8.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$350
Average Mileage:
125,650 miles
Total Complaints:
22 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (11 reports)
  2. turn the key on for 10 min. and the car will start (5 reports)
  3. bypass security system (2 reports)
  4. new ignition and chip (1 reports)
  5. new ignition but probably reoccuring (1 reports)
  6. remove automatic car starter (1 reports)
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problem #22

Jan 012015

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

This happens literally everyday. It is so bad, I have to say a little prayer every time I go to start my car. I finally figured out, after multiple times, that if I waited 10 minutes and tried again, the car would start. However, lately, within the last month or so, sometimes it takes 3 to 5 times in a row for the car to start. This used to happen maybe one or two times a year, but in the last year, when I inherited the car from a family member, it seems to happen to me every single day.

I depend on my vehicle for my part time job, which is an on call babysitting job. So I am required to pick up children at a set time and drive them where ever they need to be. I do not have the funds to get a new car and depend on this car to save money to even fix this car or to get a new one and do my job successfully. I have read so many...if not from EVERY owner of a Pontiac Grand Am that are having this same problem going back over at least 10 years (at least). I think it is time GM begins to take this VERY seriously!

This is obviously NOT an isolated incident with a few owners/vehicles at random. It is with every car! Logic and reason can only determine that there is something faulty with the build and manufacturing of the vehicle. GM...PLEASE...take the advice of ALL your loyal customers (before things get worse for your company) and take action regarding this very serious issue. I do realize this is the last thing the company wants...another black spot in the media, but NOT doing the right thing with be the downfall of the company forever. That is the consequence of doing wrong.

This is ONLY my FIRST complaint. That NEW recall re: possible fires...well I don't think it is only for the makes/models/years admitted in the recall. More info to come. Time for the consumers to speak up and take action in a very unified, constructive manner.

- ccasey, river forest, IL, US

problem #21

May 102010

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

Been dealing with this issue for several months, except that it is more frequent now. My Grand Am will suddenly decide to turn over but won't start. Then my friendly "security" light will flash at me. Same as the other compaints, my only solution to this is to wait 10-15 minutes or until the security light shuts off. Then it will start.

Have taken it to 2 mechanics - one being a family-owned business whom I trust. However they were stumped since the car wasn't acting up the day I brought it to them. They suggested I take it to GM. HA! I had to rent a vehicle while my Grand Am sat in their garage for 2 days, and they could't even diagnose the problem. After reading previous complaints about GM taking wild guesses and people wasting money, I'm glad they didn't try that crap with me.

I will probably end up selling it soon, it just really really makes me mad that this has happened to so many people and GM hasn't done ANYthing about it. No, it isn't life threatening and the car does eventually start, but that doesn't mean ANYone should have to worry about whether or not they're going to get the car started everytime they get into it.

- Maggie E., Fayetteville, NC, US

problem #20

Aug 012011

Grand Am 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles

Security light flashes and car won't start. Happened during summer of 2011 and happening again - June, 2012. Have to let it sit for a while and then turn key 3 or more times and then it starts. Definately a real inconvenience especially when you are out of town. Should be a recall.

- mandrea, Monterey, CA, US

problem #19

Dec 012008

Grand Am SE2 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

Damn passlock system left me stranded a ton of times. I finally gave up & did some research. Cut the wire for the useless thing & now my car starts, but the security light stays on

- blightedjosh, Fall River, MA, US

problem #18

Jun 302011

Grand Am LS V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,000 miles

This is my son's car. We purchased it in June 2011. The car ran perfect for a couple of weeks, then low and behold it wouldn't start and the security light was on. The dealer asked me if the light came on, so apparently it's a security issue ((I'm assuming) causing the car not to start, but how do we fix it? If anyone knows your feedback would be greatly appreciated! I have a VOLVO that did this for the 3 years I had it and finally searched online. Turned out to be a 50.00 part around the ignition where the key goes in, could this be the same issue??

Thanks

- Linda S., Avoca, PA, US

problem #17

Dec 102010

Grand Am GT 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 162,000 miles

I bought this 1999 grand am for my son two weeks ago.the ink was not dry on the title transfer before I experience my first passlock problem .I thought the car was out of gas at first ,but after further review,I found out different.I jioned this forum for one reason,to show everyone the fix for this problem.Here it is,go to and follow instructions @ http://www.bergerweb.net/grandamsecurityfix.htm.I thank God for the person what posted the web site for the fix of the passlock issue with this car model.I'm an industrial electrian by trade and it took me an hour to complete this fix and I took my time in the cold of pa. to complete the job.Note there three fixs at this web site.I selected the repair at the BCM body control module.through the glove box.Choose your own method.I hope your day has been made better with this posting.wish you well thomas in Pa.

