Pontiac Grand Am 1996 - Electrical system - car safety information, failing parts, recalls, bulletins, complaints

Pontiac Grand Am 1996

Recalls
Technical Service Bulletins
Consumer Complaints

Recalls

Campaign	Manufacturer	Manufacturing date	Type	# of units affected	Date Owner notified Mfg	Recall Initiated by	Manufacturers of recalled vehicles/products	Report Recieved Date	Record Creation Date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
02V070000	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.	from 05/01/1995 to 07/31/1996	V (Vehicle)	1589948	03/27/2002	ODI	GENERAL MOTORS CORP.	03/06/2002	03/25/2002
Defect 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 Summary	If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Corrective Summary	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.
Notes	Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-dot (1-888-327-4236).

Bulletins

Bulletin	Bulletin date	Item no.	Summary	Added
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
736404	02/01/1997	51306	No start condition, generator may not be charging battery. *tw	06/27/1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
010849020	12/01/2001	631899	Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *slc	06/25/2002
776403	02/01/1997	51301	Engine miss (replace spark plug wire and ignition coil). *tw	06/27/1997
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
638313	01/01/1997	51242	Instrument panel cluster squeak or itch noise (reposition felt pads). *tw	06/27/1997

Consumer Complaints

Fail date	miles	occurences	Purchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12/19/2012	136141
	I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. then, it wouldn't even turn over. i had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. turns out it was the pontiac anti-theft device that was keeping it from starting. when your key starts getting worn and rounded off, (as most keys do after some use!) the theft system locks your car up. there is no fix for this problem other than replacing the ecu, ignition system, key tumbler, or a combination of the same, and reprogramming it, which costs upwards of 1000.00 this anti theft system is preventing me from using my lawfully owned car! the only way to fix it is to have a dealership replace defective pontiac parts. an anti theft system should be a preventative measure to keep crooks from boosting your car, not something that will cost the owner more money later when their key wears down! worse yet, if the car is disabled on a highway and the steering wheel locks up, you risk killing yourself or others on the road! this has got to be a safety violation and a red flag for a recall. i'm going to probably sell this rat-trap for scrap/crush value to a junk yard and buy another car, so althought this complaint won't benefit me, hopefully my comment will help someone else who is having problems with their pos pontiac.
08/30/2010	150000
	Anti-theft system keeps activating. had key switch and instrument cluster replaced. still happening!!!!!
09/01/2008	98000
	Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. started approximatly 1yr. ago. caused all lights on dash to light up, now vechile will not start, could not afford to have pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy.
09/11/2009	120000
	Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. the contact stated that the passenger side and the driver side had two inches of rain in the vehicle but was unable to identify where it was coming from. the theft system activated and the vehicle responded as if it were stolen which made it impossible to start the vehicle. the contact also had a lot of major components repaired on the vehicle and the failure continued to occur. the dealer advised the contact that there was nothing they could do to assist with the failure. the failure mileage was currently 141,000. the failure mileage was 120,000.
08/08/2009	160000	1
	Gm pass lock system on a 1996 pontiac grand am wont allow car to start stranding me at work. *tr
03/26/2009	181271
	Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. the contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start due to the theft system. once the vehicle was started, it stalled at 40 mph due to the theft system. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic, who stated that the ignition cylinder may have caused the failure. according to the owner's manual, the contact must wait ten minutes before restarting the vehicle after the failure occurs. she feels that this is a safety issue because the vehicle could stop in the middle of the highway. the failure mileage was 181,271 and current mileage was 181,600.
09/24/2005	100000	1
	Every time it rains i get water on the floor of my car, this has been an ongoing i have had to replace the instrument cluster because it went out on me wile driving because the wires behind on the firewall are wet.*tr
10/18/2005	102988	1	05/25/1998
	On october 18, 2005 while driving at 30 mph in fair weather, the driver's side airbag unexpectedly deployed, though no contact was made with any other vehicle or stationary object. the airbag deployment caused extreme irritation via friction burn to right forearm of driver, temporary hearing distress to driver and passenger and near loss of control of vehicle due to shock of this deployment. investigation of similar incidents shows that likely cause is short in airbag control module under passenger seat due to presence of water on the floor of the vehicle. water on floor has been a perennial problem in my vehicle and many attempts to ascertain the cause (attribute to leaky molding, poor fitting window trim, etc.), were unsuccessful. perusal of similar complaints on this website show a clear pattern of similar events attributable to a manufacturer's defect (per tech issue memo issued by gm in 1998) related to inferior adhesive used during assembly of top vent grille. excessive rain typically results in water on floor of passenger compartment and has caused this same unexpected deployment of both driver and passenger side airbags in several complaints. likelihood of gm accepting responsibility for this defect and repairing the problem is apparently slim (per other complainants reports) due to age of vehicle and the fact that it has taken years to present itself, meaning no recall was issued by pontiac. i would recommend all owners of this vehicle who experience this water problem report it their gm dealership prior to experiencing the airbag deployment, as it could have had much more serious consequences if traveling at higher speeds in less than ideal conditions!!!*jb
09/26/2005		6	03/29/2005
	I am currently financing a car from rpm wholesale in flint, i got this car march 29, 2005. i have had the car fixed more than 6 times. the car has not been working for 2 weeks. the car was over heating, and then it would not start up. i took it back to rpm and they said they fixed it. again this week i took it back, and they are saying its a electrical nightmare, and make an appointment to bring it back, but i can drive it until then. *jb
02/08/2005	62000	3	06/20/2000
	A tech issue memo issued from pontiac/gm dated april, 1998 stated that owners may claim water leaking into the front passenger compartment of the car due to an inferior adhesive used during the manufacturing process on the top vent grille... was given to me by my mechanic, after i disvoered water leakage on my passenger area floor for 2 years (which i attributed to my negligence only) until this water leakage finally caused a short in my air bag module (located under the front passenger seat) which caused all of the other car electrical systems to short out. seal to the top vent grille was replaced, short repaired, airbag module was disconnected and the battery was replaced. the airbag module will be replaced at a later date when i can afford it. this totals $956.99 (including ny sales tax) which i requested pontiac reimburse me for. they steadfastedly refuse to reimburse me due to basically 4 things: (1) the warranty time expired on the car, (2) the age of the car, (3) the fact that i didn't bring it directly to pontiac to fix it (4) the fact that it wasn't a recall... my arguement is: (1) the warranty expiring shouldn't absolve gm/pontiac of responsibility of the defect, (2) the normal wear and tear on this car (in spite of it's age) wouldn't have produced this water damage if the top vent grille was properly sealed in the manufacturing process by pontiac in the first place (3) i didn't know that pontiac caused this problem until after the damage was done and my mechanic told me about the tech issue memo (i have a copy) and (4) why wasn't this a recall? i sent a letter to pontiac's customer assistance center in detroit, mi on or about june 27, 2005 with all relevant documentation backing up my claim (yours for the asking), who called me back today, refusing to reimburse me on this claim. i know that negligence by pontiac caused some major damage to my car of which i believe i should be reimbursed for.
01/07/2003		12	06/22/1996
	Car electrical system shut down while driving, daylights, all dash gauges etc. this is an intermittent trouble. my trouble appears mainly when headlights are on with the heater blowing on defogger. it comes and goes every so often especially while driving at 5:00 a.m. when its cold and headlights are on and defogger is needed. alternator was recently replaced but the car is still experiencing a christine haunted car syndrome with the electrical and its getting dangerous. this has been going on since i have owned the car, and since it is intermittent, when it happens the car's trouble cant be located. *jb
	30000	23
	The ignition would not turn over, the interior and exterior lighting levels fluctuated, the dashboard light flickered on/off, and the battery died on several occasions. the consumer requested reimbursement for the parts that have been replaced for a problem that hasn't been fixed. scc *nlm
	30000	15
	The vehicle has experienced multiple electrical system failures, the battery failed and was replaced twice, the dash lights flicker, the interior and exterior light fluctuate, the ignition clicks and the vehicle cannot be started. nlm
		1
	One hour after parking vehicle, a fire ignited in the trunk area. trunk light would not go off, all dash lights were illuminated. ak tt
04/05/2001		5	01/01/1999
	The car has been given a lot of electrical problems and now one of the pulleys that holds the engine's belt broke, also my horn does not work properly. *ak
11/13/2000		0
	Engine shuts down/all power is gone/ there are no brakes/ no steering and no lights. consumer indicates there is no power at all, and feels this is very dangerous, took to dealer, and they couldn't remedy the problem. it is an intermittent problem. *ak
09/30/1999		1	09/01/1999
	This vehicle has been in the shop at least once a month,for major repairs, now its been in the shop for 2 weeks and they still cant find the problem with the electrical system,,,,and the vehicle is my lively hood,,,,,,so stressed due to this vehicle beening in the shop and they cant find the major proplem,,, this car is a lemon,,, dates this vehicle been in the shop 9.30.99,,,10.18.99...11.08.99....12.17.99....1.24.00.. please help me one this vehicle thank you stressed out. *ak
