Acceleration complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
When I took my foot off the accelerator pedal, the pedal stuck and did not return back up. Instead it stayed down as though it was still being depressed causing the engine to rev. I had to physically grab the accelerator pedal and pull it towards me to try and return it back to its normal position. This happened on several occasions and I had to have the entire accelerator assembly replaced, I called GM only to be told that the recall on this known problem was for the 03 Grand AM models, not the 05 models. I wonder how many people have to die before GM decides they are better off financially to recall the 05 models?
Pontiac Grand AM 2005, I bought this car in June 2006. Since June I have had nothing but problems. I had to have the window lock panel on the drivers side reattached, because it fell out. The engine stalls and won't start half the time. Driver side window will not roll down. Rear passenger side window leaks air constantly, and water when it rains. Brakes don't always stop and make a grinding noise. Also sometime accelerates when hitting brake. Engine makes a squeaking noise when driving it. Cruise control only works every now and then, and I have already had to change the tires. This car only has under 36,000 miles on it and all the problems are occurring. I gave almost $18,000 for this car (which was way to much anyways, but they reassured me that it was a good car, and I would have no problems out of it) and AM paying $340.00 a month. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle began to accelerate on its own. The contact exited the interstate and attempted to brake as the transmission made an abnormally loud sound. The contact pulled into a fuel station, raised the hood, and observed smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle was unable to be driven. The contact waited a while and then drove home with the brake pedal down to the floorboard. The contact's husband was a mechanic and diagnosed the vehicle, but no failure code was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably without warning. The brake was depressed, but had no effect. The speedometer reached 35 MPH before the contact engaged the clutch to slow the vehicle. Consequently, the vehicle was involved in a very minor collision with a second vehicle. Once the vehicle was stopped, the engine continued to rev until the tachometer needle was redlined. The vehicle also had the same problem on six other occasions. Previously, the vehicle was taken to a service dealer where the idle air control valve computer module was replaced. The problems persisted.
**this is not a standard 2003 Pontiac, single owner current mileage of 70,000** upon vehicle reaching operating temperature it exhibits the symptoms of recall #04092 124/ accelerator pedal arm.failure results in loss of RPM and speed control.this item was addressed on 1-11-2004 by approved dealer. Car last failure occurrence was on 1/12/2020. This vehicle was also included in recall#14350 ignition switch. When failure occurs loss of power,speed,air bags,ect.. Initial recall repair was on 3-07-2014. At that time a new key was cut to resolve issue. Failure has reoccured, last time being 12-23-19 while driving mid day no excessive temp or driving conditions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the contact attempted to decelerate by releasing the accelerator pedal; however, the pedal failed to retract. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed several times in order to stop the vehicle. The contact also stated that this was the second occurrence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (gettel Chevrolet Buick GMC, 1901 tamiami trail, punta gorda, fl 33950), but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and case number: 8-446-6959426 was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 55,345.
While driving at 5 MPH the vehicle experienced sudden acceleration and crashed into a tree. As a result there was damage to the front of the vehicle. The dealer was notified. The incident occurred as the consumer pulled out of the parking space. The inspection revealed no failure on any parts to cause rapid acceleration. The cruise control was possibly activated due to the location which was very close to the steering wheel.
A surprise storm hit on I-4 westbound in orlando, fl. I was driving at about 45 miles per hour. The roads got wet very quickly and traffic backed up fast. As I hit the brakes with force to avoid hitting the vehicle in front of me, the ABS light came on as did the traction control light and the service vehicle soon light, the car seemed to have a power drainage/loss for a split second. At this moment, with how hard I hit the brakes, the car slid, the ABS system did not engage and I had to release the brakes in order to get some traction and without warning swerve into the driving lane to the immediate right of the lane I was in so not to hit the vehicle directly in front of me. I was able to avoid an accident but that still does not fix nor does is change the fact that something went wrong and a vital piece of equipment seized to function. …
Related recalls (1)
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.
NHTSA investigations
Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Grand AM years have acceleration problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1997 (36), 2003 (35), 1999 (23), 2004 (18) and 1998 (16) model years. Acceleration complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 1997.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Grand AM acceleration problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 04V-528 (accelerator pedal, Nov 1, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Grand AM acceleration problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles; 47% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the accelerator pedal (25 mentions), followed by the cruise control (12).
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.