10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 38,000 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 purchased my 2001 Grand Am GT in 2002. So far since I've owned the car, I seem to replace the breaks every 10,000 miles or every year, I have had the rotors replaced twice within the last 5 years, replaced the alternator and fuel pump. Now, my ABS lights continue to go on and most recently, my car will not start it seem every two weeks (I hope I am not away from home when this happens) - the security light has been coming on and have to keep the key in the "on" position for 10 minutes and then try to start the car - my garage told me it was a security code problem that only the dealer can fix. I have only 90,000 miles on the car and now, I need a rack and pinion which will cost me another $900 (I spent approx $500 dollars on the car in the last 6 months). My break pad wear out at least yearly (I am retired and don't even drive the car long distance). Now my ABS lights are constantly coming on, even though the garage said he found nothing wrong and I need to take it to the dealer. The car is pretty - but will never buy another Pontiac again - I can't afford to keep it in the garage every three months (so it seems) and need a reliable car - not one that doesn't start once every two weeks because now my security systems is messed up. Also, have had problems with 1 and 2 on the ac settings (wouldn't work at all) - and of course, paid to have that fixed. Please help me.
- Stafford, VA, USA
Car is extremely hard to steer and makes a lot of noise at low speeds such mostly parking. Repair shop advised rack and pinion problem the this model car is a common problem.
- Kalamazoo, MI, USA
While in motion downhill, consumer started hearing a grinding noise and a metal to metal sound emitting from the fire wall in front of the brake and gas pedals. Once on level ground, the vehicle seemed alright. Consumer called the Pontiac dealer to inquire about the steering problem and was informed it sounded like a rack and pinion assembly problem. Consumer was asked to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The day before vehicle was to go for inspection, the vehicle pulled to the right causing consumer to loose control, and crash into a barrier wall, there was 1 injury and the air bags did not deploy.
- Albuquerque, NM, USA
Rack and pinion was replaced. When starting vehicle in the morning and backing out wheel will lock up as soon as consumer starts to turn.
- Hopkinsville, KY, USA
- Lutz, FL, USA