Bulletins
| Bulletin | Bulletin date | Replacement Bulletin | Item no. | Summary | Added |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||||
| 010602012 | 12/01/2001 | 628890 | Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle. *tt | 03/21/2002 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||||
| 676204 | 12/01/1996 | 50564 | Coolant loss, visible coolant leakage, low coolant lamp on or coolant odor caused by coolant leakage. *tw | 05/27/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||||
| 010601002A | 12/01/2002 | 010601002 | 10000782 | Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure. *tt | 03/31/2003 |
| 970501776109 | 05/01/1997 | 53011 | Exhibiting diagnostic trouble codes p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303, and p0304 indicating engine misfire conditions. *yc | 11/06/1997 | |
| 776109 | 04/01/1997 | 52596 | Engine stall at cold start, rough idle, oil filter expansion, high oil pressure and engine misfire dtc's (replace oil pump with improved press relief valve bore). *tw | 08/21/1997 | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||||
| 020601014 | 04/01/2002 | 634708 | Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation. *tt | 10/07/2002 | |
| 010601010A | 06/01/2001 | 0106010101 | 620810 | Subject regarding polymer service pistons. *tt | 08/30/2001 |
| 990604005A | 04/01/2001 | 990604005 | 619360 | Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors. *tt | 05/24/2001 |
| 876002A | 07/01/1998 | 876002 | 615073 | Some v6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that is generally encountered after the engine's oil has been changed.typically the odor lasts approximately 1000 miles after the change of oil and then does not re | 12/26/2000 |
| 990604005 | 02/01/1999 | 776304A | 604343 | Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire. *tt | 04/26/1999 |
| 98576124A | 06/01/1998 | 57-61-24 | 601915 | Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up. *yc | 08/28/1998 |
Consumer Complaints
| Fail date | miles | occurences | Purchase date |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | |||
| 05/01/2008 | 95000 | ||
| Tl-the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am gt. the contact stated the vehicle had a strong fuel odor the gas cap was replaced. the failure was not corrected. the vehicle continues have a strong fuel odor and the engine light remained illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed located an evaporation leak code. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer would not assist with the repair because of the vehicle age. the failure mileage 95,000 and the current mileage was 126,000. li | |||
| 11/05/2009 | 92000 | 1 | |
| Coolant levels in reserve tank always would drop below minimum levels, and we would continue to add coolant. last oil change in june 2009 review no problem. november 2009, while son was driving home from college (approximately 80 miles) car began to overheat with temp gauge reading in the red. had car towed to local shop and reported that coolant had leaked into core, engine destroyed (estimated repair - need new/remanufactured engine $2500-3000). seems while reviewing this subject online and w/nhtsa web site that this has been a re-occurring problem with 1997 pontiacs 4 and 6 cylinder engines. *tr | |||
| 06/19/2008 | 120000 | 1 | |
| Ignition won't turn to the off position. i have to disconnect the battery so i don't drain it. i have to leave my kids in the hot car while i do this. or pay $200 that i don't have to get it fixed. i have found many other people that have the same problem. i was told it could be the sensor on the transmission that tells the car its in park. whatever the problem is it happens to a lot of vehicles. i understand that i have to maintain my car but i don't see why so many people have this problem. *tr | |||
| 07/15/2007 | 150000 | 1 | 07/11/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off at a stop without warning. the mechanic stated that the electrical system caused the failure. as of october 15, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not repaired the vehicle. the manufacturer stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). the contact felt that her vehicle should be included as part of the recall. the current and failure mileages were 150,000. updated 01/11/08. *lj the dealer stated engine replaced in june. updated 12/12/07 *tr | |||
| 12/17/2005 | 154000 | 1 | 02/01/2004 |
| Intake manifold gasket warped and coolant leaked. this is the second gm 3.1 l engine which has had to have the intake manifold replaced. also had to replace the water pump at the same time. additionally the alternator has been replaced (again in both gm 3.1 l's i've had). the intake manifold gasket problem seems to be common with pontiac's and malibu's (and other gm made cars). it's expensive to repair at a shop and time consuming and frustrating to do on your own. it's ridiculous that such a cheap part and cheaply made part hasn't been recalled. *jb | |||
| 12/01/2004 | 1 | ||
