1998 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 1998 Pontiac Grand am problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Misfire: Another common problem reported by owners is engine misfires, indicated by a P0300 error code. This issue can lead to the car shaking and jumping while driving. Owners have tried replacing various parts like sensors, timing chain, spark plugs, fuel filter, and coil packs to address the misfire, but the problem persists.
- Power Window Mechanism: The Pontiac Grand Am is known to have issues with the power window mechanism, particularly due to cheap plastic parts in the pulley assembly. This can result in the power window failing, requiring the replacement of the entire assembly.
- Coolant Leaks: A cracked intake manifold gasket in many Pontiac engines, including the Grand Am, has been reported to cause coolant leaks. This issue raises concerns about the reliability of the cooling system and the potential for engine damage.
- Ignition Switch Issues: The 1998 Pontiac Grand Am is part of a larger recall by GM due to ignition switch-related problems. These issues can lead to unintended ignition key rotation, potentially causing the car to shut off unexpectedly while driving, posing a significant safety risk.
These common problems reported by owners of the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am highlight various issues ranging from suspension and engine performance to electrical and safety concerns. Addressing these issues promptly and with the necessary repairs can help maintain the reliability and safety of the vehicle.
Is the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am reliable?
Great car -- Highly Recomended
We purchased two of these vehicles new in 1998 and just traded one of them in. Both cars ran for over 10 years with a minimum of repairs. Major items replaced are: Power steering pump and radio on both.
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 many miles will a 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.
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 the 1998 Pontiac Grand Am reliable?
Great car -- Highly Recomended
We purchased two of these vehicles new in 1998 and just traded one of them in. Both cars ran for over 10 years with a minimum of repairs. Major items replaced are: Power steering pump and radio on both.
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.
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?
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.
1998 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Pontiac Grand am vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Pontiac Grand am
The NHTSA has received 184 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Pontiac Grand am. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Pontiac Grand am vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-15
- VIN: 1G2NW52M7WC
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE ANTI-THEFT CIRCUITRY CUTS OUT THE IGNITION SYSTEM AND PROHIBITS RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE. A 'PASS CODE' LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASHBOARD. IN ONE INSTANCE, THE ANTI-THEFT CIRCUITRY CUT OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND COULD NOT BE RE-STARTED. THE VEHICLE COULD BE STEERED (NO POWER STEERING) AND COASTED OFF THE ROADWAY (NO POWER BRAKES).
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-01
- VIN: 1G2NW52M4WC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 208,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Number Of Deaths: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE52T4WM
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER WAS KILLED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 10/22/14*CN UPDATED 05/19/2015 *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-15
- Crash: 1
- VIN: NOT AVAILAL
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 287 IN NEW JERSEY WHEN ENGINE CUT OFF CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKES, POWER STEERING. CAUSED ACCIDENT WHEN RAN OFF ROAD DUE TO LACK OF POWER STEERING AND INABILITY TO EFFECTIVELY BRAKE. TOOK TO DEALER WHO REPLACED CRANKSHAFT SENSOR THAT DID NOT REPAIR PROBLEM. AFTER CAR WAS REPAIRED INCIDENT CONTINUED TO OCCUR WITHOUT ANY TROUBLE CODES. NOW THAT ISSUE HAS DEVELOPED WITH IGNITION SWITCHES, IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THIS MAY BE A LONGER TERM PROBLEM THAN CURRENTLY THOUGHT. FINALLY SOLD THE VEHICLE DUE TO CONTINUING PROBLEM THAT NO ONE COULD SOLVE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-28
