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 2001 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without warning. The contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle failed to stop. The contact rear ended another vehicle and the air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained chest and left knee injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent lot. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
I purchased my 2001 Grand AM gt in 2002. So far since I've owned the car, I seem to replace the breaks every 10,000 miles or every year, I have had the rotors replaced twice within the last 5 years, replaced the alternator and fuel pump. Now, my ABS lights continue to go on and most recently, my car will not start it seem every two weeks (I hope I AM not away from home when this happens) - the security light has been coming on and have to keep the key in the "on" position for 10 minutes and then try to start the car - my garage told me it was a security code problem that only the dealer can fix. I have only 90,000 miles on the car and now, I need a rack and pinion which will cost me another $900.00 (I spent approx $500 dollars on the car in the last 6 months). My break pad wear out at least yearly (I AM retired and don't even drive the car long distance). …
Fuel system, gasoline details: @ times you can smell gas on the inside of the recently put $690 into changing the entire fuel system before that it cost me $1100 for the entire coolant system $250 for coil pack and cover frequently sparkplugs changed out the ac buttons wont allow the ac to turn on I live in the south we burn up down here with no ac in a car and again on this past Sunday I just put another 4170 into sparkplugs and coil packs only to find out that all my problems are caused from the cars security anti - theft device that is defective I lose power no RPM's car will die in the middle of the interstate that I have to drive in downtown greeville sc and towns like atlanta and chattanooga tn the small things are the radio the lights the headlamps don't shine no brighter than a candle on a birthday cake not to mention that I go thru breaks and tires like they are candy it seems …
I AM an owner of a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM se 4dr. 2.4 4 cylinder vehicle. Consumer is concerned about a braking problem that has occurred recently. Whenever the front brakes are applied they pulsate and drag the car to a stop. I have been informed that GM has had multiple problems with other consumers complaint regarding this same issue. It must be so pervasive that GM has issued a service bulletin to its mechanics. See. GM bulletin no. 00-05-23-002b. I have been wondering why there hasn't been a recall over this safety issue. Not only does it affect the Pontiac Grand AM but it also affects the Chevy malibu 97-03, olds cutlass 97-99 and olds alero 99-03. If you investigate your own web site there are more and more complaints posted. Something needs to be done before an accident does occur. Incidentally, I AM also having a problem with my turn signal/hazard lights intermintently working. …
I have noticed a grinding sound coming from my brakes. I took the car to the shop and was told that I needed pads and rotors, I replaced pads and rotors and the ABS, trac off, and the service vehicle soon light started coming on. Took the car to the dealer for further analysis and they told me I needed a speed sensor because it was malfunctioning and because it is inside the wheel hub I also had to replace these things also. $700.00 later the lights were still coming on and the brakes was still making this strange noise. I returned the car and after inspection was told that the ABS wires were busted and needed to be replaced, $200.00 later the car is still making these noises and the lights are still coming on. No one seems to know what the problem is. I AM taking the car back again for further analysis. …
The left rear brakes are locking. The pads and rotors are ground down to the point of needing replacement. The pads and rotors were replaced and components cleaned. The problem is still occuring. The ABS, antilock, and service vehicle soon lights will come on after start up. They will stay on until the engine is shut off and restarted. The vehicle will not start. The starter will crank, but the engine won't start. First visit to dealer: fuel pump was replaced. Second visit to dealer: oil pressure sensor was replaced, third visit to dealer: vehicle theft deterrent codes appeared in computer. Dealer does not know how to fix yet and problem still persists. The problem is intermittent. Occasionally the care will be hard to start requiring taping the accelerator to start it. If it does not start then, it will not start no matter how long it sits (recommended by mechanic.
I bought a brand new gt and since I've had it the brakes made a slight grinding noise in the front, I just figured the car was new and 4 wheel disc brakes just make that noise. I drive a lot of highway mile so of course after the warranty expired the noise got worse. After 38000 miles I took it to my mechanic he replaced the front pads and resurfaced a rotor but could not figure out what the noise was, he thought it was a bushing or a boot worn out. He greased it and the noise dissapeared for about a weak . Then I took in with 56000 mile and it needed pad, a caliper and he resurfaced the other rotor.again, after a weak the noise came back. Now, with 64000 the noise is worse than ever , a constant grinding, scraping sound. I going take it to the mechanic again. For all the highway I drive I shouldn't be going through brakes like this.
Where to start...I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. Within 2 months of buying it, my fuel pump & computer went out at the same time. Next was my water pump & timing chain. Then was the security system, then the turn signals, then the windows wouldn't roll down. And now my brakes are having to be replaced on a consistent basis. The only thing covered by GM was the turn signal switch. All other replacements were at my expense. After researching on this site, I see numerous complaints of the same kind. I notified GM and they refused to help at all. I explained that since there are multiple complaints for the same things, it has to be a manufacturing defect. They shrugged that off. They finally sent me a letter stating that they would no longer "entertain" any of my comments or complaints. Do not buy a Pontiac!!! Junk city!!!
Rotors needed to be replaced 2 weeks after purchase in 2001 - steering wheel vibrating(800 miles on vehicle) rotors needed to be file in 2002 - wheels noises when driving 9/2003 needed new rotors and brakes. 2003 -strange tire noise for about a week took to dealer today 10/7/03 now being told the wheel noise is cause I need to buy new tires after I overheard the mechanic tell the service rep it's the issue with the wheels and tire not being a perfect match and is a big problem with the Grand AM. So how did it become my problem. Why do I need to pay for four new tires when the tires were purchsed with the car and only have 28000 miles on them! This is a GM problem. Actually I believe this could be a big big safety issue.
My 2001 Pontiac Grand AM has had brake failure since last year. I have had rotors & brakes replaced July of 2004. Turned around my brakes was failing again and was told that I needed new calipers in November 2004. My car is not under any warranty. I could not afford to get the calipers replaced, so they sprayed them to get me through. I also had my brakes replaced again. Started having brake problems again July 22,2005. This time I was sitting at a stop light and my brake pedal just released and went to the floor. I almost ran into the back of another car. Took my car to get looked at. My rotors, brakes and calipers all need replacing immediately. Was told that Grand AM vehicles are common for having these problems.
Brake complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 68 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, 13% of the model year's 538 complaints. The component named most often is foundation components › disc › rotor (26 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 4 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 2001 Pontiac Grand AM brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 2 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.