8.3

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$290
Average Mileage:
71,250 miles
Total Complaints:
14 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (8 reports)
  2. just replaced the front breaks and rotors at 52000 (4 reports)
  3. install the brakes properly (1 reports)
  4. periodic use of emergency brakes resets rear brakes (1 reports)
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problem #14

Jul 052009

Grand Am ES 3400 V5

  • Automatic transmission
  • 63,000 miles

I was driving west on I-40 and as I got to the top of a hill I noticed traffic had stopped. I hit the brakes and it seemed only the front brakes were working or maybe I needed fluid. I was lucky, instead of crashing into the rear of the last vehicle, I tried to veer to the left without going off the shoulder but I skidded off the left shoulder into a ravine. I was lucky the ravine was not deep and I could make it out of the ravine by driving to the east bound side and returning to I-40 east. There I was able to take the next exit and return to I-40 west. Like I said I was lucky and there was no damage to my car and no report was filed. I found out about the problem when I purchased brake shoes that were said to last thru the life of my car and they lasted only about a month with black soot covering the front rims. I returned to the shop where the brakes were installed and was informed that the rear pads showed no deterioration which implied a lack of use. I was instructed to periodically use the emergency brakes to reset the rear pads for contact. I've purchased 3 vehicles before this one and I was never informed that use of the emergency brake was imperative to safe operation and I never had a problem before this. I had only used the emergency brake when parking on a steep grade and in conjunction with the PARK option on the gear selection. This is a major flaw in the manufacturing of this vehicle and should be addressed. This is my second Pontiac. My first was a '66 Tempest and I really loved that car. I had no problems other than those caused by my lack of maintenance.

- Marshall O., Memphis, TN, US

problem #13

Jan 012005

Grand Am GT V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 174,000 miles

I've had to replace the brakes and rotors over and over since I purchased the car in 2004.

- Debbie M., Lake Waynoka, OH, US

problem #12

Aug 012008

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

I've had to replace the brakes as often as an oil change. It's like they wear down as soon as I've paid my mechanic off for the repairs. It's been a very inconvenient situation as well as expensive one because they wear down so quickly and badly rotors have been replaced as well.

Anyone else have this problem?

- Eunice G., Las Vegas, NV, US

problem #11

Oct 152010

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

I was having brake problems with my 2004 grand am. After I changed the brakes, they would wear out on the outside of the passenger side. I changed the caliper and the pads. Still didn't fix it. I changed the brake hose and bled the brakes. Still had wear on the brakes. Each time I did something new, I would have to change the pads again.

I brought my car into a few mechanics and they couldn't figure it out. Finally at Brakeway in Louisville, KY, they found out that I installed my brake pads backwards and the hardware (clips) weren't fitting properly. Each time I changed my brake pads, I would match them up with how they were previously. This way, they were always put on wrong!

So, if you have problems with the brakes wearing faster than normal, they may need to be properly installed. I hope this helps you!

- Josh L., Louisville, KY, US

problem #10

Mar 062010

Grand Am 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles

I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand am with the 2.2L. A dealership had replace the pads and turned the rotors about 2 years ago. Since that time I have had an annoying squeaking noise, when I am on the brake and when I am also off the brake. I just put on ceramic pads and new rotors months ago, and still have the same noise and problem. I took everything apart today and cleaned, lubed, and reinstalled. Still that annoying ass squeak. Only thing i have not replaced is the calipers. This car has been a total pain in the ass, I have had so many other problems. I had dumped so much money into it, I am just going to sell it. I hate Pontiac and will never buy one again. When it comes to the front end squeak due to the brakes, just get ready to put new rotors, pads, and calipers. Your looking at like 150 bucks of parts at the auto store or like 600 -700 at a dealership. Crap car.

- Doug K., Belleville, IL, US

problem #9

Dec 012009

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • 40,000 miles

Since we bought this car new I have had to replace the brake pads/rotors every few months, the longest stretch being just short of a year. I'm getting really tired of this and it seems like I'm not alone. A few mechanics have also told me that these cars are notorious for this. Vehicles we've owned in the past have not had one brake issue period let alone every oil change. Congratulations to Pontiac for engineering the worst example of the most important system on a vehicle!!

