Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
461510023171Abs pump running when not needed. *nj10/31/2007
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK - WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
0415200404/15/200410009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. gm voicemail express. *tt09/17/2004
0096601/01/200400966A10007816Anti-lock braking system (abs) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt07/12/2004
00966B01/01/200410007293Abs front wheel speed codes - jumper harness. *tt06/09/2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
02052200104/01/2002634845Service manual update regarding revised brake specifications. *tt10/09/2002
00052400104/01/2000613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **mr07/25/2000

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - ANTILOCK
02/16/2000301/01/1998
 I have replaced my brakes 2nd time now - this time will be the 3rd time and i only have 66,000 miles on my car. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR - DISC - ROTOR
04/05/1998202/20/1998
 Front brake rotors warp causing uneven braking and can cause the vehicle to skid and loose control.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
01/01/2005210/18/2004
 The consumer reported problems with the vehicle's door's, brakes and other components. *nm *sc *jb
08/12/20041
 While applying the brakes, the pedal went to the floor. the driver was able to stop. the consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle and drove it to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the brake pads and front rotor needed replace due to corrosion. please fill in additional information. *jb
09/11/20021
 I think grandam has the worst braking system on their cars. i spend so much money alone on brakes. i've asked several people who also own a grandam and they say the same thing i change my brakes at least 3-4 times a year. i own a 98 pontiac grandam and as soon as i finish paying on it i am getting rid of it.*ak
07/20/20033
 Brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced after 20,000 miles. have had to replace 5 yr batteries 3 times now at my own expense. last time resulted in car needing to be towed and key not being able to be taken out of ignition. tried jump starting and electrical system over heated. my complaint is this i just received a safety recall stating that if the car is hard to start it could start on fire if jump started more then 3 times and if the key is on the on potion to long. they want to install a relay device to prevent fires but why is the electrical ignition problem not being fixed. why do we have to replace the battery every year. the relay device will not fix the original problem it will only fix the fire threat. also side mirror adjustment knob has fallen inside car door and windows will not roll down or up. car will not shift into reverse at times. front tires wore on the inside out and had to be replaced shortly after purchase. *jb
06/28/200340000407/14/2001
 Breaks have failed 3 times in the last week alone. this problem has occurred several times however intermittently. we purchased this car 2 years ago and it has been in pontiac service numerous times. they have put on new brakes, pads etc. adjusted the brakes and still the problem is unresolved. something must be done immediately this car is unsafe and will cause an injury or death!*ak
11/01/2002
 While traveling at normal speed, consumer states' pressed brake pedal and pedal went to the floor. consumer had to pump brake to get vehicle to stop. please provide any further information. mr
11/01/19981
 Brake fueled leak out of motor.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK
2
 When braking vehicle didn't stop at the desired stopping point. vehicle was taken to the dealer, who indicated that antilock braking system malfunctioned and there was no remedy to solve the problem. mechanic recommends disconnecting the antilock braking system because it was not safe to drive the vehicle in this condition. *ak
07/29/2002103/01/2000
 After turning my vehicle on, i noticed that my vehicle brake and abs lights were illuminated. it was determined after taking the car to the mechanic that the motor pack was in need of replacement. my mechanic suggested that i file a report since this is a rare problem.*ak
02/14/20020
 While driving abs light will pop up. consumer has to turn off the engine, and light will go off. then, will pop up again. dealer has been contacted. please provide more information. *ak
03/04/20002
 Consumer states when taking foot off accelerator, vehicle starts to pulsate and when brakes are applied it takes approximately 3 to 4 feet to stop, while vehicle is bucking as if the abs are engaging, rpm needle goes crazy. *slc
11/28/200006/01/1999
 I feel as though there is a serious problem with my 1998 pontiac grandam. i have taken it to the dealership (boomershine pontiac) twice in the last 3 months. on nove 28, 2000 all of the warning lights in my vehicle came on and then my car locked up while i was driving on the bypass at about 50 mph. i could not steer or brake my car. it was locked up, so threw on the emergency brakes and slid until the car came to a stop. i reported the service department that my abs, ets, check engine, and airbag lights kept flashing on and off. on feb 20, 2001 i took my car back to boomershine pontiac and reported that my check engine, abs, and airbag light was once again coming on. my car was supposely repaired when i picked it up on feb 22, 2001. on march 1. 2001 at 9:05am i was driving to work and my abs, ets, and airbag lights were once again flashing . i went to pontiac boomershine to report this. and i took the sales consultant jason bresnock for a ride in the car. my airbag light did flash while jason bresnock was riding with me. i have made and appointment for tuesday march 6, 2001 and 7:45am to have them work on my car once again. i feel that there is something seriously wrong with this car and the technicians can't find out what the problem can be. i feel that i am driving an unsafe vehicle at this point.*ak
205/01/1998
 Brakes have never worked properly. replaced twice and rotors have been turned once. spouse noticed that the front or rear brakes did not show any wear.-we also have had a probelm with the battery that i think was caused by the electrical system.*ak
 Front brakes and rotors had to replaced at 24,000 miles within 1 yearr of ownership. then 1 1/2 years ,abs and brake light came on at same time. dealer had to have motor pact kit put which runs rear hydraulic for brakes at 50,000 miles. *ak
401/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
08/08/19981
 The abs motor kit (91172172) failed and shorted out which caused the hydraulic modulator valve shorted out and required replacement as well. *mjs
04/02/19984
 Vehicle would suddenly accelerate on its own with the foot on the brakes. brakes were ruined. problem was intermittent. been to the dealership 3 different times, but problem would reappear after repairs were done.*ak
12/15/1998
 Purchased vehicle 6/98. three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. found wires in harness bad causing problem. brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. rotors machined @ 10,462. excessive brake dust. brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles abs light failed. while lights and ac or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. can't find problem! when heater is on smell of antifreeze. can't find problem. front suspension noise. stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. no brake pedal at times. when road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.
