NHTSA — Electrical System: Alternator/Generator/Regulator Problems

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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,568 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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1999 Pontiac Grand Am Owner Comments

problem #19

Aug 312002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Where to start, .bought 1999 Grand Am GT in August of 2002 and ithas been downhill ever since. Replaced the alternator twice, have experienced the same intake manifold gasket problem, which was replaced, but still led to the demise of my engine, causing camshaft to snap in half. Thought the trouble was over with the rebuilt engine that was put in, but that was not the case. The window regulator broke in the middle of a snowstorm, causing me to drive with no driverside window. With the new regulator I assumed that the window would stop squeaking, which did not. I assumed the scratches on windows were just from me-sand or some other abrasive material in the window tracks--after reviewing other complaints I discovered I was not the only one with this problem. Have experienced various issues with the no trac/ABS lights, replaced the waterpump, done brakes 4 times in 4 years, front headlights are milky and make it hard to see at night. Have replaced the starter 4 times in just the past 2 years. Needless to say after reading all complaints I feel much better knowing that it is not just me, or my car, but all Pontiac. Bought the car for $10000, have put over $5000 worth of work into it. Will never buy another Pontiac.

- Abington, MA, USA

problem #18

Jun 142005

Grand Am 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The problem began on 6/14/05 when all lights came on and all guages went to zero, the power door locks and windows failed as well. The vehicle had no brakes, it coasted to a stop, and shut down, owner was locked in vehicle. The alternator and belt were replaced, owner got in back seat because air bag light came on. Tow truck driver tried to restart the vehicle but it had a completely dead battery. Owner was able to get out finally when they were trying to restart the battery. She grabbed the handle and was able to get out. Vehicle was towed to an impound lot, and the alternator was changed at tow place by a mechanic. It was 90 + degrees outside and no fresh air was coming in the vehicle.

- Queenstown, MD, USA

problem #17

Jan 252005

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
My car has been leaking antifreeze which can be smelled in the car. No one has been able to determine as of yet where it is coming from. However, shortly after it had been noticed that my car was leaking antifreeze, my alternator went out. When it was pulled out from the engine, it was assumed that it had been on fire. It is felt that the alternator looks like it had been electrocuted. All of the rubber that covers the wires had been completely burned away. Considering that I drive my infant son around in this vehicle, not to mention myself this can not possibly be safe if the vehicle is catching on fire. The car has approximately 68000 miles on it. It also has all types of problems with the locks and the ignition. This is the worst car that I have ever owned in my life, not to mention the most dangerous. I am just waiting for it to burst into flames while I am driving down the street!!!! not to mention, my vehicle has all of the front suspension problems that others have reported. Especially the pulling to various sides without warning and the shaking that happens around 55 to 60 mph. This is just not a safe vehicle at all.

- Waterford, MI, USA

problem #16

Dec 062003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Coolant system- intake manifolds. Dealer advised the intake manifold is leaking. Vehicle has 90K miles (highway). Dealer advised the coolant will mix with the engine oil causing a catastrophic failure. See many other complaint regarding the same replacement on 3.4 liter engines. Previously have replaced both R/L hub bearings, alternator, starter, drivebelt, power steering pump and return line, and radio.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #15

Aug 222003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles
Purchased preowned vehicle from dorsch Ford. Within 6 months, wiring on undercarriage, and alternator have gone out. Neither of which was covered under warranty.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #14

Aug 152003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,800 miles
Complete loss of power while driving - replaced battery/alternator- problem is in wiring"?" fyi.....3rd alternator put in car since purchased.

- Douglasville, GA, USA

problem #13

Jun 182003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

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

The engine, engine cooling system and alternator failed.

- Bonner Springs, KS, USA

problem #12

Jul 012003

Grand Am

  • miles
Have replaced the entire intake manifold on this car three times. 1999 Grand Am, purchased new, has less than 60,000 miles on it. In addition, have replaced power steering twice and brakes numerous times. Replaced alternator, serpentine belt, battery, starter on ignition, molding due to leaks, wiring on dash, air conditioning resistors/circuits, and headlights/taillights.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

problem #11

Jun 202003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles
During the last 6 months my wife and I have put approximately $650 into a 1999 Grand Am. This was replacing the water pump, alternator and the *intake gaskets not been 30 days. On June 20 the engine fails. This was a $220 towing bill. Several people and mechanics are questioned no one has the answer. But I do believe "GM" can provide the answer to all of our questions. We will never own another GM product.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #10

Jun 202003

Grand Am

  • 89,000 miles
While driving the coolant light began to flash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. Two days later the alternator failed.