- bmmt, Frenchtown, MT, US

problem #8

Aug 162006

Grand Am SE1 3.4L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,325 miles

I've had to replace the rotors and pads every summer for the past 3 years. They last about 10,000Km then they are done.

- gsmak, Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada

problem #7

May 182009

Grand Am SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,000 miles

I have an '04 Pontiac grand am Se, I got the car about 4 years ago, everything was perfect no problems, then like 2 years after having the car needed brakes and rotors. thought ok, no bog deal this is normal... after I replaced the brakes/rotors first time, about 4 months later needed new pads again!!!! I was a little annoyed, but though well I live in NY and driving out here is crazy (a lot of brake use) so whatever I replaced them again. Then about 3 months later I started hearing this strange noise when I pushed on the brake pedal, its kind of sounded like an old squeeky door, found it was the calipers!! So I replaced them both, now 3 months later again I am hearing the noise, had someone look at it they said brakes and rotors are fine... but noise is still there. I think its the calipers again!!!

What is going on with this car! I see many of you also have similar complaints, I dont even know what to do!! The only good thing about this, is I work at a dealership (in service) so I dont have to pay a lot of money for them to check it out, only parts if needed!! =)

- kristenny, Massapequa, NY, US

problem #6

Apr 292008

Grand Am SE1 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,000 miles

I bought this car brand new. I have replaced brakes every 3 months. I am replacing rotors and calipers every six months. This is ridiculous. The company says nothing is wrong. BULL! Something is wrong.

- Lauren G., Belleville, IL, Afghanistan

problem #5

May 232007

(reported on)

Grand Am V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

I've had the same damn problem!! I've got a 04 Pont Grand Am and I'm on the 3rd time fixing the problem. I bought the car with 18,000 miles on it, it now has 36,000 and it's been parked for 4 months. The brakes are so bad, Sears replaced everything last year and within 3000 miles it all had to be redone! Brakes, cal, hoses, rotors were totally gone (warped, cracked, turned a cooper color!). The dealers keep telling me nothing is wrong that I just put "cheap brakes on" but they were original when it 1st happened! Now they want $1300 for the "good Pont brakes" I don't know what to do. My lawyer says I can't file a lemon law but if I can get enough people we may have a LAWSUIT!! (ritabug5@yahoo.com ) You can contact me if you like.

- Rita L., Fairmont, WV, US

problem #4

Jul 262007

(reported on)

Grand Am Sedan V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

3 days after i bought the car heard noise from front brakes dealer where i bought it changed pads and lubed and said was ok , seemed ok , but now 3 months later starting to hear it again and seems like they're grabing when im not applying the brakes. so going to have to take back in and be checked out first time didnt get charged BTW.

- davenk, Lockport, Illinios, US

problem #3

Oct 092006

(reported on)

Grand Am LE

  • 52,312 miles

just replaced the front breaks and rotors a month ago and the rotors and breaks are shot already i have to go and buy new pads rotors again this is bull sh*t i wrote to the company and the dealership they dont have any answers for me im pissed

- Michael N., Beloit, WI, US

problem #2

Sep 022006

(reported on)

Grand Am SE1

  • 44,246 miles

Had my brakes repaired and ofter three days I started to hear a popping noise whenever I turn or when stopping the car. Returned the car to the dealership and they took a look at the brakes and determined that not only were the pads bad but rotors and the calipers were also bad and needed to be replaced.

- Trina D., Washington, LA, US

problem #1

Sep 022006

(reported on)

Grand Am SE1

  • 44,326 miles

After having my brakes repaired the freaking dealership had me pay again to have all of this done (rotors, calipers replaced). They claimed that since I had just had the brake job done that they would pay for one side and I would pay for the other side. Well it looks like only one side was done because the rotors and calibers are nice and shiny on one side and rusty and dull looking on the other side.

- Trina D., Washington, LA, US