1989 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.
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Common 1989 Pontiac Grand am problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, several common problems have been reported:
- Rough Idle and Shaking:
Another prevalent problem is rough idle and shaking, which can be felt both at idle and while driving. This issue can be caused by a range of factors including ignition control module failures, vacuum leaks, fuel system problems, or issues with components like the EGR valve or catalytic converter.
- Electrical Problems:
Electrical issues have been reported, impacting various systems in the car. These problems can manifest in different ways, leading to issues with lights, starting the vehicle, or other electrical components. Troubleshooting electrical problems may involve checking wiring, fuses, and components like the alternator or computer module.
- Cooling System Concerns:
Some owners have faced cooling system problems with their 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. Issues related to the cooling system can lead to overheating, poor engine performance, and potential engine damage. Regular maintenance of the cooling system, including checking coolant levels and the radiator, is crucial to prevent such problems.
- Transmission Issues:
Transmission problems have also been reported by owners. Transmission issues can manifest as difficulty shifting gears, slipping, or unusual noises during operation. Proper maintenance of the transmission system, including regular fluid checks and servicing, is essential to prevent major transmission failures.
- Body Concerns:
While less common, some complaints have highlighted body-related problems. These issues may include rust, paint problems, or structural integrity concerns. Regular inspection and maintenance of the car's body can help prevent these issues from escalating.
By addressing these common problems promptly and with proper maintenance, owners of the 1989 Pontiac Grand Am can ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles. Regular inspections, timely repairs, and adherence to recommended maintenance schedules can help mitigate these issues and keep the car running smoothly.
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.
What kind of engine does a Pontiac Grand Am have?
Pontiac's base Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 140 horsepower and mates with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. A 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is standard in the SE2 and optional in the SE1.
What year did they quit making the Pontiac Grand Am?
The Pontiac Grand Am is a car model that was produced by Pontiac in various years between 1973 and 2005.
Is a Pontiac Grand Am a sports car?
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is a mid-size sports sedan that has entered its final year of production and is making way for the all-new G6.
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.
What happened to the Pontiac Grand Am?
Slow sales of the Grand Am led to its discontinuation after the 1980 model year.
What kind of engine does a Pontiac Grand Am have?
Pontiac's base Ecotec 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 140 horsepower and mates with either a four-speed-automatic or five-speed-manual transmission. A 170-hp, 3.4-liter V-6 engine is standard in the SE2 and optional in the SE1.
1989 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:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Electrical system problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Steering problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Pontiac Grand am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Pontiac Grand am
The NHTSA has received 75 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Pontiac Grand am. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Pontiac Grand am vehicles.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-06-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE54D5KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TRANSMISSION LOCKING TORQUE CONVERTER SOLENOID DOES NOT ALLOW TORQUE CONVERTER TO UNLOCK RESULTING IN ENGINE STALL WHEN STOPPING. REPLACED SOLENOID. REPLACED SLAPPING TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN GUIDES. CHANGED OIL AFTER REPAIR. DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 100 MILES WHEN 3 ROD BEARINGS SPUN. ONE HALF OF THE BEARING SPUN INTO THE OTHER HALF RESULTING IN CRANKSHAFT DAMAGE AND PISTON TIPPING. REPLACED ENGINE WITH USED WHICH I REPAIRED BEFORE REPLACING. LOOKED LIKE OIL PUMP FAILURE. WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD BETWEEN 145-150 COMPRESSION.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-30
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-90-577) *YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-09-30
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: AFTER THE ENGINE OVERHEATED, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. (OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT #10-90-577) *YH
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-01
- VIN: 1G2NE14U2KC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I KILLED IT AT A SERVICE STATION GONNA GET SOME WATER AND IT HAS NEVER STARTED SINCE THEN. THE GAS COMES OUT OF HOSE WHEN DISCONNECTED FROM INJECTOR BUT CONNECT THE LINE BACK AND THE FUEL INJECTION DOESNT GET GAS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHE WHO CAN NOT AFFORD THIS TYPE OF THING. A MAN PULLED IN SERVICE STATION AND SAID HE HAD SAME PROBLEMS WITH HIS 89 GRAND AM. I ALSO LOOKED IN MY HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER AND LOTS OF 89 GRAND AMS FOR SALE WITH NON WORKING MOTORS.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2WP14TXKF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: EVEN REPLACEMENT STOP SWITCH SMOKES(FAILS). RECALL REPAIR PERFORMED , SAME RESULT. REPLACEMENT SWITCH STILL NO GOOD!!!!*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-11-10
