Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
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).
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). …
We had a flat in our driveway on one of a set of Goodyear gt hr tires which were purchased in June 2007. Upon changing the tire and inspecting it, the tire had large cracks all around the perimeter on the interior side. We checked the other tires and saw similar cracks. We took it to the Goodyear dealer where they were purchased and the owner found it leaking at one of these cracks. I commented that I was dismayed that these tires dry rotted at only three years, to which he stated that, "they aren't dry rotted; these are stress fractures". I asked why they would have these fractures after only three years and what caused them,and he gave me no answer. The dealer seemed to have no concern that these tires are failing in this way in only three years and only wanted me to purchase replacements, offering a very small discount, to which we declined. …
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.
Front end noise.bought car used. 2001 Pontiac Grand AM gt with 28990 mi. At time of purchase. Have 36450 mi. Now. Have brought back to dealer 4 times since buying for same noise. Finally told on last visit that it is the tires.first incident in 5/2003.now told I have to buy new tires to get rid of noise.ridiculous since they knew of problem and did nothing to make me aware of this at time of purchase.have service bulletin and have read many complaints along same line for this car.don't plan on spending a dime on tires as it is their defect in matching tires to rims.
While driving, a loud scrap noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the noise could not be duplicated, but the brakes and rotors needed replacing. The mechanic replaced the brakes and rotors, but the problem still continued. The problem has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information. The noise only happened at speeds of 30 MPH. The dealer stated the tires were the problem
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM se. The contact stated the driver was traveling 10 MPH when the drivers side front tire detached. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic who confirmed that brake dust caused the lug nut to become loose and the tire to detach from the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact was driving 35 MPH when the passenger side wheel separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic who found that the wheel bolt was fractured in half and caused damaged to the rotor, axle and cd boot. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 126,000.
When driving the car the brakes will lock up making a grinding noise like something is about to brake somewhere in between the brake pedal and wheels it makes this loud grinding like metal on metal not sure because I have to replace brakes about every 2 - 3 months and rotors and calipers.
I own a 2001 Pontiac Grand AM gt. I bought it 1 year used from someone who took very good care of it and had all the service work receipts. There was a very noticeable constant grinding noise coming from the front tires, especially at lower speeds around 35 MPH and under. I took it to 2 different dealerships with no help. The first one didn't know what it was, and the second said it was the tires (Goodyear Eagle). The tire didn't fit the rim perfectly and was rubbing on the rim. They only had 22,000 miles on them and it was still under warranty. They said Pontiac put 2 different style tires on the Grand AM and would only replace one type, even though both styles made this noise. I bit the bullet and bought 4 new tires - cooper, not Goodyear. It took care of the problem, but I AM still very upset that the dealer would not replace the tires even though they knew that was the problem.
Turn signal failure (recall by manufacture corrected that problem). However, dealer would not fix the continuos problem with the on-going ticking sound of the turn signal even when signal is not in use. That would cost $273 to fix, dealer said. Grinding sound in tires (dealer gave documentation to support the fact that the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM's were manufactured with a faulty tires and rim package. Suggested new rims or different than manufacture choice tires. The most significant problem is with the engine. Randomly upon ignition and sometimes after sitting idle, the engine will rev high (at times upto 3rpms). Sounds like the engine is going to explode! Went to 2 Pontiac dealers various times (at least 6) and neither can fix the problem. Each time I was charged with assessment fees. I'm done with Pontiac vehicles!
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2001 Pontiac Grand AM, 4% of the model year's 538 complaints. The component named most often is rim (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand AM wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
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.