Pontiac / Grand AM / 1998

1998 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Owners have filed 236 complaints about the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 18.2% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 15.7%.

Complaints236

Crashes16

Fires5

Injuries15

Deaths2

What owners report breaking

Service brakes, hydraulic 18.2% · 43

Electrical system 15.7% · 37

Engine and engine cooling 9.7% · 23

Vehicle speed control 6.8% · 16

Power train 6.8% · 16

Visibility 6.4% · 15

Air bags 6.4% · 15

Suspension 6.4% · 15

Severity

Of those complaints, 16 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire, 15 report an injury and 2 report a death.

Reading the numbers

Across the 15 model years of the Pontiac Grand AM in this data, 1998 draws comparatively few complaints; 1999 is the outlier year.

Filings are rising — 9 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.

The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 80,000 miles.

In owners' own words

Breaks have failed 3 times in the last week alone. This problem has occurred several times however intermittently. We purchased this car 2 years ago and it has been in Pontiac service numerous times. They have put on new brakes, pads etc. Adjusted the brakes and still the problem is unresolved. Something must be done immediately this car is unsafe and will cause an injury or death! Service brakes, hydraulic · reported at 40,000 miles

While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. The driver was able to stop. The consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the brake pads and front rotor needed replace due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information. Service brakes, hydraulic

When braking vehicle didn't stop at the desired stopping point. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that antilock braking system malfunctioned and there was no remedy to solve the problem. Mechanic recommends disconnecting the antilock braking system because it was not safe to drive the vehicle in this condition. Service brakes, hydraulic

Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Safety recalls

Checking NHTSA for open recalls…

Other Pontiac Grand AM years

1995 587 complaints · 25.2% electrical system 1996 672 complaints · 21.4% electrical system 1997 600 complaints · 20.5% electrical system 1999 1,318 complaints · 19.0% service brakes, hydraulic 2000 939 complaints · 19.4% exterior lighting 2001 759 complaints · 32.0% electrical system

Compare all 15 model years →