12/21/1999		1	04/01/1996
	Electrical system failed while driving home from work in rush hour traffic, in the dark, in the rain, driving down a hill. without warning the lights flickered and dimmed, headlights went out, interior lights went out, lost power, unable to use brakes or power steer car. was able to coast on a side road and apply emergency brake. after stopping, unable to release key from car or open door, able to escape through roll down window. *ak
11/23/1999
	The headlights went dim while driving, the vehicle cut off / would not restart, resulting in complete loss of power. the key was stuck in the ignition and would not go into park. consumer was trapped in vehicle for 20 minutes because doors and windows would not open. dealer was not contacted yet. ak yc
04/04/1999
	The alternator wa snot getting enough of a charge. had to be recharged every week. the panel lights would blink on/off. the vehicle then shut down. had taken to dealer & the alternator was replaced, but the problem still exists. *ak
		5
	Electrical system failed causing the headlights and dash lights to go out.
03/01/1997
	Transmission failure; vehicle experiences shifting problems, resulting in loss of control. also, electrical system failure. *ak
04/02/1996		2
	Electrical problems, causing daytime running lights to fail, also warning lights on dash activating. *dsh
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
11/09/2001	104000	2
	The engine stalled twice in driving. alternator has been replaced twice in the last year. windows get stuck in the middle and don't go up and down. ts
		15	11/01/2000
	No summary. dt
11/24/2002		1	10/01/2098
	Coolant leaking into crankcase, engine needs replaced. also i have replaced 3 alternators since i owned this vehicle. the first one at 40000 miles. this car by my book is crap. dt
09/15/2002		6	07/01/2096
	The wiring must be shot because any thing that is electric is always going out. dt
07/22/2002
	Light that reflexes the failure of alternator will not come on until all 3 diod has failed. this causes engine to quit when two of the 3 diods hav failed.dealer contacted.*ak
07/08/2002		2	06/01/2096
	In this vehicle, by 80,000 miles, all 4 power window motors had sequentially overheated and failed with ordinary use. they have all had to undergo replacement. in addition, the alternator has twice become clogged with debris (leaves, etc). through ordinary use, overheated and failed. both the original alternator and a manufacturer-branded replacement have failed in this fashion, and have required replacement.
		2	04/01/2097
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/31/2001
	Recall 02 v 070 000/ignition switch: alternator/ battery and ignition coil had to be replaced. , dealer notified, and informed consumer that recall was not the cause of other failures. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
10/15/1997		3	07/01/1996
	We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. we were informed that the car was sucking the coolant in rather than leaking out. we have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. the 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. the 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. the 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. all of these repairs were covered under either the original warranty or the extended warranty (good thru 72,000 mi). we now have almost 70,000 mi on this car and the engine is shot! the main throttle bearing gaulded and the extended warranty company is denying our claim (even though we have 2,000 mi left on extended warranty) because they say the oil is contaminated. i have maintained regular oil changes and am due for an oil change in approx 200 mi. the dealership did not inform me that i should have had the oil changed after any of the coolant leak repairs. also, we had to have the alternator replaced when then car was just 2 yrs old. plus we had to have the r&r shaft seal & bearing kit replaced 3 times due to squeaking noise coming from steering column. also had to have shifter assemply replaced because the key was sticking in the ignition.*ak
		1	01/01/1997
	No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
07/02/1998		3	06/01/1996
	I believe this car to be a lemon, most of the complaints described by other owners this year model exist with this vehicle. how can i get help, now something is smoking under the hood, i believe it to be electrical but i don't have the cash to take to a mechanic. help. no safety defect. *ak
08/01/1996		1	07/28/1996
	Since purchase had to replace 3 alternators/ 2 ignition switches/ 2 stop-hazard switches/abs switch, and 2 batteries. ak windshield is leaking during heavy rains. the consumer indicates that the vehicle has questionable design which causing most of the problems. yh
11/14/2000		1	01/01/1998
	Constant problems mostly electrical, but from windows and locks to major things like alternators and ignition switches multiple times. contacted pontiac over a year and never heard even a reply. any recalls or factory fix info would be appreciated. *ak
09/25/2000		3	11/01/1996
	Service advisor comments lead me to suspect that shortness of alternator wiring harness caused electrical shorts which caused three alternator failures and one instrument cluster failure. intial alternator failure resulted in sudden electrical system shutdown on i-880 at the santa cruz mountains summit, a near safety mishap. the vehicle had to be towed to dealer. on the other two alternator failures, warning lights gave us enough notice to drive the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. *ak
09/20/2000
	Consumer was sitting still waiting to make a turn & vehcile stalled. tow truck driver said the alternator wasn't charging the battery. conusmer will contact the dealer. *ak
08/15/2000		4	04/01/1997
	Alternator replace two times within a year and a half. brakes all ways going bad abs light stays on all of the time i have to pay from 300 to 700 all of the time to get this car fix now koons want a 1000 to fix the ebtcm i have so many problem with this car i am still paying a car note i no that this car has a defect it stays in the shop.
07/26/1996		1	07/26/1996
	Car runs hot. when starting up windows would fog, could smell antifreeze. took vehicle to dealer, and they replaced heater core, they said it had a pin hole in it. consumer said car wasstill running hot, consumer could hear a flapping noise, like a helicopter under the hood.ak the poping front right suspension was due to sway bar link failure which made stablizer bar loose. horn malfunctions due to dirty contacts. window does not go up or down properly due to window motor failure. the noise in engine area when cold was due to alternator failure. water pump was leaking. temperature guage was inaccurate. the noise from front and rear brakes was caused by worn brake pads. driver side mirror control fell into the door panel. yh
07/07/1999		4
	Alternator and abs problems: alternator has been replaced four times in the last seven months, and will need replacing again. when applying the brakes, under normal braking conditions, pedal goes to the floorbroad and the vehicle travels additional distances before stopping. dealer is not able to determine what is causing this problem. please provide any further information. *ak
		1	12/01/1996
	My extended waranty put a used engine in after the original blew up. the engine they sent had to be sent back because it was also no good . it had 18,000 on it when it was sent to replace. now they are sending another engine . it is now a month later then when i took it to the shop and it is still not fixed. i think someone owes me something.
08/11/1999			05/01/1996
	The paint peeling on the mirrors and the front suspension squak has been repaired once by the manufacuter and they refuse to fix the repairs now. the cold start rattle has never been fixed, they have not been able to find the problem.
04/04/1999
	The alternator wa snot getting enough of a charge. had to be recharged every week. the panel lights would blink on/off. the vehicle then shut down. had taken to dealer & the alternator was replaced, but the problem still exists. *ak
03/30/1999		30	09/01/1997
	Check engine light would come one for a day and go off did this 3 times before total failure of alternater & battery/front end/steering/brakes(abs) abd shocks. car will pull hard to the left while braking at highway speeds. have to fight steering wheel to keep car in lane. had brakes checked and could not find anything. ( front brakes were very hot) hit small bump or pothole or taking turn or going down the street/highway and car will wander left and rigth while you are holding the wheel. sometimes it is bad enough to have to take corrective action to keep going straight. nhtsa recall #96v249000 my car does not fall in the manfactured date of july 96 can i still have checked no charge? i was taking wax of my car with keys in the ignition car off, the power door looks locked car. i have seen more complaints in your consumer complaint section of these issues i have just reported. *ak
11/01/1996			04/22/1996
	Transmission leaks fluid due to a failed trans-axle seal.
09/12/1998		1	04/22/1996
	Alternator failed due to the charging system.
01/01/1998		2	04/22/1996
	Water failed due to leaking.
		3
	Consumer had the alternator replaced on his vehicle three times. the owner has no extended warraity, so the dealer won't replace the alternator. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
	11200	1	05/20/2000
	Consumer called complaining about a recall performed on ignition wiring harness. stated that after the recall was done the battery drained into the vehicle because of recall repairs done. dealer was contacted, and stated that the only thing that was wrong was that the battery drained, and there was nothing they could do.*ak
05/23/2002		3
	Nhtsa recall 02 v 070 000/manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition switch: after recall repairs were done, the vehicle stalled on three separate occasions and would not restart. the engine check light, oil light, battery light and abs light would come on intermittently while driving. dealer notified. ak consumer states that before the recall kit was installed the car hasn't been running properly. one incident the consumer was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled and a semi-truck was following. the consumer was told that it was a bad sensor which still didn't solve the problem. then on another occasion was told that it wasn't the sensor but a bad fuel pump. the lights are still on 75 percent of the time. scc
12/31/2001
	Recall 02 v 070 000/ignition switch: alternator/ battery and ignition coil had to be replaced. , dealer notified, and informed consumer that recall was not the cause of other failures. feel free to provide any further information.*ak
08/01/1996		1	07/28/1996
	Since purchase had to replace 3 alternators/ 2 ignition switches/ 2 stop-hazard switches/abs switch, and 2 batteries. ak windshield is leaking during heavy rains. the consumer indicates that the vehicle has questionable design which causing most of the problems. yh

