Most common 2002 Pontiac Grand AM problems
Share of the 395 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Grand AM complaints by model year
Best Grand AM years: 2005, 1998, 2004. Years to avoid: 1999, 2000. Compare all years →
2002 Pontiac Grand AM recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM:
Turn signal failures
In December 2004, GM issued a special policy for my 1999-2000 alero, grand am and malibu vehicles not covered under recall 03V327. The policy covered turn signal/hazard flasher failure for a period of 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurred first) to provide a no cost replacement of the hazard switch.
What 2002 Pontiac Grand AM owners say
Electrical system all 148 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the rear wheels seized. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and the rear driver side crashed into a curb, deflating the tire. The air bags failed to deploy. The ABS and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injures that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and security warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road, but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle, but it would not start. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the security electrical system wiring failed and needed to be repaired. The contact called autonation Chevrolet at [phone] (located at 3707 w colonial dr, orlando, fl 32808) and was informed to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 170,377.
Lights all 99 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact attempted to make a turn, but the rear driver side turn signal indicator did not work. The contact replaced the rear tail light bulbs. When the hazard button was depressed, the turn signal indicator started to work again. The contact stated that the failure occurred for approximately six months. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving at approximately 50 MPH, the front and rear turn signal lamps failed to operate. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. Updated 03/18/16 the consumer stated the signal switch was replaced. Updated 03/22/16.
Engine & cooling all 65 →
I was driving along I-90 east going through south dakota. The weather was bad and the road was icy and very slick. There was an 18 wheeler that rolled over on the road and I did not see it until it was too late. There were about 10 cars in back of the truck and I could not stop. I had a head on collision with the back end of a 1 ton truck. It did not do any damage to the truck but it completely totaled my car. I hit the windshield with my head , left arm and hand. I suffered serious injuries and my head hit the windshield and cracked it the size of a grapefruit before the air bags deployed. They did not deploy until after I was seriously injured which is bs. I was taken to the hospital and an xray of my head was never done. They took an xray of my arm and hand and said I had a contusion. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the rear wheels seized. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and the rear driver side crashed into a curb, deflating the tire. The air bags failed to deploy. The ABS and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injures that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 25,000.
2002 Pontiac Grand AM engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 24 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM a good car?
Based on 395 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Grand AM rates average: 20% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Grand AM at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM?
The electrical system — 148 complaints, 37% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › anti-theft › control module. Next are the lights (99) and engine & cooling (65).
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM have?
There is 1 recall for the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, the most recent from July 3, 2014 (ignition). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Grand AM?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2005, 1998 and 2004. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 1999 and 2000. See the full Pontiac Grand AM years comparison.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Grand AM problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 73,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.