| Recall campaign; recall install pinion bearing kit, perform recall 99091 replaced wiper arm, deflector, barrier kit. replaced master cylinder and replaced mass air flow sensor. *bf when going the speed limit and when the consumer removed his foot from the pedal, the vehicle would cut out. *sc | |||
| 07/02/2004 | 133000 | 2 | |
| Antifreeze was leaking into the core. brakes were replaced three times last year.*ak | |||
| 09/15/2003 | 95000 | ||
| Left side steering colum pin fell out steering wheel almost fell off dash | |||
| 07/15/2003 | 85000 | ||
| When you run the air, the car stalls and won't start anywhere from one hour to three or four possibly the next day. the horn works sometimes, the raidio works sometimes as does the dispay, the volume goes up and down. the fuel systems shuts down along with the car when the air is running. the power window quit working in april, i replaced the one of the passenger side only to have the one on the driver side to stop working. the brakes went out with no warning. anytime the car has any problems no lights come on to warn you it will just stop working. the shop that put the used engine in still can't tell me why it stared knocking. the ets system comes on and off all the time without pressing the button, i have had nothing but problems with the 1997 ponitac grand am gt. | |||
| 06/15/2003 | 97000 | ||
| The motors on the windows go out around 97k miles. my drivers window went out a month ago. my right, front window is about to go out, and my back right window went out today. obviously, there is a problem with faulty window motors with this model. the total cost out of my pocket for this incident is about $1000 included with a lot of frustration! | |||
| 03/06/2004 | 3 | 02/25/1997 | |
| 1st. my recall (nhtsa#02v070/gm #02008) started march 2002 and we just now received the letter in march 2004. and my vehicle did everything the letter said it would do except, they're was not a fire but trying to start it caused it to jump time --causung a hole in the piston and broke valve!!much bigger and costlier outcome//in other words i need a new engine since having the piston and valve fixed is costing around $2500.00!!!!!!!!!!!!*ak | |||
| 12/15/2003 | 58250 | 1 | 08/08/1997 |
| Engine failed.his car has 58250 miles. my daughter called me at work to inform me that something is making noise in the front of the car, but it goes away once you exceed 20mph. after dinner i pup the hood open and try to start the car. i discover that noise during startup was not normal, and car has great difficulties to start. when it finally stars, i hear knocking noise coming from the left side of the engine. the noise was concentrated on the cylinder next to timing chain. i stopped the engine and check the oil level, it was ok. i contacted local auto repair shop. he instructed me to bring the car to the shop, but to drive slowly and try not to accelerate rapidly. when i got there and parked the car i also noted that my check engine light and oil level light came on during idle. my mechanic determines immediately that my engine completely failed. he also make says that he is not surprised at all once he saw that this is 4 cylinder 2.4l engine. he estimated that the repair cost will be over $3000.00. this is only slightly less then the blue book value. im driving my friends spare car 1988 mazda mx6 and my daughter drives my other pontiac 1996 bonneville sse, (which by the way just have water pump failure after 48000mi) i search many bulletin boards on the net and found out that this is not isolated incident. many other people experienced exactly the some problem between 50000 and 80000 mi. having engine failure @ less then 60000mi should be investigated further. based on my research this particular engine should be investigated by cpa for recall. by the way i purchased my first car in 1974 it was the buick electra, since then my family owned 9 different cars (all gm) but im 100% positive that this grand am was my last gm car. my next car will be japanese. my friend just clock 250000mi on his honda accord, the only major component that failed was the alternator @ 165000mi. sorry gm, but there is no more gas in your thank for me.*ak | |||
| 04/18/2000 | 65000 | 2 | |
| The consumer noticed that coolant was disappearing from the overflow reservoir. the engine oil was also discolored. the intake manifold gasket was replaced at 35,000 miles and at 65000 miles another one was needed. *ak *nm | |||
| 08/31/2000 | 40000 | ||
| My 1997 pontiac grand am is leaking coolant into the oil. i first noticed this problem at around 40000 miles. i would periodically have to add coolant to the vehicle because it was low. i thought it was normal. now the problem is really bad, to the point that i do not drive the car now with 80000 miles. *nlm | |||
| 09/15/1998 | |||
| Consumer called complaining about having problems with leakages on the vehicle. also stated that the heather been on will make the vehicle overheat. dealer was contacted and stated that there is something wrong with the engine. ts | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM | |||
| 05/23/2007 | 50 | 1 | |
