1986 Pontiac Grand am problems
The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that was produced by Pontiac in various years between 1973 and 2005. Produced as a RWD mid-size car on the LeMans GM A platform in its first two generations, the Grand Am name was reused for a FWD compact car for its last three generations.
The platform actually began development intended to be the next generation GTO, but the muscle car era was drawing to a close. So, Pontiac decided to make this model America's answer to European luxury|sports sedans. The Grand Am (GA) name was derived from two other Pontiacs; "Grand" signifying Grand Prix luxury, and "Am" for Trans Am performance.
These first generation GAs had some innovative features, including a deformable urethane nose (an evolution of the Endura bumper pioneered on the 1968 GTO), and was one of only three GM cars (Olds Cutlass Salon, Chevy Monte Carlo S) to debut radial-ply tires (RTS - Radial Tuned Suspension) as standard equipment. The intermediate sized Grand Am was canceled in 1980 when it was replaced by the Pontiac 6000.
A compact-sized Grand Am, based on the GM N-platform, was released in 1985, replacing the Pontiac Phoenix. It became Pontiac's best selling car and was later replaced by the Pontiac G6, so named as it was intended to be the 6th generation of the Grand Am.
All 1973–1975 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant. The 1978-1980 Grand Ams were built in Pontiac, Michigan at Pontiac's main assembly plant and in Atlanta, Georgia at GMAD Lakewood. All Grand Ams between 1985 and 2005 were built in Lansing, Michigan at the Lansing Car Assembly.
Social links
Common 1986 Pontiac Grand am problems
The 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is known to have several common problems, primarily related to the engine and electrical systems.
One of the most common engine problems is the engine turning over but not starting. This issue can be frustrating for owners, as the engine may crank but fail to ignite. The cause of this problem is not explicitly stated in the search results, but it is mentioned as the worst complaint for the 1986 Grand Am on CarComplaints.com.
In terms of recalls, the 1986 Grand Am had the most recalls in 2000, with 8 issues related to electrical, fuel system, lighting, and suspension systems. However, specific details about the 1986 model's recalls are not provided.
Electrical problems are also prevalent in the 1986 Grand Am. According to RepairPal.com, there are 416 electrical issues reported by owners, which account for 85% of the total problems for this model year. The search results do not provide specific details about the nature of these electrical issues.
The Grand Am's interior also has some common problems. RepairPal.com lists 175 interior issues, which make up 36% of the total problems reported for the 1986 model. Again, specific details about these interior problems are not provided in the search results.
Windows are another problematic area for the 1986 Grand Am. RepairPal.com lists 128 window issues, which account for 26% of the total problems reported for this model year. The search results do not provide specific details about the nature of these window problems.
Lastly, the cooling system is known to have issues in the 1986 Grand Am. RepairPal.com lists 118 cooling system problems, which make up 24% of the total problems reported for this model year. Specific details about these cooling system issues are not provided in the search results.
In summary, the 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has common problems related to the engine, electrical systems, interior, windows, and cooling system. However, specific details about the nature of these problems are not provided in the search results.
How reliable is a Pontiac Grand Am?
It's reliable, but not as reliable as a Camry. In blending a Grand Prix and a Trans Am, Pontiac have developed a car that's good at everything, and great at nothing. Fun to drive and priced to move, the Grand Am delivers a sporty feel and a comfortable ride.
How long do Pontiac Grand Ams last?
How Long Will the 2004 Pontiac Grand Am Last? Drivers generally report a minimum mileage of 200,000 before the expensive repairs start to pile up, while some have passed 300,000. Expect to hit anywhere from 225,000 to 250,000 on the original engine and powertrain before your Grand Am is ready for retirement.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac Grand Am have?
126hp
Specifications for Pontiac Grand Am Sedan 3.0 V6 Automatic, 126hp, 1986.
Why did they stop making Pontiac Grand Am?
Another factor leading to the Grand Am's cancellation were plans for all 1976 Pontiac A-body cars receiving the newly approved rectangular headlights, which would necessitate a complete redesign of the Grand Am's Endura nose and Pontiac officials decided that the expense of such a redesign could not be justified based ...
Is Pontiac Grand Am a reliable car?
