Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
'm writing to notify GM about a dangerous issue with my 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The security system activates preventing the car to stop for 10 minutes until it resets, causing many work related issues. This security issue prevents the fuel pump from activating, allowing the car to start. The problem has gotten so severe, the car now shuts down mid drive while on the interstate. Living in louisville, tn away 10 hours from home, I have no other choice but to keep using this vehicle to get back and forth from work. Now I'm forced to remain in the outside lane to quickly get over onto the shoulder when the car shuts off. This has happened no less than 15 times a week, almost causing an almost fatal accident. I've been to a trusted mechanic where we replaced the ECM two separate times, but the issue still persists. …
Water leaked into floorboard from air-conditioner. Grinding noise coming from the front and back wheels. Trim came loose from back bumper. Rearview mirror fell off. Had numerous times where the car would crank but not start (dealership could not duplicate problem) front driver window would not come down on occasion. Car caught fire under the dashboard while parked in our garage. The fire did extensive damage to the interior of the car. The inspector sent out to look at the car (by GM) said the fire was electrical and not caused by anything we did to the car. The car was repurchased by GM on January 7, 2004 after basically calling them on a daily basis to get something done about it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. While the vehicle was in the left turning lane, the contact noticed that the turn signals did not work. The turn signals seemed to operate after the turn signal switch was maneuvered several times. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The contact called ettleson Buick GMC at [phone] (located at 6201 s la grange road, hodgkins, il 60525), but the parts were not available for the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 123,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Car started shutting off while being driven on numerous occasions. Car was evaluated by GM dealer and another independent auto repair shop, neither could determine why car was shutting off, GM dealer technician stated possible ignition switch problem on 11/22/2010. On 12/24/2011, the Pontiac Grand AM 2001, was being driven and ignition shut off causing the car to hit an unoccupied parked truck. Car lost power steering and could not avoid the accident. Car flipped on its top, injuring the driver of the car. Airbags did not deploy. Car was total loss. Have all documentation to confirm claim.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated when attempting to turn the ignition, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the ignition switch was replaced. The contact stated that the failure recurred twice. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) but the vehicle had not been seen by the dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. However, the contact was notified that the recall notice received did not address the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the turn signals failed to operate. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently over the course of three months. On several occasions, the contact engaged the hazard lights to temporarily correct the failure. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. In addition, the contact was provided with service request number: 8-[phone]. The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the vehicle would not start without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact took her key to the dealer and was informed that the sensor in the key was faulty and needed to be replaced and reset with the ignition switch. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,330.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) however, the contact stated that the failure continued immediately following the repair. The key would not start the ignition and it became difficult to remove the key from the ignition. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,491.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system); however, the recall remedy did not suffice to deter the defect. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Updated 3/13/15 updated 9/17/2017
When trying to start the car the security light is on and the car will not start. It happens everytime I go to start my car, so it happens 6 times a day, 365 days a year. I have to turn the key to on and let it sit for 10 minutes while it resets. While driving sometimes my security light goes on and my car will just stop running, which is extremely dangerous to have your car just turn off especially on a freeway.
Related recalls
Electrical system › Ignition
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014.
Electrical complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 232 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, 43% of the model year's 538 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › control module (53 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 85,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries to electrical system 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.