NHTSA — Unknown Or Other Problems

1999 Pontiac Grand Am (Page 1 of 2)

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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
24,810 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1999 Pontiac Grand Am miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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1999 Pontiac Grand Am Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #33

May 272016

Grand Am

  • 149,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Windshield and rear window were broke and both have broke into shards. Windshield was approximently 3" in diameter and half inch wide and rear window was approximently 5" and quarter in wide.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #32

May 212016

Grand Am

  • miles
To start with I read the complaints and was wondering how many complaints does it take for something to be recalled. The driver side window falls, passenger side window has scratches on it from I am guessing the regulator, the dash is separated from the windshield, the struts, and springs have been replaced, ABS light stays on, the suspension feels like the car is falling apart through every bump in the road, the headlights are fogged up and point down. Side mirror has been replaced and we visited several auto yards to try to find a dash and side mirror and wouldn't you know it all the models of the Grand Am was missing the passenger side mirror where it had broke off and all of them the dash was separated from the windshield. I am not sure as to what will happen if the dash comes completely off but I don't want to be in the car when it does happen. And I don't want to drive a car that has this many issues and no one is resolving the problems. Now the cv boot has to be replaced. I am so frustrated right now seeing the amount of complaints and only six recalls that is a problem. I am sorry take responsibility for the product you put out. I guess it will take someone getting hurt or killed to resolve the problems and I hope ya'll can sleep good at night knowing all these problems have existed for this long and nothing is being done. Tired of putting money into something that is going to continue with the same issues.

- Reidsville, NC, USA

problem #31

Mar 152016

Grand Am

  • 149,000 miles
Ignition frozen, unable to move vehicle without tow. No shift realease, and unsafe in the event of engine stall on open roadways. Vehicle is dead once you shift into park to restart.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #30

Oct 102014

Grand Am

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Ignition has shut down numerous times also activating GM passlock system, vehicle has been towed numerous times, raw fuel has disintegrated muffler and catalytic converter, notified GM numerous times about this, stonewalled, given local number to call, they had no knowledge of it, car not safe to drive, parked it, incurred insurance/taxes etc to keep car in driveway, mostly inoperable now waiting on GM to address, they refuse to even acknowledge phone calls/E-mails nor will they try and reach an Accord in regards to a car unsafe to drive. I am disabled and relied on this car to go to doctor offices, being left stranded numerous times and waiting to be towed by aaa was difficult enough yet when I asked about being at least disabled, they wanted to then charge a "diagnosis" fee on top of being treated like dirt. I sent them a "lien" ( I know it holds the weight of air!) to try and work this out...and have heard nothing. The car is now a brick in the driveway. I have the repair bill, totaling $700 dollars and the tax bill and insurance cost for having a vehicle unsafe to drive. I have the bills and no resolution for an issue I did not cause, GM hid this and then did nothing to make it right. Can you help or at least investigate the ignition and passlock problems?

- Portsmouth, VA, USA

problem #29

Jun 232011

Grand Am

  • miles
1999 Pontiac Grand Am. Unit #1 was traveling westbound on the Ohio turnpike. Unit #1 lost control and went off the right side of the road way striking a ditch. Unit #1 rolled over, coming to final rest on its roof. (Ohio traffic crashreport#10-0455-91 )

- Nemacolin, PA, USA

problem #28

Jun 172009

Grand Am

  • 91,541 miles
Security feature comes on and you cant start your car for up to 10 to 15 minutes it is the ignition lock cylinder the contacts corrode and makes the security feature come on after 90,000 miles.

- Austintown, OH, USA

problem #27

Jun 052006

Grand Am

  • 19,280 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

5 speed fan motor relay switch failed after only 22,000 miles on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE sedan. Four speeds will not work at all. 5th speed works, but is the highest speed. Lower speeds are needed for adequate ventilation of interior. Was told by dealership that replacement/repair of relay would cost $200 for labor and parts. I have read online of similar failure of this part from reading hundreds of complaints from other owners with the exact same occurrence happening to them. I was told that the 5th speed of this relay was "the only one hot wired", and that the others were not, so that the fan will fail eventually, no matter if it is turned on or not. I have never owned a car that the fan switch quit working, ever. I think this constitutes a safety hazard and should be covered by GM as a safety defect.

- Livonia, MI, USA

problem #26

Feb 012008

Grand Am

  • miles
Ignition shorting out causing problems with other electric parts not working or working when shouldn't be when call to order switch told by rep that its probably the cylinder not switch due to many complaints it not working and causing things to short out.

