Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
The vehicle is a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM se1 sedan with the Ecotec 2.2l engine. I was driving on the highway there was some snow and maybe a slight amount of ice in areas. And the car infront of me lost control. In order to avoid hitting it I had to make a sharp left hand turn. While making this left hand turn I had my power steering dissengage. My dashboard lights all then lit up and the engine and all the vehicles power went dead. I ended up going off the road and was airborne and came flying down into the metal highway divider. Causing severe damage to the front end of my car and minor damagein the rear. The airbags did not deploy and there were no serious injuries. This however has occured now 4 times in this vehicle since purchase. The dealership stated twice before the accident "can not duplicate owners concern" and sent me away with no work performed. …
My Pontiac's ignition key has fallen out of the ignition on at least three separate occasions while I'm driving/turning. In addition to the key falling out of the ignition, the steering wheel becomes hard to steer and I have to use the emergency brake to stop. The most recent incident took place one day after my car was serviced at a local GM dealer in relation to the 14350 unintended ignition key rotation post card I received in the mail. I did call the GM dealer to report that the car was producing the same high risk issues and that I could come up there and show them this same problem while their staff is also in the car. I was told " we fixed the recall problem you must have another issue that is not covered under this recall." I AM willing to record and upload video footage to youtube or a GM site that accepts videos so GM corporation can assess my issues remotely. Thanks in advance
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 while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn without warning. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle which flipped over and crashed into a ditch. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
I was making a left hand turn into a parking space and my power steering went out causing me to hit the car next to me. My car has been in the shop at least 4 times to try to get the problem fixed with the power steering and they say there is no problem. Yet the power steering has gone out 7 times 2 of those times causing an accident. The first accident was around 7,000$ the 2nd one was minor and estimates are being done now.
I was driving my mothers car when I went to slow down coming up on a hill going down felt like brakes went to the floor. Coming down the hill is when I noticed my ebrake didn't even work. My brake light, oil light, trac off light and my security light were on. Then couldn't control the car went in wrong lane and hit head on with another car.
While driving 40 MPH, the right knuckle separated causing the right wheel to break and turn onto its side while on the highway. The capability of steering was gone and there was no way to control the vehicle. As a result, the car turned over onto its top in a ditch. This accident totaled the vehicle.
Takata recall transmission - shifts hard, went out with out any warning lights. Was at a stop light when I tried to go, it wouldn't go past 10 MPH and went all the way up to 4th RPM. Power steering leaks bad.
2002 Grand AM gt had rack and pinion steering column replaced May 9, 2007. Nine days later, part failed. General motors said it was a manufacturer's defect in the parts. Rack and pinion system was replaced again on 5-24-07. Problem remains and have to take to another dealership for diagnosis. Other dealership preliminary diagnosis is same problem. Safety concern!!!. Steering becomes difficult. I have a 6-year old and drive on the highway often with her. This needs to be investigated for safety concerns.
Around 37,000 miles I noticed a little movement in the steering wheel. At 40,000 miles the steering rack was making a lot of noise when moved. I called my dealership and they could not get it in that week. When I did bring it in the power steering rack was gone. This is a 2002 car this should not happen. I also owned a Pontiac Grand AM 1999 and the same thing happened to this car around the same mileage. There is definitely a problem!!!
Steering complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, 6% of the model year's 395 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Pontiac Grand AM steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 1 recall 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 2002 Pontiac Grand AM steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to steering 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.