	Engine stalled which took the power away from windows and door locks. the owner was trapped in vehicle for an hour. dealer says it was an internal short within the battery. *ak
03/30/1999		30	09/01/1997
	Check engine light would come one for a day and go off did this 3 times before total failure of alternater & battery/front end/steering/brakes(abs) abd shocks. car will pull hard to the left while braking at highway speeds. have to fight steering wheel to keep car in lane. had brakes checked and could not find anything. ( front brakes were very hot) hit small bump or pothole or taking turn or going down the street/highway and car will wander left and rigth while you are holding the wheel. sometimes it is bad enough to have to take corrective action to keep going straight. nhtsa recall #96v249000 my car does not fall in the manfactured date of july 96 can i still have checked no charge? i was taking wax of my car with keys in the ignition car off, the power door looks locked car. i have seen more complaints in your consumer complaint section of these issues i have just reported. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
06/19/1997		5
	Vehicle has had continued problems with fuses shorting out causing loss of hazard, turn and brake lights.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
	11200	1	05/20/2000
	Consumer called complaining about a recall performed on ignition wiring harness. stated that after the recall was done the battery drained into the vehicle because of recall repairs done. dealer was contacted, and stated that the only thing that was wrong was that the battery drained, and there was nothing they could do.*ak
		15	11/01/2000
	No summary. dt

