Most common 2002 Pontiac Trans AM problems
Share of the 32 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 2002 Pontiac Trans AM owners say
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owned a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM. While driving approximately 95 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail and drove down an embankment. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belts failed to retract. A police report was filed. There were two injuries reported that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. The VIN was not available.
I have a knock in my engine appearing to be coming from the number 1 piston and cylinder area. One dealer calls it piston slap, which I have read up on and it says that it goes away after it warms up, my knock can be heard at all times of engine operation. GM says there are teflon coated pistons available only for the corvette ls1 engine and not my Trans AM ls1 engine. I have dealt with one dealer in oak harbor wa that is both a Chevy and Pontiac service center. I refuse to use this dealer ever again because they try to pawn it off as piston slap and that it is normal to have. I have a high performance engine I should not have any knocks in it, especially since it is worsening and I AM able to feel the knock through the gear shift handle. …
Brakes
I have had two vehicles of different year models with the same issues. He first was a 1999 Pontiac Trans AM heavy brake shudder after only 20000 miles.the dealership stated the rotor was warped and "turned" it. The problem re ocurred after aprox 20K more miles but by then was out of warranty.I also had issues with the rear window defroster, the dealrship attempted to repair it 3 times with no success. I traded that vehicle in for a 2002 firebird firehawk. 22K miles and guess what, the brakes shudder. Took it to the same dealership, they said rotors are warped and turned them, even after I explained to the service rep. That I had previous issues and the repair didnt last. I also showed him the defroster issue but told him I would not allow them to touch it due to their failure at repairing it on the 1999, and that those attempts resulted in a damaged console. …
Tl*- the contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM with 30000 failure mileage and 59100 failure mileage at 50 MPH, she b lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who determined that she needed to have the rack and pinion steering tightened up. The rack and pinion had been tightened up on May/2005 and March 2007. Also, the vehicle jerked after pressing on the brake pedal. The current mileage was 60,088.
Lights
Car started having problems after being purchased two months brand new. Multiple electric problems, fuses constantly burning out and are replaced, all power options failed, crackling noise from under the dash, groaning/grinding noise from under engine compartment, wheel balance issues, left blinker constantly malfunctions, right headlamp always burning out, battery acid leaked all over after only have the car a few months, was getting 30+ miles to a gallon, now gets <8 miles to a gallon, interior door panel split, poor customer service, issued a complaint with GMC - they noted me as a dissatisfied customer, defog vent does not work in driver's side a-pillar. There is more, but I don't have my log and receipts with me.
2002 Trans AM jerks when brakes are applied. Mechanic determined the rotors were warped. The dealer stated the calipers are hard hitting which warps the rotors. It is a know problem and a defect. The window motor was replaced and the inside light above the handle was inoperative.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM a good car?
Based on 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2002 Trans AM rates avoid: 2.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Trans AM at the same age. It is one of the Trans AM years we suggest avoiding. 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 2002 Pontiac Trans AM?
The engine & cooling — 7 complaints, 22% of all complaints for this model year, most often about engine. Next are the brakes (5) and lights (5).
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 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.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Trans AM problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 25,000 miles; 78% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.