Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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!
Had problems with car since beginning. Accelerates on its own and lunges forward when stopping. Also the brakes failed,causing an accident. Rotors have warped on numerous occasions. Dealer contacted 10-15 times with no problem found. Car is a major safety hazard.
When applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. The consumer had to pump the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. The cause of the problem is unknown but could be related to a faulty master cylinder.
I feel as though there is a serious problem with my 1998 Pontiac grandam. I have taken it to the dealership (boomershine Pontiac) twice in the last 3 months. On nove 28, 2000 all of the warning lights in my vehicle came on and then my car locked up while I was driving on the bypass at about 50 MPH. I could not steer or brake my car. It was locked up, so threw on the emergency brakes and slid until the car came to a stop. I reported the service department that my ABS, ets, check engine, and airbag lights kept flashing on and off. On feb 20, 2001 I took my car back to boomershine Pontiac and reported that my check engine, ABS, and airbag light was once again coming on. My car was supposely repaired when I picked it up on feb 22, 2001. On March 1. 2001 at 9:05 am I was driving to work and my ABS, ets, and airbag lights were once again flashing . …
Brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced after 20,000 miles. Have had to replace 5 yr batteries 3 times now at my own expense. Last time resulted in car needing to be towed and key not being able to be taken out of ignition. Tried jump starting and electrical system over heated. My complaint is this I just received a safety recall stating that if the car is hard to start it could start on fire if jump started more then 3 times and if the key is on the on potion to long. They want to install a relay device to prevent fires but why is the electrical ignition problem not being fixed. Why do we have to replace the battery every year. The relay device will not fix the original problem it will only fix the fire threat. Also side mirror adjustment knob has fallen inside car door and windows will not roll down or up. Car will not shift into reverse at times. …
I have had a new transmission, calipers, gear shift mechanism,2 lighters, alternator,2 sets of window motors, 1 broken motor mount,strut torque wasnt bolted to the car when leased, a radial pull in 1 tire in which I had to pay to have replaced, tire scraping on fender right after leasing, 2 new headlamps,fuel cap, battery, and have had a short somewhere and dealer refused to locate. Dealer and Pontiac customer division refuse a buy back or trade in. Sent package to general motors to make them aware of the situation and they refused the package all together. Pontiac tells me their field rep went to talk to john moore and he refused a buy back so in turn, so did Pontiac. I just would like a car that runs. This is my second Pontiac that has been a lemon. I have all documentaion to prove it. How does a single mom working two jobs get help? …
Purchased vehicle 6/98. Three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. Vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. Found wires in harness bad causing problem. Brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. Rotors machined @ 10,462. Excessive brake dust. Brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. Rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles ABS light failed. While lights and ac or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. Can't find problem! When heater is on smell of antifreeze. Can't find problem. Front suspension noise. Stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. No brake pedal at times. When road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.
Transmission- r&r trans to replacethird gear input and replaced bushing reconditioned trans asssembly and replaced axle seal / steering wheel replaced streering wheel sensor bushing , dealer claims they could never find problem / brakes dealer said this was not under warranty went to midas replaced pads, left caliper , right caliper both had damaged boots uneven pad wear drums were hardspotted and out of round hoses -steelined were rust spotted ./ replaced front bushing.dealer said they could never find problem with brakes when first reported to them
I have had this problem since the beginning. They have turned the disks at least twice, replaced the rotors once, resurfaced the pads. This last time that I took it into the shop, they said that they suspect the rotors to warpped. Yet I had purchased the extended warranty to extend the bumper to bumper warranty, yet they told me that they can't do anything with it because it was out of the original warranty. I feel that the vehicle does not represent the quality or performance as stated or advertised. This car is a lemon no matter which state you May purchase it.
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 38 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, 22% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 1 recall 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 1998 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.