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 1996 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. Started approximately 1yr. Ago. Caused all lights on dash to light up, now vehicle will not start, could not afford to have Pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy.
I can't believe there are no defects investigations in the database for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM given the number of complaints submitted concerning this vehicle. What has to happen a death? My vehicle like several others I've read about , stalls at any given time with the most recent being on the interstate where I had to take the median for safety. Otherwise I would have been run over by a rig. This car is unsafe and was reported by the previous owner as such; however, no investigation has taken place. The car just shuts off in the middle of traffic, losing all power (including steering and brakes). All the instrument panel lights come on and the car is dead; that's right dead. Leaving the occupants in the middle of traffic hoping they're not going to smashed by speeding traffic considering no signal will work and neither do brake lights or anything. …
I have a 1996 Pontiac Grand AM with a quad 4 engine in it. The engine has 100,050 miles on it, I took very good care of it, oil changes on time did all of the maintenance on it required in the book, etc, etc. I started the car the other day and the whole thing jerked forward, made a loud bang then would not do any thing but turn over really fast. I had it towed in to my mechanic and found out that my engine needs to be replaced because the exhaust valves smashed into the pistons and did a lot of damage. From what I was told by three different mechanics is that the quad 4 engine made by GM is the worst engine ever designed and should not have been put out on the market. I was also told that on this type of car over 100,000 miles was lucky and that kind of miles on this engine is considered high mileage. …
I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. Then, it wouldn't even turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. Turns out it was the Pontiac anti-theft device that was keeping it from starting. When your key starts getting worn and rounded off, (as most keys do after some use!) the theft system locks your car up. There is no fix for this problem other than replacing the ECU, ignition system, key tumbler, or a combination of the same, and reprogramming it, which costs upwards of 1000.00 this anti theft system is preventing me from using my lawfully owned car! The only way to fix it is to have a dealership replace defective Pontiac parts. …
As my husband was putting gas into my 1996 Grand AM he noticed orange coolent ( dex cool) leaking from the car. The next morning on his way to work the car motor temperature increased to a point were he had to pull over and let the car cool down. After work he took the car to gateway tire and service for the problem. Gateway service stated that the following failures occured -the intake manifold gasket and timing cover gasket failed. What needs to be done to correct the problem? -replace manifold gasket (b) -replace upper and lower manifold gasket -replace seal kit lube oil and filter -replace timing cover gasket -replace cover gasket -replace timing cover gasket if done with lower intake currently car at gateway tire service (10-18-04).
I own a 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, I noticed sb #020601014 regarding the manifold intake gasket - I had to replace two on my Grand AM. I was told it is typical every 50,000 miles, yet I previously owned a Grand AM and know plenty of people who do and have not experienced this problem. What makes matters worse is that it is a $900.00 job, and I had to do it twice! I AM listing the most recent date - the second occurrence.
I have two Pontiac Grand AM 1995, 1996 both cars has the same problem the intake and head gasket needs replace they sent me a paper in the mail and said there was a recall on my cars but never heard any thing about it my car it about to stop running and my 1995 won't run with out over heating if someone could get me any info please do and pass it my way I could really use the help.
I went to a car service place to have an oil change and I had them check my coolant to see if it was leaking; sure enough it was. They had told me my car is leaking coolant from the intake manifold gasket and it would cost me $700.00 + to repair in which I don't have.
NHTSA# 02 v 07 000/ignition : while vehicle was parked, horn started going off, and then noticed vehicle on fire under the hood. Dealer and manufacturer were notified. An investigator determined the cause of fire was arson.
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. …
Engine complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 17% of the model year's 450 complaints. The component named most often is engine › gasoline (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Grand AM engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 6 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.