10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
81,718 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.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #92

Feb 282015

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. After turning off the ignition switch off, the vehicle was still running. The failure recurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000....updated 01/20/16

- Boise, ID, USA

problem #91

Jul 232015

Grand Am

  • miles
Car runs great shut it off next morning won't start wants to but won't that was the 1st incident the 2nd time ishut it off go to start back up an half hour later and does same thing changed everything again still doesn't work tried resetting the computer myself still didn't work.

- Ellwood City, PA, USA

problem #90

Aug 042015

Grand Am

  • 95,000 miles
My daughter went to start her Pontiac Grand Am 2004. It would not start, and the security light in dash was flashing. This happened 3 times in 1 and half hours. It was parked in front of the house 2 times, and once when I accompanied her to fill up for gas. This has happened 3 times with me driving her car in the past 8 months. And has happened atleast once a week with my daughter the past 4 months. I found out on line after doing some research into the problem that this is a recurring issue with the Pontiac the car does not start, not even a click. The security light flashes. Reading up on this. You have to turn the key on and wait approximately 10 long minutes. In the cold and heat. My daughter is a new driver, and should not have to deal with this known GM problem. If it stalls or does not start and an emergency arises. Now she has to wait. This is unacceptable for anyone, let alone a young driver. GM needs to own up and fix this issue.

- Maybrook, NY, USA

problem #89

Jun 092015

Grand Am

  • 92,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle did not start. The contact stated that the driver locked all of the doors and closed all of the windows. When the security light went off, the vehicle started. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Davis Junction, IL, USA

problem #88

Dec 242012

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 95,000 miles
Pontiac Grand Am 2004 - the vehicle's security passlock system is malfunctioning. There is also a warning light that indicates this and inconsistently by lighting "security." When this system is malfunctioning, the car will not start and is completely disabled / immobile. This causes many factors such as no use of necessities like heat, if you were in dangerous cold temps. You can not get away from a dangerous or potential dangerous situation. I believe this issue is widespread and should be a recall and fixed by GM. I've researched this issue online and found many, many other owner's of the same model with the same problem. This non-starting of the car can only be over ridden by turning the key to the "on" position for 10 minutes. Then the system will allow the car to start. I recently had a recall performed on my car "unintended key rotation" 14350 this recall does not deal with the passlock security system. But I think it is related because since that recall was completed it caused my security passlock system to fail more often. In conclusion I believe GM should issue a recall for "faulty security passlock system."

- Altoona, PA, USA

problem #87

Mar 102015

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Got key fob recall done, now the ignition switch is not accepting the key at all making it very hard to turn the key to on and start position as if the switch is in lock position before driving. After driving down the road a bit the ignition switch shuts the car off making me have to restart the car while im driving down the road. This should be a recall not only for my car but for all Pontiac like mine that are 2004 and up. This could cause serious injury or an accident if its not fixed. I drive safe and have kids in the car at all times. I shouldn't have to fight with the ignition switch to turn my key to start position. Another thing to get fixed, the traction light and ABS light comes on automatically in reverse and stays on until the car is parked.

- Deltona, FL, USA

problem #86

Jun 102013

Grand Am

  • 180,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that while trying to start the vehicle, the ignition key failed to turn to the on position. Also, the contact mentioned that the security warning light continuously illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and the security system. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #85

Mar 022015

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • miles
2000 Pontiac Grand Am. Consumer writes in regards to ignition switch recall problems.

- Dillon, SC, USA

problem #84

Oct 012014

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 179,053 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that the security warning indicator illuminated and the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,053. Updated 4/30/15

- Eminence, MO, USA

problem #83

Mar 132015

Grand Am

  • 109,658 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The contact stated that while approaching a stop light at 10 mph, the vehicle stalled. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system). However, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The failure mileage was 109,658.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #82

