NHTSA — Service Brakes, Hydraulic Problems

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4.0

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,809 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.

2001 Pontiac Grand Am brakes problems

brakes problem

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2001 Pontiac Grand Am Owner Comments

problem #18

Sep 012011

Grand Am

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that there was an abnormal increase in stopping distance and time when braking. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop, but the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also stated she could hear a clunking noise coming from the suspension system while driving various speeds. The vehicle was not taken to have the suspension failure diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unknown.

- South Haven, MI, USA

problem #17

Oct 132011

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • miles
When I try to use my signals it wont work, they wont come on, it also lile to have caused an accident, when I crank the car up ot makes a loud noise for about five minutes, or sometimes it wont start, I have to wait thirty minutes, before it could crank on numerous occasions, it has done that, I also have to keep replacing brakes for this car, my coolant jug I have replaced that many of times and its still has a leak in it I have to put coolant in there four times a week, and also if im making a left my steering wheel it gets stuck sometimes.

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #16

Mar 212010

Grand Am

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that the brakes made a noise and began to vibrate while driving approximately 15 mph. A local mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The contact also stated that the security light illuminated whenever she tried to start the vehicle. She had to wait approximately 10 minutes, remove the key from the ignition, and then the vehicle began to function normally. The speedometer also began to malfunction. General Motors was notified but the contact has not received a response from them. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage and current mileages were approximately 84,000.

- Dickson City , PA, USA

problem #15

Jun 152003

Grand Am

  • miles

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

I own a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. I have experienced several of the same problems/issues noted in previous complaints. My 1 and 2 function on the fan is no longer working, the turn signals appear to have a short/wiring problem, the driver and passenger side window motor/brackets needed to be replaced, the driver seat adjuster is broken, the(gear shaft) button that puts the car in gear(P, R, N, D) pops out frequently, driver floor has been soak and wet periodically, and numerous braking system problems(need to replace rotors and brake pads frequently, had to replace brake calipers/hubs/wheel bearings). The only problem that was covered under a recall was the turning switch, which the problem has re-occurred. I would like to see the manufacturer cover these problems that have become repetitive in several other vehicles.

- Chaptico, MD, USA

problem #14

Dec 102001

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Where to start...I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. Within 2 months of buying it, my fuel pump & computer went out at the same time. Next was my water pump & timing chain. Then was the security system, then the turn signals, then the windows wouldn't roll down. And now my brakes are having to be replaced on a consistent basis. The only thing covered by GM was the turn signal switch. All other replacements were at my expense. After researching on this site, I see numerous complaints of the same kind. I notified GM and they refused to help at all. I explained that since there are multiple complaints for the same things, it has to be a manufacturing defect. They shrugged that off. They finally sent me a letter stating that they would no longer "entertain" any of my comments or complaints. Do not buy a Pontiac!!! junk city!!!

- St Joseph, MO, USA

problem #13

Apr 242006

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
I purchased my 2001 Grand Am GT second hand in September 04. The 1 previous owner was my mechanic's brother in-law and has been well maintained when he owned it as well as since I have owned it. My problems started as soon as I left the lot. Within a month the car had been back into the dealership to have break pads replaced and rotors re-surfaced. My breaks have made a constant rubbing/grinding noise and no amount of work has solved the problem. I also have this intake manifold gasket issue. In December of 05 the low coolant light began coming on as well as the service engine soon light. I attempted to add coolant but the cap to the coolant tank was badly broken and required the replacement of the entire tank - since the cap would not come off even with a mechanics help. This solved the problem for a couple of months - but in February 06 the coolant alarm started again - I added more coolant and continued to drive it for another month. When the coolant alarm sounded again in March I took it to my mechanic who found the coolant leak from the intake manifold. $800-$900 to fix the problem. This was the second intake manifold he found on a GM car the same day and he told me there is a service bulletin on this. Why is GM not being forced to re-call this? come on - I have been researching for 1 day and found hundreds of examples of this problem. I am a single mother on a very tight budget - owe more on this piece of $)%& than it is worth as it is! my car has been parked for a month and I am bumming rides while I make monthly payments on a pretty car - nice to look at sitting in my driveway !

- Auburn, ME, USA

problem #12

Mar 012004

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

Three big issues with this car: 1) the worst-I've had problems with the security system shorting three times. Each time, the car turns over but will not start. The security light flashed twice, but did not come on the third time. The first time the dealer adjusted the system (whatever that means) which was covered under warranty. The second time (two months later), my car would not start at 2am outside of a bar, so I had to have it towed. This time the whole system was replaced under my warranty. The third time (four months later) my car would not start and had to be towed. The system was again replaced, this time it was covered under a parts& labor warranty so at least I didn't have to pay anything. 2) the brakes. I had the rotors replaced because of extreme vibrating when breaking, as well as a loud squealing noise that would start after the breaks heated up. The squealing noise did not go away so I had the breaks' hardware replaced. That worked for a while. Six months later, the vibrating has come back and there is a loud grinding noise when the breaks get wet (I.e. rain). 3) coolant light comes on frequently. First, I simply replaced the coolant much more often than should be necessary. Finally, I let my dealer convince me to pay the $700 to have it fixed (I'm not sure what the problem was) a year ago. The coolant light is now coming on again, so I'm just refilling it frequently. I've only had this car 18 months. I'm in love with the look and the pickup, but it is completely unreliable. When can I get it declared a lemon? at least I still have 10K miles left on the extended warranty I purchased with it. If I can't extended it again, I will sell this unreliable car.