	Nhtsa recall 02v070000 ignition switch; martin cadillac company, inc., los angeles, ca; vehicle has had recall performed twice with the problem of the ignition switch failing, reoccuring. the owner is taking the vehicle back in for a third time to get ignition switch repaired, for a third time. the dealership is reluctant of repairing recall item a third time, which is frustrating the consumer. please describe details
03/27/2002
	With no prior warning my '96 pontiac grand am suddenly 'shivered' or 'sneezed' while driving at a steady speed of approximately 55 - 60 mph. all the dashboard lights came on and were blinking. the vehicle lost acceleration as well although i was able to continue traveling as a result of the original speed. i was unable to pull over since i was in rush hour traffic on a major us highway with no shoulder of the road. i quickly turned on my warning flashers, grabbed the steering wheel tightly with both hands and tried to alert other drivers that i was in distress. my car was towed to the closest independent shop, who, after 4 attempts at repairs, were unable to fix the problem. i eventually took the vehicle to a pontiac dealer who replaced the 'ignition coil'. i believe this incident is a safety defect and would like to report it as such.*ak
05/15/2002		70
	Dome light intermittently flashes on or stays on for a long time. lights cause a distraction at night with driving. vehicle was serviced for control display recall 96-v-257-000, but problem still exists. dealer was notified. ak consumers vehicle was checked and the technician found a lot of splices in the ignition. jg
07/01/2002
	While attempting to start vehicle noticed some smoke coming from steering column. ignition locked up. please provide any further information.*ak
05/10/2002		70	03/22/2002
	Interior lights come on intermittently while driving, there are recalls 88v927000 and 96v257000; but this vehicle is not affected due to vin. ak the invoice states that they checked the recall/campaign-they had to install engine wiring harness, replace the ignition switch and the steering column tilt lever. scc
05/12/1997		2	03/01/2096
	Ignition switch will lockup. engine will shut off ,then lock, so that the electrical system is still on, and you cannot pull out the key.*ak
12/31/2001
	Recall 02 v 070 000/ignition switch: alternator/ battery and ignition coil had to be replaced. , dealer notified, and informed consumer that recall was not the cause of other failures. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

