10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 2
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 32,635 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.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
My 1999 Pontiac Grand Am has a leaking manifold gasket letting coolant into the engine.
- Tucson, AZ, USA
Engine "blew up" at 43,000 miles. Almost cause a accident due to engine not giving indication that there was a problem, and lost control of the vehicle.
- Spring Hill, KS, USA
Blown intake gasket.
- New Castle, IN, USA
Had coolant leak from intake gasket at 65,000 miles. Horn does not work again (been to shop 3 times previously) 2 times could not duplicate, 1 time replaced spring in switch. This was while under warranty, now that it is not under warranty, the dealership has asked me to pay $188.34 to fix a short under the airbag. This short had to exist previous to the warranty expiring. I have never opened the steering wheel cover. Also, when vehicle was less than 2 years old, the brakes would pulse and make heavy rumbling noise whenever trying to depress the brakes going down a very minor hill. Had dealer replace pads, still exhibited same behavior.
- Georgetown, TX, USA
Internal leak from intake manifold gasket requiring replacement. All hoses had to be replaced including upper/lower radiator, throttle body coolant, and intake gaskets...total cost $1621. Technician said he has seen approximately. 2 to 3 Grand Am in shop for same defect.
- Livermore, CA, USA
I own a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am. I have a coolant leak and have been told that it is from an intake gasket. I have researched this and the problem seems to be as common as a house plant. Why has GM not been forced into a recall" or better yet, why has GM not done the right thing and issued a recall"
- Greensboro, NC, USA
The vehicle stalled, which caused consumer to pull over abruptly.
- Bolivar, PA, USA
The vehicle stalled and dealer order a new motor.
- Jasonville, IN, USA
Vehicle was leaking oil from head gasket, . dealer and manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.
- Frankfort, OH, USA
Antifreeze reaction with aluminum causing failure of gasket.
- New Lenox, IL, USA
Low coolant light on dashboard came on. Consumer added dex special coolant twice, approximately a half gallon of 50% water/50% coolant. Previously, every time 3,000 mile oil change indicator light came on, consumer noticed that coolant level was low. This time, consumer took vehicle to dealership, and found out that coolant was getting into oil, causing oil to be a milky color. *note: Consumer was told it could possibly be caused by a defective head gasket or manifold intake. Dealership is in possession of vehicle. Consumer states so far the newly installed upper and lower gaskets are holding, consumer states he has spoken to 3 independent mechanics who state that the problem is probably with the manifold intake gaskets and not the head gasket, these three people indicated that the failure was due to improper torque of defective gaskets.
- White Plains, NY, USA
Within 35 minutes of parking the vehicle, consumer was informed that vehicle was on fire. Fire was extinguished by employee. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and informed consumer that fire may have commenced from the cowl panel. State farm insurance, however, said that the fire was not the result of mechanical difficulties with the car, and that there was not an explanation for the fire.
- Pittsburgh, PA, USA
I hit a pot hole going about 25mph and broke the right engine mount making the car undrivable. It was a loaner while my Grand Am is in the shop, so I don't have to pay, but there is barely more than 36000 miles on the car and the engine mount should not break.
- Hamlin, NY, USA
- Coralville, IA, USA