Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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 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. …
The car's headlight, fog lights and rear lights flicker all the time, fuses are okay, battery tests okay, headlights changed without any change, fuses changed without any difference, rear lights replaced without any change. Makes driving at night difficult and gives me a migraine headache.
Daytime running lights were serviced twice because they would flicker on and off when the car was being driven and parked. After I had the car for about a year the air conditioner would not put out any cold air. We have refilled the freeon once and that didn't seem to help at all. The driverside power window will not go down unless its been a very warm day and the car has sat in the sun. The fuse was checked and is okay.
Dome light intermittently flashes on or stays on for a long time. Lights cause a distraction at night with driving. Vehicle was serviced for control display recall 96-v-257-000, but problem still exists. Dealer was notified. Consumers vehicle was checked and the technician found a lot of splices in the ignition.
Interior lights come on intermittently while driving, there are recalls 88V927000 and 96V257000; but this vehicle is not affected due to VIN. The invoice states that they checked the recall/campaign-they had to install engine wiring harness, replace the ignition switch and the steering column tilt lever.
When driving with headlights on,they flicker off/on. Also, the instrument panel lights turn off, causing poor driver's visibility. High beam lights are the only other option. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer has yet to have the problem corrected. Please provide any further details.
I believe this car to be a lemon, most of the complaints described by other owners this year model exist with this vehicle. How can I get help, now something is smoking under the hood, I believe it to be electrical but I don't have the cash to take to a mechanic. Help. No safety defect.
Since purchase had to replace 3 alternators/ 2 ignition switches/ 2 stop-hazard switches/ABS switch, and 2 batteries. Windshield is leaking during heavy rains. The consumer indicates that the vehicle has questionable design which causing most of the problems.
Headlights: whenever applying the brakes the headlights become very dim. After releasing foot from brakes, headlights return to normal. Took to dealer and they said that they received letter from manufacturer indicating that this is normal.
Daytime running light switch designed to turn off running lights and turn on low beams when it gets dark, however it activates low beams during daylight hours, which activates dash lights, causing difficulty for driver to see dash controls/lgauges.
Related recalls
Interior lighting
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS no. 101, "controls and displays."
Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Headlight complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the lights of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 5% of the model year's 450 complaints. The component named most often is headlights (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Grand AM headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 98V-027 (interior lighting, Feb 17, 1998); NHTSA recall 96V-250 (hazard flashing warning lights, Dec 17, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Grand AM headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 22,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.