| Cooling system is failing all the time on all pontiacs have the same problem intake manifold blow 5 times at 50.00 miles oil mixes with the coolant and all the smoke from that goes in the air it is a major problem and than the cars are junk so than everybody who buys pontiac they are buying a lemon cars even if it brand new from the shop. *tr | |||
| 08/15/2006 | 170498 | 6 | 05/26/1997 |
| Took vehicle to murphy motors, dealership here in my home town. took to them due to fact my heat gauge kept rising and i didn't want to run car hot ;went to find out what was wrong. technician stated that he put the car on the code machine and ran it. said code popped up transmission. i didn't take car in for transmission. they refused to fix overheat problem. said would have to pay $2,500.00 to replace transmission. picked up car took to clifford vine garage. he looked at car and immediately told me the radiator was pouring water out of it. he replaced radiator and cooling fan. he put car on code machine after repairing those two items and did not see a code for transmission. after that alternator went out, and two days later, my computer and fuel injectors went out. murphy motors ran car checking transmission no telling how long and probably ran without water since radiator was pouring it out. they didn't mention problem with radiator at all, just transmission codes. i feel they damaged car while running it in their shop looking for more money to get off me, like $2,500.00 for a transmission that has nothing wrong with it. this car was a lemon from the first day i got it. i've had coil housing replaced numerous times by murphy motors and by john hays pontiac-hope ar 71801 when i broke down. car has been towed in more times for coil housing. gm needs this car drove right up their backside for the problems it has caused and continues to cause me. i currently have a $750.00 outstanding shop bill to clifford vines garage in el dorado, ar 71730 for the last 3 times it was towed to his shop for the radiator, cooling fan, alternator, fuel injectors, and computer. i'll never buy another pontiac again, that's for sure. *nm | |||
| 03/05/2004 | 39000 | 13 | 05/01/1997 |
| 97 grand am 4cyl pur new 5/97 series of problems.gt version but driven cautiously by 40 year olds.at 2 years and 39,000 miles water pump fails.is under car and is 600.00 dol to replace!nobody should buy the 4 cylinder when an item prone to failure like a water pump cant be accessed without removing the manifolds on the car.at 50,000 key comes out of ignition while car running.ignition switch fails,has to be re keyed and cost is 500.00 by local mechanic serv stat.at 55,000 miles at interlocks up,car stuck towed at this time a alternator check shows that is not charging.replace both cost 800.00 plus battery.dec 2000 front left tire on alum wheel is flat-take to sev stat,they refill drive car after x-mas it deflates causes car to spin hit light pole mostly on tire area at 40 mph ,no air bag deployment but a high snowbank decelerates car.alum wheel leak again?ever since w.pump replaced a tapping comes from cam area.at 75,000 miles auto dr lock in driv side fails and is replaced.cam noise cont. as serv. people say it is a lifter,finally in 2002 dec. car runs rough ,is put on comp. and found to have bad cam timing.chain is inspected as it is steel and for life of car.a tiny cheap bracket keeps the chain in place and it had cracked and slowly broken at 80,000 miles.engine got by with new chain and labor for 800.00 dol.85,000 new battery,95,000 new battery.108,000 4 speed autotrans starts slipping into neutral.car stops on highway wont move.hw patrol tows ,charged 129.00 to repair shop.say tranny is bad.and water pump is leaking again.bill would be thousands due to premature failure of these parts and car will be sold as parts car.too bad,looks good.-march 06,2004.*ak | |||
| 08/15/2000 | 6 | 03/01/2000 | |
| I have had one problem after another with this vehical and there are others with the same style car that are having the exact same problems. this needs to be looked into seriously. it is becoming to costly. no safety defect mentioned. *ak | |||
| 11/08/2000 | 01/01/1999 | ||
| Dex-cool was used as only coolant. my mechanic faxed me some information on dex-cool stating that it was starting to cause problems in the 1st cars using it. everything cooling related is starting to go out.*ak | |||
| 04/01/2000 | 4 | ||
| Coolant is leaking onto rack and pinion, deteriorating the rack and pinion, and making it very difficult to steer vehicle when making a turn. also, there is alot of play in the steering wheel and noise when turning. power steering hose has gone bad. consumer has contacted dealer. *ak powere steering hose and water pump leaked causing rack and pinion damage. front brake shoes failed. *yh | |||
| 1 | 12/09/1997 | ||
| Water pump failed. yh | |||
| 04/25/2000 | 1 | 10/01/1999 | |
| No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak | |||
| 1 | 12/09/1997 | ||
| Water pump failed. yh | |||
| 02/12/2000 | 10/01/1996 | ||