- twrightpa, Bethlehem, PA, US

problem #16

Jan 132011

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,521 miles

ok ok what the hell...why wont my car start? its winter I have two kids stuck in a town that I've never heard of and I got 3 car jumps and the security light keeps blinking on.......what does this mean??????????please help

- stressfree10, Champaign, IL, US

problem #15

Aug 172010

Grand Am SE

  • Automatic transmission
  • 207,173 miles

This has to be one of the most annoying problems to have, because of the simple fact that it happens at the worst times. I go to start my car and it stalls, then security light flashes which stays on for aganizing minutes, and then the light goes off and just maybe it will start on the 2nd or 3rd or 4th attempt. This only happens in the worst situations, when i have to be somewhere.I took it back to the dealer i got it from, and they told me ever thing seemed okay and at that time the car wasnt stalling. Next thing you know after i get home and am there for a couple hours, then want to leave ...here comes the stalling and security lights. Its a big pain in the ass. I feel every ones pain who has these grand am's there a piece of work. Im not planning on paying alot of money to get this fixed, but if any one has the solution to this problem PLEASE contact me and let me know..or leave a comment..thanks....WE NEED TO GET THIS RECALLED PEOPLE!!

- Tavares D., Lake Worth, FL, US

problem #14

Dec 232008

Grand Am GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles

Car would not start due to Security system had to spend Christmas money for repair,Pontiac Sucks

- pbabbitt, Paris, TX, US

problem #13

May 072010

Grand Am GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,000 miles

This is very hard, especially when I have to be at work early.

- Sonia M., Trujillo Alto, PR, Puerto Rico

problem #12

Jun 152010

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

I honestly hate the fact that so many people like me are having this same problem with their security light and GM has not done anything about it! Obviously i'm not the only one that has to deal with this hassle. I have to worry every day if my car will start or strand me somewhere. I've been late for work on numerous occasions and have been stuck at the gas pump because of this defect. I've taken my car to the mechanic 3 times to get this fixed.

The first time, my mechanic called GM up to see what I could do and they said to turn my car to on and push in the gas a few times and then it would start...that didn't work. The 2nd time my mechanic bought a sensor from GM that was supposed to fix the problem...and that didn't work. (Not to mention I paid almost $500 to get the damn thing)! And the last time I took it, GM told my mechanic that I had to turn my car to on and wait like 3mins and it will start...well that didn't work either!

I've called Pontiac's customer service line and all they could tell me was to take it to the dealership, but I'll have to pay for it!!! This is ridiculous! WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFECT IN MANY GM VEHICLES! I've already payed almost $700 taking it to my mechanic to repair something that was supposed to be fixed. I'M DEAD SERIOUS ABOUT FILING A LAWSUIT AGAINST GM!!!! This is not fair to all of us who have to deal with this problem every day! I just want a car that works!!! And it's very unfair that GM hasn't recalled these cars or offered to pay for the problem since it's a manufacturing defect that they caused!!

I'M CALLING A LAWYER THIS WEEK TO SEE WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT THIS! I'M GOING TO PRINT OUT ALL OF THESE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CARS AND TAKE THEM TO MY LAWYER! I PERSONALLY KNOW 3 PEOPLE WHO ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHOEVER IS WITH ME ON THIS LET ME KNOW AND WITH MORE PEOPLE WE CAN FIGHT THIS TOGETHER AND MAYBE SOMEBODY WILL FINALLY DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!

- Alyssa A., Coopersburg, PA, US

problem #11

Sep 012009

Grand Am H.O V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 155,000 miles

We purchased our grand am 6 years ago and have had nothing but heartache since.

I have owned G.M. cars my entire life and i feel they have let me down with this grand am,About 6 months ago,we started having problems with the car not starting,and soon noticed the security light was on.It didn't take long to figure out that you have to wait about 10 minutes for the light to go out and the car will start.

Unfortunately my wife has a bad heart and is very ill,and i have just had spinal surgery,on top of losing our construction business all in the last 6 months.Know were stuck with a car that you cant count on starting and could be a matter of lie or death in my wifes case and cant afford to fix the problem even if we knew how.HELP

- Bruce F., Southport, NC, US

problem #10

Jul 012009

Grand Am GT

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,000 miles

After I had the ignition replaced and chip put in it was fine. It would do it basically everyday and multiple times. I am so thankful that it is fixed now! Now that it's fixed I love that car! :) If you are going to get it fixed, take it to a dealership. They know a lot more about it. It was worth every penny!

- hannahbeths0113, Knoxville, TN, US

problem #9

Dec 252009

Grand Am GT 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 242,000 miles

I have so many complaints about my Grand Am that it would take longer to read than our federal tax code. However, I've noticed others have had this problem and decided to comment.

