Most common 1998 Pontiac Trans AM problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Pontiac Trans AM complaints by model year
Best Trans AM years: 1995. Years to avoid: 2002. Compare all years →
What 1998 Pontiac Trans AM owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
I don't feel safe driving this car. They refused to give me a new car in the beginning when they had to weld the pillar post to the frame. My car has overheated many times until they found the broke radiator. The transmission has gone out and was just fixed and the car now has a firewall rattle. The brakes rotors were warped. They would not stand behind them. It would be my cost to reapir them. They are still warped. This car had to have a new windshield put in also. 4 radio, two rear speakers, belt tension pulley,oil level sensor, u joints,alternator, radiator cap,lumbar support repaired 5 times. This car has other problems also. It is in the shop more than I have it. I AM disabled and bought the car to have a nice looking dependable car. I bought a junk that had a sticker price of 28-29,000. Thank you for you help. Chris gallagher [phone]
Ticking noise from engine, differntial leaking gear oil, ses light comes on for no reason, rotors warped, driveshaft pops when slowing down or changing gears.
Brakes
I don't feel safe driving this car. They refused to give me a new car in the beginning when they had to weld the pillar post to the frame. My car has overheated many times until they found the broke radiator. The transmission has gone out and was just fixed and the car now has a firewall rattle. The brakes rotors were warped. They would not stand behind them. It would be my cost to reapir them. They are still warped. This car had to have a new windshield put in also. 4 radio, two rear speakers, belt tension pulley,oil level sensor, u joints,alternator, radiator cap,lumbar support repaired 5 times. This car has other problems also. It is in the shop more than I have it. I AM disabled and bought the car to have a nice looking dependable car. I bought a junk that had a sticker price of 28-29,000. Thank you for you help. Chris gallagher [phone]
Ticking noise from engine, differntial leaking gear oil, ses light comes on for no reason, rotors warped, driveshaft pops when slowing down or changing gears.
Engine & cooling
I don't feel safe driving this car. They refused to give me a new car in the beginning when they had to weld the pillar post to the frame. My car has overheated many times until they found the broke radiator. The transmission has gone out and was just fixed and the car now has a firewall rattle. The brakes rotors were warped. They would not stand behind them. It would be my cost to reapir them. They are still warped. This car had to have a new windshield put in also. 4 radio, two rear speakers, belt tension pulley,oil level sensor, u joints,alternator, radiator cap,lumbar support repaired 5 times. This car has other problems also. It is in the shop more than I have it. I AM disabled and bought the car to have a nice looking dependable car. I bought a junk that had a sticker price of 28-29,000. Thank you for you help. Chris gallagher [phone]
Consumer started smelling gas form the outside of car. Consumer mentioned to dealer when it was taken in for warranty work, dealer did not check it at that time. Consumer inspected vehicle and found return vapor line had popped completely off. Consumer snapped it back together and so far is not having any problem. Once it was taken back to show dealer where problem was, service technician stated it must be okay now.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Pontiac Trans AM a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 1998 Trans AM rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Trans AM at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 1998 Pontiac Trans AM?
The transmission & drivetrain — 4 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about driveline › differential unit. Next are the brakes (3) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Trans AM have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1998 Pontiac Trans AM. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Pontiac Trans AM?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 1995. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2002. See the full Pontiac Trans AM years comparison.
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.