1995 Pontiac Grand AM problems
Owners have filed 587 complaints about the 1995 Pontiac Grand AM with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 25.2% of them — the clear leader, ahead of service brakes, hydraulic at 16.5%.
Complaints587
Crashes78
Fires47
Injuries82
Deaths9
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 25.2% · 148
Service brakes, hydraulic 16.5% · 97
Engine and engine cooling 11.1% · 65
Air bags 8.0% · 47
Exterior lighting 6.0% · 35
Power train 5.8% · 34
Visibility 4.9% · 29
Structure 3.2% · 19
Severity
Of those complaints, 78 describe a crash, 47 describe a fire, 82 report an injury and 9 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 15 model years of the Pontiac Grand AM in this data, 1995 sits 6th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 16 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 101,000 miles.
In owners' own words
Vehicle was parked and consumer placed the key inside the ignition, and vehicle would not start. A burning smell was coming from the vehicle. Consumer lifted up the hood, and smoke was coming from the starter. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced due to failure. *Ak Electrical system · reported at 95,493 miles
Prior to recall notification (00v287000) consumer's vehicle caught fire in the switch of her vehcile while driving, consumer states she did not receive notification until five years later and after the damage had already been done, manufacturer investigated the incident and consumer was advised that they were unable to determine any manufacturing liability because the vehicle had already been repaired. Electrical system
Had tried to start vehicle, would not turn over, and there was no clicking noise. Left vehicle parked. Earlier had smelled plastic burning. Went and contacted dealership. Heard horn blowing. Checked and noticed windows were dark. Opened driver's door and smoke came billowing out of dashboard and steering column. Flames started to shoot out of column. Notified fire department who put flames out. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…