10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 26,600 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
I was driving to work one day and the engine started to make a funny noise, and when I shut it off. Took it to the mechanic, they told me it was the connecting rod. I will have to replace the engine because it is cheaper to put an engine in rather then rebuild the one I have. The engine is still in the car because I haven't got enough money to replace it.
- Cayuga, IN, USA
When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. There were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. The drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm, then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced.
- Cleveland, OH, USA
While attempting to start the car a "clicking" sound occurred and the car would not start. The battery was replaced, and all was well for a week. Then, the ABS light came on while driving. Also, all the warning lights came on, the gauges flashed back and forth, and the car stopped. Would not restart unless was set for several minutes. When it started the same incidents repeated. Warning lights would often come on and off without there being anything wrong with the system that the lights were indicating. Once the car was pulled to a stopping location it would not turn completely off, and the key would get stuck in the ignition. These problems persisted for 2 days until it completely stopped.
- Aurora, CO, USA
If car does not run for 10 minutes or so, it stalls when driven. When restarted, it bogs very badly for a few minutes, then is able to be driven. This occurs in any weather conditions and has been occurring since I bought the car in 1998. It is a 1997.
- Nanticoke, PA, USA
Oil leaked onto the engine, which caused the vehicle to smoke.
- Rochester, NY, USA
While driving 80mph driver heard a grinding noise in front end. Then, oil light came on, and black smoke started coming from tailpipe. Fuel entered the engine and bearings failed which caused the oil to become black and the bearing to grind.
- Owosso, MI, USA
Th next year after I purchased my car, I began to lose compression. The car would also accelerate on its own, I noticed that my "check engine lights were on." I immediately took the car back to the dealers and they gave a diagnosis of "using the wrong gas". I am a women, and I don't know much about cars, therefore, at the time, I did not dispute this ridiculous diagnosis. A year later, I had to replace the brakes/disc pads twice. There was loud squelching noises. I also bought new tires after one year. Major problems have developed since 1999, which are: I had to have the thermostat replaced (air condition and heat stopped working), I had to have a new waterpump installed (car was pouring anti-freeze and smoking), and as of February 6, 2000, the car just completely stopped running. I received two qoutes from area repair shops estimating between $3K to $4,500 to rebuild and engine! I have exhausted myself contacting fred jones (spoke to him personally) of fred jones Pontiac, and their customer care center. Please help me! also, I read on your site that there was a recall on this vehicle for underhood fires - I never received a recall letter and my car was never taken in! I am very concerned that besides this make of car being a lemon, this may have also contributed to my problems. Please help me!!!
- Brookfield, WI, USA
Vehicle would travel 40 mph without applying gas.
- Jacksonville, AR, USA
Transmission not shifting, replacement of the valve body and oil pump necessary. Mjs
- Gilroy, CA, USA
When driving and driver presses the accelerator, vehicle will stall and then all of a sudden accelerate and take off. Vehicle was at dealership, and they replaced fuel pump/oil pump and computer analysis were done. Recently brakes seemed to be performing poorly. Upon braking, stopping distance exceeded approximately half car length. Please add VIN.#.
- Raleigh, NC, USA
Oil pan failed resulting in leaking.
- Acnorth, GA, USA
Intake manifold gaskets failed resulting in engine leaking.
- Lynwood, CA, USA
Vehicle has intermittent noise in right rear, also in the right front of car, cluncking noise when starting the car up, sometimes while driving, continues to increase, dealer cannot duplicate the problem.
- Manasas, VA, USA
Engine cylinder head cover failed, causing oil to leak.
- Bristol, CT, USA
- South Lyon, MI, USA