1998 Pontiac Grand AM Engine Problems

Which parts fail

• Engine › Gasoline
  6
• Engine
  6
• Cooling system
  6
• Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
  3

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  111%
• 25k–50k
  111%
• 50k–75k
  222%
• 75k–100k
  111%
• 100k–150k
  333%
• 150k+
  111%

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.

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

Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle failed to start after being parked in the driveway for a few hours. The battery cranked, but the engine failed to turn over. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The dealer came to the house and indicated something was wrong with the engine, but gave no clear reason for the failure. The dealer indicated the engine needed to be replaced.

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the driver was traveling at an unknown speed when the vehicle stalled and crashed into a tree. The driver was killed and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 10/22/14 updated 05/19/2015

Chronic coolant leak, caused by defective, plastic intake manifold gaskets. Engine never showed it was hot. Based on my research this is a recurring problem with this engine. GM should stand behind their products and fix this instead of continuing to use the same defective parts for over 5 years in a number of GM vehicles. I will never buy another GM product!

1998 grandam, intake manifold gasket and fuel pressure regulator gasket needs to be replaced at 75,000 miles. When pricing out repairs I was told that this is a common problem with the GM v-6 engine by the repair shops. The inside of the car would smell like gas while driving on very cold days. (north dakota) just south of alaska.

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]

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. …

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? …

This coolant system has fluid that does not need to be replaced for over 100,000 miles. However, the water pump May have to be replaced at only 50,000. Pontiac called this normal. It seems a little deceptive to advertise a fluid that lasts so long when the mechnical parts May not. Pontiac and GM would not offer repair assistance. The repair cost over $800.00. Many local mechanics, some Pontiac, said this was not normal for this part, but GM and Pontiac still refused to offer any warranty assistance.

Engine complaints in other Grand AM years