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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Pontiac Grand Am recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 17 recall campaigns and 4,591 owner complaints for the Pontiac Grand Am, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 1999 model year drew the most complaints (849), and Electrical System is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Pontiac Grand Am VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 17 recall campaigns on file
  • 4,591 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 1999 (849 for that model year)
  • top component: Electrical System (1,336 complaints)
  • latest recall 14V400000 (reported Jul 3, 2014)
  • 361 complaints reporting a crash (7.9%)
  • 121 complaints reporting a fire (2.6%)
  • 293 complaints reporting an injury (6.4%)
  • 18 complaints reporting a death (0.4%)

Pontiac Grand Am complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1999 model year has the most complaints: 849 of 4,591, or 18.5%. Next come 2000 (675) and 2001 (538). The fewest are for 2005, with 102 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Pontiac Grand Am owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 4,591 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 1999 with 849. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 409 complaints40919951996: 450 complaints45019961997: 383 complaints38319971998: 172 complaints17219981999: 849 complaints84919992000: 675 complaints67520002001: 538 complaints53820012002: 395 complaints39520022003: 325 complaints32520032004: 293 complaints29320042005: 102 complaints1022005
Pontiac Grand Am complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Pontiac Grand Am complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
19954095943461
19964503314530
19973833212312
1998172125102
19998497313484
20006754314343
2001538214140
2002395223160
2003325275234
2004293247121
200510215161
All model years4,59136112129318

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Pontiac Grand Am components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Electrical System is the component named most often, in 1,336 complaints (29.1% of all 4,591), followed by Service Brakes, Hydraulic (672) and Engine and Engine Cooling (651).

Components named most often in Pontiac Grand Am complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Pontiac Grand Am complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Electrical System1,33629.1%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic67214.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling65114.2%
Exterior Lighting61513.4%
Air Bags3958.6%
Visibility3277.1%
Suspension2685.8%
Steering2545.5%
Power Train1944.2%
Structure1874.1%
Fuel System, Gasoline1864.1%
Vehicle Speed Control1763.8%
Equipment1393.0%
Unknown or Other1252.7%
Engine912.0%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Pontiac Grand Am recalls

17 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Grand Am, newest first. The 17 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2005. The 2000 model year appears in the most campaigns (5).

  • 17 recall campaigns
Pontiac Grand Am recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 1 campaign1996: 4 campaigns1997: 2 campaigns1998: 1 campaign1999: 3 campaigns
2000: 5 campaigns2001: 4 campaigns2002: 1 campaign2003: 2 campaigns2004: 2 campaigns2005: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 14V400000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition

    Model years 1999–2005

    This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

    Consequence:
    If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 05V054000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model year 2005

    Certain passenger vehicles equipped with rear suspension knuckle bolts that are not to specification and could fracture under high loads that can occur in some driving conditions.

    Consequence:
    If the bolt fracture, the rear suspension linkage could detach from the knuckle and the rear wheel would be able to turn inboard or outboard. Sudden changes in vehicle handling could occur, particularly at higher speeds, and the driver may not be able to control the vehicle and a crash could occur without warning.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace both rear suspension knuckle bolts free of charge. The recall began on February 9, 2005. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 04V528000

    Reported

    Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal

    Model year 2003

    Certain passenger vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 124, 'accelerator control systems.' In hot ambient conditions, the accelerator pedal arm may stick at the attachment to the bracket and not return to the engine idle position when the operator lifts his foot from the accelerator pedal.

    Consequence:
    Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the accelerator pedal arm and replace the accelerator and brake pedal assembly with a new assembly, if necessary. The recall began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 04V301000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage

    Model year 2004

    Certain passenger vehicles may have been built with a fuel tank that does not meet specification. A weld on these fuel tanks may be insufficient, resulting in a fuel leak.