| Th next year after i purchased my car, i began to lose compression. the car would also accelerate on its own, i noticed that my check engine lights were on. i immediately took the car back to the dealers and they gave a diagnosis of using the wrong gas. i am a women, and i don't know much about cars, therefore, at the time, i did not dispute this ridiculous diagnosis. a year later, i had to replace the brakes/disc pads twice. there was loud squelching noises. i also bought new tires after one year. major problems have developed since 1999, which are: i had to have the thermostat replaced (air condition and heat stopped working), i had to have a new waterpump installed (car was pouring anti-freeze and smoking), and as of february 6, 2000, the car just completely stopped running. i received two qoutes from area repair shops estimating between $3k to $4,500 to rebuild and engine! i have exhausted myself contacting fred jones (spoke to him personally) of fred jones pontiac, and their customer care center. please help me! also, i read on your site that there was a recall on this vehicle for underhood fires - i never received a recall letter and my car was never taken in! i am very concerned that besides this make of car being a lemon, this may have also contributed to my problems. please help me!!! *ak | |||
| 01/20/2000 | 11/01/1997 | ||
| The wheel joint simply broke apart no prior warning. company did cover that. spark plug and wire were supposed to be good for 100,000 miles, but were no good after 47,000 miles, water pump went out at 49,000miles. i have never had so many problems on a vehicle with low mileage. i have had previous gm cars that have lasted over 100,000 miles with no problems. is this car known to have these kinds of problems? i have spent $700 in repairs because the way the car is put together it takes hours for the mechanic to fix anything. $483 for a water pump!! | |||
| 08/20/1999 | 1 | 02/01/1997 | |
| This is the letter i submitted to them: i'm writing you this letter to let you know how disatisfied i am with your product. i bought my 97 pontiac grand am new. i am a strong believer you get what you pay for. that is why i bought new versus a used vehicle. i believe that i should get more for my money than what i have got from your product. i'm very dissatisfied!!!! i am in the u.s.m.c. my family and i do alot of traveling to and from our home state. my wife was broke down on the highway with this vehicle. we as car owners have never broke down on the highway in my 18 years of being in the military. i am very picky about my vehicles and always have my car serviced as required. i never miss my oil changes. i am a middle class citizen just trying to make a living and make sure my family is safe on the roads. i have had no problems with the car dealership. i believe them to be the best in town. i believe i just picked the lemon on the lot. i have listed my expenses that i have paid out of my pocket and also what was covered under warranty. please fell free to give me a call if you have any questions. i feel that i should be reimburse for repairs and expenses. of $1257.65 *ak | |||
| 08/01/1998 | 12/01/1997 | ||
| I will never purchase another pontiac-i have had nothing but trouble from this car and absolutely zero help repairing it. i owned two buicks prior to this car and will buy another as soon as i can get rid of this lemon! | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - COOLING SYSTEM - RADIATOR ASSEMBLY | |||
| 04/16/2008 | 97000 | 1 | 12/24/2007 |
| Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact constantly smells antifreeze and it has leaked onto the front and back floors of the vehicle. she noticed that the floors were wet, but never paid attention to it until she removed the floormats and saw the green antifreeze. as of april 16, 2008, the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer or a mechanic. the powertrain was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 97,000. | |||
| 03/12/2001 | |||
| Engine coolant has a slow to meduim leak because thermostat is bad. there is a tsb# 676204, but dealer is not acknowledging any assistance.*ak | |||
| 05/01/1997 | |||
| Antifreeze turns black and clumpy. koons has replaced parts and flushed systems twice. the third time on 2/6/01 replace radiator service person stacy bacon stated they flushed the system again. on 2/7/01 fluid is still black. could you please help.*ak | |||
| 06/15/2000 | 1 | 11/01/1998 | |
| Abs: steering groans after hard braking or tight high/low-speed turns/warning light comes on; alternator: not charging-replaced twice; thermostat replaced twice | |||
| 02/12/2000 | 10/01/1996 | ||
| Th next year after i purchased my car, i began to lose compression. the car would also accelerate on its own, i noticed that my check engine lights were on. i immediately took the car back to the dealers and they gave a diagnosis of using the wrong gas. i am a women, and i don't know much about cars, therefore, at the time, i did not dispute this ridiculous diagnosis. a year later, i had to replace the brakes/disc pads twice. there was loud squelching noises. i also bought new tires after one year. major problems have developed since 1999, which are: i had to have the thermostat replaced (air condition and heat stopped working), i had to have a new waterpump installed (car was pouring anti-freeze and smoking), and as of february 6, 2000, the car just completely stopped running. i received two qoutes from area repair shops estimating between $3k to $4,500 to rebuild and engine! i have exhausted myself contacting fred jones (spoke to him personally) of fred jones pontiac, and their customer care center. please help me! also, i read on your site that there was a recall on this vehicle for underhood fires - i never received a recall letter and my car was never taken in! i am very concerned that besides this make of car being a lemon, this may have also contributed to my problems. please help me!!! *ak | |||
