1992 Pontiac Grand Am
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Am › 1992
These records cover every 1992 Pontiac Grand Am. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1992 Pontiac Grand Am. Newest first.
The vehicles were assembled with an incorrect suspension upper spring seat at the right-rear position. If the vehicle IS involved in a rear impact accident, the right-hand rear wheel house flange could sever the fuel tank filler pipe and spill fuel.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles are not in compliance with fmvss 301,fuel system integrity. Spilled fuel in a low speed accident can result in afire.
Remedy
Inspect and replace incorrect upper spring seat with the correct part.
The bolts and nuts which attach the bearing-hub assembly to the rear axle flange are not sufficiently tightened on some vehicles.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This would allow excessive movement of the bearing-hubassembly relative to the rear axle flange and could cause elongation andeventual separation of the attaching bolts from the rear axle flange. If thiswere to occur while the vehicle was in motion, the affected tire and wheel couldtrack erratically, eventually causing failure of the other attaching bolts. Thetire and wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle which could result in avehicle accident.
Remedy
Tighten rear axle bearing-hub assembly fasteners, and replace all the fasteners on a wheel if two or more bolts are found to be loose.
The passenger's side easy-entry seat adjuster may fail fully lock into position after the seat back has been tilted forward and the seat slid forward, then returned to its original postition.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the seat adjuster fails to lock into position, thepassenger seat would slide forward in the event of a sudden stop or accident.occupants of the passenger seat would face increased risk of serious injury.
Remedy
Replace the adjuster assembly on the seat.
Owner complaints
168 complaints12 involved a crash4 involved a fire12 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Tires
TL* the contact owns a 1992 pontiac grand am. The contact owns centron cordovan tires, dot number UTT2, line size p205/55/r16. The contact stated both front tires were exhibiting separation from the side wall. The tires were taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that they would be…
TL* the contact owns a 1992 pontiac grand am. The contact owns centron cordovan tires, dot number UTT2, line size p205/55/r16. The contact stated both front tires were exhibiting separation from the side wall. The tires were taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that they would be replaced. There were no prior warnings and the tires were not serviced or replaced. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.
- Steering · Steering › Rack and pinion
The steering on my 1994 grand am IS broken. the bolts that mount the steering gear to the cradle have rusted and both are separted. there was a recall on my 89 grand prix and I had the same problem on my 92 corsica. 8JB
- Vehicle speed control › Linkages
Cause of sudden acceleration: I had a pontiac grand am 1992 and the vehicle did accelerate by itself. the cause IS a little piece of rubber that slides off the pressure valve, causing the vehicle to maintain an average of 30m/ph, regardless of which gear the car IS in. the main reason the…
Cause of sudden acceleration: I had a pontiac grand am 1992 and the vehicle did accelerate by itself. the cause IS a little piece of rubber that slides off the pressure valve, causing the vehicle to maintain an average of 30m/ph, regardless of which gear the car IS in. the main reason the plastic slides off IS if the car has been floored. in other words, if you drive too fast and press the gas too hard, then the rubber will slowly slip off, causing loss of pressure and automatic acceleration. must get problem fixed or get rid of car. I have started a class action suit against gm for safety violation and the denial of having the vehicle repaired and death. vehicle accelerated causing death to pedestrian. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Water was coming from the engine into the vehicle. dealer stated there would be a charge to repair vehicle. *ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
The brakes failed without warning while the vehicle was being slowed down, resulting in extended stopping distance. the vehicle was not involved in an accident. *nlm this was due to the brake line replacement in which the wrong part was installed. *scc *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Service brakes, hydraulic
Coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle while driving about 50 mph which caused the vehicle to overheat. *ak the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined that the radiator hose had a split in it. the same week the vehicle was purchased the brake line broke. about 2 months later…
Coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle while driving about 50 mph which caused the vehicle to overheat. *ak the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined that the radiator hose had a split in it. the same week the vehicle was purchased the brake line broke. about 2 months later the brake pedal went to the floor while braking. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the incorrect brake parts were installed and that the radiator clamps were loose. the consumer requested invoices from the dealer but they refused. *nlm