11/11/1998212/01/1997
 I have had my rotors replaced three times now. even though my milage is rather high for the time owned, most of my driving is freeway driving. i have also had problems with the breaks failing, especially when the weather is damp or wet. i have also had the antilock breaks kick in when i was doing normal breaking. this caused me to almost have an accident, because it increased my stopping distance. i was going only approximately 5-25mph in each of the several incidents. when the breaks failed it feels like someopne put vaseline on the rotors. i step on the break pedal, and get no response. i usually have to pump the breaks in order for them to work. this particular car also had a bedspring, creaking, cracking noise that seems to appear when i go over bumps and when the body flexes. numerous people have asked me what the noise is, but my dealer can't seem to fix the problem. they did put some tape around something at one point that helped some, but the noise is very distracting and continues. the dealer actually told me that i shouldn't bring that car back to them for that problem. on my last trip to the dealer, they did seem to fix the problem temporarily, but when i was on the on ramp to the freeway, something cracked again, and the noises are heard daily now. i also had one of my fromt tires fail. the sidewall bubbled out. the manufacturer did nothing for me. i was more or less told that i would have to prove that there was a defect in the tire. i still had almost all of the origianl tread. the noises in the suspension/body are irritating, and the car sounds like it is going to fall apart on the road someday, but my biggest concern is the breaks. i am a very safe driver, but find the breaking system that is in my car very unreliable. i honestly feel that i would be better off without the abs, as i don't need them kicking in when i am doing normal slow stopping, such as pulling out of a driveway or just slow down. very scary when i don't stop.
05/16/1998705/01/1998
 Transmission- r&r trans to replacethird gear input and replaced bushing reconditioned trans asssembly and replaced axle seal / steering wheel replaced streering wheel sensor bushing , dealer claims they could never find problem / brakes dealer said this was not under warranty went to midas replaced pads, left caliper , right caliper both had damaged boots uneven pad wear drums were hardspotted and out of round hoses -steelined were rust spotted ./ replaced front bushing.dealer said they could never find problem with brakes when first reported to them
07/12/1999
 When starting the car abs lights keep coming on due to this abs sensor malfunctioning. has been replaced twice. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - ANTILOCK - CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
12/01/2003160002
 The anti lock brake function prevents me from being able to brake my car on wet, snowy or slushy days, both my daughter and i have had to shift down and pull on the emergency brake to pull over, we live on a long steep hill. this resets theabs but only temporarily. also, the auto locks malfunction and the front windows don't roll up and down, i am afraid we'll be trapped in an out of control car. also the adjustment knob for the exterior rear view mirrors fell into the door so i can't adjust them without stopping as the windows don't open.*ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
01/14/1999105/16/1998
 Brakes failed. yh
112/01/1997
 Brakes do not work properly on occasion. mjs
02/03/1999
 When driving at any speed and applying the brakes, brakes squeak and there is some knocking noise coming from the brakes. consumer states that brakes talk to her, and go straight to the floorboard . also, when consumer is backing out and turning to the right there is a popping noise coming from the steering. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC
05/14/2001101/01/1998
 Driver's side front disc brake separated and fell off while backing out of driveway. *ak
 Front brakes and rotors had to replaced at 24,000 miles within 1 yearr of ownership. then 1 1/2 years ,abs and brake light came on at same time. dealer had to have motor pact kit put which runs rear hydraulic for brakes at 50,000 miles. *ak
12/10/2000104/01/1998
 No summary listed for above vehicle. *ak
12/15/1998
 Purchased vehicle 6/98. three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. found wires in harness bad causing problem. brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. rotors machined @ 10,462. excessive brake dust. brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles abs light failed. while lights and ac or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. can't find problem! when heater is on smell of antifreeze. can't find problem. front suspension noise. stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. no brake pedal at times. when road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.