    Consequence:
    Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the fuel tank, and replace it, if necessary. Owner notification began on June 23, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 04V036000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model year 1998

    On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

    Consequence:
    If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. The fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. Owner notification will begin on March 1, 2004. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, Buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 03V327000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights › Switch

    Model years 2000–2001

    Certain passenger vehicles have hazard warning switches that may experience solder joint cracking caused by rapid temperature transitions and the soldering process. If solder joint cracking occurs and results in an open circuit, the turn signals/hazard lamps become intermittent or inoperative.

    Consequence:
    When the turn signals are inoperative, the driver cannot use them to signal intent to turn that could result in a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the hazard warning switch. Owner notification began on February 5, 2004. Owners should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 03V250000

    Reported

    Equipment › Other › Owners/Service/Other Manual

    Model year 2001

    Certain minivans, passenger and sport utility vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 225, "child restraint anchorage system." The owner's manual does not explain the meaning of the location symbols for the child restraint lower universal anchorage system.

    Consequence:
    This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
    Remedy:
    Owners will be provided with a supplement for their owner's manual. This supplement describes and shows the location symbols for the child restraint anchors that are located in the vehicle and on the child restraint or booster cushion. Owner notification began August 18, 2003. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463, Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 02V070000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Switch

    Model years 1996–1997

    On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

    Consequence:
    If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, Pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, Buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 00V372000

    Reported

    Power Train › Manual Transmission

    Model years 2000–2001

    Vehicle description: certain passenger vehicles equipped with manual transaxles (rpo M86) fail to comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "theft protection." When a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever indicates reverse gear.

    Consequence:
    In this situation, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission is in a forward gear, which is not permitted by the standard.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will disable the 5TH/REVERSE inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 00V287000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly

    Model year 1995

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.

    Consequence:
    A fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps). This campaign does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Show 7 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 00V140000

    Reported

    Structure › Body

    Model years 1999–2000

    Vehicle description: these vehicles do not comply with the occupant protection requirements of FMVSS No. 201, "occupant protection in interior impact." The console cover on these vehicles does not stay closed when a specified vertical load is applied.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, the console cover could open and the cover or items stored under it could injure an occupant.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the console latch mechanism.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 00V116000

    Reported

    Suspension › Rear

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The bolt that attaches the rear suspension trailing arm to the left rear knuckle may not have been tightened to specifications during assembly.

    Consequence:
    The bolt could back completely out of the joint affecting vehicle control.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will tighten this bolt.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 98V320000

    Reported

    Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel can come loose from the steering shaft because the steering wheel retaining nut could have been improperly tightened.

    Consequence:
    This condition could cause a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the steering wheel retaining nut for correct tightness and tighten if necessary.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 98V027000

    Reported

    Interior Lighting

    Model year 1996

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 101, "controls and displays."

    Consequence:
    The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 97V059000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood

    Model year 1997

    The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting in extremely high current flow.

    Consequence:
    This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 96V250000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Hazard Flashing Warning Lights

    Model year 1996

    The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with FMVSS No. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

    Consequence:
    If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 96V249000

    Reported

    Steering › Steering Wheel/Handle Bar

    Model year 1996

    The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.

    Consequence:
    An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Pontiac Grand Am questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Pontiac Grand Am have?

NHTSA lists 17 vehicle recall campaigns for the Pontiac Grand Am, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 14V400000, was reported on July 3, 2014 and is filed under “Electrical system”. The 2000 model year is covered by the most campaigns (5).

Which Pontiac Grand Am model year has the most complaints?

The 1999 model year, with 849 of the 4,591 complaints in NHTSA’s file (18.5%). The next are 2000 (675) and 2001 (538). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Pontiac Grand Am complaint?

Electrical System is the component named most often: 1,336 complaints, or 29.1% of all 4,591. Service Brakes, Hydraulic (672) and Engine and Engine Cooling (651) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Pontiac Grand Am?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Pontiac dealer.

How many Pontiac Grand Am complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 4,591 complaints, 361 report a crash, 121 a fire, 293 at least one injury and 18 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Pontiac models

8 models · most complaints first

The Pontiac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Pontiac VIN decoder with every Pontiac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Pontiac models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.