- Seats
I have a 92 pontiac grand am and the passenger seat does not lock into place. what would happen if I were to be in crash? pontiac says there was no recall on this but I found something on the web that says there was. it was on this web site. *nlm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I have a letter from pontiac date nov, 1995. Which states that 2.3L quad ohc engine have a defect of cracking cylinder that allows coolant to leak from the cylinder heads. the letter also states.. Do not bring your vehicle to the dealer unless this occurs. the stated if this condition occurs…
I have a letter from pontiac date nov, 1995. Which states that 2.3L quad ohc engine have a defect of cracking cylinder that allows coolant to leak from the cylinder heads. the letter also states.. Do not bring your vehicle to the dealer unless this occurs. the stated if this condition occurs within seven years or 100,000 miles they will replace the cylinder head free of charge.. My car IS 8 years old now and has only 79000 miles on it. neither the dealer or pontiac corp. Will repair this for me without paying for all charges which are approx. $1200.00.. Pontiac admits that this engine has a defect.. But refuses to honor the 100,000 mile limit because the vehicle IS 8 years old. it IS my opinion that pontiac IS responsible to fix this vehicle as it IS a safety hazard.. My vehicle has the known defect.. The odor from the coolant IS extremely string and IS a safety concern for me and my family. you can see where it leaks from the head as there IS corrosion and the anti-freeze puddles up on top of the head. *jb ***dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis*****732124*****
- Vehicle speed control
The vehicle suddenly accelerated and crashed into a pole. * ph. The consumer was injured in the accident. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
While driving at 40 mph consumer noticed smoke and then sparks coming from under the hood. consumer pulled over and popped the hood and flames were covering the engine. Cause IS unknown. Please provide any further information. Ts
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Wiring harness, ignition key housing and steering wheel completely melted down. consumer believes 1992 models had similar failures and should have been included in recall. *tt
- Air bags › Frontal · Seat belts › Front › Retractor
GMC sent their investigator to read the sensory diagnostic modular. He reported that the air bag sensor were on aswer the seatbelts. He also reported that they "acted appropriately". However even though the seatbelts were on, they did not restrain the passenger or the driver. The airbags did not…
GMC sent their investigator to read the sensory diagnostic modular. He reported that the air bag sensor were on aswer the seatbelts. He also reported that they "acted appropriately". However even though the seatbelts were on, they did not restrain the passenger or the driver. The airbags did not deploy at 45 mph. This IS not appropriate! The passenger had surgery to repaired muscle in her shoulder where it was "torn from the bone" and I (the driver) had surgery on my spine to repair a torn disc due to the trauma sustained. My car was hit on the left front panal causing me to pivot head on into a telephone pole. I let a third party source read the results from gmac. He said that they show the first impact and nothing more. The second impact with the telephone pole IS my primary concern. There IS no way for gmac to know from that module reading if indeed the airbags and/or seatbelts "acted appropriately". My car was totaled!*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Vehicle stalls at any speed/ any time at least once or twice a week. Dealer cannot find cause. *Ak
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Consumer states power windows have not work properly since purchasing vehicle, windows continue to fall off track.*yh
- Structure › Frame and members
Paint IS lifting off in chunks in several areas on the hood, front side panels & roof. manufacturer was contacted 7/13/01 @ 87,000 miles. I was told there are no recalls or campaigns on this car for this problem. I can understand paint fading and wearing due to age, but not lifting off in chunks after only 8 years. I believe the problem indicates a defect in the paint, primer, and/or surface metal.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
Ignition system melted resulting in total destruction of starting system. ignition system did not ignite but did continue to emmit noxious fumes and smoke. researched problem and found out all models made the year after my car, were recalled for same exact problem. *Ak
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum › Drum
When driving at any speed on wet or dry pavement and when attempting to stop upon depressing brake pedal to make a gradual stop, brakes kick in and then release, causing extended stopping distance. Consumer has taken vehicle to dealer. dealer has replaced brake master cylinder/shoes and pads/ rotors, and drums. But, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.*ak
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Power rack& pinion bellows-fluid leak on exhaust manifold causing fire.