| 04/12/1997 | |||
| When driving at any speed and applying brakes there is a grinding and squeaking noise coming from the front driver's side wheel, and when coasting down a hill and applying brakes the grinding and squeaking noise is still also, air conditooning hose/ radiator hose ,and the alternator had be replaced. however., dealer can't determine the cause of problems. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE | |||
| 07/01/2001 | 74000 | 10 | 12/16/1999 |
| This is the worst car (lemon) i have ever had. i bought this car from a used car dealer ship called new car alternative in livonia mi. i am now on my third engine in the car. the first 2 failed due to the head gaskets blowing and anti-freeze was mixing with oil in the engine causing engine failure. all car window motors have be replaced 4 or 5 times each and still don't work. back two doors are broke one wont open the other wont close. the sunroof wont close the dealer told me 1500 to replace motor and put back on tracks. lol i have the brakes replaced 3 times in 5 years. i bought the car dec of 99 and have had all these problems since. i don't recommend anyone to buy a grand am or a car from this dealership they were no help at all. the first engine was covered by warranty second one was at my cost of 3500. then another 1500 for new radiator and heater core. then alternator needed to be replaced. after that i needed a new transmission hose. this is such bull crap. what a lemon! plus i was pulling out of a gas station one day and my air bag decided to come out on it own no accident occurred and hit me in the face resulting in injuries and i had to go to the hospital. *jb | |||
| 09/29/2004 | 96997 | 1 | 09/08/2004 |
| I was driving to work one day and the engine started to make a funny noise, and when i shut it off. took it to the mechanic , they told me it was the connecting rod. i will have to replace the engine because it is cheaper to put an engine in rather then rebuild the one i have. the engine is still in the car because i haven't got enough money to replace it.*ak | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 113000 | 1 | 12/30/2000 |
| When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. dealer notified. *ak there were high idle problems. the interior lights and the power locks were replaced. the check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. the drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced. *scc *jb | |||
| 07/18/2003 | 87000 | 1 | |
| While attempting to start the car a clicking sound occurred and the car would not start. the battery was replaced, and all was well for a week. then, the abs light came on while driving. also, all the warning lights came on, the gauges flashed back and forth ,and the car stopped. would not restart unless was set for several minutes. when it started the same incidents repeated. warning lights would often come on and off without there being anything wrong with the system that the lights were indicating. once the car was pulled to a stopping location it would not turn completely off , and the key would get stuck in the ignition. these problems persisted for 2 days until it completely stopped.*ak | |||
| 07/01/1998 | 28000 | 1 | 06/01/1998 |
| If car does not run for 10 minutes or so, it stalls when driven. when restarted, it bogs very badly for a few minutes, then is able to be driven. this occurs in any weather conditions and has been occurring since i bought the car in 1998. it is a 1997.*jb | |||
| 1 | |||
| Oil leaked onto the engine, which caused the vehicle to smoke.*jb | |||
| 04/28/2002 | |||
| While driving 80mph driver heard a grinding noise in front end. then, oil light came on ,and black smoke started coming from tailpipe. fuel entered the engine and bearings failed which caused the oil to become black and the bearing to grind.*ak | |||
| 02/12/2000 | 10/01/1996 | ||
