Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. There were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. The drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced.
On 3 separate occasions when consumer depressed the gas pedal it got stuck. When this occurred vehicle revved. Consumer then put vehicle in neutral, and rpms went up to 5. Then put vehicle back in drive and pedal did not stick.
Th next year after I purchased my car, I began to lose compression. The car would also accelerate on its own, I noticed that my "check engine lights were on." I immediately took the car back to the dealers and they gave a diagnosis of "using the wrong gas". I AM a women, and I don't know much about cars, therefore, at the time, I did not dispute this ridiculous diagnosis. A year later, I had to replace the brakes/disc pads twice. There was loud squelching noises. I also bought new tires after one year. Major problems have developed since 1999, which are: I had to have the thermostat replaced (air condition and heat stopped working), I had to have a new waterpump installed (car was pouring anti-freeze and smoking), and as of February 6, 2000, the car just completely stopped running. I received two qoutes from area repair shops estimating between $3K to $4,500 to rebuild and engine! …
This failure is particularly bad because both times the ABS light came on about 10 miles before the occurrence (which in hindsight) I see was the only warning of danger and both times were pitch dark outside, first the car seemed to be in neutral in the drive position, in that the engine revved, but had little real power and while in anticipation (fear) that the car would lunge when the transmission finally took hold didn't come to fruition, what occurred could have been as bad. The dash light indicators started flashing but the main dash lights seen freguently (speedometer) disappeared and then I noticed that I was only being guided by street lamps (second occurence, I didn't even have that) and the car died at the same time, making me lose power steering and brakes and have to get this thing off the road. …
Numerous complaints regarding a 1997 Pontiac Grand AM for repairs/ replacements of parts. Door windows do not function, motor has had to be replaced by former owner, we have repaired motors on door windows several times on our own, windows would not go up and down at all, cost to repair at mechanics was over 400 and was done by first owner at least once. Car service engine light comes on, had to replace entire computer system and now same problem is happening again, car idles horribly, sounds like it will be blowing up, and check engine light comes on. Prior to the replacement of the computer car frequently stalled out while driving in mid turn or while going forward, and car frequently was difficult to start, eventually needing to be towed to a repair facility who had to replace entire computer. Car has wheel bearings that make a lot of noise, sounds like wheel is going to fall off. …
Rear brakes bind during normal stop and go traffic. Upon accelleration the rear of the vehicle squeals and 1 or 2 loud bangs are heard as the brakes release. Dealer was unable to duplicate and unable to detect any brake problems. Vehicles alternator failed without any teltale warning signs, stranding the consumer. 60 days later the battery dies. Engine used to rev to about 1500 RPM while vehicle was stopped and in gear. Replacement of 02 sensor cured problem. Other minor problems include power door lock bumper failure (repaired) and poor design of the driver's sun visor. (it moves the rear-view mirror) when moving visor from windshield to side window. Consumer has already replaced visor once due to cracks at mounting screws.
When the battery and alternature failed the car suddenly accellerated at full throttle, systems began to alarm one at a time first the ABS then the ets, ect locking up the brakes kept the car from moving foward when the alternator failed the engin finaly stopped. It would appear that when the battery failed the alternator was unable to keep up with the load as the voltage dropped systems begain to become unreliable and either the computer or cruise control caused the throttle to accellerate. A voltage threshold lockout is needed so that when power falls below the level where a system can no longer operate safely the system shuts down.
Car accelerated to 100+ miles, could not brake or slow down for approx 3 miles, and then at five mile intervals it would drop. This was during rush hour traffic. I could not turn key nor shift, until it got down to 10-15 miles per hour. Then I was able to shift so it would stop. Dealer was called. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer says there's no sign of anything wrong. But of course there is. This was a horrifying, terrifying experience, and I shook for hours. When I finally got the car to stop, it smoked (black) from under the hood. Seatbelt was on. I'm not sure what a 2-point or 3-point belt is.
When driiving at any speed vehicle accelerated very fast, causing the consumer to put the vehicle into neutral. But vehicle did not stop, kept accelerating. Consumer turned the vehicle off, and vehicle slowed down. Consumer almost hit another vehicle. Also, vehicle almost went into the garage before coming to a stop. Dealer can't determine the problem.
When driving and driver presses the accelerator, vehicle will stall and then all of a sudden accelerate and take off. Vehicle was at dealership, and they replaced fuel pump/oil pump and computer analysis were done. Recently brakes seemed to be performing poorly. Upon braking, stopping distance exceeded approximately half car length. Please add VIN.#.
Acceleration complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 36 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 9% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is linkages (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 2 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 1997 Pontiac Grand AM acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to speed control & acceleration 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.