1995 Pontiac Grand Am
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Am › 1995
These records cover every 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 1995 Pontiac Grand Am. Newest first.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. if the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
A fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps). this campaign does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.
Owner complaints
409 complaints59 involved a crash43 involved a fire63 injuries9 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 1995 pontiac grand am. While driving over a bump at approximately 65 mph, the key suddenly released from the ignition switch. The vehicle continued operating as normal during the failure. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and re-inserted the key into the…
TL* the contact owns a 1995 pontiac grand am. While driving over a bump at approximately 65 mph, the key suddenly released from the ignition switch. The vehicle continued operating as normal during the failure. The contact pulled the vehicle to the side of the road and re-inserted the key into the ignition. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 290,000.
- Electrical system
Car won't start and cut off when car IS in drive. *Tr
- Electrical system
I was in the parking lot of a fast food place we came out after we ate and got in the car attempted to start it but it did not start at first then I turned off the ignition and then tried again it started and after a short time it seamed like it tried to start itself again and it started smoking…
I was in the parking lot of a fast food place we came out after we ate and got in the car attempted to start it but it did not start at first then I turned off the ignition and then tried again it started and after a short time it seamed like it tried to start itself again and it started smoking from below the steering column so I turned it off and jumped out of the car and out the battery by the time the battery was out it had already caught fire and had to be put out with a fire extinguisher which was supplied by a tow truck driver who just so happened to be getting lunch the fire dept was called but never filed a report they just made sure all were ok then left that's basically what happened. *Tr
- Electrical system
While driving down highway 4 my steering column caught on fire making me pull the car over and jump out along with 2 other persons , after that we called the tow truck to have it towed home to see what we were going to do about the problem and who to contact in the mean time the dealership had my…
While driving down highway 4 my steering column caught on fire making me pull the car over and jump out along with 2 other persons , after that we called the tow truck to have it towed home to see what we were going to do about the problem and who to contact in the mean time the dealership had my car for 4 months and to this day still has it and IS requesting me to pay half of the bill to get it fixed and I do not feel I should pay a dime for a recalled car with an open recall on it so therefore I am filing a complaint against the dealership for the car to be fixed and for all the inconvenience in which it has caused me getting back and fourth to school, I am in college full time so therefore I had to do public transportation getting to and from my destinations. And when the car caught fire it was the first time in which it had ever happened. So now my grandfather IS going to pay for it to get fixed and would like all of his money back and I want all I can get for all the inconvenience in which this problem has caused myself and all others who were involved and also we need to keep in mind this could have been a much bigger problem if anyone would have gotten hurt do to the fire and or any others damages that could have happened. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
While driving the overheat light illuminated, and engine died. The mechanic said it IS a cracked head gaskets. I have always followed the maintenance schedule in owner manual. Oil changes every three months etc.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition
1995 pontiac grand am coils went bad. *Kb the consumer stated his vehicle would not start. The coils were replaced because the garage stated they were bad, however the consumer kept the coils and placed them back in the vehicle which has been running ever since. *Jb
- Service brakes, hydraulic
Consumer complaint regarding 1995 grand am theft. *ts the consumer listed brakes as a possible problem on his vehicle. *Jb
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Exterior lighting › Tail lights · Power train › Manual transmission › Floor shift assembly · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Structure › Body › Trunk lid · Visibility › Windshield
1995 pontiac grand am overheating. replaced the thermostat four times and finally the head gaskets warped. paid for the head gasket replacement. continued to overheat and called general motors. Mediator was of very little help. took it back under the repair warranty, then the radiator blew…
1995 pontiac grand am overheating. replaced the thermostat four times and finally the head gaskets warped. paid for the head gasket replacement. continued to overheat and called general motors. Mediator was of very little help. took it back under the repair warranty, then the radiator blew because they had replaced the radiator cap with a higher pressure rating. we took it back and they replaced the radiator, hoses, heater core and numerous other things. it continued to overheat. in general we have spent about $2500.00 and still have this issue. additionally, we now have the ABS warning light coming on occasionally and I found some engine wires twisted up over the manifold. I have since moved them back to their original location and had to use electrical tape on another wire connection that the lock (snap) was broke off. since doing this I have not had the car overheating as often. additionally since repairs were made, we now have heavy condensation on the interior windshield, (window wipers on the inside could be a solution...) along with puddles of water on the passenger floor and in the trunk....god only knows what they did to my car after I called general motors, everything just seemed to get worse from there.. Coincidence, I think not. they are now bankrupt so there IS no recourse in my case of retrieving money needlessly spent on repairs they should have fixed properly in the first place. and while I'm at it, I wonder if they ever took car of that ignition recall? I am still driving the car when it IS behaving but I have been having to hold the ignition switch to get the car to start which I hadn't had to do before... are they waiting for my car to catch on fire due to this ignition problem? the smartest thing would be to take it to someone else but no one wants to touch the car after finding out it was at the other dealership so where do I go now? and a reply on that sure would be a big help! *jb
