Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Driver side window broke two years ago while the car was no longer under warrenty. I paid for the motor and window - a little over $600. It broke again in the fall of 2002. This was still under warranty and I was not charged. It broke a 3rd time last month and the warranty for the one that was replaced had expired by one week to ten days. I was charged the $410. After complaining, I was given a reduction of 15%. I paid this amount as this is my daughter's only transporation and she needed it to attend class and to work. In voicing my displeasure to service manager/staff at sawyers Pontiac in lansing mi (where the car was purchased used but still under warranty), I was informed that this problem was common to the 1999 Grand AM and was a result of a change in materials used in the window assembly. …
I bought the car, used, in feb. 2002. Since that time the clearcoat has began chipping off, leaving the paint exposed to the elements, specifically around the doors. In July the driver's side window regulator broke. On sept. 5th the passenger side window regulator broke. In August the driver's side mirror was caught against my plastic mailbox and snapped in half. I AM aware that I AM responsible for that mirror, however I tell you this because I feel the mirror should have withstood the plastic mailbox door, which is still intact. Along with that, the passenger side mirrot broke off simply by being brushed as my husband walked by the car. All of these issues seem to be a concern to many Grand AM owners. I have researched and found many other similar complaints. …
I began noticing a grinding sound when passenger side window was rolled up and down. Glass became increasingly scratched. Dealership repaired at no charge as vehicle was still under warranty and there was a service bulletin on this problem. However, problem persisted to the point of window regulator breaking off and glass sliding down inside the door. Had to be taken back to the dealer five times in one year. (dealer did not want to pay at last visit due to the warranty expiring. Had to really hold their feet to the fire for them to fix it.) now the problem is that both rear window regulators have broken! Glass has slid down inside the doors and will not stay up (I have packaging tape holding up one window). Pontiac customer service has offered me a free oil change and/or small reimbursement for "my inconvenience." however, each regulator alone (no labor) will cost around $300. …
To start with I read the complaints and was wondering how many complaints does it take for something to be recalled. The driver side window falls, passenger side window has scratches on it from I AM guessing the regulator, the dash is separated from the windshield, the struts, and springs have been replaced, ABS light stays on, the suspension feels like the car is falling apart through every bump in the road, the headlights are fogged up and point down. Side mirror has been replaced and we visited several auto yards to try to find a dash and side mirror and wouldn't you know it all the models of the Grand AM was missing the passenger side mirror where it had broke off and all of them the dash was separated from the windshield. I AM not sure as to what will happen if the dash comes completely off but I don't want to be in the car when it does happen. …
Grand AM 1999, my passenger side mirror fell off after touching it, found that all the plastic screw holders were broken, we disconnected the mirror and called for pricing, very expensive to get that plastic support piece. My drivers side mirror was hanging by the cables one morning went I went out to go to work. I had used plastic type string to tie it on, then tried duck tape both to no avail. My neighbor tired screws but they have come out, will try longer ones today. Why does GM use such cheap plastic to hold a mirror that is subject to pressure from normal driving on highways. …
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.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the window regulators continue to fail. He heard a grinding noise moments before the regulators snapped. The dealer was notified and referred him to the manufacturer. The manufacturer could not assist because there was no warranty or recall available. Through online research, the contact found many consumers that were experiencing this same failure. Within one year, five regulators have failed. Within the last 30 days, three regulators have snapped. Two out of the five regulators were repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was 110,000 and current mileage was 120,000.
In August of 2001 when I purchased this car I felt a rattle on my brakes which is still there. My power windows are scratched from rolling up and down. Paint around the spoiler and bumper and on the roof is chiped off. I had to replace the generator in 2002. I had to have the intake manifold seals replaced in 2002. (3.4l v6) I had to have the waterpump replaced in spring of 2003. Now the head gaskets are broken the intake manifold seals again are broken. My transmission is no longer working. In other words I can not drive my car anymore; it is sitting my garage. The cost amounts to more than the car is worth in dollars and I still owe $9.500 on this car.
My complaint and I know nw I AM not the only one with a newer Grand-AM and the window mechanism break inside the door causing the window to drop totally inside. I had a front driver window go few weeks ago and this week out of the blue, the same side rear door did the same thing! Does this suddenly happen to Grand-AM's when they hit 42,000 or what? Imagine my disbelief when two windows break at the same time for no reason. What broke inside is a white plastic wheel, however you have to buy the system inside the door for about $280 from the dealer. For now the windows stay down and I AM searching wrecked junk yards! I sure hope they recall this crap.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the engine overheated. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop for inspection. The mechanic determined the engine's high performance additive caused corrosion to the aluminum cylinder head. The cylinder head was replaced which corrected the problem. Updated 3/28/2006 - the water pump failed. The battery and brakes failed. The coolant light illuminated. The dealer determined that the antifreeze had congealed and needed to be flushed and replaced. The driver side headlight went out. The driver side window regulator broke.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 85 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM, 10% of the model year's 849 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (52 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Pontiac Grand AM window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 13% 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.