Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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.
The most recent of problems is my steering went out on me while turning in to a parking lot. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was the rack and pinion seal that caused it to pour out the fluid. I have also had many other problems such as gas leaking even though all lines were replaced. Power steering line replaced due to pin hole leaks, multiple wheel bearings, radiator. Ignition switch, and one of the sensors in the upper back side of the motor somehow came undone and melted the connector and caused a dead short in my car.
When trying to start the car the steering locks up and you have to move the steering wheel back and forth for it to catch and finally will start like it keeps locking up. My son bought this car as his first car so no sure how long it has been like this doing this as we purchased from a friend and he did say that something was up with the steering when trying to start.
I complained numerous times before about Pontiac, and the theft deterrent system going out five times standing my wife, children, gradndchildren and myself. This time we all were on vbacation and the motor blew up. Pontiac refused to pay the re[lacement cost of $5,500.00. The stupid car should have bee recalled and you did nothing.
Prior to October 1999 vehicle's steering wheel would lock up while attempting to make left turns. On one occasion consumer was coming out of a driveway when steering locked up, causing the vehicle to hit the curb. This incident caused some minor damage to bumper.
Car tries to die as attempting to take off in a intersection or from a stop. I've had in the shop 3 times and never has been fixed. Parking brake doesn't engage unless pulled to last click. All of the rotors and brake pads have been replaced. Power steering pump. And oil pump repaced. Service person at bob howard told me my car wou.is car since purchase. I'm planning on taking it back for its 4th time. Please help.
Coolant is leaking onto rack and pinion, deteriorating the rack and pinion, and making it very difficult to steer vehicle when making a turn. Also, there is alot of play in the steering wheel and noise when turning. Power steering hose has gone bad. Consumer has contacted dealer. Powere steering hose and water pump leaked causing rack and pinion damage. Front brake shoes failed.
Consumer noticed that the vehicle would not turn unless moving the steering wheel, the rack and pinion assembly can shift sideways a couple inches before it hits and then starts turning the wheel, mechanic found that the upper stud into the firewall had broken off and the calmp holding the rack and pinion assembly was bending on the lower stud until it finally broke off.
I have had multiple problems from this car and, GM does not want to help. I was sent out of the dealer ship with no horn for three days. Dealers are now Smart enough to work around the lemon law in wording repair orders. I think with all the motor problems and, safety issues maybe an investigation should be done before a car stalls and someone gets killed.
The engine quits running while driving and will not restart. Engine check light then comes on and the clock will not show the time. The dealer has serviced the car 3 times for this and say it is something different each time, even though the car does the exact same thing every time. The warranty is almost out and we feel this is rediculous!
NHTSA investigations
Power rack and pinion steering failure
GM conducted a safety recall (NHTSA # 02V286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 Pontiac grand prix vehicles built between March 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997, 1996-1998 Pontiac trans sport, Chevrolet lumina apv, Chevrolet venture, Oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and Chevrolet…
Steering complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 5% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 113,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.