2.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,920 miles

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problem #4

Sep 102004

Grand Am

  • 49,000 miles
Car the worst. I've sunk more $ IN2 it than she cost to buy. $15,000 at lst. Head gasket X2. Intake manifold X2 window parts X2 brakes, pads rotors engine replaced in 2009 by quack mechanic on advice from a friend car 3 mths on lift! cost $1000 a yr 2 pass nys inspection had catalytic converter & gaskets replaced after I begged do it! cat whole prob for 31/2 yrs. Erg valve selonoid changed. Coils springs, strut mount(sensatrac) strut was only after I had tires replaced for upteenth time realizing it was cutting into 1 tire driving out of the shop. Antifreeze still oozes out regardless how many X's work done on cooling system. Thermastat twice fuel injector oxygen sensor antifreeze reservoir, hoses muffler rearview mirror fell off twice timing belt. Headlights several times rear lights. 2 or 3 batteries. This car should run like new- almost everything's been replaced nope! was towed twice last 2 weeks due to coolant loss overheating engine stopping. Informed today after car again overheated & lost power it's probably intake manifold & head gasket, oil is dripping from sides of engine. Computer amuck nowodometer flashes 1/2 numbers instead of true mileage. ABS" light mechanic stated its a waste of your $ to repair.... three head gaskets? another intake manifold" hello! I've maintained this car it is a lemon a rotton lemon at that. GM knows these issues & does nothing. In Michigan consumers won a class action lawsuit because of this. GM shoulda recalled this car period. I wasn't informed or savvy enough to know this cars issues upon purchase. What makes this worse, I now understand my rights were violated as a consumer for years! I'm poor & can't afford another car due to this car continued problems cost. I need a vehicle but am left with bus rides taking almost 3 hrs one way to work or a $35 cab fare one way. As of today my car is trash.

- Baldwin, NY, USA

problem #3

Sep 102005

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
Grand Am 1999, my passenger side mirror fell off after touching it, found that all the plastic screw holders were broken, we disconnected the mirror and called for pricing, very expensive to get that plastic support piece. My drivers side mirror was hanging by the cables one morning went I went out to go to work. I had used plastic type string to tie it on, then tried duck tape both to no avail. My neighbor tired screws but they have come out, will try longer ones today. Why does GM use such cheap plastic to hold a mirror that is subject to pressure from normal driving on highways. My other big issue is my back passenger window, I came out from work and found it completely open, it will not go up with the motorized switch and will fall down when it feels like it, it is difficult driving on highway, have tried wedging it, will have to go duck tape I guess that after reading reports on my car stats it is very expensive to replace. It is a shame that the car falls apart before it is paid for.

- Magna, UT, USA

problem #2

Nov 142002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 22,681 miles
I began noticing a grinding sound when passenger side window was rolled up and down. Glass became increasingly scratched. Dealership repaired at no charge as vehicle was still under warranty and there was a service bulletin on this problem. However, problem persisted to the point of window regulator breaking off and glass sliding down inside the door. Had to be taken back to the dealer five times in one year. (dealer did not want to pay at last visit due to the warranty expiring. Had to really hold their feet to the fire for them to fix it.) now the problem is that both rear window regulators have broken! glass has slid down inside the doors and will not stay up (I have packaging tape holding up one window). Pontiac customer service has offered me a free oil change and/or small reimbursement for "my inconvenience." However, each regulator alone (no labor) will cost around $300. That is $600 in parts alone. I simply cannot afford this, and find it ridiculous that 3 of the 4 windows are exhibiting this problem. The car has low mileage and is very well-maintained. I believe GM has a serious defect with the window regulators in their Grand Am and should take responsibility for this problem.

- Austin, TX, USA

problem #1

Nov 152003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 35,000 miles
Driver side window broke two years ago while the car was no longer under warrenty. I paid for the motor and window - a little over $600. It broke again in the fall of 2002. This was still under warranty and I was not charged. It broke a 3rd time last month and the warranty for the one that was replaced had expired by one week to ten days. I was charged the $410. After complaining, I was given a reduction of 15%. I paid this amount as this is my daughter's only transporation and she needed it to attend class and to work. In voicing my displeasure to service manager/staff at sawyers Pontiac in lansing mi (where the car was purchased used but still under warranty), I was informed that this problem was common to the 1999 Grand Am and was a result of a change in materials used in the window assembly. They advised me that it was they who authorized the 15% credit to me and that Pontiac motors would do nothing more. In talking to staff at Pontiac motors, I was offered a additonal free oil and lube service for one year. I own 3 GM vehicles, this is 1st Pontiac. This re-occurring roblem is known to service mechanics but Pontiac is unwilling to take responsibilty for it. There is no doubt I will be back for repairs in another year unless I can get rid of it. But I will not be back to buy another Pontiac and probably not any other GM car.

- Lansing, MI, USA