10/01/1999502/01/1998
 I have had this problem since the beginning. they have turned the disks at least twice, replaced the rotors once, resurfaced the pads. this last time that i took it into the shop, they said that they suspect the rotors to warpped. yet i had purchased the extended warranty to extend the bumper to bumper warranty, yet they told me that they can't do anything with it because it was out of the original warranty. i feel that the vehicle does not represent the quality or performance as stated or advertised. this car is a lemon no matter which state you may purchase it.
11/11/1998212/01/1997
 I have had my rotors replaced three times now. even though my milage is rather high for the time owned, most of my driving is freeway driving. i have also had problems with the breaks failing, especially when the weather is damp or wet. i have also had the antilock breaks kick in when i was doing normal breaking. this caused me to almost have an accident, because it increased my stopping distance. i was going only approximately 5-25mph in each of the several incidents. when the breaks failed it feels like someopne put vaseline on the rotors. i step on the break pedal, and get no response. i usually have to pump the breaks in order for them to work. this particular car also had a bedspring, creaking, cracking noise that seems to appear when i go over bumps and when the body flexes. numerous people have asked me what the noise is, but my dealer can't seem to fix the problem. they did put some tape around something at one point that helped some, but the noise is very distracting and continues. the dealer actually told me that i shouldn't bring that car back to them for that problem. on my last trip to the dealer, they did seem to fix the problem temporarily, but when i was on the on ramp to the freeway, something cracked again, and the noises are heard daily now. i also had one of my fromt tires fail. the sidewall bubbled out. the manufacturer did nothing for me. i was more or less told that i would have to prove that there was a defect in the tire. i still had almost all of the origianl tread. the noises in the suspension/body are irritating, and the car sounds like it is going to fall apart on the road someday, but my biggest concern is the breaks. i am a very safe driver, but find the breaking system that is in my car very unreliable. i honestly feel that i would be better off without the abs, as i don't need them kicking in when i am doing normal slow stopping, such as pulling out of a driveway or just slow down. very scary when i don't stop.
10/01/1998112/31/1997
 Brake rotors warped due to there failure caused pulsation. *yc
07/01/1998105/01/1998
 No summary provided by consumer.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - CALIPER
2012/01/1997
 I have had a new transmission, calipers, gear shift mechanism,2 lighters, alternator,2 sets of window motors, 1 broken motor mount,strut torque wasnt bolted to the car when leased, a radial pull in 1 tire in which i had to pay to have replaced, tire scraping on fender right after leasing, 2 new headlamps,fuel cap, battery, and have had a short somewhere and dealer refused to locate. dealer and pontiac customer division refuse a buy back or trade in. sent package to general motors to make them aware of the situation and they refused the package all together. pontiac tells me their field rep went to talk to john moore and he refused a buy back so in turn, so did pontiac. i just would like a car that runs. this is my second pontiac that has been a lemon. i have all documentaion to prove it. how does a single mom working two jobs get help? its costed me a fortune in missed work.( dot number: tire size: p195/65r15 )
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DISC - ROTOR
205/01/1998
 Brakes have never worked properly. replaced twice and rotors have been turned once. spouse noticed that the front or rear brakes did not show any wear.-we also have had a probelm with the battery that i think was caused by the electrical system.*ak
 While driving vehicle would start to shake when brakes were applied. took vehicle to dealership & mechanic indicated that brakes were warped & needed to be replaced. after having rotors replaced, problem has reappeared again.*ak
02/03/2000109/01/1997
 Had problems with car since beginning. accelerates on its own and lunges forward when stopping. also the brakes failed,causing an accident. rotors have warped on numerous occasions. dealer contacted 10-15 times with no problem found. car is a major safety hazard. *ak
03/01/1999201/01/1998
 Brake rotors are warped, causing heavy steering wheel vibration. dealer resurfaced rotors once under warranty. brake rotors warped again after 3 months. brake rotors now must be replaced after only one year. *ak
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - SHOES/LININGS
12/15/1998
 Purchased vehicle 6/98. three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. found wires in harness bad causing problem. brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. rotors machined @ 10,462. excessive brake dust. brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles abs light failed. while lights and ac or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. can't find problem! when heater is on smell of antifreeze. can't find problem. front suspension noise. stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. no brake pedal at times. when road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - DRUM - WHEEL CYLINDERS
12/15/1998
 Purchased vehicle 6/98. three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. found wires in harness bad causing problem. brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. rotors machined @ 10,462. excessive brake dust. brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles abs light failed. while lights and ac or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. can't find problem! when heater is on smell of antifreeze. can't find problem. front suspension noise. stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. no brake pedal at times. when road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC - FOUNDATION COMPONENTS - MASTER CYLINDER
10/15/200245000101/01/1999
 When applying the brakes the pedal went to the floor. the consumer had to pump the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. the cause of the problem is unknown but could be related to a faulty master cylinder. *ts *nlm
103/01/1998
 Master cylinder failure.