Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
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 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.
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. While driving 65 MPH, the contact attempted to activate the turn signals, but they failed to illuminate. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and refused to assist. The vehicle had previously been serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 03V327000 (exterior lighting). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
I have a 2001 Grand-AM. There was a recall on the hazard light switch #NHTSA recall campaign number: 03V327000 component: exterior lighting:hazard flashing warning lights:switch details: certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that May experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative. Consequence: when the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash. Corrective action: dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at [phone], Pontiac at [phone], or Oldsmobile at [phone]. …
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. …
Dt: consumer complained about hazard light switch problem. Was told by the dealership that the model years 1999 -2001 had the same problem. The part number 226247990961e that was on this car, and was under recall. Has a recall. The recall number was unavailable. The part was replaced in May 2005, and still had the same clicking noise from the hazard switch. Also, complained about security system problem. When I trying to start put the key in ignition and the light flashed, car would not start. Had to reset the system. Turned the key to the accessory position for 15 minutes for the car to start. Dealership wanted to charge $45.00 diagnose ,and to replace the part with the same kind of part that was already replaced it with once. This has been happening since first purchasing the car in June 30, 2004. This happened every time consumer drove the car.
Tl*contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. She noticed that there was a leak under her vehicle for a few years. On several occasions the dealer was unable to find the cause of the leak. The dealer later stated that the leak was coming from the gas tank line and it was a fuel leak. They also told her that there was a related recall; however, her VIN was not related. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved and request that her VIN is a part of the existing NHTSA campaign id number 07e021000. The dealer information is not available. The failure mileage was 70,000 and the current mileage was 98,000. The consumer stated the vehicle is still located at the repair shop awaiting word from the corp office. The dealer stated replaced hazard lights switch, speaker radio rear door, molding windshield side pillar, exterior bulbs, and wiper blade. Updated 10/31/07
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!!!
Friday morning I was on empty, so I went to the gas station. Turned off car & filled up, started it no problem. Then went to get breakfast, turned off car. The came back after no more then 5 minutes the car would not start. No sputtering, no failure to fire, no stalling before this occasion. Nothing. I have had the car for about 1.5 years. I have had no problem with it starting. I took it to auto repair shop & they said it was common problem. That they have had a lot of 2001 Grand AM with this exact problem. It was fixed. I was told to watch the car because if it happens again they will report the problem. When we first go the car the front head lights would go off by themselves at night. That happened at 12:30 am. Also the taillights went out at the same time. We reported that to the dealership & they fixed it.
Related recalls
Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights › Switch
Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that May experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.
NHTSA investigations
Turn signal failures
By letter dated August 27, 2003, GM notified the agency that it is conducting a voluntary safety recall (NHTSA recall no. 03V327) involving certain model year (my) 2000-2001 Chevrolet malibu, Oldsmobile alero, and Pontiac grand am.GM's recall covers 670,740 vehicles manufactured beginning February 1, 2000 through May 1, 2001 (alero and grand am) and February 1, 2000 through May 31, 2001 (malibu).GM reports that turn…
Headlight complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are headlight problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 99 complaints about the lights of the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, 18% of the model year's 538 complaints. The component named most often is hazard flashing warning lights › switch (33 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand AM headlight problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-327 (switch, Aug 28, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2001 Pontiac Grand AM headlight problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to lights 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.