	Anti theft system activates while vehicle is being driven. then, vehicle completely shuts down, cause unknown. please any further details.*ak
01/14/2001
	After driving consumer parked car, about ten minutes later, consumer started car again, consumer had to go back in house and tried to turn off and then it went off by itself. *ak

	Vehicle kept stalling out intermittently, causing loss of power . about 15 minutes later, vehicle would restart. eventually, vehicle stalled out for dealer , which was then hooked up to a tackometer 2 machine, and codes indicted defect was due to ignition module sensor and crankshaft sensor. *ak
01/29/2001		1	04/01/1999
	The starter bendix froze up, causing the ignition to burn up. *ak
11/12/2000
	Vehicle experieces stalling problem. instrument panel lights/gauges would act erratically before vehicle stalls. vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and unable to locate cause. please feel free to provide any further on this matter. *ak

	While traveling at highway speed vehicle would stall without any indication, and vehicle will not restart soon after. plesase provide further information.*ak
05/01/2000
	Engine will shut off without prior warning, and will not restart for several minutes. has taken to dealer several times. *ak
12/20/1998		1	06/01/1996
	Ignition coil failed causing a loss of engine power, and exhaust components to become hot enough to melt and catch surroundings on fire
11/21/1998		4	11/01/1997
	My car has stalled four times while driving. i lose all power and the car will not restart for for at least an hour. two times the situation was very dangerous and i was nearly in an accident. one time it stalled on a blind turn on a back road and people has to swerve to avoid me. the other time the lose of power steering make it difficult to avoid other cars as i tried to pull off to the side of the road. i've had the car for a year and i am so scared that i'm going to be in an accident. i've had the car on a flatbed four times and brought to the dealer. each time the car starts for the dealer and they can find no problems. they say it could be to many different things and cannot figure out what the problem is. the car has also failed to start on six occasions and the dealer cannot figure out this problem either.
09/30/1996		1	12/30/1995
	Ignition enabler failed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
07/05/2007		20	05/07/2007
	I own a 96 pontiac grand am. having on going problems with the theft system preventing the car from starting. *tr

	Anti theft system activates while vehicle is being driven. then, vehicle completely shuts down, cause unknown. please any further details.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
04/01/1998		2
	Ecm (electronic control module) keeps failing, causing vehicle to stall. part has been replaced twice. ak ml