Feb 042015

Grand Am

  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system), but the recall repair did not remedy the failure. The contact stated that the dealer replaced the tumbler in the ignition switch, but it became difficult to shift gears after the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Paris, AR, USA

problem #81

Jan 032009

Grand Am

  • miles
In January 2009, the ignition switch locked on my Grand Am without warning or reason. It required me getting the car towed to a shop and paying $438.61 to have it repaired. Recently GM announced that there is a known issue w/the ignition switch. I've made several attempts to speak with someone about being reimbursed for the repairs w/out success. I'm being told that the only thing I can do is have the "key" covered so no other keys can be attached. I have my dated receipt showing the ignition had to be replaced including the lock cylinder. Please contact me back regarding this matter.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #80

Dec 312014

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
Driving my 2004 Pontiac Grand Am home form grocery shopping and tried to get into left hand turn only lane, but car wouldn`T slow down and I didn`T want to rear end the person ahead as there was a lot of traffic that day so I veered to the right to get into a parking lot to pull my emergency brakes, but was broad sided. I have over $2,300 worth of damage to my car and my mechanic said it is the ignition switch on the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, and there should have been a full replacement of that when the recall was done regarding the ignition. All that was done for me was a plastic insert was adhered to my ignition key. GM needs to recall these cars and replace the ignition switches. They also owe me a lot in repairs done to my car.

- Fulton, NY, USA

problem #79

Feb 272015

Grand Am

  • 116,000 miles
I had my ignition lock cylinder tumblers replaced by a lock smith because key kept sticking and now my car does nothing when I go to start it with key. It starts w/ remote start but odometer hand and etc go side to side really fast. My head lights, heater and dash lights don't work. Security light is not on. The key will turn the car off when I use remote starter. Car turned off while driving twice before and after tumbler replacement.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

problem #78

Oct 012014

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 52,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Grand Am. While the vehicle was idling, the driver's knee came in contact with the key and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14V400000 (electrical system); however, the part needed to repair the vehicle was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 52,000. Updated 4/15/15

- Towson, MD, USA

problem #77

Apr 152014

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • miles
2004 Pontiac Grand Am. Car failed to start when the key would not turn in the ignition lock cylinder. The ignition lock cylinder was replaced. The consumer is seeking reimbursement, due to the recall.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #76

Jan 012015

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • miles
GM reimbursement for consumers out-of-pocket repair expenses incurred prior to the GM recall. Consumer sent additional correspondence. The consumer was informed he would not receive reimbursement, because the known defect and correction was not apparent in the repair invoice. The consumer stated on three separate occasions he and his wife experienced loss of engine power resulting in the vehicle being towed. The ignition switch was replaced. The consumer is requesting reimbursement. Updated 02/05/15

- Sun City West, AZ, USA

problem #75

Apr 012013

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Pontiac Grand Am. Problems with car key ignition and starting up. The consumer stated she was only able to drive the vehicle for a mile, before it completely shut off. The repair shop replaced the ignition lock cylinder.

- Somerset, PA, USA

problem #74

Dec 192014

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 167,523 miles
Owner of the 2004 Pontiac was leaving work and just cut off while in run position.

- Winston Salem, NC, USA

problem #73

Oct 142014

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
First I want to inform you that your website does not work correctly with internet Explorer. I tried to file a complaint and the affected parts : section would not work. I'm using safari and the affected parts: Section works. GM recall 14350 / NHTSA 14V400 should be amended to have GM proved two cut keys with two key rings and the inserts listed on the recall. I was a GM service manager and tech for over 17 years and know how the recall system works. The problem with the recall is: 1: vehicles over 10 years have had the ignition lock cylinder replaced. 2: aftermarket replacement keys are not the same design as the oem keys to allow the inserts and are flat metal. 3: the recall uses a insert in the cut slot that does not work in aftermarket keys. On 10/14 /2014, I went to my local GM dealership to have the recall done. The service advisor informed me that the recall could not be done with the aftermarket key. Do I need to have the dealership cut me two keys at a cost of $30. I can get a replacement key cut at ace hardware or wal mart for $2. aftermarket ignition lock cylinder replacement kits include a flat metal key. Please contact GM on the number of completed recall 14350 / NHTSA 14V400. The large number of uncompleted recalls is due to the contents of my letter. Thank you

- Miami, OK, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »