Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
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).
This is the worst car (lemon) I have ever had. I bought this car from a used car dealer ship called new car alternative in livonia mi. I AM now on my third engine in the car. The first 2 failed due to the head gaskets blowing and anti-freeze was mixing with oil in the engine causing engine failure. All car window motors have be replaced 4 or 5 times each and still don't work. Back two doors are broke one wont open the other wont close. The sunroof wont close the dealer told me 1500 to replace motor and put back on tracks. Lol I have the brakes replaced 3 times in 5 years. I bought the car dec of 99 and have had all these problems since. I don't recommend anyone to buy a Grand AM or a car from this dealership they were no help at all. The first engine was covered by warranty second one was at my cost of 3500. Then another 1500 for new radiator and heater core. …
When you run the air, the car stalls and won't start anywhere from one hour to three or four possibly the next day. The horn works sometimes, the raidio works sometimes as does the dispay, the volume goes up and down. The fuel systems shuts down along with the car when the air is running. The power window quit working in April, I replaced the one of the passenger side only to have the one on the driver side to stop working. The brakes went out with no warning. Anytime the car has any problems no lights come on to warn you it will just stop working. The shop that put the used engine in still can't tell me why it stared knocking. The ets system comes on and off all the time without pressing the button, I have had nothing but problems with the 1997 ponitac Grand AM gt.
The key gets stuck in the ignition and auxillary lights remain on. The locksmith attempts to fix it and I have to keep having him come out; looks like a replacement core is needed, thee is not a cheap way outof this. The bake pads wear down very quickly. It seems that a bolt on the caliper is not even with the opposite bolt, it's very slight but it's the same on both calipers and seems to cause pads to wear unevenly and often. It is probably cheaper for GM to have cosumers replace pads and rotors often than to retool the machinery to fix all those bolts.
While driving down hill, brake pedal went to the floor. Consumer took vehicle to Pontiac and they replaced the front brakes pads. While driving down a hill, consumer could smell rubber burning, it was difficult to make a stop. Consumer saw fire near front brakes. This problem was associated with GM's original Pontiac front brake hose restriction. The vehicle was inspected and repaired. It lead to overheating of the brakes and finally brake failure and fire. While in motion this could have LED to an accident.
1) front ABS began to pulsate as if the vehicle were in a skid however this happened during normal driving and braking when attempting to stop. 2) ABS wiring harness was faulty due to wear and tear from turning the wheel 3) had to replace both front right and left ABS wiring harnesses this braking system is faulty and can lead to serious braking issues.
While driving at 50 MPH vehicle began to overheat. Consumer heard sounds as if some one had dropped marbles in the engine. Soon after the vehicle stalled. A mechanic examined the vehicle, and found that the timing chain was defective. Also, consumer had to get a new transmission, and ABS system needed to be replaced.
Tapped brakes to slow down and ABS brakes locked up. Vehicle went over an embankment & rolled over. Vehicle declared totaled. Prior to accident, vehicle was in repair shop twice for brake failure. State trooper & independent mechanic indicated brakes were locked up after accident. Emergency room treatment.
While driving 30 MPH and applying the ABS brakes on normal road conditions the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a rear end collision. The air bag warning light illuminated, but the air bags did not deploy. Please give any further details.
Anti-lock brakes failed when driving down hill. Brakes began to smoke/smell with soft pedal. Dealership replaced pads and checked brake system. The next day when driven down a hill front brakes caught fire. Please desccribe details.
Vehicle did not slow down when brakes were applied. All four wheels locked, no pumping action, pedal was completely stiff. Vehicle hit a parked car while traveling down hill about 75mph. Dealer cannot duplicate problem.
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 71 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 19% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (37 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes 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 brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to brakes 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.