| Th next year after i purchased my car, i began to lose compression. the car would also accelerate on its own, i noticed that my check engine lights were on. i immediately took the car back to the dealers and they gave a diagnosis of using the wrong gas. i am a women, and i don't know much about cars, therefore, at the time, i did not dispute this ridiculous diagnosis. a year later, i had to replace the brakes/disc pads twice. there was loud squelching noises. i also bought new tires after one year. major problems have developed since 1999, which are: i had to have the thermostat replaced (air condition and heat stopped working), i had to have a new waterpump installed (car was pouring anti-freeze and smoking), and as of february 6, 2000, the car just completely stopped running. i received two qoutes from area repair shops estimating between $3k to $4,500 to rebuild and engine! i have exhausted myself contacting fred jones (spoke to him personally) of fred jones pontiac, and their customer care center. please help me! also, i read on your site that there was a recall on this vehicle for underhood fires - i never received a recall letter and my car was never taken in! i am very concerned that besides this make of car being a lemon, this may have also contributed to my problems. please help me!!! *ak | |||
| Vehicle would travel 40 mph without applying gas. *ak | |||
| 07/13/1998 | 1 | 03/01/1997 | |
| Transmission not shifting, replacement of the valve body and oil pump necessary. mjs | |||
| When driving and driver presses the accelerator, vehicle will stall and then all of a sudden accelerate and take off. vehicle was at dealership, and they replaced fuel pump/oil pump and computer analysis were done. recently brakes seemed to be performing poorly. upon braking, stopping distance exceeded approximately half car length. please add vin.#. *ak | |||
| 1 | 08/11/1997 | ||
| Oil pan failed resulting in leaking. | |||
| 04/14/1998 | 1 | ||
| Intake manifold gaskets failed resulting in engine leaking. | |||
| 06/01/1997 | |||
| Vehicle has intermittent noise in right rear, also in the right front of car, cluncking noise when starting the car up, sometimes while driving, continues to increase, dealer cannot duplicate the problem. | |||
| 1 | 03/13/1997 | ||
| Engine cylinder head cover failed, causing oil to leak. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE | |||
| 05/01/2097 | |||
| This car has been at the dealership many times for the check engine light. you must push the pedal completely to the floor before the car will stop. i have had brake pads, rotors, alternator, serpintine belt replaced. i have had my computer replaced 3 times and six injectors installed. this car is a nightmare gm should take responsibility for this horrible car. as we all can see there have been numerous complaints on nhtsa's web site. someone please help us! dt | |||
| 07/07/2002 | 1 | ||
| Consumer tried to start vehicle which had been parked in the driveway. it would not start. when consumer tried to restart the vehicle there was smoke emitting from the steering column. consumer disconnected the battery for safety reasons. consumer was informed that the recalled part was installed at no charge, but the damage caused due to the faulty part will charged. consumer feels gm should reimburse the monies paid. *jg | |||
| 1 | |||
| There is an oil leak coming from the vehicle. consumer has taken vehicle to two service stations and they both agree the oil leak is not coming from constant driving. consumer wants pontiac to fix the oil leak. *jg | |||
| 03/28/2002 | 0 | ||
| Consumer received a recall notice regarding the possibility of an engine fire, the dealer had been contacted. please provide more information. nlm | |||
| 03/21/2001 | 1 | 06/01/1999 | |
| Car would intermittently stall at any time or any speed, such as entering a highway or crossing an intersection or on the highway. after much investigating, problem was determined to be excessive oil pressure. very high oil pressure causes the engine valves to operate incorrectly resulting is stalling or rapid power loss. the dealership reported that pontiac was aware of this commom and latent defect but would not repair the problem as a recall. this car was a nightmare to drive until the presure regulator was repaired at my expense.*ak | |||
| 01/02/2001 | 2 | ||
| Engine will cut off shortly after starting vehicle. dealership stated that it was an internal problem related to pressure in oil pump. *ak dealer had replaced spark plugs, fuel filter, ignition spark insulators, coil housing, oil pump cover, oil pan gasket, and dealer did a carbon cleaning. *slc | |||
| 01/05/2000 | 4 | ||
| Ongoing problem with engine idling, and causing vehicle to vibrate so badly that it appeared to stall. vehicle has been in dealer shop on four occasions, and dealer refused to do any more repairs. feel free to provide further details. *ak | |||
| 12/24/1999 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| Christmas eve 1999 while driving down the highway access road a loud boom was heard and the car began to lose to power. luckily, we were about 200 feet from a gas station. we managed to get the car into the gas station. at this time i saw an immense amount of smoke coming from under the hood. my husband opened the hood and found the engine was on fire. as he ran into the store to get a fire extinguisher, a man from the fireworks stand next to the gas station arrived with an extinguisher and put the fire out. he had seen us coming down the access road with big ball of fire under the car. our insurance company says that a piston gave out and as the engine began failing oil began to drip onto the catalytic converter or some other componant causing the fire. this is not covered by my insurance company because the fire was due to mechanical failure. we need to have a new engine. the dealer estimate is $6500.00. this is just the latest mechanical failure on this vehicle. we have had numerous problems with this vehicle and have spent over $4,000.00 in repairs prior to this incident. *ak | |||
