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 2000 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Electrical wiring mess with air for air or heating up I was trying to make it work while driving and then all of suddenly dashboard light went out, car slowed down and stopped. Turned the car off then turned back on dashboard light wouldn't work, windshield wipers stop working. Got stuck middle of nowhere after I pulled over to check with the car won't turn back on till fuse change and engine start working again after put in mismatch fuse box supposed to match but it different fuse for fuse box
I purchased my 2000 Pontiac Grand AM used with 27000 miles on July of 2001. In October of 2001 I had my first brake job, February 2002, July 2002, March 2003 brakes checked on 2 other occasions for noise. Car was serviced in March 2003 for brakes and alignment - 5 weeks later car caught fire driving in traffic. The smoke was coming from under the hood, the fire dept. And police were on the scene in less than 10 minutes - the car was totaled. Cause is under investigation.
While approaching incoming traffic, the consumer applied the brake and the brake pedal went to the floor, causing the vehicle to rear end another vehicle at 25-35 MPH. Upon impact, both frontal air bags did not deploy. The vehicle also surged forward. There was a defective part that was causing the brake pads to wear.
The brakes shuttered badly and the front rotors and pads were replaced. On 10/16/2003 while driving approximately 10 MPH, brake pedal was depressed and the brakes shuttered. The anti-lock brake system locked, and caused the consumer's vehicle to hit another vehicle. The other vehicle's driver was injured.
The cars anti-lock brake system went out without warning and the front brakes locked up. The car had sufficient brake pads and brake fluid. It was checked and there seemed to be nothing else to be wrong.
Since I purchased my 2000 Grand AM the front brakes have made noise. Have received brake inspections and told all OK. I usually get free brake inspection when I get oil changed. Now brakes sound bad. Took to auto repair shop and was told that the calipers were locked up. Brake pads are bad (worn on the inside only) on the "right" front wheel only. Also the rotor on the right front needs replacement. I called the manufacturer. And was told that the caliper was still covered under my warranty. I was told to take it to the dealer. Took it to my local clarksville in dealer and was told that the caliper was OK. The only problem was that my brakes were bad and I need new rotor. I took the auto on Friday. And the repairman looked at it on Monday. He advised me that he did not need to test drive it because the caliper was not locked up "now". …
My car has been in the shop repeatedly for the brakes grinding and shaking when I brake. The rotors have been replaced twice for rusting and warping and the brakes once, under warranty. I have had water leaks, my dash has been replaced for warping, 2 door panels have been replaced for warping. I have 2 more that need to be replaced, but the dealership says "it's a common problem, but it's not covered under the extended warranty". I have lots of wind noise. A rotten egg smell in my car when driving it. I took my car to the dealer last week and they replaced a gasket/seal for a intake gasket leak. I went to pick up my car and it reeked of gasoline. They kept it another day and had to replace my fuel regulator. Now I cannot keep my windows closed because there is a odor of gas in my car, which causes my eyes to burn and water and my throat to burn. …
I purchased my 2000 Pontiac Grand AM used. I've had it 3 years and have had break problems for at least 2 of the 3 years. My mechanic can not find any reason why I've had so many problems and when I spoke with Pontiac headquarters they informed me that since I did not have a documented case through a car dealership there was nothing they could do. I informed them that my private mechanic kept detail records but Pontiac informed me that even if I did use a dealership the problems I'm having are part of the normal wear and tear of a vehicle. My breaks have been grinding, squealing, thumping and now the whole front end is creaking. I've gone through several pairs of breaks front and back. I've gotten new rotors, have had the rotors cut. I've gotten new calipers but this still hasn't fixed my problem. At times I feel I AM riding in an unsafe vehicle. …
I have had this vehicle for 14 years & have multiple issues with it in that the ignition switch has been replaced 2 to 3 times in the first 3 years of owning the car and never did work property; I had to have the intake gasket done & the head gasket done; I too had an issue w/ the ABS light being on and a wire or something was off. Luckily I have a relative who is a mechanic and did not have to endure the upcharge of the dealership however, these were costly expenses none the less. I contacted GM about the ignition switch & was told my VIN was not part of the recall. I also contacted my local news station to try to investigate later model ignition switch issues with no result. I believe this needs further review. My car currently has 185K miles on it but only had about 150 3 yrs ago when the intake & head went. …
Pontiac has been contacted regarding this. The dealer which sold me the vehicle and my current dealer that is servicing the vehicle has replaced the brakes and rotors several times beyond a normal range of needing replacement. Under warranty, however, Pontiac refused to pay for this after the warranty expires, even though they are fully aware of a problem with the 2000 Pontiac Grand AM braking system. Their answer is, it is a design problem and have no fix for this! They refuse to reimburse any costs for this once the warranty expires, but advised me to hold onto my receipts "in case" Pontiac decides to do thins in the future. The brake pads have been replaced, rotors have been resurfaced and replaced approximately every 3000-6000 miles, which is not normal! Any help on this is greatly appreciated! Ph **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**768319
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2000 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 129 complaints about the brakes of the 2000 Pontiac Grand AM, 19% of the model year's 675 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (43 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2000 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 5 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 2000 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 31% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 10 crashes, 2 fires and 4 injuries 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.