- Erie, PA, USA

problem #25

Jun 042008

Grand Am

  • miles
I bought a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am in September 2000. I have been fighting with the pass lock system ever since. Sometimes the car starts and sometimes it doesn't start, leaving me stranded. I have taken it in many times and the security light still comes on. In the last 8 years I have taken it to the dealer (who scatches there head) and charges me for things the car doesn't need. I have taken it to independent car repair shops who also charge me for things that does not fix the car. I work 4 miles from my house and still have not even put 30,000 miles on my car in the last 8 years. I should not be having any car trouble. If you google Pontiac Grand Am pass lock system you will find it is a major problem and Pontiac will not do anything to resolve this problem. I can not give a incident date because it has been happening for the last 8 years but since the light has been on for the last month, I will give todays date. I just want it fixed and nobody knows how to fix it, including the Pontiac dealership. What does that tell you?

- Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA

problem #24

Jul 132007

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have owned my 1999 Pontiac Grand Am for over 3 yrs and I am going on my third BCM body control module I find it very unfair that this runs me $450 every time it happens I understand that I bought a used car and it is my property and I have to maintain it but if this is a common problem with the Grand Am I think some action should be taken.. at least a solution to prevent this part from breaking..

- Miles City , MT, USA

problem #23

Dec 262000

Grand Am

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

1999 Grand Am track light illuminated, C-3 light illuminated, water leaked on the passenger rear floor board, there was a clunking noise when turning. The dealer reflased the PCM at 3560 miles. The track light illuminated again at 3790 miles. This time the dealer. The blower motor smell bad and only worked on high speed. It was later determined that the blower motor shorted out and it was replaced. The vehicle had 8626 miles. The compartment over the rear view mirror would not remain latched.

- Warren, OH, USA

problem #22

Apr 102005

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
My car will stall when driving down road then when I put the break on and stop to start it again it will rev up it will go 40miles an hour I have never let it go faster I break some times shut it off. This has been going on sence new in 1999 I have taken it in and they can't find what is wrong.then some thing new started and the lights will go out as I am driving just for 2-3 seconds ans the lights in side will also go out.my radio light to see time just stays out now since that happened.this just happend about a month ago with for the last time where it surged then reved up and the lights thing. And also the light covers are really bad like foggy not bright anymore.

- Shasta, CA, USA

problem #21

Nov 151999

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,500 miles
My major complaint is the black glossy paint that is peeling from the side door/rear quarter window pilars. The dealer said that this is not covered under warranty, and I have had several quotes to have it fixed which are in the range of $250 to $500. The side mirror fell off in a car wash two months after the purchase of this vehicle, however the dealer did fix it once at no charge. The radio display does not work right away, and usually has to warm up before I am able to read the digital display. I have also had problems with a sensor, which caused the vehicle not start, and the dealer paid for that service as well. The check engine light has been on almost since the first day I purchased this vehicle, and I have had several diagnostic tests completed at my costs, however the light will go off for a while, and then come back on.

- East Point, GA, USA

problem #20

Jul 152003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
The heater control won't work at speed 1 and 2. the paint on the window frame is falling away. The rear struts failed. The transmission completely stopped working at all with no prior warning. The car doesn't heat up fully when it gets under 20 degress temperature. The rotors warp too quickly.

- Mansfield, MA, USA

problem #19

Jun 152003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 81,000 miles
In August of 2001 when I purchased this car I felt a rattle on my brakes which is still there. My power windows are scratched from rolling up and down. Paint around the spoiler and bumper and on the roof is chiped off. I had to replace the generator in 2002. I had to have the intake manifold seals replaced in 2002. (3.4L V6) I had to have the waterpump replaced in spring of 2003. Now the head gaskets are broken the intake manifold seals again are broken. My transmission is no longer working. In other words I can not drive my car anymore; it is sitting my garage. The cost amounts to more than the car is worth in dollars and I still owe $9.500 on this car.

- Tacoma, WA, USA

problem #18

Aug 152003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,000 miles
I bought the car, used, in Feb. 2002. Since that time the clearcoat has began chipping off, leaving the paint exposed to the elements, specifically around the doors. In July the driver's side window regulator broke. On Sept. 5th the passenger side window regulator broke. In August the driver's side mirror was caught against my plastic mailbox and snapped in half. I am aware that I am responsible for that mirror, however I tell you this because I feel the mirror should have withstood the plastic mailbox door, which is still intact. Along with that, the passenger side mirrot broke off simply by being brushed as my husband walked by the car. All of these issues seem to be a concern to many Grand Am owners. I have researched and found many other similar complaints. Pontiac refuses to cover any of the costs because I bought the car used, have not taken it to a GM dealer for service (with the exception of oil change it has not needed service), because I did not buy an extended warranty package, and because the mileage is more than they feel responsible for. The car is barely 5 years old. These things should not be falling apart this soon in a car's life, regardless of first or second ownership.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #17