| 10/22/1997 | 07/01/1997 | ||
| I have had multiple problems from this car and, gm does not want to help. i was sent out of the dealer ship with no horn for three days. dealers are now smart enough to work around the lemon law in wording repair orders. i think with all the motor problems and, safety issues maybe an investigation should be done before a car stalls and someone gets killed. *ak | |||
| 01/25/2000 | 1 | 06/01/1997 | |
| Mno summary listed for above vehicle. *ak | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 5 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Card runs rough, stumbles and hesitates, engine check light on. dealer replaced catalitic converter, o2 censors, egr valve, spark plugs to no avail. please e-mail me if you are having the same problem at alien@castles.com. *ak | |||
| 08/23/1999 | 4 | ||
| Started vehicle and backed out of driveway. while traveling approximately 500 feet, vehicle suddenly stalled. was able to get it started, and took it to the dealer. dealer indicated that alternator bearing was bad and replaced it. however, vehicle stalled again on 01-sep-99/11-oct-99 and 13-oct-99. *ak | |||
| 12/11/1997 | 50 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Car will almost die when pulling out into traffic. it will stumble , fall on its face what ever you call it. but then it will usually take back off real quick. it uses to much gas and the engine light comes off and on along with the coolant light. the blinkers sometimes don't work either. | |||
| While driving vehicle will unexpectedly shut down. also there is a malfunction within the headlight system. dealer cannot diagnose the fault. please give any further details. *ak | |||
| 01/01/1997 | |||
| While driving vehicle stalled unexpectedly which could cause a crash. also, there was an electrical short in the headlight system. dealer replaced parts, but could not determine the problem. please provide further information. *ak | |||
| 12/01/1997 | 3 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Car tries to die as attempting to take off in a intersection or from a stop. i've had in the shop 3 times and never has been fixed. parking brake doesn't engage unless pulled to last click. all of the rotors and brake pads have been replaced. power steering pump. and oil pump repaced. service person at bob howard told me my car wou.is car since purchase. i'm planning on taking it back for its 4th time. please help. *ak | |||
| Consumer was involved in a 35 mph frontal collision in which the driver's and passenger's air bags did not deploy due to the vehicle stalling. also, the seat belts did not retract. please give any further details. dup of 827073. *ak | |||
| 11/27/1998 | 5 | 10/01/1997 | |
| Engine has a hesitation when coming to a stop or leaving a stop. oil pump has been replaced twice. ignition module has been replaced twice. dealer has not corrected the problem on 4 attempts in two weeks. | |||
| 09/08/1997 | 1 | ||
| Vehicle continually stalling, burning smell and noise. | |||
| Engine idles at 3000 rpm for reasons unknown. also once brake is released vehicle will rapidly accelerate to 60 mph. dealers has replaced computer module which did not correct problem. vehicle also has brake problems. *ak | |||
| 08/21/1998 | 1 | 07/13/1998 | |
| While going down ramp, exiting a parking garage engine began to race and accelerate. hitting the brakes did not help, was only able to stop the automobile when it was pushed it into neutral and then drive. then it calmed down. *ak *slc | |||
| 05/14/1998 | 08/03/1997 | ||
| While vehicle was in intersection, driver noticed that oil light and battery lights were on. driver then realized that vehicle had stalled. restarted vehicle and problem vanished. | |||
| 01/05/1998 | |||
| Fast clicks coming from the front passenger side. weather is below 65 degrees, occurs within only 0.5 miles to 1.0 miles of initial driving. sound like a drumroll on your hardtop desk with two drumsticks. | |||
| Vehicle will not start two or three times a day. the engine will crank but the anit-theft indicator light will blink and the engine will shut down (it sound as if no fuel getting to engine.) | |||
| 04/10/1997 | 3 | ||
| Brakes: when driving and attempting to stop the car, has to push pedal completely to the floor before the car will stop. beginning to make grinding noise when applying the brakes. in addition, headlights will not cpme on on certain times/seat belt twists all the time and ticking noise from engine area. *ak *ak | |||
| When vehicle was purchased noticed the oil leaking out. the dealer has been notified. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - ENGINE - GASOLINE - BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS | |||
| 06/08/1999 | 45000 | 3 | |
