Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
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.
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* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the steering felt abnormal while the vehicle was being operated at 50 MPH. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle was being held on by a single bolt and would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. ..updated 06/21/17
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for repair, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
I own a 2001 pontaic Grand AM that I bought in April 05 having bought it used I had it about 20 days when my service engine soon light came on took it to the dealer that I bought if from he sent it to his mechanics and the replaced the coil pack because it was reading a misfire on cylinder 4. Didn't have problem for about 8 month so I thought. On dec.20,2006 started running real bad had coil pack changed, boots, housing, and spark plugs at the nice price of $200.00. In 1 day to find out stll not working right mechanic said problem is internal and the only way to fix this is replace motor which for a used one only $3300.00 unless I would like a new one for $6000.00. …
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 one of many people with this same problem. I own a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. At about 53,000 miles I noticed a coolant leak on my garage floor. Upon further inspection I noticed that it was coming from the exhaust manifold gasket. I promptly called up my local dealer, jack walker Pontiac in dayton, ohio. I made an appointment for January 4, 2005 to have my vehicle inspected for further diagnosis. When the phone call came in from the dealer with the estimation of $765, I was stunned, but knew it was a major issue that had to be attended to. So I OK'd the procedure. On Friday, January 7, 2005 my car was finally ready for pickup. I went to pick it up, paid the $780 and got in the car. After I turned it on, it flashed "low coolant". I proceeded to walk back into the repair center, and told them what was going on. …
Problem: intake manifold gasket failure and passlock system malfunction descr: purchased car in 1/01, documented leak of coolant in nov. '01. Nothing could be found. In 2003, after I told them where the leak was coming from, they found the problem and replaced the gasket. This is a safety issue for me because I was a divorced mother with a small child who drives almost 300 miles each week to work and back. After some arguing the dealer covered the cost, except for a 200 deductible. In January 2007, the same thing happened again - this time costing me $900.00. The next safety issue is the passlock system on the car. The latest stranding occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2008. I have been "stranded" three or four times because the car would crank but would not turn over. Two or three times, the car has had to be towed to the dealership. …
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently for about seven months. There were no warning indicators before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, when the vehicle stalled it will not restart without the computer being reprogrammed. Every time the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The only thing the dealer did was reset the computer. After the vehicle was in the dealership 5 times for this problem the contact began resetting the computer. The dealer's service manager showed the contact how to reprogram the computer by turning the ignition on, allowing the security light to flash ten minutes, turn the ignition off, and restart the vehicle. The dealer identified the problem as a short in the ignition switch. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting repair of the ignition. …
Engine complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, 16% of the model year's 538 complaints. The component named most often is engine (15 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand AM engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.