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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
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.
Korr's Automotive wants $55 to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You're welcome for [redacted] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power.
At 29,000 miles in 2006 the ignition would not turn. Car towed to authorized Pontiac dealer where I was told the ignition cylinder needed to be replaced. The cost for the ignition cylinder was $327.00 I was struck by a utility truck while stopped at a red light in 2013 and the airbag did not deploy. At approximately 58,000 miles the car won't start.again towed to a Pontiac dealer. Told I need a new ignition cylinder for a cost of $447.82. Prior to this incident, when the key was turned the security light and airbag light would stay illuminated longer than usual. There has been a clicking sound coming from dashboard and at times while driving on a shifted level road (example: end of a highway ramp , backing out of an uneven driveway) the car has turned off. There has also at times been difficulty turning the steering wheel. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM. While the vehicle was at a complete stop, the preceding vehicle reversed and crashed into the front of the contact's vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle needed a new fuel pump and ignition lock cylinder switch. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that a technician from the manufacturer came out to assess the vehicle, but the contact believed the procedure was not done correctly. The failure mileage was 58,494.
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.
Normally the anti theft system kicks on and the security light blinks and you have to put the key in the on position for ten min. And wait for the security system to reset. It was -7 degrees outside and I thought I waited exactly ten min. But maybe it was too early. If you don't wait ten min. Exactly then you have to restart the procedure all over again. I had my infant in the car, which made things worst. I got stranded at the grocery store right when they closed so me and my son had to wait 20 min. For the security light to reset. This is a known issue for all Grand ams ranging from 1998 to 2003 its called a passlock system malfunction. I don't know how many other ppl. Reported this issue but I just want to make sure I pitch in to get this issue known. I've been stranded in bad parts of chicago before and at the worst times. Hope this helps. …
On 01/19/2018 I purchased 03,Grand AM gt.the same day the car cut off in the middle of an intersection.it was towed to my home then back to where I purchased it I was advised that it needed coil pack , alternator,.these repairs where made by me out of pocket.on 03/09/18the car over heated and again had to be towed home then to a shop where I paid to have a water pump put on again out of pocket.after having these parts put on the car would not start.I was informed that it May be the fuel pump.I then paid out of pocket to have a fuel pump put on.it still would not start.on 03/20/18 I contacted GM and was advised that there was infact a recall about all of the issue's I AM having with this car.I was given an apt for 03/22/18 to be brought into the GM dealership.upon my arrival I was advised that these recalls had been preform ed on (11/1/02 (jcn 25863)and again on 12/3/14 (025777) .I was …
Tuesday, 24 apr 2007 1500 hours after workday ended, I-25 southbound at colorado mile marker 104 right lane, weather partly cloudy with partly wet roadway, the Pontiac Grand AM 2003 I was driving at 55 MPH started front drive shaking. The vehicle ran off the right side of the highway and rolled one and one-half times in the borrow ditch. Upside down restrained by the seat belt, I noticed the Pontiac's air bags had not deployed and the engine was not running. After unbuckling the seatbelt, I, with a scarred forehead, climbed through the drivers side broken out window and exited the vehicle. The colorado state patrol arrived, investigated , had the vehicle towed to the salvage yard, and sent me to the local hospital, an outpatient for the forehead scar. 3 July 2014 NHTSA recall 14V400 and GM recall n140350 unintended key rotation for my 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand AM.
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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 134 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM, 41% of the model year's 325 complaints. The component named most often is ignition › anti-theft › control module (16 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 4 fires and 10 injuries and 7 deaths 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.