Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driver hit gas instead of brake exiting from a parking lot and drove into the rear wheels of a flat bed tractor and trailer truck. Airbags did not deploy and driver's seat belt popped loose. Driver sustained a mild concussion. Passenger suffered chest pain and has since been diagnosed with torn cartilage and 2 cracks in sternum.
I witnessed a truck driver recording videos while operating a tractor trailor, swerving lanes and seemed to be driving faster than an average tractor trailor. Posted videos on social media. Same person also operates there personal vehicle the same way and participates in local street races. This person was released from a different trucking company due to the same actions and still continues to drive unsafely. According to the maryland commercial driving rules, speeding excessively, involving any speed of 15 MPH or more above the posted speed limit, driving recklessly, as defined by maryland law, including but, not limited to, offenses of driving a motor vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, making improper or erratic traffic lane changes are all disqualification for serious traffic violations. …
I have had taken my 2004 Grand AM se to the dealership (mike raisor Pontiac in lafayette, in.) atleast 6 times I know of. Every time it was for the same issue (air leak). A GM rep came out to the dealership to drive my car, and that rep stated that my car did have an air leak, but it was acceptable to him. GM would not take care of this problem. The dealership had replaced quater panel afterquarter panel, lowered the trunk deck, replaced windows and window appliques, fixed dents in the roof on each side of the sunroof and I think thats a little to much.I will never buy another GM product again as long as I AM driving. The dealership was full of nothing, but false promises. I have reported this problem several times and nothing gets done.
I have had to replace the windshield wiper transmission on my 2004 Pontiac Grand AM 3 times, if I go thru a car wash it breaks my wipers every time, my drives side wiper would not work at all, finally I had to get it checked out by a mechanic and he told me it would cost 500 plus to fix, thankfully I found a part at a junk yard for 50.00 and replaced it, about a month later I went thru a car wash and it broke again, I think that water pressure shouldn't break it! Also my security light keeps coming on, I have no idea why, it goes off after being on a few mins, also my dash is peeling very bad, which every Grand AM I have looked at is peeling, it blocks my dash and everything and its putting pressure on my front window! Thanks!
Dash began peeling back at the windshield shortly after new warranty expired. Now it so warped that it is cracking and breaking every vent cover, or it pops them out as you drive! (not fun late at night when you get hit by who knows what in the dark!) my latest concern ~ recently it has separated above the steering column, exposing the wiring (incl. Airbag) inside to dust, moisture, etc. Local dealer says this would have been covered under original warranty, but not under GM extended major guard. :-( they made me a 'deal' at cost to replace it for $700. GM corporate office declined to help, other than offer $1,000 towards cost of a new vehicle....which at the time was a promotion available to anyone!!
I recently purchased my car with the understanding from the dealership that they would fix an air leak in the passenger side rear window. After taking it to them on 4 deferent occasions, the problem was not fixed and I was told that it was a defect in this particular make and model of car and that there was nothing that could be done. I would not have purchased the car if I had known I would have to listen to an air leak. I contacted a representative from GM who verified that there is in fact a defect with this automobile leaking air, but was told that until "enough" people complain about the air leak, there will not be a recall on it.
In relation to odi case number: 10273941 yesterday, July 16, 2009 I also experienced the window molding popping off and was not sure the cause of it. Originally I thought someone was attempting to break into the car. Noticing no attempt to break in other than the molding popped off I determined it to be possibly related to the heat as yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far. The molding disassembled itself on the passenger side of the front windshield. It was easily placed back into location and have not experienced the issue again.
5 days after I purshased the 2004 Grand AM I was driving on the expressway and heard an air leak coming from driver's side door. I called the dealership, but was unable to set up an appointment to fix the leak since the vehicle would be in the shop for a couple of days. I was unable to get a rental car because of my age so I couldn't make an appointment at the dealership. The car was brand new at the time of purchase.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM gt. The contact stated that there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection where the contact was informed that the sub frame was cracked and decorated. The dealer stated there were no recalls for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 92,000.
Vehicle won't start. It doesn't happen every day, just when I'm in a hurry or late for appointment. Called dealership. Funny this is, they knew exactly what to do! Turn the key to the on position and wait 10 minutes. It always starts....for now! I don't understand why GM hasn't recalled this. Also, the dash is warped and putting pressure on windshield. I'll never own another GM vehicle.
Body complaints in other Grand AM years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the body & structure of the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM, 7% of the model year's 293 complaints. The component named most often is body (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Pontiac Grand AM body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM, though it has 2 recalls 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 2004 Pontiac Grand AM body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to body & structure 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.