Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
97 Grand AM 4cyl pur new 5/97 series of problems.gt version but driven cautiously by 40 year olds.at 2 years and 39,000 miles water pump fails.is under car and is 600.00 dol to replace!nobody should buy the 4 cylinder when an item prone to failure like a water pump cant be accessed without removing the manifolds on the car.at 50,000 key comes out of ignition while car running.ignition switch fails,has to be re keyed and cost is 500.00 by local mechanic serv stat.at 55,000 miles at interlocks up,car stuck towed at this time a alternator check shows that is not charging.replace both cost 800.00 plus battery.dec 2000 front left tire on alum wheel is flat-take to sev stat,they refill drive car after x-mas it deflates causes car to spin hit light pole mostly on tire area at 40 MPH ,no air bag deployment but a high snowbank decelerates car.alum wheel leak again?ever since w.pump replaced a …
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. …
The car has a hard start between 1st and 2nd gear that has happened for the past 60K and no one able to diagnose problem. The car is now at 96K and the check engine light came on indicating a p1870 code which triggers the light and is caused by a worn tcc apply valve on the 4t60e GM transmissions. Have heard from several other individuals that they are experiencing the same problems on their 1997 4t60e transmissions. This item should be recalled since it is only the control valve body within the transmission that needs to be corrected with a revised tcc regulator and isolator valves along with the torque converter clutch. A recall needs to be on the 97 Pontiac Grand AM cars and all cars with 4t60e transmissions which will result in other problems associated with the valves and torque converter. Ts
Transmission shifts out of drive to neutral gear. I found a technical service bulletin #677164 which the dealer said was not a recall notice and would not honor it. The notice states to repair the control valve body assembly. The power loss resulted in a reeve of the engine at 70 miles per hour on interstate 10 in arizona and also while driving locally off highway 101 at 65 miles per hour. The car gears shifted out of drive into neutral gear. This needs to be recalled before it causes injury. Ts
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.
Sensor in transmission failed. Driver's window had previously been replaced/electrical problem. Now, having problems in the other windows/and the one replaced.**** dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760764.
Had the sunroof motor replaced 2 times, left front wheel noise, dealer said there is no problem always makes grinding noise left front after car sits all night , when you first put car in reverse the noise is noticeable, had too have left rear taillght replaced when new,car trunck gets dust into at right side of rear seat where it folds down , dealer says there is no proble, still not repaired ,car is now out of warranty.has coolant leak at the intake manifold ,has been leaking for aprox 15,000 miles again out of warranty this was my first new car I have ever bought and will never buy another general motors car again, and I work for generalmotors. I have had nothing but problems with this car. I had a salvage Buick centry I sold too purchase this new one and it was a very nice car never had the problems with that car and it was wrecked. No more general motors for me .
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.
Dealer has tried to fix vehicle 5 times for same problem. Vehicle idles up to 1500 RPM's in park and varies in drive. PCM-vcm was replaced twice. Throttle position sensor replaced twice, and the throttle body unit was recently replaced. Problem had not occurred for a year, and dealer didn't seem to have a remedy.
Consumer states he has been having problems with transmission, sensor system that runs the ABS, braking system. Consumer also states that he has been driving down the freeway and all of a sudden his auto will not go into the next gear, and he is in fast traffic. Mr
Transmission complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 6% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 83,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.