Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accessories, trailer hitches and other equipment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had to have the following repaired: the fan replaced 2 times, the brakes repaired 4 times, the radio replaced once, the water pump replaced once and the battery replaced twice. I AM also having problems with the transmission it has been slipping. The intake gasket needs to replaced because antifreeze is leaking out and one of the lifters is knocking. Most of these problems started at about 30,000 miles and gradually there was just one problem after another. I took it in to the dealership for the tranmission at about 32,000 miles and since the dealership couldn't get it to slip they wouldn't do anything about it. The brakes started having problems at 40,000 miles. I called GM to complain about the car and GM told me there was nothing they could do because it was out of warranty. …
In November 2004 my "service engine soon" light came on along with the "trac off" light. After flipping through my cars manual I decided to have it serviced with the dealer I originally bought it from. At only 60,000 miles they determined all of my fuel injectors went bad. I had to replace these and with labor charges it cost me nearly $1,000. Approximately 11 months later, the same lights started to come on again. I immediately drove the car to dealer where they proceeded to explain that my fuel injectors went bad a second time. They first replacements were under warranty, I was required to pay labor. Unfortunately this past week the lights for the fuel injectors came on again, and is currently getting diagnosed. This will be my third set of fuel injectors in 36 months. …
My major complaint is the black glossy paint that is peeling from the side door/rear quarter window pilars. The dealer said that this is not covered under warranty, and I have had several quotes to have it fixed which are in the range of $250 to $500. The side mirror fell off in a car wash two months after the purchase of this vehicle, however the dealer did fix it once at no charge. The radio display does not work right away, and usually has to warm up before I AM able to read the digital display. I have also had problems with a sensor, which caused the vehicle not start, and the dealer paid for that service as well. The check engine light has been on almost since the first day I purchased this vehicle, and I have had several diagnostic tests completed at my costs, however the light will go off for a while, and then come back on.
I have owned this car for just under 4 years and have spent the last 2.5 in and out of the service dept. With it. I've had the brake rotors replaced 3 times, every year, almost to the day. I have also just had the fuel pump replaced 2 times and discovered a leak in my intake manifold with only 41K miles on the vehicle. It has been a safety hazard at times and left me stranded once.
1999 Pontiac Grand AM 2.4 l auto severe brake failure---replacement of pads 8 times, rotors 3 times and calipers 2 times in 80,000 miles. Brakes occasionally lock up and make loud grinding and squealing noises steering shudders and vehicle pulls to left.. Participating Pontiac dealer failed to fix this problem since purchase at 11,000 miles. Under warranty replacement it has had 6 door panels due to peeling leather on top of panel, 5 gear shifters due to dealers improper installation, 2 factory cd/radio failures, 1 rack and pinion unit, 2 front strut assemblies due to knocking noise from front of car (went bad after 10,000 miles use), problem with hesitation at idle-cold start(unsuccessfully diagnosed by dealer) carpet loose in trunk around latch assembly(too short for trunk and was hot glued to back wall of car by dealer instead of replacement). …
Second notice posted: ince 2002: replaced rotors, too thin when car was manufactured. (no recall ever done). Cooling system: although the manifold gasket has been replaced, the water reservoir cap has been replaced, the radiator flushed repeatedly, entire cooling system bleed (to remove any excess air from radiator), serpentine belt replaced, all fuses, including the ac relay fuse/switch, all sensors replaced, and various mechanics have checked the entire car bumper-to-bumper, it continues to leak antifreeze coolant by forcing the water out of the radiator into the reservoir and out through the overflow tub (small tube located on reservoir tank). Excess pressure building up in the system. Leaking antifreeze once car is stopped. I have to refill the tank at least once a week. This problem (the Pontiac Grand AM leaking coolant) is a common problem with all Pontiac Grand AM. …
Consumer has had the steering pump replaced 4 times. Rack was leaking, and another leak was found. Dealer said nothing was wrong with vehicle. Vehicle was being repaired under warranty. Also, transmission was slipping, and there was a transmission leak about 4 months ago. Dealer was suppose to have repaired the problems, but the problems keep reoccurring. The horn malfunctions after being repaired twice. The fog lights are holding moisture. Speaker on passenger side failed. Radio sisplay is scrambled due to internal short. Right rear power window was inoperative due to switch failure. Trunk release inoperative due to chaffed wire. Transmission oil was leaking due to axle seal failure.
I have had issues with the roters raido replaced 2 times, the doors bubble, many issues to write. The car is no longer under warrenty, how ever it was my under standing thet the coolent system was covered for 150,00, the intake gasket needs replaceing the car has been at the dealership for almost 2 weeks , couldnt find the part. This issue is out of pocket 800.00. Very dissatified with GM, no efforts to give a car to use, dealer will charge 20.00 a day, who can afford that when 800.00 has to be paid to get the car running again. Because the car is no longer under warrenty, the customer is out of luck for any king of help. I will suggest when asked not to buy a Pontiac, or GM very disapointed.
Horn was activated and did not go off. Was taken to dealer for check up on electrical system, and it was repaired. The dealer was unable to find where the horen was shorting. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer due to radio malfunctioning, dome light and ABS light comes on and das light blinks on and off. Steering squeaks due to loose steering rack. Cigarate lighter inoperative and replaced. Air bag was loose and replaced.
Steering wheel made noise and driver's side airbag dropped out and fell in laps. Vehicle pulled to light, and dashlight flashed on and off. Also horn was inoperable. Consumer states there is a noise in brake pedal, also ABS light illuminated. Air conditioner and heater inoperable. Due to squeaky steering, dealer replaced steering rack which was loose and set toe. Radio inoperable.
Equipment complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are equipment problems on the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the equipment & accessories of the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM, 3% of the model year's 849 complaints. The component named most often is electrical › radio/tape deck/cd etc. (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Pontiac Grand AM equipment problems?
No. NHTSA lists no equipment & accessories recall for the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 3 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 1999 Pontiac Grand AM equipment problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 38,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 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.