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE ENGINE MADE AN UNUSUAL NOISE, WHEN SHE STARTED IT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE TURNED THE IGNITION OFF, THINKING THE NOISE WOULD STOP, BUT IT DID NOT. SHE TOOK THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND IT CONTINUED TO MAKE THE SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP. THEY MADE A TEMPORARY FIX. HOWEVER, THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN ON THE VEHICLE. EITHER THE DEALER DID NOT FIX THE RECALL ON THE IGNITION SWITCH OR IT WAS NOT FIXED PROPERLY. THE LOCAL REPAIR SHOP ADVISED THE CONSUMER, TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. ONCE AT THE DEALER, THEY STATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH AND IT WAS A COMPUTER PROBLEM. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-03
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING MY 1998 GT PONTIAC GRAND AM FROM PEORIA ILLINOIS ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH. SHE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN NO POWER NO NOTHING...PULLED OVER WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5MINUTES AND SHE STARTED RIGHT UP...PLEASE HELP!!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-10-13
- VIN: 1G2NE12T6WC
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1999 ENGINE INSTALLED A 1998 CAR...FAULTY WIRES, CAR LEAKS WHEN IT RAINS, LOOKS TO HAVE BEEN IN A FIRE. KNOCK SENSOR BAD,EGR VALVE BAD...NUMEROUS THINGS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND LESLIE REED'S AUTO KNEW IT WAS A LEMON CAR. IT HAS A SALVAGED TITLE AND LESLIE REED'S AUTO NEVER GOT THE CAR REPAIRED BEFORE THEY SOLD THE CAR. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-16
- VIN: 1G2NE52T7WM
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: MY 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM THEFT SYSTEM WAS ENGAGED AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT START I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT IT WAS THE DASH CLUSTER AND KEY SWITCH REPLACED BOTH VEHICLE STILL WILL NOT START. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-13
- VIN: 1G2NE52T7WC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT WILL NOT START DUE TO ANTI THEFT KEEP FROM STARTING. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE52T2WC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE AIR BAGS SUDDENLY DEPLOYED AND STRUCK HER IN THE FACE. SHE WAS BADLY BRUISED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION AND THEY STATED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS CORRODED. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 160,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-09-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT INSTALLED A FLUSH AND SEAL TUBE IN THE VEHICLE THAT ALLOWS ANTIFREEZE TO PENETRATE FASTER. SINCE THAT TIME, THE ENGINE HAS FAILED TWICE. THE ENGINE STALLED DURING THE SECOND FAILURE WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FLUSH AND SEAL TUBE CRACKED AND ANTIFREEZE LEAKED INTO THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 180,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/16/08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A PART NAMED FLUSH AND FILL SOLD WITH NO WARNING LABELS. UPDATED 04/16/08 *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-11-27
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY PASSLOCK SYSTEM KEEPS ON ACTING UP. I CAN'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE DESIGN OF IT, BUT I WILL SAY THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION IS ABSOLUTELY HORRID AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-01
- VIN: 1G2NW52M3WC
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC GRAND AM GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. A FEW MONTHS LATER, SHE RETURNED TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THE LIGHT WOULD NOT DIM. THE MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC AND STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSOR FAILED, WHICH COULD PREVENT THE AIR BAGS FROM DEPLOYING. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 100,300 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
STEERING,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-04
- VIN: 1G2NE12T6WC
- Components: STEERING,VISIBILITY
