1996 Pontiac Grand AM problems
Owners have filed 672 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM with NHTSA. Electrical system accounts for 21.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of air bags at 16.1%.
Complaints672
Crashes45
Fires18
Injuries83
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Electrical system 21.4% · 144
Air bags 16.1% · 108
Engine and engine cooling 12.2% · 82
Service brakes, hydraulic 10.0% · 67
Visibility 6.1% · 41
Power train 5.1% · 34
Suspension 4.8% · 32
Structure 3.9% · 26
Severity
Of those complaints, 45 describe a crash, 18 describe a fire and 83 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 15 model years of the Pontiac Grand AM in this data, 1996 sits 4th by complaint volume. 1999 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 6 in the last three years against 12 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 103,494 miles.
In owners' own words
In this vehicle, by 80,000 miles, all 4 power window motors had sequentially overheated and failed with ordinary use. They have all had to undergo replacement. In addition, the alternator has twice become clogged with debris (leaves, etc). Through ordinary use, overheated and failed. Both the original alternator and a manufacturer-branded replacement have failed in this fashion, and have required replacement. Electrical system
This is the third replacement of the ignition lock cylinder within two years 1998-2000. It seems to need replaced every 9-12 months. I feel this is an obvious problem and should be corrected. The seat anchor has been reported each time I take the car to the dealership. The last time I was told to recline the seat to prevent the problem. I do not feel this is an acceptable answer to the problem. Electrical system
Alternator and abs problems: alternator has been replaced four times in the last seven months, and will need replacing again. When applying the brakes, under normal braking conditions, pedal goes to the floorbroad and the vehicle travels additional distances before stopping. Dealer is not able to determine what is causing this problem. Please provide any further information. Electrical system
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Pontiac Grand AM years
1993 290 complaints · 21.7% engine and engine cooling 1994 515 complaints · 16.1% electrical system 1995 587 complaints · 25.2% electrical system 1997 600 complaints · 20.5% electrical system 1998 236 complaints · 18.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1999 1,318 complaints · 19.0% service brakes, hydraulic