Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
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).
I was driving down hiway the car died I turned it to the right to get off the hiway and the airbag on drivers side exploded, I had the car towed and was told the pass key system or theft system went bad in ignition switch and no explanation why air bag went off? Or how to fix any of it, this is now July and I AM still having problems.
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 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. …
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. …
We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. We were informed that the car was "sucking the coolant in" rather than leaking out. We have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. The 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. The 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. The 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. All of these repairs were covered under either the original warranty or the extended warranty (good thru 72,000 mi). We now have almost 70,000 mi on this car and the engine is shot! The main throttle bearing gaulded and the extended warranty company is denying our claim (even though we have 2,000 mi left on extended warranty) because they say the oil is "contaminated". …
Vehicle lost power then engine quit. Dealer mechanic indicated intake manifold gasket failure to let cooling fluid into crankcase oil. Gasket replaced, engine flushed 5 times ($480) suggested engine overhaul. Two weeks, engine failed with knock due to previous problem. Received letter from dealership warning of possible intake gasket failure resulting in engine replacement. No satisfaction from GM, found 5 identical complaints on NHTSA web site, attorney contacted, we will both investigate. My situation is, "no car, still paying payment." observation: gross diregard for obvious engineering flaw, smaks of Firestone without the deaths.
Please let me know if I AM able to get Pontiac to pay for this repair. I have had countless things happen to this car. During and now right out of warranty at 62000 miles. They are wanting to charge me 850.00 to replace the intake manafold gadgets. This is an emmission problem and I feel as if I purchased a lemon because of all the problems I have had on this car. Please help me.
Intermittently, the defective ABS braking system malfuntionctions when applying the brake pedal there's a spongy feeling and goes to the floor, causing extended stopping distance. Dealer replace fuel pump and brake pads. Dealer cannot determine problem.
Failure of the passenger side air bag, consumer was not involved in an accident and the passenger's side air bag deployed. Power steering pump needs replaced. Leak around air intake. Clicking noise occurs in the right front wheel area.
Defect in low fuel indicator caused consumer to become stranded. ,indictor light did not come on to warn the consumer that the fuel was low, dealer has replaced instrument panel assembly, but defect is still occurring.
Fuel System complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 6% of the model year's 450 complaints. The component named most often is carburetor system (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Grand AM fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system 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 fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 136,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.