Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
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. …
1998 Pontiac GM recall ignition switch high current flow, the dealer red mccombs supirior Pontiac added a relay switch, and never replaced the original ignition switch that had been subjected to the high currency flow, now the vehicale is back in the service department needing the ignition cylinder and the ignition switch replaced if the original defect recall would have been sought out correctly by the dealer the vehicle would have been safe. The dealer billed the manufacure for a installation wire harvest, and on my work order from the dealer I show only the relay kit to be repaired, the dealer told me that they had the option of replacing the ignition switch but the chose not to this was an incomplete recall work .
When attempting to turn off my vehicle the key would not go to the off position to release my key. All electrical devices (head lights, dash lights,etc...) would stay on. I disconnected the battery and then brought it to a dealer the next morning. They stated there was a failure in the shift interlock solenoiv and the ingnition lock cylinder also needed to be replaced. My car has 33,000 miles and has maintanance regularly(oil change,etc...). The dealer wants to charge $520 to fix a failed part. They also stated it could happen again. Any information on this would be wonderful. Thank you.
While driving. The dash illuminated and then shut down. The battery cable came undone. Shutting the vehicles electrical system completely down. The consumer his wife, and dog were trapped inside the vehicle. The windows would not come down the doors would not open, the brakes became inoperable. They coasted to the side of the road. The automatic key button would not work. Also the brakes went out. Please provide any further information. Door handles would not open door. Breathing became difficult while the consumer and family had no way to exit the vehicle.
When attempting to start the vehicle, early morning start and vehicle failed to start. Consumer made a second attempt to start and vehicle caught on fire, fire started in the steering wheel column. Fire department was called ,and extinguished fire before anymore damage was done to vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.
I was driving my 1998 gt Pontiac Grand AM from peoria illinois on highway at 65 MPH. She completely shut down no power no nothing...pulled over waited approximately 5minutes and she started right up...please help!!! [redacted]
When turning the ignition vehicle would not start right away. Dealer had been contacted. After repair on ignition, recall from manufacturer was released. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for the repair.
General motors need to recall their vehicles to diagnosis this major issue. My case number with GM 1382341310 however, they wont assist me and said they are closing my case. I informed them not to I AM not done with this issue with them... This is a very serious problem or defect with my general motors Pontiac Grand AM se 3.1l v6 engine in this vehicle. I have had, 3 intake manifold gasket failures in less than 40,000 miles, the first occurring at approx 24,000 miles the second at approx 27,000 miles and now again at 40,000 miles but I have suspected the anti-freeze I have been smelling in the cab when I turn the heater blower on, is somehow connected to this leak. Which means its been leaking for some time just not bad enough to drip onto the ground bringing my attention to it. I AM only one of thousands of victims that general motors has raped financial over the years. …
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. …
Related recalls
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…
Electrical complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, 19% of the model year's 172 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › switch (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.