Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 40 | 39% | 90,000 miles |
| 2004 | 140 | 48% | 92,000 miles |
| 2003 | 134 | 41% | 75,000 miles |
| 2002 | 148 | 37% | 81,000 miles |
| 2001 | 232 | 43% | 85,000 miles |
| 2000 | 130 | 19% | 85,000 miles |
| 1999 | 132 | 16% | 80,000 miles |
| 1998 | 33 | 19% | 75,000 miles |
| 1997 | 105 | 27% | 110,000 miles |
| 1996 | 122 | 27% | 107,000 miles |
| 1995 | 120 | 29% | 126,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
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.
Driving my 2004 Pontiac Grand AM home form grocery shopping and tried to get into left hand turn only lane, but car wouldn`t slow down and I didn`t want to rear end the person ahead as there was a lot of traffic that day so I veered to the right to get into a parking lot to pull my emergency brakes, but was broad sided. I have over $2,300.00 worth of damage to my car and my mechanic said it is the ignition switch on the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM, and there should have been a full replacement of that when the recall was done regarding the ignition. All that was done for me was a plastic insert was adhered to my ignition key. GM needs to recall these cars and replace the ignition switches. They also owe me a lot in repairs done to my car.
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Pontiac Grand AM. While the contact's daughter was driving and attempting to turn, the power steering failed without warning. The vehicle became difficult to steer and caused the driver to crash into a snowplow. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. A police report was filed. The air bags did not deploy and the front end of the vehicle was severely damaged. The driver did not receive any injuries. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system) after the failure occured. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the rear wheels seized. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle and the rear driver side crashed into a curb, deflating the tire. The air bags failed to deploy. The ABS and the check engine warning lights illuminated. The contact did not sustain any injures that required medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). The failure mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Grand AM. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine and security warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road, but failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact attempted to drive the vehicle, but it would not start. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the security electrical system wiring failed and needed to be repaired. The contact called autonation Chevrolet at [phone] (located at 3707 w colonial dr, orlando, fl 32808) and was informed to bring the vehicle in for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 170,377.
Related recalls (5)
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 system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the…
Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
Electrical system › Starter assembly
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps).
Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.
NHTSA investigations
Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Grand AM years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2001 (232), 2002 (148), 2004 (140), 2003 (134) and 1999 (132) model years. Electrical complaints make up 43% of all complaints for the 2001.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems?
Yes — 5 recalls, including 14V-400 (ignition, Jul 3, 2014); 04V-036 (switch, Jan 27, 2004); 02V-070 (switch, Mar 6, 2002). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Grand AM electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles; 21% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the ignition › switch (182 mentions), followed by the ignition › anti-theft › control module (126).
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.