- Summary: FLUID WAS LEAKING BY PASSENGER SIDE FRONT TIRE. ALSO, NOTICED A WHINING NOISE WHEN TURNING. CAR HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. REPAIR SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE RACK & PINION AND HEATER CORE. COST FOR REPAIRS: $700.00. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING IN THE HOUSE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MIN. WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT OUR CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. EVERYTHING IN THE COMPARTMENT WAS MELTED OR DISTORTED. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2WP52K5WF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: I OWN A 98 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX,BLACK,FOUR DOOR AUTOMATIC.I HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR THIS CAR FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS.I WENT TO START MY CAR AND IT WAS DEAD SO WE HOOKED IT UP TO A POWER SAVE JUMPER CABLE BOX(THE ONE THAT DOESNT NEED ANOTHER CAR TO CHARGE THE BATTERY) IT STILL WOULDNT START SO MY STEP FATHER (WHO IS A MECHANIC) CAME OVER TO HELP, WE HOOKED IT BACK UP TO THE JUMPER CABLES AND HE TRYED TO TURN IT OVER, NOTHING.... I LEANED IN TO TRY AND TURN IT OVER AND MY FUEL INJECTOR MANIFOLD EXPLODED. THE PLASTIC CASING BLEW ABOUT 20 FT DOWN THE ROAD AND THE WHOLE TOP OF MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.THE FIRE BLEW MY MANIFOLD APART,MY FUEL INJECTOR IS COMPLETELY MISSING THE WHOLE PART WHERE MY SPARK PLUGS ARE IS BURNED AND SO ON THERE IS ALOT OF DAMAGE!!!I HEARD FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX.I HAVE TRYED TO RECEIVE ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE CONTACTED GM PERSONALLY AND AM HAVING IT LOOKED AT BY A GM SPECIALIST(SUPPOSEDLY).IM JUST VERY THANKFUL THAT MINE NOR MY STEPFATHERS FACE WAS UNDER THAT HOOD OR ONE OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY BADLY INJURED.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-08
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2NW52M6WC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE EXITING A VEHICLE PARKED IN A DRIVEWAY ON A SLIGHT INCLINE WITH THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE ROLLED ONTO THE FOOT OF THE CONTACT, WHICH LEFT THE CONTACT TRAPPED FOR 18 HOURS. MINOR BRUISING INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. A PASSERBY ASSISTED, AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ROLLING, AND COLLIDED WITH A NEARBY TREE. MODERATE DAMAGE WAS SUSTAINED TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFT INDICATOR WAS IN PARK. THE POLICE WERE ALERTED, AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP TO AWAIT FURTHER INSPECTION BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO ALERTED.*AK UPDATED 12/28/06. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-05-23
- VIN: 1G2NE52TXWM
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR A FEW HOURS. THE BATTERY CRANKED, BUT THE ENGINE FAILED TO TURN OVER. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER CAME TO THE HOUSE AND INDICATED SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE, BUT GAVE NO CLEAR REASON FOR THE FAILURE. THE DEALER INDICATED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-30
- VIN: 1G2NW52T1WC
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THE ANTI THEFT LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS REPLACED THE ANTI THEFT SENSOR TWICE. THE VEHICLE IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-17
- VIN: 1G2NE12T0WC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE GAS TANK SEAL IS LEAKING. I HAVE NOT DID ANYTHING ABOUT IT YET. *NM
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-12-22
- VIN: 1G2NE52M5WM
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
- Summary: GENERAL MOTORS NEED TO RECALL THEIR VEHICLES TO DIAGNOSIS THIS MAJOR ISSUE. MY CASE NUMBER WITH GM 1382341310 HOWEVER, THEY WONT ASSIST ME AND SAID THEY ARE CLOSING MY CASE. I INFORMED THEM NOT TO I AM NOT DONE WITH THIS ISSUE WITH THEM... THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM OR DEFECT WITH MY GENERAL MOTORS PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 3.1L V6 ENGINE IN THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD, 3 INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET FAILURES IN LESS THAN 40,000 MILES, THE FIRST OCCURRING AT APPROX 24,000 MILES THE SECOND AT APPROX 27,000 MILES AND NOW AGAIN AT 40,000 MILES BUT I HAVE SUSPECTED THE ANTI-FREEZE I HAVE BEEN SMELLING IN THE CAB WHEN I TURN THE HEATER BLOWER ON, IS SOMEHOW CONNECTED TO THIS LEAK. WHICH MEANS ITS BEEN LEAKING FOR SOME TIME JUST NOT BAD ENOUGH TO DRIP ONTO THE GROUND BRINGING MY ATTENTION TO IT. I AM ONLY ONE OF THOUSANDS OF VICTIMS THAT GENERAL MOTORS HAS RAPED FINANCIAL OVER THE YEARS. THE