Feb 152002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 47,000 miles
I own a 1999 Grand Am GT, I have it 2 yrs.right after purchase we told the dealer the sun roof leaked.we were told leaks are not covered by warranty.this leaks down over the electrical system and differeny relay's have failed three times.if there is a fire its our problem, because its a "leak".we told them about it first, they said they could not find a leak, then after the original bumper to bumper warranty ran out, it became our problem because no documentation was done. Our front drivers seat is separating from the frame.we've never had this happen with any vehicle, the car we traded was 12 years old and the seat was in better shape.my wife is a 140 pound woman, its not that she is "squashing" the seat.we've contacted our dealer, they accept no responsibility.when it rains we try to catch it & cover the sunroof.property damage is only to the car electrical & carpet. Thank you richard wendt.

- Coal Township, PA, USA

problem #16

Jun 242003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 11,000 miles
1999 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4 L auto severe brake failure---replacement of pads 8 times, rotors 3 times and calipers 2 times in 80,000 miles. Brakes occasionally lock up and make loud grinding and squealing noises steering shudders and vehicle pulls to left.. participating Pontiac dealer failed to fix this problem since purchase at 11,000 miles. Under warranty replacement it has had 6 door panels due to peeling leather on top of panel, 5 gear shifters due to dealers improper installation, 2 factory cd/radio failures, 1 rack and pinion unit, 2 front strut assemblies due to knocking noise from front of car (went bad after 10,000 miles use), problem with hesitation at idle-cold start(unsuccessfully diagnosed by dealer) carpet loose in trunk around latch assembly(too short for trunk and was hot glued to back wall of car by dealer instead of replacement). Turn signals still occasionally fail to work(dealer said they worked just fine) battery connection in factory battery broke loose spilling corrosive battery acid all over around battery tray area. All four wheel covers have been replaced because of "pie pan" noise when you hit a bump (new ones did not fix problem). After warranty was up Pontiac' care hotline or the dealer could "care " less that after dozens of trips for repairs the dealer still didn't fix the car while it was still under warranty. Since then, besides the unrepaired items on my car, the alternator went bad at 60,000 miles ($120), glass in interior rear view mirror broke while adjusting, both outside rear view mirrors have broke off in two different automatic car washes (held into door by a stud mounted into 1/4 inch of plastic in the mirror). And the ignition switch failed at 75,000 miles($300). Fog lights and backup lights have water condensation in them shorting out bulbs. Surprisingly, this car is "babied",but by in my description you sure couldn't tell it.

- Foster, KY, USA

problem #15

Jan 262002

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,120 miles
Rear window shattered into pieces (imploded) while driving. Glass covering the inside of vehicle. Police officer reports 2 other incidents this past week, glass repair facility reports 3 other incidents with same S/N of glass involved. Could have caused serious injury or death if baby or other occupants riding as rear passengers in vehicle. Possible causes could have contributed to expose defect : 1)cold temperature outside (0-20) 2) defroster on inside of vehicle 3) design or manufacturing process of glass. I have contacted the insurance company, Pontiac (1-800-pmcares. ), local news, dealer and glass repair facility. I will be starting a recall campaign as this defect may contribute to serious injury and or death due to glass fragments and a load explosion when the incident ocurs possibly causing distracted operator of vehicle to panic while driving. Nags#( national auto glass serial number ) db9442gtn

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #14

Mar 072000

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
I have had to have the following repaired: The fan replaced 2 times, the brakes repaired 4 times, the radio replaced once, the water pump replaced once and the battery replaced twice. I am also having problems with the transmission it has been slipping. The intake gasket needs to replaced because antifreeze is leaking out and one of the lifters is knocking. Most of these problems started at about 30,000 miles and gradually there was just one problem after another. I took it in to the dealership for the tranmission at about 32,000 miles and since the dealership couldn't get it to slip they wouldn't do anything about it. The brakes started having problems at 40,000 miles. I called GM to complain about the car and GM told me there was nothing they could do because it was out of warranty. If it was still under warranty they would replaced the rotors because the rotors were to thin when the car was manufactured. I wonder why no recall was sent out on this. The brakes are an important part of a car. The battery, radio and fan were replaced at about 30,000 also. Then the fan was replaced again at about 70,000. The intake started giving me problems that about 90,000. The second battery was installed at about 95,000. The lifter started having problems at about 110,000. The transmission has slipped ever since I got the car.

- Nephi, UT, USA

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