Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
My main problem is the steering column. When it is time to take the key out of the ignition it gets stucks. Your unable to take the key out until the car wants to let it go. Sometimes this ends up to be a 45 minute to an hour wait. The place I bought it from said they fixed it. Of course, aftr the warranty was up so wasn't the key once again getting stuck. Had the whole steering column replaced for about $500.00 no problems for about 2 months and now once again key is getting stuck.
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.
The day I bought this vehicle the right passenger power motor went out. Within the next few weeks, the other three also went bad. My gear shifter light blinks on and off at times, the daytime running lights come on and off, the radio light comes on and off, the cigarette light fuse blows all the time. Irvine Toyota told me there was no electricle problem and that pontiacs were notorious for their window motors heating up and going out. All they do is keep replacing the motors. Last night I was driving down the street and had complete power failure in the car. I was almost hit by an oncoming vehicle.
Window motors have been replaced and I still have numerous problems. Windows still will not go up and down properly or stick and won't go down or stick and won't go up. Grinding in steering column; noise has been there since 6/96 and dealers can't seem to locate problem. Struts have been replaced as faulty and are bad once again. Back window leaked they replaced it, now leaks again. This is very fustrating knowing that I have two children one is a toddler and the other is 8, riding in this car with these problems.
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.
In this vehicle, by 80,000 miles, all 4 power window motors had sequentially overheated and failed with ordinary use. They have all had to undergo replacement. In addition, the alternator has twice become clogged with debris (leaves, etc). Through ordinary use, overheated and failed. Both the original alternator and a manufacturer-branded replacement have failed in this fashion, and have required replacement.
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.
Constant problems mostly electrical, but from windows and locks to major things like alternators and ignition switches multiple times. Contacted Pontiac over a year and never heard even a reply. Any recalls or factory fix info would be appreciated.
While traveling at highway speed of 60 MPH rear window detached from vehicle and shattered in mid -air, reason unknown. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that nothing would be done unless cost go to consumer.
When driving the vehicle at an undetermined speed consumer attempted to roll the window down. However, none of the four windows would roll down. Consumer stated thatthis was the second time that the power windows failed.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 7% of the model year's 450 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Pontiac Grand AM window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.