I was having my tired rotated. When the car was lowered from the lift, the car refused to start. We had no idea how to fix the problem, so naturally we tried unplugging the battery, spraying ether, removing some fuses and sensors, etc. The dealership was closed by this time, so I could not call and ask for their input. After 45 minutes of cranking the engine, we finally got it started.

This happened again on my way to show the car to someone to sell. Naturally, they didn't purchase this, but I could at least get a hold of the dealership. Of course, they recommended a tow and for them to replace the modular on the car, but informed me of the key trick. After 10 minutes we finally got it started.

This happened again to me tonight while at Little Caeser's. Naturally, the temperature had to be in the teens.

Essentially, all I can say is do not purchase this model and year car. Don't buy a GM vehicle at all, for that matter, because they're all the same.

- Jonathan W., Pulaski, TN, US

problem #8

May 262009

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 127,000 miles

First off, let me tell you it would probably take me 100 more complaints to tell you everything that has went wrong with this car in the last 3 years. After the complete waste of money I've put into repairing this car over and over again, I could have bought a brand new car instead. I love driving this car though, it drives smoother than any car I've ever driven and has a lot of power. But this ongoing security light for the last 6 months is just about to make me give up on this car for good. Not only does it flash and stay on 9 out of 10 times I put the key in the ignition, now the car is not starting up sometimes, and its always of course the most opportune times, like 6 in the morning when I have to go to work. What a complete load of crap. I wish GM would bail out all of US! This is total crap where is the recall? and why is it so expensive to fix when its something completely worthless? I couldn't even give this car away.

- Kayla G., Piketon, OH, US

problem #7

Nov 272008

Grand Am SE 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,500 miles

I have one of those factory installed car starter/alarm and it seems that it will follow the "standard" that a lot of people are complaining about.

So far if I start the car with the key it runs fine but I'm very caution when I use the remote starter. Why? Many times the car will not start and the security light starts blinking .

I will give it a couple of hours !!!!!! to reset itself and the car will start just fine.

Is there a way to get rid of this GM bull.... that creates only headaches ?

I like Pontiac, I'm a Boneville man but it looks I made a mistake getting a Grand AM...

- dannyusa, Sterling Hgts, MI, US

problem #6

Mar 102005

Grand Am SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

My cheap ex boyfriend had his friend install a car starter for me as an xmas gift. A few months later my security light came on and my car would not start. I called my mechanic friend who said turn the car off for a while and see what happens. After about 15 minutes or so my car started again and I didn't think much of it. A few months later it was happening about half the time I started my car and everytime I had to go somewhere I had to leave 10 minutes early in case my car wouldn't start! HUGE PAIN IN THE ASS!!!!!! After about 2 years of this sh*t I took my car to a glass and body place my friend recommended and they pulled my car starter for 20 bucks. I haven't seen that damn security light on since. If you are an unfortunate soul who drives a Pontiac and has had this problem... pull your car starter if you have one and hopefully it will help!!

- k9m2c8, Tonawanda, NY, US

problem #5

Nov 222006

Grand Am SE V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Security light comes on and car would not start. This kept happening until it just wouldn't start one day. Dealer suggested a new key checking the key sensor at the ignition and when that didn't work i had to replace the whole module thing a doo. Everything was fine until 13 months later, one month past the one year warranty the security light came on again. Good thing it only happened once and has not happened again.. crossing my fingers

- spat209, Stockton, CA, US

problem #4

May 062007

(reported on)

Grand Am SE 3100

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

Not only will my car not start for ten minutes, but I never know when it wil or will not pull this crap. I never know when I may have o sit in a convenience store parking lot for ten minutes, and of course this only occurs when I am late or when I am in a congested parking lot and very embarrassed.

- Rose P., Folcroft, PA, US

problem #3

Jun 112007

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

FROM ALL I CAN GATHER THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH PONTIAC GRAND AMS BUT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT FIX IT BECAUSE IT IS NOT A "SAFETY HAZARD". THE DEALER USUALLY MAKES A GOOD PROFIT SO IT IS NOT A PROBLEM FOR THEM. ALTHOUGH THIS IS A REAL PROBLEM THAT IS OBVIOUSLY A DEFAULT OF THE COMPANY THEY ARE UNWILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I GUESS IF MY CAR DIES ON A RAILROAD TRACK AND I CANNOT CRANK IT FOR AT LEAST TEN MINUTES AND I GET RUN OVER BY A TRAIN SOMEONE CAN SUE PONTIAC AND MAYBE THEN THEY WOULD TAKE NOTICE AND ACTION. PROBABLY NOT. FROM THE INTERNET COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ THIS IS A PROFITABLE ELECTRICAL REPAIR FOR PONTIAC. AS THE SAYING GOES "ANYTHING FOR A BUCK".

- Stover K., Manassas, VA, US

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