Pontiac Trans AM Problems by Year

We compared every Pontiac Trans AM model year from 1995–2002 using 97 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 0 recalls and federal defect investigations. The years to avoid are 2002, which drew far more complaints than other Trans AM years at the same age. The best years are 1995.

7model years
97complaints
0recalls
2002worst years
1995best years

Complaints by model year

19951997199819992000200120025121116111032
Owner complaints per model year, Pontiac Trans AM. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).
YearComplaintsvs. typical*RecallsTop problemVerdict
2002322.5×—EngineAvoid
200110typical—BrakeAverage
200011typical—EngineAverage
1999161.3×—BodyAverage
199811typical—TransmissionAverage
199712typical—ElectricalAverage
19955−78%—SteeringGood

* Complaints compared with the median Trans AM year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.

Most common Pontiac Trans AM problems

  • Engine & coolingworst: 2002
    1819%
  • Body & structureworst: 1999
    1616%
  • Brakesworst: 2002
    1515%
  • Transmission & drivetrainworst: 1998
    1212%
  • Electrical systemworst: 1997
    1010%
  • Lightsworst: 2002
    99%
  • Steeringworst: 1995
    88%
  • Suspensionworst: 1999
    66%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroofworst: 2002
    66%
  • Fuel & propulsion systemworst: 2000
    55%
  • Other / not specified
    55%
  • Seat beltsworst: 2002
    44%
  • Wheels & tiresworst: 2002
    33%
  • Air bagsworst: 1997
    33%
  • Speed control & accelerationworst: 1998
    33%
  • Seatsworst: 1999
    11%
  • Locks & latchesworst: 2001
    11%
  • Equipment & accessoriesworst: 2002
    11%

Frequently asked questions

What years of the Pontiac Trans AM should you avoid?

2002 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Trans AM years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2002.

What is the best year for the Pontiac Trans AM?

1995 has the fewest complaints compared with other Trans AM years at the same age. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.

What are the most common Pontiac Trans AM problems?

Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (18), body & structure (16) and brakes (15). Engine complaints peak in the 2002 model year.

How many recalls has the Pontiac Trans AM had?

0 recalls across 1995–2002.

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.