	While driving 20 mph or above the vehicle completely shuts down without warning. dealer has replaced the computer command module which did not correct the problem. please give any further details. *ak
09/10/1997		3	01/20/1996
	Engine computer failed, causing sudden acceleration.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
07/23/2007	107350	1
	Ignition would not turn over so driver popped hood and removed the keys, driver was walking to the front of the car with keys in hand and car started by itself. driver jumped back in and turned key forward and back to get car to shut off and noticed smoke coming from the steering column. within minutes, the steering column was flaming. extensive damage. melted steering wheel, steering column, front of driver's seat, headliner, dash, control panel and visors. all done!!! checked recalls: ignition switch (recall # 02v070000) *tr
07/07/2007		3	10/12/2004
	Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. the vehicle failed to start when the key was turned in the ignition. the dealer replaced the ignition lock cylinder, which has been replaced three times within three years. the current mileage is 180,000 and the failure mileage was unknown.
10/25/2005	148900	20	10/16/2005
	Ignition switch wore out at only 148,000 miles. car can not be started.
07/12/2003	89310	1	04/23/1999
	Nhtsa recall 02-v-070-000: on certain passenger vehicles. if the engine failed to start and the driver held the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flew through the ignition switch, and sometimes produced enough heat to melt internal switch parts. this recall failed and the vehicle caught on fire.ak consumer had backed up approx. five feet in an parking lot when the engine died and smoke emitted from the steering column. at first the consumer couldn't get the keys out and the vehicle was in park. after while the consumer was able to remove the keys the smoke stopped. when the tow truck driver arrived, he couldn't get the vehicle out of the park position. the tow truck driver had to disconnect the linkages. ph *jb
		1
	Periodically the key gets stuck in the on position. this has caused damage to the sending unit to the crankcase. *ak
		1	04/12/1999
	Consumer states vehicle caught on fire seconds after being parked. vehicle was to be towed, however, dealership refused to accept the vehicle. consumer received recall notification relating to ignition switch 02v07 to correct potental fire. as a result, consumer has filed complaint with attorney generals office. *tt
09/09/2002		999	03/01/2096
	Key will not come out of ignition after putting into park. sticks at various times and for various lengths of time. the lights stay on which has drained the battery twice. have had three different local dealers check. they did things like grease it, make new keys and scratch their head. none of these have solved my problem. i purchased the car as a program car with 14967 miles on it. the problem started shortly after purchase in 1996. after 5 years of thinking i was alone with this annoying problem, i recently found six local owners with the same problem and now i see about ten other complaints on this web site. i did have the most recent recall done but the dealer said it did not have anything to do with this problem but didn't have any answers on how to fix it. i have sent e-mails to pontiac with no reply. i realize this may not fall into safety issues but it is a wide problem that needs looked into. with the ignition left in the on position, it may be a fire hazzard, not to mention hard on batteries. i am tot he point of seeking legal assistance to get this problem solved. this is the largest, most annoying problem i have had, other than this, i have liked the car. please, please help me fix this!*ak
01/01/2002		1
	Nhtsa recall 02v070000, ignition switch. the vehicle ran hot and shut down in the middle of the road. the owner did receive notification of the recall. pontiac customer relations declined any service to assist the consumer, including towing and recall part expenses. the key had became stuck in the ignition prior to receiving the recall notice. ak cb *jb
07/05/2000		1
	Consumer had ignition switch replaced prior to recall 02v07 and is requesting reimbursement for repairs. *slc
07/22/2002
	Relay kit was installed under recall 02v070000 concerning ignition switch on 6-5-2002. currently, vehicle will not start, it just clicks when consumer tries to start it.*ak
05/10/2002		70	03/22/2002
	Interior lights come on intermittently while driving, there are recalls 88v927000 and 96v257000; but this vehicle is not affected due to vin. ak the invoice states that they checked the recall/campaign-they had to install engine wiring harness, replace the ignition switch and the steering column tilt lever. scc
02/15/2001		2
	Consumer has been repairing the ignition system for over two (2) years. a recall notice was sent to consumer recently. consumer is seeking reimbursement. *jg
06/20/2002
	After recall 02v070000 repairs were done, problem reoccurred. dealer wanted to charge consumer to replace recall again.*ak
05/23/2002		3
	Nhtsa recall 02 v 070 000/manufacturer's recall 02008 concerning ignition switch: after recall repairs were done, the vehicle stalled on three separate occasions and would not restart. the engine check light, oil light, battery light and abs light would come on intermittently while driving. dealer notified. ak consumer states that before the recall kit was installed the car hasn't been running properly. one incident the consumer was driving on the highway and the vehicle stalled and a semi-truck was following. the consumer was told that it was a bad sensor which still didn't solve the problem. then on another occasion was told that it wasn't the sensor but a bad fuel pump. the lights are still on 75 percent of the time. scc
04/10/2002		1
	Consumer took vehicle into dealer to get recall 02v070000 repairs done on ignition switch. after work was done, consumer was still having problems with ignition switch.*akjg

	Key gets stuck in switch and can't turn vehicle off nor take key out of ignition. took vehicle to dealer and had repairs, but problem still exists. *ak