REPEATED FAILURES OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET STARTED LONG AGO AND DUE TO THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS TO THE BBB AND GM YOU WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE ENOUGH TO ALARM GENERAL MOTORS THAT THEY ARE HAVING A MAJOR ISSUE, AND THEY SHOULD OF BEGAN A RECALL OF THEIR VEHICLES LONG AGO. IN THE YEAR 2002 THEY COULDN'T SUPPLY ENOUGH INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS TO KEEP UP WITH THE GM VEHICLES THAT NEEDED REPAIR EITHER UNDER WARRANTY OR OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE HAD OTHER MAJOR NON-RELATED REPAIRS TO MY VEHICLE AS WELL, 19,693 MILES THE SWAY BAR BUSHINGS HAD TO BE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED, HEATER CORE REPLACED, THE RACK AND PINION STEERING ROD REPLACED. NOW MY CAR AND MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHER GM OWNERS VEHICLES ARE OUT OF WARRANTY AND GM WON'T STAND BEHIND THEIR OWN VEHICLES, EVEN THOUGH WORK WAS DONE REPEATEDLY UNDER WARRANTY ON MY VEHICLE. I AM CURRENTLY 3 YEARS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT ONLY 12,900 APPROX MILES SINCE THEY DID THE LAST REPAIR ON MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKETS. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION SUIT IS THE ONLY THING GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION WILL RESPOND TO. *JB
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-20
- Components: VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: WINDOW REGULATORS, BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER REGULATORS HAVE GONE BAD TWO TIMES. ONCE AT 40,000 AND AGAIN AT 80,000. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-03-08
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I OWN A 1998 GRNAD AM GT AND FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS I HAVE HAD FUEL INJECTOR PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD ALL SIX INJECTORS REPLACED TWICE TOTALING OVER $600.00 EACH TIME. OTHER PEOPLE THAT I KNOW WHO ALSO OWN 1996-1999 GRAND AMS/GRAND PRIX HAVE ALSO SEEM TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE INJECTOR CLEANERS THAT ARE ONE THE MARKET DON'T SEEM TO GET RID OF THE BUILD UP AND EVENTUALLY THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS SOME KIND OF DEFECT IN THE INJECTORS AND WOULD LIKE AN INVESTIGATION TO FIND OUT. *NM
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-07-13
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2NE12M7WC
- Components: AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: PONTIAC GRAND AM AIR BAGS ARENT SAFE AT ALL MINE BUSTED OUT FOR NO REASON WHATSOEVER IT BURNED MY ARM AND LEFT A BRUISE AND COULD'VE CAUSED A WRECK!
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-06-06
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: DT: THE HARNESS OF THE CAR SEAT LOOSENS AND POPS OUT. THE PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR SEAT. HAS NOT CONTACTED MANUFACTURER TO SEE IF THERE IS A WAY OF REPAIRING THE CAR SEAT. HAS NOT CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS. AFTER PLACING THE CHILD IN CAR SEAT, WHILE DRIVING, STRAP POPS OUT OF THE BRACKET IN THE BACK OF CAR SEAT. PROBLEM ONLY HAPPENS SOMETIMES.*AK
1998 Pontiac Grand am recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1998 Pontiac Grand am.
- Manufacturer: DELPHI
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
- Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- Manufacturer: DELPHI
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
- Consequence: A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
Negative 1998 Pontiac Grand am car reviews
Positive 1998 Pontiac Grand am car reviews
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After 100,000 miles, the engine's main bearings may go bad. However, Grand Ams are very quick cars! As a female driver, even Dodge trucks can't keep up with me, hehehe. Overall, my Grand Am has been very reliable. I take care of the maintenance on the engine, but unfortunately, the bearings still went. It's important to note that the only downfall of Grand Ams is that either the bearings or the timing belt may go.
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You've owned this car for 10 years now, having bought it brand new, and it still runs great! You're planning to give it to your niece for her first car. Over the years, you've noticed a few minor issues, such as the brakes wearing easily, the radio volume changing unexpectedly, and the AC clutch rattling like crazy. However, overall it's been a good car.
