Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
While driving 7 MPH front driver side support bracket snapped. This caused the vehicle to run off the road. Driver sustained back injuries. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
Purchased car new at end of 97 model year. Within first six months returned car six times due to defective sway bar bushings. Problem has never been corrected. Car clunks as it is either turned to the right or left or travels (slowly) over speed bumps. Also have experienced paint peeling from outside mirrors, radio volume control problems, radio/clock display works only part of the time, right front passenger seat mounting broke and slid passenger into dashboard, 2 door sport coupe-both power windows motors have broken and been replaced. The driver's side window just broke for the second time in two years. Passenger window has also started to act sluggish. Discovered leaky intake manifold gasket. Another expensive repair. Rain leaks into car around window gaskets which also make a hissing sound at speeds over 45 MPH. …
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.
Weather conditions - snowing, hard packed snow. When driving, the vehicle pulled off to the right. I turned to turn the wheel to the left to gain control, and the vehicle caught some ice, causing the vehicle to spin and lose control. It rolled over on the highway and came back onto its wheels into the ditch. The vehicle then collided with a tree. The steering wheel hit me in the chest with the sudden stop. Neither air bag deployed during the crash and was I believe a manufacturer's defect. No manufacturer representative contacted me at any time since the accident.
Traveling 35mph when rear of vehicle hit side of road and driver lost control. Hit a ditch & came up on other side. Took to mechanic & informed left rear suspension out of alignment. Had to have bearings repacked.
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. …
While under warranty swaybar bushings were replaced 4 times. The rear windshield leaked water into the trunk which caused moldy carpet that the dealership refused to replace even though the car was still under warranty. The plastic cover on the instrument panel rattles as well as the plastic cover where the radio and climate control knobs are located. Dealer has said that there is nothing that can be done about this. The sidewalls on the two front tires were defective and had to be replaced. The left rear tire had a patch in it before I even received the car. The fuse for the lights on the instrument panel keeps blowing and when the dealership was questioned about this they said that it was nothing. It has now blown 15 times. The water pump "shredded" at 37,000 miles. The car accelerates on its own after being taken out of park and put in drive. The brakes "pulse" at 10 miles an hour. …
Upon delivery of my car I heard a loud sporadic crunching noice from the front right side of my car. After many visits my original dealership could not find the reason I contacted another dealer who diagnosed the noise as the EVAP system and that it was a normal noise. This is not a normal noise to me and I AM very unsatisfied with the noise my car makes it is temperature related and sporatic for this reason I feel that I should have been told about this noise at the time of sale so I had the choice of buying this model with the disturbing crunching noise.I was not informed that the car I was purchasi8ng would make this noise and was told at a workshop in jan 1997 that it was not a normal noise and that I should bring it in to the service center which is when my many visits started. I have made many phone calls wrote a letter and have had terrible customer service. …
Defects consist of the brakes failure. We tok the car back due to the brakes scrubbing, pedal wants to spring back, front rotors blue,repaired brakes. Won't stop been in several times for the same problem, pedal goes all the way to the floor, does not happen all the time. Rear popping sound, changed the shocks , check brakes, has thumping noise when applying brakes, while driving the vehicle at speed at 45 miles it will not stop, even when you pump the brakes. I thought the anti brakes are not suppose to be pumped. Please help, I AM at the last resort of this situation. Thank you mrs vicky l. Miles.
Front drivers side wheel area. When brakes were applied, made a thumping noise. Replaced driver side lower controll arm, was told it was bad. 3 or 4 days after I picked up my car, I now have a single thump when I brake and release the brake. This noise is so loud and scary sounding that I AM absolutely afraid to drive the car. It sounds like my wheel is ready to fall off. Taking the car back to the shop again tomorrow. I read several reports on your website regarding this same issue.
Suspension complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 7% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is front (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to suspension 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.