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 2002 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
As I was driving my Pontiac Grand AM (2002) the engine out of the blue started on fire as I was driving. It was the first time in the day using my car and I drove about three miles at 30 MPH to a shopping plaza. As I was looking for a parking place at 5-10 MPH a man ran up to my car and told me to get out of the car because it was on fire. The fire appeared to start in the back of the engine. I parked the car and it was on fire about 15 min until fire trucks came. The car was very well maintained and in very good condition. There was a defect in the car to make it start on fire out of the blue. GM will not take responsiblity for this and I AM out of 14,000. This incident put me and my 14 month old sons life in danger. Please look into this issue.
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While making a right turn at approximately 35 MPH, the contact's vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the contact's vehicle. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained femur and kneecap fractures and whiplash injuries that required medical attention. The person that was in the other vehicle sustained numerous injuries that also required medical attention. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system); however, the contact stated that no notification was received until months after the crash. The failure mileage was unknown. Updated 8/28/15
I have had my car since November 2014. I go into the mall for a few hours and come back out to start my car and the key would not turn in the ignition. I turned the steering wheel and everything else I could think of. Still nothing... I have it towed to a GMC ( winegardner brandywine maryland).. They tell me I need a new ignition lock cylinder ( $851.00) because I can not afford that hefty repair I have it sent to my personal mechanic and the car turns on perfectly for him. I don't understand how a car can go a week and a half without turning on. Multiple people tried the key and then the car turns on. I don't feel safe driving this car at all. After looking at recalls and other complaints this car is garbage.
This has been reported to GM by certified mail 4/14/2014 to GM headquarters, po box 33172, detroit mi 48232 attn: Pontiac ignition problems etc. - address given to ome by ms. Corina on 4/14/14 ref#[redacted], showing between 3/19/11 and 10/22/13 ignition module & coil, security system shutdown, ignition starter switch/lock/tumbler, window reg/motor/holder, window reg/motor/holder, window reg/motor/holder (happened several times and had to replaced several times). Reported to dotvsh on 7/6/14 call ref#[redacted], office defect inv #[redacted]. Never have received any result.
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. The contact stated that the ignition key failed to start the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cylinder in the ignition switch needed to be replaced. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact also stated that prior to the recall repair being performed she had not experienced a failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that when she turned the key in the ignition, the engine failed to start the vehicle was previously repaired per an unknown ignition switch recall. It took over ten minutes for the vehicle to start. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,848. Updated 05/17/17 the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The consumer requested to have all the electrical components replaced. Updated 09/20/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled while slowing down to get off the ramp without warning. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard in order for the vehicle to stop. The contact coasted over to the side of the road and was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
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 2002 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 148 complaints about the electrical system of the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, 37% of the model year's 395 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › control module (21 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 81,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 2 fires and 2 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.