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Congratulations on your first car! It's great to hear that you love it. I noticed that you did some window shopping at the Camry or Accord, but you found them to be fairly bland. The Grand Am, especially in GT form, seems to be the perfect fit for you. I understand that some reviews may have labelled it as a 'piece of crap' or 'unreliable', but I'm glad to hear that you haven't experienced any major issues with it. It's important to treat your car well, and it will last you a long time. The 3100 V6 engine is impressive and provides great performance for a much lower price than a V6 powered Camry or Accord. Additionally, the car is equipped with dual airbags and ABS, making it a safe choice. I would definitely recommend getting one that is well-equipped with features like a CD player and power equipment. Enjoy your new ride!
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I've had this car since it was new and have never regretted the purchase. It has only required general maintenance and some tires, belts and hoses - which don't last forever. However, the engine tends to run hot when driving slow in heavy traffic - this car likes to keep moving. Overall, I'm quite happy with my purchase!
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What a great car! It has been with me for a long time and has never let me down. I bought it with 57k miles and now it has 135k miles, and it's still going strong! I've taken it on long trips across the country and it has never failed me. Although it has a few minor issues like slow windows and a water leak in the interior, it has never been a problem for me. I have never even kept it in a garage, but it still runs perfectly. I have even had people ask me to sell it to them, but I'm not interested in parting with it. I would definitely buy another one in a heartbeat!
Additional sources
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1998 Pontiac Grand Am Problems and Complaints - 42 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Pontiac Grand Am? Our list of 42 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Pontiac Grand Am.
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Are you having problems with your 1998 Pontiac Grand am?
Adalberto Mitchell 2024-10-28
Overall, this has been a good and reliable vehicle, with a few exceptions. I bought the car with 64000 miles on it and have had to replace some parts, including the alternator, battery, brakes twice, intake manifold, heater core, and spark plugs. Additionally, the power window on the left side has fallen off its track. However, the car starts right up and performs well in the city, on the interstate, and during long-distance travel.
Guiseppe Hettinger 2024-10-27
A new car was purchased back in 1998. Despite being very well maintained and having less than 26,000 miles on the clock, the car has unfortunately experienced ongoing issues with the radio/cassette player, wiring, and more recently, serious problems with the defective ABS system and rear end motor. All of these issues require replacement, with costs exceeding $2,000.
Cyrus Thiel 2024-09-15
Although I have experienced some quality issues with this car, such as the driver's window rolling down but not up, a faulty sunroof motor, and poor brakes, I am confident that these problems can be resolved. I have been experiencing some issues with the car stalling while driving, but I am working to identify and fix the problem. While I have had a better experience with my '97 Honda CRV, I am optimistic that with proper maintenance and care, this car can perform just as well. I believe in the potential of this car and will continue to work towards a solution to its current issues.
Hazle Carter 2024-09-03
Despite some minor issues, this car has proven to be reliable over the years. I was able to fix the intake manifold leak, which is a common problem with this model, and the power and transmission are still in great condition. While the brakes may need frequent replacement due to their small size, this is a minor inconvenience. Although there are some cosmetic issues with the clear coat on the spoiler and window frame, these are not major concerns. While the seats may be showing some wear and tear, this is to be expected after 5 years of ownership. Overall, I have found this car to be a solid choice and would recommend it to others.
Tyshawn Armstrong 2024-08-28
Although there have been some issues with my car, I have taken care of them promptly and efficiently. The brakes have been changed three times in 49,000 miles, and I have had to take it in for minor repairs about 10 times within the first year. While driving in rush hour traffic, I experienced a brake failure, which was concerning. Additionally, both of the power windows fell off their tracks within a week of each other last month. Despite these issues, the car has some nice features, such as the downshifting option for slowing in traffic. However, the manual shifting capability on the automatic models is not recommended for sporty driving. Overall, I am confident in my ability to maintain and enjoy this car with proper care and attention.