Very reliable cars, the 3.4's will have an issue with the gaskets but are easily fixed. Other than that there might be some clatter(which is normal for the 3.4). Solid trans and engine and a solid interior(no rattles).
Why did they stop making Pontiac Grand Am?
Since Grand Am was an "in-between", its sales declined and the model was discontinued in 1975.
How long do Pontiac Grand Ams last?
Most cars in this price range will have 150,000 to 160,000 miles on the odometer. With a Grand Am typically reaching 200,000 before it's time for the scrapyard, you'll be lucky to get 50,000 miles out of the car.
How much horsepower does a 1986 Pontiac Grand Am have?
126hp
Specifications for Pontiac Grand Am Sedan 3.0 V6 Automatic, 126hp, 1986.
1986 Pontiac Grand am car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Grand am problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Steering problems
- Structure problems
- Interior lighting problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Pontiac Grand am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Pontiac Grand am complaints
The NHTSA has received 14 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Pontiac Grand am.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WATER COLLECTION UNDER PLASTIC BODY MOLDINGS IS CAUSING BODY PANEL TO RUST.
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW69L9GC
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DASH LIGHTS GO OUT WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. *AK
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-09
- VIN: 1G2NV69U4GC
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: DASHBOARD LIGHTS INOPERATIVE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-26
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: UNDER THE HOOD COMPARTMENT FIRE, DRIVING THE VEHICLE SMELLED FUEL FUMES AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE , VEHICLE COMPLETELY BURNED, WILL PROVIDE FIRE REPORT. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-06-10
- VIN: 1G2NE27U3GC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: VEHICLE HIT A BUMP ON THE ROAD RESULTING IN VEHICLE EXPLOSION. *SD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-10
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL, USUALLY AT SLOW SPEEDS AND/OR DURING COLD WEATHER. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-28
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE27U3GC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND CAUSED THE OWNER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND THE CAR CRASHED AND EXPLODED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-15
- VIN: 1G2NW27L1GC
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR, BELT WILL NOT RETRACT.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-11-20
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELTS HAVE FAILED, REPLACED ENTIRE SEAT BELT BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT RETRACT. TT
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-07-08
- VIN: 1G2NW27L8GC
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR IS 6 CYLINDER 3. LITRE REPLACE IGNITION MODULE ABOUT FOUR TIMES WITHIN A YEAR AND THREE MONTHS . TT TRANSMISSION LEAK. *SLC
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-28
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING BELT BROKE.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-28
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: STEERING RACK FAILED. *SKD
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-12-12
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: COLD POWER STEERING. *AK
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1991-01-01
- VIN: 1G2NW69L9GC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 'COLD POWER STEERING'. *DH
1986 Pontiac Grand am recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1986 Pontiac Grand am.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.
- Consequence: CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Pontiac Grand am problems:
Q&A: 1996 Pontiac Grand Am - Modified | JustAnswer
Dec 30, 2013 ... I have a 1986 pontiac fiero SE with a 2.5L engine that ... ... The two codes, 1601 and 1629 have pointed us to a common problem ... I replaced the ...
Common problems? - Pennock's Fiero Forum
Oct 24, 2005 ... ... 1986-1988 Pontiac Fiero GT was 1980s America's everyday exotic. ... with an MSRP under $8,000,” recalls Mike Murphy, a Pontiac ... AM/FM/cassette ...
Pontiac Grand Am Questions - My 05 grand am 3.4 V6, out of the ...
Nov 15, 2012 ... My 05 grand am 3.4 V6, out of the blue started having idling problems,it started from 500-1500 rpm surges for a few seconds then stalls.
Pontiac Quad 4 Engine: Q&A on 1991 Grand Am & GM Quad 4 ...
Apr 2, 2011 ... which i understand to mean a problem with the MAP or MAF. Which is the most common item to go out? Should I replace both? Can you please give a ...
Pontiac Grand Am Problems and Complaints - 47 Issues
Top Pontiac Grand Am Problems · No Start Due to Failed Passlock Sensor · Intake Manifold Gaskets May Leak Coolant or Engine Oil · Turn Signal Switch May Fail and ...
Other years of Pontiac Grand am
Are you having problems with your 1986 Pontiac Grand am?
Leave your review of 1986 Pontiac Grand am