Most common 2003 Pontiac Grand AM problems
Share of the 325 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 →
2003 Pontiac Grand AM recalls (2)
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.
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' in hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm May stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the…
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004.
What 2003 Pontiac Grand AM owners say
Electrical system all 134 →
Body, Brakes, and Electrical concern me. My family owned a 1999 same model vehicle, and the brakes failed us in an accident from its' left driver seal being punctured. Here is what's going on with the 2003 aside from the latter mentioned. Exhaust from manifold to catalytic converter followed by muffler rusted out by 175, miles and now broke apart. Frame and rocker panels are rusted out before 175, miles and broke apart by rear wheels on both sides. Electrical concerns caused me to quit my job on March 11, 2022 when the wipers quit working and nearly caused an accident by Chartiers Cemetery in a thunderstorm storm two days before. Front end vibration is felt in floor boards and steering wheel when brakes are applied at high speeds, usually between 45-75 as regulated by federal government. Disc brakes gradually replaced drum brakes from between 1960-1980. …
Ecotec Gen I was re-engineered to be smoother and more efficient than its predecessor. Featuring an dual in-block balance shafts, power-steering pump, water-pump housing, and removable oil filter housing. This engine replaced the Quad-4 and GM 122 in North America and first appeared. GM offers an official kit which can be converted into 2.2 supercharged versions using modified ECM software. Model L42 is an CNG version of the Ecotec 2.2, producing 129 hp and 129 ft lb. This LSJ was listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2006! Sealed transmissions elude fluid access to function like regular transmission systems without requiring fluid changes for maintenance. A sealed transmission has fill and inspection plugs, with the inspection plug removing excess fluid and the fill plug adding fluid. …
Lights all 65 →
Debra J. Westfall-neighbour-loves controversy, and won't back down from expressing her anger or bafflement exhibited from half-assed parenting. Funny how she hates us snowflakes for sharing her entitled, materialistic narcissism. Five porch monkeys were using electric scooters on our street when one of them vandalised our driver side taillight. Turnpike commissions can confirm that latter in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Debra Westfall hates people who aren't genuine, and believes keeping us out of the loop justifies her behaviour. This leads to her central conflict and that mutability keeps gives that household insomnia. Tammy Pagareski, Louise Dobbins and Mark Westfall might confirm her character, if you can schmooze them into it. After two years of scooters driving around the city, this pilot program has finally ended according to local media stations. …
Since February of 2015, I have had a constant battle with my turn signal on passenger side of my car hindering my ability to signal properly and renewing my state inspection each year. Have spend large amounts of money attempting to fix this only to realize this is widespread and very common issue with my type and year vehicle. GM is aware of this dealer safety malfunction but is only recalled certain VIN numbers as to fix as few as possible. Not having turn signals has nearly caused me to be involved in several accidents. Please help me and tell me what I can do. Now on my third year and attempt to fix this ongoing safety defect.
Engine & cooling all 41 →
Engine has lost power from 150hp @ 3K RPM and 200ft lb @ 4K RPM. It is now 50hp @ K RPM & 75ft lb @ 2K revolutions per minute. Gear Shift Button has seperated from globe. Radio needs to be replaced or reset daily. Rear window defroster has seperated from window, and won't retain position. Tire Pressure Monitoring System hasn't worked to no avail. Turn signals are showing discrepancies when activated from switch.
My ignition cylinder switch is making my car to stall and shut off while I AM driving and I had it replace on 4/8/15 and was driving and it not fix, my car has cut off on me while driver 3 time since I got it from the dealership I AM not driving it and what the dealership to send a tow to pick the car up. I AM not safe in the car and spent $377.00 for labor and the part for it not to function correctly. I had my key replaced on a recall and when I got that service my ignition locked and the key would not turn the car on.
2003 Pontiac Grand AM engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 21 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 3.4L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 18 / 27 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM a good car?
Based on 325 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2003 Grand AM rates better than average: 45% 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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM?
The electrical system — 134 complaints, 41% of all complaints for this model year, most often about ignition › anti-theft › control module. Next are the lights (65) and engine & cooling (41).
How many recalls does the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 35% 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.