	Consumer received recall letter 02v070000 concerning ignition switch which has not been hornored by dealer. consumer is very dissatisfied with service and treatment. please provide any further information.*ak
05/04/2002		1
	Ignition switch will not turn on at all when applying inside of ignition switch. consumer has had to replace battery. dealership is aware of problem. ak dealer performed recall 02v07000 relating to the ignition switch. consumer is satisfied with repairs. tt
05/02/2002		1
	Consumer states vehicle ignition switch will not allow consumer to take key out of ignition. took to dealer and they are not going to replace the ignition swithch. please provide any further information.*jb
04/08/2002
	Nhtsa recall 02-v-070-000/ manufacturer's recall 02008 dealership: art gamblin 1047 hwy 410, enumclaw,wa. phone number 360-825-2567 where the vehicle was taken to was not serviced for the recall due to parts not available until july of 2002. consumer stated that ignition switch made the clicking noise mentioned in the recall letter. please provide more information.*ak
07/01/2001
	Car wouldn't start, it started smoking, burned ignition switch and starter. having same problem as recall # 02-v-070-000, but dealership said it was not the samething.*ak
04/02/2002
	Sometimes when turning the ignition to start car, key won't turn.*ak
12/31/2001
	Recall 02 v 070 000/ignition switch: alternator/ battery and ignition coil had to be replaced. , dealer notified, and informed consumer that recall was not the cause of other failures. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

	After driving vehicle has had a difficult time trying to remove key from ignition. has taken about 4 hours. mechanic has inspected vehicle, and has not found problem. consumer is concerned about it. *ak
10/15/1997		3	07/01/1996
	We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. we were informed that the car was sucking the coolant in rather than leaking out. we have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. the 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. the 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. the 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. all of these repairs were covered under either the original warranty or the extended warranty (good thru 72,000 mi). we now have almost 70,000 mi on this car and the engine is shot! the main throttle bearing gaulded and the extended warranty company is denying our claim (even though we have 2,000 mi left on extended warranty) because they say the oil is contaminated. i have maintained regular oil changes and am due for an oil change in approx 200 mi. the dealership did not inform me that i should have had the oil changed after any of the coolant leak repairs. also, we had to have the alternator replaced when then car was just 2 yrs old. plus we had to have the r&r shaft seal & bearing kit replaced 3 times due to squeaking noise coming from steering column. also had to have shifter assemply replaced because the key was sticking in the ignition.*ak
08/01/1996		1	07/28/1996
	Since purchase had to replace 3 alternators/ 2 ignition switches/ 2 stop-hazard switches/abs switch, and 2 batteries. ak windshield is leaking during heavy rains. the consumer indicates that the vehicle has questionable design which causing most of the problems. yh
11/14/2000		1	01/01/1998
	Constant problems mostly electrical, but from windows and locks to major things like alternators and ignition switches multiple times. contacted pontiac over a year and never heard even a reply. any recalls or factory fix info would be appreciated. *ak
09/15/1999
	Ignition key was being released from ignition switch intermittently. dealer notified, and wasa unable to duplicate problem. please provide any further details. *ak
05/29/2000		3	03/01/1996
	This is the third replacement of the ignition lock cylinder within two years 1998-2000. it seems to need replaced every 9-12 months. i feel this is an obvious problem and should be corrected. the seat anchor has been reported each time i take the car to the dealership. the last time i was told to recline the seat to prevent the problem. i do not feel this is an acceptable answer to the problem. *ak

	While driving vehicle completely shut down without warning, due to a malfunction within the ignition switch. please give any further details. *ak