- Bonner Springs, KS, USA

problem #9

Apr 052003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

Lower intake was just fixed 01/01/2002. Lower intake has to be replaced again 05/05/2003. Lower intake has been changed to be stronger. The lower intake was faulty. I should not be made to pay for it again. The first charge was $1032 and I am again being charged $1306. I should not have to pay again for the same problem. I have exceed the limited warranty of one year or 12,000 miles. The lower intake is designed to last almost the life of the car. The car is a 99 pont Grand Am. I purchased it in June 2000. I had the car 2 years and 8 months and I am still making payments on it. This is unfair that I should have to pay for repairs again. Also I understand that recalls were done for the steering and body structure. I never got any notices about any recalls. If I had not gone to your web site, I would not have known. How do I get my car repaired without charge? also the alternator was replaced 07/02/2002 for $456 and the alternator had to be replaced again 03/17/03 which I was not charged for. I purchased a car with a lot of defects and should not have to pay. I will get rid of this car.

- Blythewood, SC, USA

problem #8

Apr 192002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles
There is a foul smell coming from the ac vent almost like ammonia. My alternator was replaced at 37000 miles, after having it "checked" by the dealership for low voltage. Car shakes at 55 mph on highway after rotation, alignment, and aftermarket wheels. Scratches on passenger window from rolling it up and down.

- Eglin Afb, FL, USA

problem #7

Feb 242003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
My car is a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT. I have 55,600 miles on the vehicle and have had nothing but problems with the vehicle. Before the car even had 30.000 miles on it, the alternator went bad (I was initially told it was a bad battery, so in addition I purchased a new battery), the steering wheel was replaced, and the dome lights were replaced. Between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, the electronic throttle regulator went bad, the engine coolant system cap leaked and damaged my belts, and the intake gasket is leaking. With a new car, this is an unreasonable amount of defects and I needed to know how to report this car as a serious hazard or as a serious lemon.

- Birmingham, AL, USA

problem #6

May 012002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 0 miles
This is for the 99 Pontiac Grand Am SE....I am sure this has been mentioned before...myself and anyone else I know who has this car has had the same problem over and over again. On the regulator of the power window system there are 2 clips that attach to the regulator. One on the front side of the window and one on the back side of the window. These clips are metal with plastic slits in them for the window to slide into....they make the window go up and down....unfortunately they seem to only last about 3 months...I have went through 3 sets of these things already...I never have a window to roll down. I always have it splinted up with a small piece of wood..my passenger window is broke again and I am really getting frustrated with this...it needs to be recalled. Like I said it is not just me....even when I went to the dealership they said they always have this problem....I had to wait almost a month for a back order on the parts!!

- Parkersburg, WV, USA

problem #5

Jun 142002

Grand Am

  • miles
Brake rotors have warped and been replaced 3 times. Once at 20977, at 29687 and then at 44726. Brake pedal makes a creaking sound when pushing down on pedal. Mechanic told me had never heard such a sound and could not fix it. Also advised me to get rid of car as soon as possible as it drives as it has more miles on it then it actually has.still making sound and worried that they are going to completely break. Power steering and altenator went at 44726 miles and had to pay for those along with the last rotor replacement as car is no longer under warranty. Wheels also make rubbing sound when turning either way. Called GM when first started and was told they were aware of the problem and nothing has ever been done. Mechanics also can not do anything about that problem. I fear for my life in this car.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #4

Feb 012000

Grand Am

  • miles
One month after a purchased the car, it had to be taken back twice for passenger seat-determined it was not bolted correctly-at two years, motor had to be replaced-at 3 years the radiator had to be fixed and more metal was found in the oil filter-the alternator went at just over three years-brakes had to be replaced every year-cruise control works "randomly" since the beginning (reported to delaer; supposedly no errors were found), car hesitates and "spits & sputters" when idling, etc. Etc. One big lemon!

- Sprakers, NY, USA

problem #3

Feb 142002

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer had to replace the alternator because it blewout without prior warning, dealer was contacted. Consumer also has seat belt problems.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #2

Mar 012001

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • miles
Arrow Pontiac says the alternator in the 1999 Grand Am has an alternator that whines and/or whistles that is characteristic of the alternator. They say the alternator is not faulty. I think if the alternator constantly whines or whistles their is a problem. It started about a month ago with just under 39,000 miles on the car. I do believe it should be corrected by the dealer or manufacturer at their expense. Not mine. It is winter and the noise is very distracting with the windows up what will it be like in the warm weather. The parking lot attendent says he can hear me "whistling down the street." Anything you can do to help me correct this problem in lieu of paying $400 will be greatly appreciated. The dealer says the alternator is not faulty therefore they can not replace it. I cant' beleive there is 99 Grand Am running throughout the country- all whining. By the way not that it makes a difference to you but this is my 5th Pontiac from the same dealer 4 new, one used. I wrote to Pontiac yesterday but I am sure they will be of no help either.

- Rensselaer, NY, USA

problem #1

Feb 042000

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The alternator was replaced.

- Thibodaux, LA, USA

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