| While driving at 50 mph vehicle began to overheat. consumer heard sounds as if some one had dropped marbles in the engine. soon after the vehicle stalled. a mechanic examined the vehicle, and found that the timing chain was defective. also, consumer had to get a new transmission, and abs system needed to be replaced. *ak | |||
| 1 | |||
| Serpentine belt was off pulleys causing problems with steering.*mr the vehicle steamed over and dex cool boiled out. *ph | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM | |||
| 04/17/2003 | 114124 | 1 | 01/23/2003 |
| While driving a strong odor of chemical fumes could be smelled inside the passenger compartment. *nlm | |||
| 03/20/2001 | 1 | ||
| Serious problem - could cause fire. oil dripping on exhaust. burning smell (like rubber or oil) observed while driving car, especially (but not only) while at highway speeds. continued to smell strongly sometimes after car was turned off. took to deal | |||
| 08/20/1998 | 01/01/1997 | ||
| This 1997 grand am is nothing but trouble. i have had several failures and am not happy with this vehicle at all. please contact at the phone numbers at the beginning of this form ! no afety defect listed in the summary. *ak | |||
| 11/12/1996 | 1 | 09/01/1996 | |
| Exhaust misaligned, causing system to hang low. | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL | |||
| 07/02/2003 | 113000 | 1 | 12/30/2000 |
| When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. dealer notified. *ak there were high idle problems. the interior lights and the power locks were replaced. the check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. the drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced. *scc *jb | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 5 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Card runs rough, stumbles and hesitates, engine check light on. dealer replaced catalitic converter, o2 censors, egr valve, spark plugs to no avail. please e-mail me if you are having the same problem at alien@castles.com. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - CATALYTIC CONVERTOR | |||
| 10/14/2003 | 3 | ||
| Catalytic converter failed without warning. *ak | |||
| 09/02/2003 | 1 | 06/01/2001 | |
| I am never notified regarding any recalls that have occurred as it relates to my vehicle. i happen to be having my car serviced and then find out that several months to years have pasted and there was a recall. would like to know why? i am told my gm that you are responsible for these notifications to consumers. my vehicle is a 97, pontiac grand am. please advise.*ak | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 5 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Card runs rough, stumbles and hesitates, engine check light on. dealer replaced catalitic converter, o2 censors, egr valve, spark plugs to no avail. please e-mail me if you are having the same problem at alien@castles.com. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - EMISSION CONTROL - GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE) | |||
| While driving egr valve failed at 79,000 miles , causing vehicle to hesitate. cause is unknown.*ak | |||
| 06/01/1998 | 5 | 11/01/1997 | |
| Card runs rough, stumbles and hesitates, engine check light on. dealer replaced catalitic converter, o2 censors, egr valve, spark plugs to no avail. please e-mail me if you are having the same problem at alien@castles.com. *ak | |||
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING - EXHAUST SYSTEM - MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE | |||
| 09/25/2006 | 2000 | 1 | 10/01/1997 |
| Purchased car new at end of 97 model year. within first six months returned car six times due to defective sway bar bushings. problem has never been corrected. car clunks as it is either turned to the right or left or travels (slowly) over speed bumps. also have experienced paint peeling from outside mirrors, radio volume control problems, radio/clock display works only part of the time, right front passenger seat mounting broke and slid passenger into dashboard, 2 door sport coupe-both power windows motors have broken and been replaced. the driver's side window just broke for the second time in two years. passenger window has also started to act sluggish. discovered leaky intake manifold gasket. another expensive repair. rain leaks into car around window gaskets which also make a hissing sound at speeds over 45 mph. car has been driven with care for nine years(odometer=80,000 miles) and has had oil changes, tire rotations, etc. completed according to schedule. owner cannot afford additional costly repairs especially since it seems to be going downhill from here. disgusted with problems as well as with lack of service from several different pontiac dealers. owner cannot afford to buy a [decent] new car and will have to purchase something used. make no mistake- it won't be a gm product! *nm | |||
| 05/28/2003 | 62283 | 1 | 10/12/1997 |
| Intake manifold gasket leaked damaging the engine. *tt | |||
| 02/19/2001 | 1 | 05/01/1997 | |
| The shop that repaired this vehicle seemed puzzles why the manifold failed. he stated that it usually fails at 120,000 miles. three other people told me thay have the same problem.*ak | |||