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT SIDE OF HOUSE. CONSUMER WENT BACK INTO HOUSE, AND A FEW MINUTES LATER, A NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON DOOR NOTIFYING HIM THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE CARPARTMENT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION. NO INJURIES TO REPORTED. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-09-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE14D3KC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE TRAVELING N ON I-295 BETWEEN I-10 AND COMMONWEALTH AVE, RR TIRE STARTED VIBRATING AND BOUNCING. TREAD THEN SEPARATED FROM THE TIRE, THROWING ME INTO A LEFT HAND CIRCLE. I WENT FROM OUTSIDE NORTH BOUND LANE INTO GRASSY MEDIUM, CROSSING THREE LANES AND DOING A COMPLETE 360 DEGREE SPIN. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR JUST SHORT OF ENTERING THE ONCOMMING TRAFFIC OF THE SOUTH BOUND LANES. THE TREAD PEELED COMPLETELY AWAY, VERY SIMILAR TO THE FIRESTONE TIRES. I KEPT THE TIRE AND HAVE IT IN MY GARAGE. IF YOU WANT IT, IT IS YOURS.*AK (DOT NUMBER: UNKNOWN TIRESIZE: P195/70R14)
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: INNER REAR SUPPORT THAT HOLDS VEHICLE UP RUSTED AROUND THE SPRING AND STRUT. VEHICLE HAD NO SUPPORT. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-28
- VIN: 1G2NE14D4KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH A QUAD 4 ENGINE. THROUGHOUT THIS PAST YEAR, THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STALLING ON NUMEROUS OCCASSIONS AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE. IN ADDITION, I SPENT ROUGHLY $2000 TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET AND CYLINDER HEAD. PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR FAILURE CAUSED VEHICLE TO STALL. YH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NW14D4KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED. YH
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE ENGINE, RADIATOR AND OVERFLOW BUCKET WERE REPLACED.*ET
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-01-01
- VIN: 1G2NE14D3KC
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,TIRES
- Summary: REAR SUSPENSION THAT HOLDS STRUTS IS ROTTED. SMOKES WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN AT ANY SPEED. IF USED LONG TERM, THE FRAME MAY CRACK AND THE TIRES MAY COME COMPLETELY OFF. MANY MECHANICS HAVE TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-09-25
- VIN: 1G2NE54D3KC
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING OF A BUMPING AND GRINDING IN THE STEERING AT SLOW SPPEDS SINCE 1992. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN AROUND ALL THIS TIME UNTIL MAJOR FAILURE IN DEC. 1999. DEALER SAID IT WAS THE RACK AND PINION STEERING. AFTER REPLACEMENT ANOTHER PROBLEM AROSE WHICH CAUSED THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR TO VIBERATE WHEN TURNING. I WAS TOLD A POWER STEERING HOSE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD BY THE REPAIR DEALER THAT THEY CHECKED WITH PONTIAC TECH. ASS. AND FOUND THE HOSE INSUFFICENT TO HANDLE THE HIGH PREASURE RETURN TO THE POWER STEERING UNIT. WOULD THIS CONDITION CAUSE THE RACK AND PINION TO FAIL IN THE FIRAT PLACE OR DID I GET ANOTHER RUN AROUND. *AK
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-11
- VIN: 1G2NE54U7KC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-01
- VIN: 1G2NE14U9KC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: NO SUMMARY
STEERING,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-15
- VIN: 1G2WJ14T3KF
- Components: STEERING,STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, REAR CRADLE BOLTS BROKE, CAUSING THE REAR OF THE ENGINE TO FALL OUT. ALSO, CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF STEERING DUE TO STEERING SHAFT BREAKING. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-01-01
- VIN: 1G2NE14D3KC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE SENSOR WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE DISTRUTOR AND WHICH IS USED FOR BETTER GAS MILEAGE MALFUNCTIONED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR COMING TO A STOP, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE SENSOR. PROBLEM NEVER REOCCURRED. ALSO SAME PROBLEMS ON THE GRAND PRIX'S. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NE14D5KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: HEAD GASKET FAILED. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2NE14D5KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MOTOR MOUNTS BROKE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO VIBRATE. *YC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-09-10
- VIN: 1G2NE54D6KC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE HEAD GASKET HAD TO BE REPLACED AND AFTER NUMEROUS REPAIRS STILL DIDN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY. RUNS ROUGH, DOESN'T IDLE PROPERLY, FUEL INJECTION DOESN'T FUNCTION PROPERLY, OIL TURNS FOAMY.
1989 Pontiac Grand am recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 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: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
- Summary: FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
- Consequence: LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Pontiac Grand am problems:
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