- Tires › Sidewall · Tires › Tread/belt
Dt: 1995 pontiac grand am. the consumer stated the driver's side front tire blew out after being in the vehicle for 30 minutes. this was a new summit tire. the dealership gave the consumer his money back and put the old tires on vehicle. the vehicle was going 60 mph. this caused front end damage. the consumer stated that there was a crash due to tire blowout. *Ak
- Structure › Body
Contact states: on the front drivers' side the metal part broke away and the tire came away from the part it was attached to. The tire hit the side of the car. The car was not drivable, and they had to have it towed.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Intermittently consumer would be unable to start the vehicle. also, it stalls. consumer IS able to restart vehicle after 45 minutes. dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak
- Air bags › Frontal
The consumer was driving at approximately 35 mph and struck a light post. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. provide further details. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
The original headlight switch malfunctioned and I did not have any dash lights or tail-lights. The second switch malfunctioned too and the headlights now go out when I try to cycle them from high beam to low beam or don't come on until I cycle them again. *Jb
- Suspension › Rear › Axle › Spindle
While driving vehicle swerved right on its own. Consumer immediately pulled left, causing rear axle to break off, and resulting in a crash. driver sustained injuries. *ak
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
My vehicle's (1995 pontiac grand am) dimmer switch IS malfunctioned. The head lights go out if you try to cycle from high beam to lo beam. I also know of another person with the same problem.i recently experinced this problem while driving at night. *ak
- Electrical system › Starter assembly
A recall (#00v287000) was issued for the starter assembly the dealer refused to repair the vehicle at no charge. The consumer stated the vehicle caught fire twice. Please provide additional information. *jb
- Air bags
While driving, the consumer applied the brake, but the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle continue to accelerate with speed. the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a ditch and a fence. a 2X4 steel pole hit the windshield and hit the driver in the face the driver was unconscious. both…
While driving, the consumer applied the brake, but the pedal went to the floor. The vehicle continue to accelerate with speed. the driver lost control of the vehicle and hit a ditch and a fence. a 2X4 steel pole hit the windshield and hit the driver in the face the driver was unconscious. both frontal air bags did not deploy. the driver sustained head and neck injuries and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. the insurance company totaled the vehicle. please fill in additional information. *jb
- Exterior lighting › Headlights · Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
We have had a problem with the windows not working. we've had to push up the window with our hands while pushing the power window button and it doesn't close all the way. now it does not work at all. also we have problems with the headlights staying on. we noticed if we play with the…
We have had a problem with the windows not working. we've had to push up the window with our hands while pushing the power window button and it doesn't close all the way. now it does not work at all. also we have problems with the headlights staying on. we noticed if we play with the multifunction switch (like turning the high beams on and off) then the headlights will come back on after a few tries. we recently replaced all 4 brakes and now the ABS light IS on and stays on. dealer stated that there's nothing wrong with the ABS brakes.*ak
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Nar 6-03-2003 *mr ignition switch fire hazard. *cb
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
Vehicle caught on fire due to a space between the firewall and the interior. There was a space where water ran down, and leaves gathered. There the fire started. *Ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood
Consumer turned the ignition and vehicle did not start. upon trying to start the vehicle again there was a noise. Consumer looked under the hood and there was fire.*ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I bought my 1995 pontiac grand am SE, used in 2001, not even a month after having it, I had to replace the radiator. From there went my coolant line, a dealer part I had to pay a fortune for. Then I also have significant water damage that somehow gets into my carand I end up with puddles of water…
I bought my 1995 pontiac grand am SE, used in 2001, not even a month after having it, I had to replace the radiator. From there went my coolant line, a dealer part I had to pay a fortune for. Then I also have significant water damage that somehow gets into my carand I end up with puddles of water on the floor. My heater core went, replaced that. Then ball joints, replaced that. Then the recall on my ignition that I failed to recieve, was out with my husband and son for the day, got in to start my car and it wouldnt turn over. Took the key out, then all of a sudden the car started to turn over repeditily. Needless to say if my husband wasnt there my son and I could have died, I wouldnt have know what to do. My son was strapped in his car seat and I popped the hood, next thing I know smoke starts pouring into my car from the dash. So I grab my son out quickly as my husband popped the hood, and seen sparks and ripped the power cord off of the battery which stopped the sparks which was in the process of starting a fire. After replacing that, my power steering went, had to replace those lines. Then my coolant was low for no reason at all, the next week, two weeks after an oil change, oil light comes on. No oil in the engine. Put oil in and was fine for about an hour until car suddenly lost power and I had to pull of to the side of the road to find out that I have a blown head gasket plus other problems caused by this that caused my motor to no longer be in running order. I still owe $2000 on my car and was told today by numerous specialists that this car with the blown head gaskets IS a known problem in these cars, and for some reason gm fails to acknowledge this and lets these cars remain on the road. You need to do something. So now I have no car with a baby, and a major problem. Like I said you need to fix this problem. *Ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