- Electrical system › Ignition · Equipment › Electrical › Radio/tape deck/cd etc. · Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor
While driving, my radio, clock, cruise control, and windshield wipers stop working. this would usually happen when I would use the turn signals. at first I thought it was a fuse, but later realized if I jiggled the key in the ingnition, these things would start working again. the ignition seems…
While driving, my radio, clock, cruise control, and windshield wipers stop working. this would usually happen when I would use the turn signals. at first I thought it was a fuse, but later realized if I jiggled the key in the ingnition, these things would start working again. the ignition seems to have a lot of play, as if it needs to be tightened. I can almost turn the ignition all the way around without touching the key.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The head gasket was replaced once b/c of a "special recall" that had a 7 yr or 100,000 mile quota on it well my car was over the quota so pontiac said they couldnt do a thing for me, even though that obviously proved that something was wrong w/ the car b/c it had been "recalled" before . pontiac…
The head gasket was replaced once b/c of a "special recall" that had a 7 yr or 100,000 mile quota on it well my car was over the quota so pontiac said they couldnt do a thing for me, even though that obviously proved that something was wrong w/ the car b/c it had been "recalled" before . pontiac was susposed to call me back , never did I called twice after that still havent recieved a phone call its been 6 months. car cost 1500$ to replace, and its still giving me problems. *ak
- Electrical system › Horn · Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
The paint IS chipping on my hood. it started in 1995. I have been told by dealerships that their was a recall on paint. I was not notified by gm, and when I last attempted to contact them the srvc rep said they remembered a recall but couldn't find it now. also, every winter since I bought the…
The paint IS chipping on my hood. it started in 1995. I have been told by dealerships that their was a recall on paint. I was not notified by gm, and when I last attempted to contact them the srvc rep said they remembered a recall but couldn't find it now. also, every winter since I bought the car the horn gows off in the middle of the night when it gets below freezing. my power door locks keep going out. are they related to the horn? Since I purchased the car, the front passenger seat locks in upright position but does not slide back into place if the lever IS usde on the back of the seat. IS there a tsb? I found a tsb on your web-site for the horn and possibly for the door locks. What do I do?*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
We have oil in the cooling system and water in the oil note: this was not due to a crash as indicated in report provided. *Ak
- Electrical system › Ignition · Power train › Automatic transmission
On march of 1999, the first problem with my vehicle occured. the car was sitting in the driveway, no key in the ignition, and it began to try to start by itself. I was shocked to see this, and by the time it finished, my battery was drained and I had to purchase a new battery. the second time I…
On march of 1999, the first problem with my vehicle occured. the car was sitting in the driveway, no key in the ignition, and it began to try to start by itself. I was shocked to see this, and by the time it finished, my battery was drained and I had to purchase a new battery. the second time I had an ignition problem was in november of 2000 when my car wouldn't start unless it was placed in neutral gear. I had the ignition switch replaced, and six weeks later, the same incident happened with trying to start the car. ever since I purchased this vehicle, I have had it in the repair shop numerous times, and frankly I believe the dealership that sold me the vehicle, sold me a lemon.*ak
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
While approaching a intersection where I intended on turning, half-way into the turn the adjustable steering column became unlocked and was able to move uninterrupted both up and down, while this did not stop my ability to turn...another driver who might concentrate on the movement vice completing…
While approaching a intersection where I intended on turning, half-way into the turn the adjustable steering column became unlocked and was able to move uninterrupted both up and down, while this did not stop my ability to turn...another driver who might concentrate on the movement vice completing the turn would most likely have had an accident. Please review your database for any other occurances and any possible recalls. While this IS a '92, it only has one scratch (non-accident) and to me...is worth much more than whatever "blue book" says it is...i have found three (3) "steering column" problems, while not reported for '92S, they may be related; 91vo18000, 96v249000, 98v320000. Thank you. I will be forwarding this problem to the manufacturer but I would like a reply at your earliest convience - if there are any other steering column problems. Appreciate the job you do !.*ak
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system · Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devices · Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer
No summary listed for abov evehicle. *ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54329Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp IS "on".
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 51244Condensation collects on instrument panel cluster hood during high humidity (install new instrument panel cluster hood).
- 45881Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline.*sd
- 43040Unknown
- 43031Unknown
- 43021Unknown
- 43000The a/c belt may roll off the pulley on vehicles equipped with dealer installed air conditioning and 7.8L fnh engine.
- 39634Front door manual windows hard to cycle/roll/seal.
- 39632Inconvenience in reaching the front inner seat belt buckle.
- 37843Crunch noise from right side dash area when turning steering wheel.
Every Pontiac Grand Am model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.