- Columbia, MD, USA

problem #11

Jul 222005

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,650 miles
My 2001 Pontiac Grand Am has had brake failure since last year. I have had rotors & brakes replaced July of 2004. Turned around my brakes was failing again and was told that I needed new calipers in November 2004. My car is not under any warranty. I could not afford to get the calipers replaced, so they sprayed them to get me through. I also had my brakes replaced again. Started having brake problems again July 22,2005. This time I was sitting at a stop light and my brake pedal just released and went to the floor. I almost ran into the back of another car. Took my car to get looked at. My rotors, brakes and calipers all need replacing immediately. Was told that Grand Am vehicles are common for having these problems.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

problem #10

Feb 232005

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
I have noticed a grinding sound coming from my brakes. I took the car to the shop and was told that I needed pads and rotors, I replaced pads and rotors and the ABS, trac off, and the service vehicle soon light started coming on. Took the car to the dealer for further analysis and they told me I needed a speed sensor because it was malfunctioning and because it is inside the wheel hub I also had to replace these things also. $700 later the lights were still coming on and the brakes was still making this strange noise. I returned the car and after inspection was told that the ABS wires were busted and needed to be replaced, $200 later the car is still making these noises and the lights are still coming on. No one seems to know what the problem is. I am taking the car back again for further analysis. I have also had a problem with the manifold replaced it at $700, the ignition fortunately for me it was covered under the extended warranty I purchased with the car. I also have a problem with the turn signals malfunctioning.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #9

May 262004

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,000 miles
While driving, a loud scrap noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the noise could not be duplicated, but the brakes and rotors needed replacing. The mechanic replaced the brakes and rotors, but the problem still continued. The problem has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information. The noise only happened at speeds of 30 mph. The dealer stated the tires were the problem

- Fort Mill, SC, USA

problem #8

Dec 302003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • miles

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

2001 Pontiac Grand Am has had problems with window motor, turn signals, air conditioner, the brake system, the security system and vehicle would not start. There was strange noise when the brakes were applied and when making a left turn. The other problems with the window motor, turn signals, air conditioner were resolved per warranty, but the brake system problems continued. There were two instances with the factory security system. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle would just crank but not catch. The security light started to flash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they reset the system. A few months later, the security system locked the vehicle. The consumer found that the key sensor in the ignition shorted and the pass lock module was replaced and re-keyed.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #7

Oct 072003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 28,000 miles
Rotors needed to be replaced 2 weeks after purchase in 2001 - steering wheel vibrating(800 miles on vehicle) rotors needed to be file in 2002 - wheels noises when driving 9/2003 needed new rotors and brakes. 2003 -strange tire noise for about a week took to dealer today 10/7/03 now being told the wheel noise is cause I need to buy new tires after I overheard the mechanic tell the service rep it's the issue with the wheels and tire not being a perfect match and is a big problem with the Grand Am. So how did it become my problem. Why do I need to pay for four new tires when the tires were purchsed with the car and only have 28000 miles on them! this is a GM problem. Actually I believe this could be a big big safety issue.

- Cinnaminson, NJ, USA

problem #6

Oct 032003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I have noticed a grinding and squeaking sound when I push on my brakes. I will have to replace my brake pads again for the fourth time. The place where I buy them from has informed me that this is an unusually high number of brake pads for a car that is only 3 years old.

- Fenton, MI, USA

problem #5

Aug 072003

(reported on)

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,245 miles
Consumer noticed after pressing the brakes, the vehicle and the steering wheel started to shake. The vehicle was on its third set of brakes.

- Hico, WV, USA

problem #4

Mar 152003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,668 miles
Fuel pump does not work. Dealer notified. The fuel gauge, fuel injectors, fan, lights, door locks, computer chip, oil leak, brakes, blinkers had to be replaced. Gmac had been notified on several occasions and had refused to cooperative in fixing the defects. These were known defects. Gmac refused to fix under warranty and refused under the lemon law.

- River Falls, WI, USA

problem #3

Jun 182003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles
There are 3- 2001 Grand Am's in my family and 1- 2000 Grand Am. All 4 cars had to have the brakes replaced before 40,000 miles.......

- Belleville, IL, USA

problem #2

Apr 012003

Grand Am

  • 36,000 miles
When the brakes were depressed they made a loud noise and didn't hold. The vehicle coasted to a stop which almost caused an accident. The dealer inspected the vehicle but could not find the cause of the problem

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #1

Jul 012001

Grand Am

  • miles
Consumer stated that when driving and brakes are applied the car shudders excessively. Dealer has done a complete overhaul of brake system replacing master cylinder, calipers, rotors and pads, but problem continues to occur. Consumer stated has had vehicle repaired by dealer 4X in an attempt to repair brake issues.

- Alma, MI, USA

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