than I care to count. Each time a near collision. I dont drive at all when it rains it wont stop at all. I've had breaks checked at least three times at different locations. No one can find a problem.
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 14% of the model year's 450 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 4 recalls 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 1996 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 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.