Most common 1998 Pontiac Grand AM problems
Share of the 172 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand AM complaints by model year
Best Grand AM years: 2005, 1998, 2004. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
1998 Pontiac Grand AM recalls (1)
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM:
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…
What 1998 Pontiac Grand AM owners say
Brakes all 38 →
The anti lock brake function prevents me from being able to brake my car on wet, snowy or slushy days, both my daughter and I have had to shift down and pull on the emergency brake to pull over, we live on a long steep hill. This resets theabs but only temporarily. Also, the auto locks malfunction and the front windows don't roll up and down, I AM afraid we'll be trapped in an out of control car. Also the adjustment knob for the exterior rear view mirrors fell into the door so I can't adjust them without stopping as the windows don't open.
Breaks have failed 3 times in the last week alone. This problem has occurred several times however intermittently. We purchased this car 2 years ago and it has been in Pontiac service numerous times. They have put on new brakes, pads etc. Adjusted the brakes and still the problem is unresolved. Something must be done immediately this car is unsafe and will cause an injury or death!
Electrical system all 33 →
Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. Caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. Took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem. After car was repaired incident continued to occur without any trouble codes. Now that issue has developed with ignition switches, it seems to me that this May be a longer term problem than currently thought. Finally sold the vehicle due to continuing problem that no one could solve.
In aug. 2004 my 1998 Pontiac Grand AM se caught fire in the steering column and fried everything in the column , alternator, and battery.the local Pontiac dealer refused to work on the car so I took it to a local garage.they fixed what they could clearly see was damaged and sent me on my way. Since then I have had to have the alternator rebuilt four times and battery replaced three times .the car has to be jumped several times a week. The alternator kicks in at 800 RPM. And the car idles at 500 RPM.( computer controlled) meaning that the battery is constantly discharging below 35 MPH, or with the air and everything on .when it goes above 800rpm the alternator kicks in and boils the battery trying to play catch up. …
Engine & cooling all 26 →
Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. Caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. Took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem. After car was repaired incident continued to occur without any trouble codes. Now that issue has developed with ignition switches, it seems to me that this May be a longer term problem than currently thought. Finally sold the vehicle due to continuing problem that no one could solve.
Tl contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact installed a flush and seal tube in the vehicle that allows antifreeze to penetrate faster. Since that time, the engine has failed twice. The engine stalled during the second failure while driving 65 MPH. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to the mechanic. The mechanic stated that the flush and seal tube cracked and antifreeze leaked into the engine. The engine was replaced for the second time. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was 180,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. Updated 04/16/08 the consumer stated there is a part named flush and fill sold with no warning labels. Updated 04/16/08
1998 Pontiac Grand AM engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 20 / 30 / 24 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 30 / 23 |
| 3.1L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM a good car?
Based on 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Grand AM rates better than average: 56% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand AM at the same age. It is one of the best Grand AM years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?
The brakes — 38 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Next are the electrical system (33) and engine & cooling (26).
How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM have?
There is 1 recall for the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, the most recent from January 27, 2004 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand AM?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 1998 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 2000. See the full Pontiac Grand AM years comparison.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Grand AM problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 80,000 miles; 29% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.