Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Tl contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shut off and on three different times. The windows would not roll up and down properly unless controlled by the driver's side control swtich. The fog lights do not work as well and the fuses are charred. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 128,728.
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. …
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.
In 2001, driver side window motor does not operate anymore. Replaced it. ($150). In 2003, driver window motor and passenger and rear passenger motor dies once again. Replaced all motors, now they are dead again. Especially when my ac does not work either. In 2004, heater core and water pump broken. Repaired. Now I have a water leak in the driver's floor area which ruined my carpet and that has to be replaced! Another $200. It seems it all evolves around electrical problems.
The motors on the windows go out around 97K miles. My drivers window went out a month ago. My right, front window is about to go out, and my back right window went out today. Obviously, there is a problem with faulty window motors with this model. The total cost out of my pocket for this incident is about $1000 included with a lot of frustration!
Front passenger's and driver's side automatic windows opened and closed very slowly. The rear passenger and driver windows did not open at all because the motor failed. The consumer believes that the front windows are also experiencing motor failure.
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.
It was hard for the consumer to roll up/down the front power windows. The dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. Both front seat windows require 10-20 short moves in order to close after being opened.
There are more problems then listed. Every time I have spoken with the dealer it has been a waste of time. Phone calls never returned. I get blown off by them. I was in royal oak,mi with my friends when the car froze in the middle of the road. Every dash light was blinking, and we couldn't get the car out of drive to push it. Once we finally got the car moved to a side street, my friends went to look for help, and I got jumped and mased while I stood by my car waiting for them to return. The drivers side key doesn't work, dealer says it's cause of keyless entry, air conditioner kills battery, cruse control kicks out, head lights always are on, and it's not the day time running lights. When stepping on the gas to pass someone, nothing happens, about 5 or more seconds later, it will kick in unexpectidly. …
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 8% of the model year's 383 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (20 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Grand AM window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof 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.