While driving at 5 mph and without warning the passenger side front lower control arm separated from the vehicle, as a result the front wheel collapsed. The vehicle was towed to an independent shop. The mechanic indicated to the consumer that the problem was due to corrosion. *jb the rear frame…
While driving at 5 mph and without warning the passenger side front lower control arm separated from the vehicle, as a result the front wheel collapsed. The vehicle was towed to an independent shop. The mechanic indicated to the consumer that the problem was due to corrosion. *jb the rear frame bolt on the lower control arm broke, which put all the weight on the front frame bolt of the lower control arm and as a result the vehicle collapsed. *nm *jb
- Air bags
While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle slid on a wet road and rear ended another motorist. the driver's side air bag failed to deploy upon impact. The consumer's neck, shoulder and chest were sore. The vehicle's front end was severely damaged. The dealership will be contacted. While driving long…
While driving at 30 mph, the vehicle slid on a wet road and rear ended another motorist. the driver's side air bag failed to deploy upon impact. The consumer's neck, shoulder and chest were sore. The vehicle's front end was severely damaged. The dealership will be contacted. While driving long distances the consumer heard a dragging noise coming from under the vehicle. the consumer had the vehicle towed to dealership where the technician noticed worn wheel bearings. Vehicle IS now on it's sixth repair. Please provide any additional information. *nm
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
The a.c fan houseing IS cracking and falling out due to engine heat. The fan vibrates on high & does not blow or cool that well.*ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Steering column fires
There is no summary currently available
- Steering column fire
Odi has expanded the scope of its investigation of steering column fires to include all models built on the n-platform.gm has indicated in its response that the subject vehicles are equipped with a rotary ignition switch that has been in use in a number of vehicle models since 1991 on both the n and…
Odi has expanded the scope of its investigation of steering column fires to include all models built on the n-platform.gm has indicated in its response that the subject vehicles are equipped with a rotary ignition switch that has been in use in a number of vehicle models since 1991 on both the n and j-platforms.however, the 1994-1995 n-platform IS over represented accounting for 83 (81%) of the combinded total of 102 reports despite being only 14.2% of the combined population. Of the 10 new reports received since opening ea99-063, 7 include allegations of a no start condition when attempting to engage the starter.a fire IS claimed to have ensued in the steering column immediately therafter.gm issued a technical service bulletin (tsb) (no. 433203) july 1994 whiich addressed owner complaints that the ignition switch may not return to the run position after the vehicle has started.the tsb advises that the ignition switch mounting screws may be excessively torqued resulting in distortion of the switch housing.an engineering analysis IS warranted to determine the root cause(s) and to determin if a safety defect exists.
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
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10114924This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 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.
- 10005527Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10004278Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including 1988-2004 chevrolet and GMC light duty trucks.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 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.
- 622945Some customers may want to tow their vehicle behind another vehicle with all four tires ont he ground. This bulletin provides information regarding recreational (dinghy) towing for certain vehicles including the 1996 through 2000 toyota cavalier.
- 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.
- 619360Some owners may comment on driveability symptons of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire due to clogged fuel injectors.
- 618103Information regarding ignition switch high electrical current.
- 617765Campaign parts bulletin regarding ignition switch high electrical current.
- 617752Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 2.
- 617751Subject regarding product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current - part 1.
- 617747Subject regarding 00079 - product safety campaign ignition switch high electrical current.
- 615073Some 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 reappear until the next change of oil.
- 613590Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies. **Mr
- 604343Some owners may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602826Some customers may comment about a squeak/ squawk type noise coming from the steering column area when turning the steering wheel.
- 601915Comments on a ticking type noise that begins shortly after cold engine start-up and gradually diminishes as the engine warms up.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
- 54419Comment that the ABS light IS on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history.
- 54418Some vehicles experience difficulties to depress accelerator pedal and/or an accelerator cable separation.
- 54329Complaints that the ABS indicator lamp IS "on".
- 54191Experiencing a squeak/squawk noise coming from the bottom of the steering column.
Every Pontiac Grand Am model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.