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 2005 Pontiac Grand AM owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle stalled and crashed into a curb. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries reported. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle was able to start after numerous attempts. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. Updated 02/26/16 the consumer stated the vehicle was difficult to start after being parked for extended periods of time. The consumer stated the failures began to occur after having a safety recall repair completed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact coasted to the side of the road and noticed that the key moved from the on position to the off position. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle shut off and caused the power steering and the power brakes to fail. As a result, the contact crashed into the guardrail and the air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving various speeds, the key fell out of the ignition and the vehicle lost power without warning. A year prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired twice per NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000(electrical system); however, the failure recurred on numerous occasions. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of failure. The failure mileage was 167,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. The contact stated that the vehicle would not start and the instrument panel failed to function. The contact mentioned that the failure was recurring. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
During starting or regular driving, the security light will come on. Soon after, the car May shut down or will not start at the next ignition cycle. This is due to a widely-known failed passlock or vats system. It is not due to user error, and is potentially dangerous if not fatal at the wrong time.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand AM. Without warning, the turn signal and hazard lights failed to work. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no permanent remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
I just read the very first complaint on my car while ago..... Every single thing thats happened to her, has happened to me. I've always been told to never buy a grandam....but I couldnt really afford anything else. I needed something reliable. To make a long story short, I bought my car in September of last year. I have had little small problems, but nothing big til about 5 months after I purchased it. I kept hearing grinding noises coming from my front anxels....no one can seem to figure out that problem, so its still occuring. My drivers side window sticks and goes up and down when it wants to.... The lock pad on my drivers side, fell out and even with it, screwed down to the door panel, still wont work right. The car rides really really rough. Had everything from suspension to axles checked out, nothing seems to be wrong....but I know theres something messed up badly .... Somewhere. …
Went to the doctor's office one day and the my car would not start when I was leaving. Had someone pick me up. Took me back to my car a few hours later and it started. Seems to be a passlock issue. A couple of weeks later I was stranded again away from home with the same issue. Again waited a few hours and car started. Now the cars starter is going out and it needs complete brake repair. It only has 52K miles on it. Today stranded at work with yet again the same problem. Had someone else come pick me up and drop me off a half hour away. Will have to go pick it up tomorrow. Tried e-mailing Pontiac and calling the number in the back of my owners manual only to be told that is only for people who are still under warranty. I have also tried to find more information about what seems to be a very common issue with this type of vehicle. …
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 2005 Pontiac Grand AM?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM, 39% of the model year's 102 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 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 2005 Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 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.