	Intermittently vehicle will not start . the dealer has replaced various parts and the problem still exists. *ak
01/01/1999
	Vehicle won't start due to igintion switch keeps locking up. also, vehicle keeps stalling and cutting off without prior warning. *ak
03/01/1999		5	02/01/1999
	Automatic transmission surges at 60 mph. thought that transmission failed at first, but then noticed car was fine at low speeds. shut off car and restarted, then transmission was fine. (noticed similar posting on your web site - odi id 802947) for the defect related to the steering column, key will not come out of ignition on occasion when car is turned off. to fix this, turn car back on, then put transmission into drive and then firmly into park. this, and turning wheel, will usually fix the problem. *ak
07/09/1998		2
	When consumer shuts off the engine, the ignition switch does not go all the way to where he could take the key out of the ignition, and this is the second time that this has happened. manufacturer and dealer were contacted. *ak
04/04/1998
	Ignition key cannot be moved from the ignition when the vehicle is turned off. it takes about 10 minutes up to one hour before the key can be removed. the dealer has tried to correct this problem 3 times. vehicle is at dealership for the 4th time for this problem. *ak
02/03/1997
	While driving vehicle stopped in traffic and the whole car died and locked up. the brakes and steering failed, and driver did not know why the vehicle did this without any warning. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
07/01/2001
	Car wouldn't start, it started smoking, burned ignition switch and starter. having same problem as recall # 02-v-070-000, but dealership said it was not the samething.*ak
01/29/2001		1	04/01/1999
	The starter bendix froze up, causing the ignition to burn up. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
12/13/2005	177000	1	07/21/2004
	Dt:the contact stated when placing the key in the ignition smoke poured from the steering column. the smoke quickly erupted into flames. both the fire and the police departments responded to the scene. the fire was extinguished. there was extensive damage to the dashboard panel area and steering column. the fire department suggested this may have been an electrical system wiring fire. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, but no repairs have been made. *ak
01/22/1998
	Intermittently while driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly without warning which may hav e resulted in a crash. been to dealer several times, and replace a loose wire, but problem is still occurring. please provide further information. *ak
		1	12/01/1996
	Electrical wiring malfunction is causing the battery check light to continually flash.
08/02/1996		2	08/02/1996
	Electrical wiring shorts, caused head lights and brake lights to fail.
01/18/1997
	While vehicle was in off position interior of vehicle caught on fire. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
08/05/2002		9	08/01/2098
	Car has had major problems since purchase dealer is no longer willing to fix. no safety defect listed. *ak
		1
	One hour after parking vehicle, a fire ignited in the trunk area. trunk light would not go off, all dash lights were illuminated. ak tt
07/02/1998		3	06/01/1996
	I believe this car to be a lemon, most of the complaints described by other owners this year model exist with this vehicle. how can i get help, now something is smoking under the hood, i believe it to be electrical but i don't have the cash to take to a mechanic. help. no safety defect. *ak
09/02/1999		0
	While driving vehicle in reverse smoke started coming out through dashboard, where according to consumer ,they found three wires that were rubbing together. wires are currently kept apart, and consumer could start vehicle without smoke coming from dashboard. *ak
07/31/1996		1	01/22/1996
	Door locks unlock and lights go on and off by themselves due to a loose electrical connection.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
09/25/2000		3	11/01/1996
	Service advisor comments lead me to suspect that shortness of alternator wiring harness caused electrical shorts which caused three alternator failures and one instrument cluster failure. intial alternator failure resulted in sudden electrical system shutdown on i-880 at the santa cruz mountains summit, a near safety mishap. the vehicle had to be towed to dealer. on the other two alternator failures, warning lights gave us enough notice to drive the vehicle to the dealer for repairs. *ak
05/18/2000
	Consumer was inside of vehicle . started vehicle up, and noticed smoke coming underneath the dashboard. fire department was called.*ak
03/31/2000		2	06/01/1996
	The steering wheel column made grinding noises when my 1996 grand am se was driven. the noises even persisted after the grand am was returned to the original dealership in washington, d.c. where the car was purchased from for service/repair in december 1999. the service manager informed me the noises from the steering wheel column could not be fixed and since the car was older- only 3 years old, any noises in the steering wheel column should be expected and are normal for a 3 year old car. the service manager told me he would look at the steering wheel column as well as the electrical componenets under the dashboard to investigate the problem. the service manager informed me that he did the best he could do to find and repair the noises in the steering wheel column. approximately three months later, and continued to hear grinding noises from the steering wheel column, on march 31, 2000, after dropping my infant to the daycare center, i attempted to start the car and it would not start. the steering wheel column in addition to the turn signal chamber on the steering wheel column began to smoke. flames began to appear from the steering wheel column and a steady flow of smoke. the electrical fire increased in size and was finally brought under control by two fire engine companies. my 1996 pontiac grand am was towed, assessed for damages and finally deemed unsalvageable- a total loss. my 1996 pontiac grand am se was only three years old. this incident should not have occurred.*ak( dot number: )
07/10/1999			11/01/1996
	Continually disregarded by dealerships and corporate offices
06/17/1999		1	11/06/1995
	Underdash wiring harness failure caused vehicle fire. mjs
12/24/1998		3	02/01/1998
	My most recent problem included transmission failure, and according to the mechanic this had been happening for a very long time. the fourth gear of the transmission and the clutch were burned out. i've also had to replace a water pump on the vehicle. immediately after purchase, i noticed anti-freeze leaking from the vehicle and the vehicle would just die while driving along. i attempted to get the dealer to repair the vehicle and did get his verbal agreement however, he lied and wouldn't follow through. i suppose because he knew he'd sold me a lemon and was more than eager to state his case, that had no lemon law. there are various electrical problems especially with the instrument panel and i suppose it may be something electrical that causes my vehicle to die while driving along. there is no warning, the vehicle just goes dead. during stops it seems that at times the rear end just has a mind of its own; almost as if it wants to keep going while the front end has stopped - it's sort of like a skipping effect. other electrical problems include the passenger door lock not operating with the power door lock, the radio display is lit at times and sometimes it's not, since i've had the transmission repaired the check engine light and ets lights which have been on since i purchased the vehicle, are no longer lit. during the water pump failure the dealerships remedy for it was to disconnect the electrical wiring which prompted me that something was wrong with this system. the electrical problems are numerous. my car is a lemon!
02/01/1998
	At any speed lights on control panel would illuminate, and car would suddenly die out. incident occurred four times. dealer contacted and attempted to remedy problem by installing new computer. provide further information. *ak