1996 Pontiac Grand Am
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Am › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am. Newest first.
Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11b1, fp10026-11b1, and fp10027-11b1, sold after january 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. the universal pressure regulators (upr) were produced without an o'ring and retainer.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. the recall began on april 23, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.
Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. during production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
Remedy
Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Risk and remedy
Risk
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.
Risk and remedy
Risk
An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. if the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch IS activated. this fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. if necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Owner complaints
450 complaints33 involved a crash14 involved a fire69 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
I was driving down hiway the car died I turned it to the right to get off the hiway and the airbag on drivers side exploded, I had the car towed and was told the pass key system or theft system went bad in ignition switch and no explanation why air bag went off? Or how to fix any of it, this IS now july and I am still having problems.
- Air bags
Air bag when off when I was waiting to pull aut off parking lot. Have injury to my shoulder.
- Air bags
Driver air bag deployed without warning. *tr
- Air bags
I was leaving my place of employment, had just backed out of my parking spot and put the car in drive. Started moving forward and the driver's side airbag deployed. no bumps, no contact with another vehicle. just deployed. Steering wheel parts hit my arm, bruised it pretty well. have since purchased another vehicle. *tr
- Electrical system · Steering
Car would not start. Steering locked and transmission stuck in park.key would not turn. Towed car home. Removed the ignition switch and found the ignition lock had melted. The obvious fire hazard prompted a recall search for the make and model finding an ignition recall has been issued. I contacted…
Car would not start. Steering locked and transmission stuck in park.key would not turn. Towed car home. Removed the ignition switch and found the ignition lock had melted. The obvious fire hazard prompted a recall search for the make and model finding an ignition recall has been issued. I contacted pontiac customer service. The representative asked me if my vin was covered. I have confirmed the vin IS on the recall list although the rep. Failed to acknowledge this. The seriousness of the recall, potential fire hazard and validity of my complaint was ignored and [xxx] (pontiac rep.) would not assist me further. I am stuck now with trying to resolve getting my car repaired in a timely manner. Please advise. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised to the contact that the sensor was disconnected and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. Then, it wouldn't even turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. Turns out it was the pontiac anti-theft device that…
I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. Then, it wouldn't even turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. Turns out it was the pontiac anti-theft device that was keeping it from starting. When your key starts getting worn and rounded off, (as most keys do after some use!) the theft system locks your car up. There IS no fix for this problem other than replacing the ecu, ignition system, key tumbler, or a combination of the same, and reprogramming it, which costs upwards of 1000.00 this anti theft system IS preventing me from using my lawfully owned car! The only way to fix it IS to have a dealership replace defective pontiac parts. An anti theft system should be a preventative measure to keep crooks from boosting your car, not something that will cost the owner more money later when their key wears down! worse yet, if the car IS disabled on a highway and the steering wheel locks up, you risk killing yourself or others on the road! This has got to be a safety violation and a red flag for a recall. I'm going to probably sell this rat-trap for scrap/crush value to a junk yard and buy another car, so although this complaint won't benefit me, hopefully my comment will help someone else who IS having problems with their pos pontiac. *tr
- Air bags
While driving home from the park, driver side air bag went off, burst of powder and horn blowing, scraped right hand. Was able to pull to side of road and undo fuse to horn. Found out by going online many others have had this happen IS there any recourse to this that I can follow up on? note…
While driving home from the park, driver side air bag went off, burst of powder and horn blowing, scraped right hand. Was able to pull to side of road and undo fuse to horn. Found out by going online many others have had this happen IS there any recourse to this that I can follow up on? note: it seems GMC has known about this and really should have recalled these vehicles or taken them off the road, serious injury or death could have happened if these blow without cause. *tr
- Air bags
I had just turned my car on and put it in reverse to back out of a parking spot. I only moved about two inches backwards, not even going over 5 mph, when the air bag randomly deployed without warning. It hit me on the left side of my head/neck, chest, and arm resulting in cuts, burns, and bruises…
I had just turned my car on and put it in reverse to back out of a parking spot. I only moved about two inches backwards, not even going over 5 mph, when the air bag randomly deployed without warning. It hit me on the left side of my head/neck, chest, and arm resulting in cuts, burns, and bruises in those areas. My left ear started ringing and I momentarily lost hearing on that side. I did not hit anything with my vehicle nor did something hit me. My car did not even leave the parking spot before this incident occurred. After I gained composure and realized what had just happened, I made my way out of the car and a man who witnessed everything walked me to the fire department near by. My cuts were tended to and I was transported to the hospital by ambulance for further treatment and examining. *tr
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the front driver side air bag deployed inadvertently while the contact was seated in the front driver side seat. The air bag was on fire and ignited the jacket that the contact was wearing. The contact was able to extinguish the…
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the front driver side air bag deployed inadvertently while the contact was seated in the front driver side seat. The air bag was on fire and ignited the jacket that the contact was wearing. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and shut the vehicle off. The fire department reported to the scene and a fire report was filed. The fire department taped the air bag into the dashboard in order for the contact to be able to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostics or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph the drivers side air bag exploded and then the passenger side air bag exploded. After the explosion the contact continued to drive home and park the vehicle. The air bag hit her in the chest but she did not go…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph the drivers side air bag exploded and then the passenger side air bag exploded. After the explosion the contact continued to drive home and park the vehicle. The air bag hit her in the chest but she did not go to the hospital. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle, found no other damage and contacted the manufacturer. The manufacturer offered her $500 as a buy back for the vehicle. Complaint file#297715 was filed with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 146,242.
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that while driving 5 mph, the driver and passenger air bags deployed without warning. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired by a dealer or mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted but the contact was advised to call back the following day. The vehicel was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was approximately 230,000.
- Air bags
TL - the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am . The contact stated that while driving 65 mph the air bags deployed without any explanation. He also mentioned that the air bag itself had burn marks. The dealer nor the manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 180,000. Pm
- Electrical system
Anti-theft system keeps activating. Had key switch and instrument cluster replaced. Still happening!!!!! *Tr
- Air bags
My daughter was driving our 1996 pontiac grand am at approximately 30mph when the airbag suddenly deployed. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl-the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. While the vehicle was parked the contact had just put the key in the ignition when the drivers airbag deployed. The contact was then driving at 30mph when the passengers airbag deployed without a crash. The dealer was contacted and they stated that they…
Tl-the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. While the vehicle was parked the contact had just put the key in the ignition when the drivers airbag deployed. The contact was then driving at 30mph when the passengers airbag deployed without a crash. The dealer was contacted and they stated that they needed to inspect it. After the inspection was done they told him the wires were corroded which caused the deployment. There have been no repairs to the vehicle and they stated this issue can't be repaired. The failure mileage was 183000 and the current mileage was 185000.cv
- Air bags › Frontal
I was traveling along the highway going exactly 60 mph when something popped causing me to lose control of my vehicle ( all passengers were in seat belts) we slid down a ditch hitting a light pole causing the vehicle to come to a stop neither the driver or the passenger bag deployed. We were traveling at a high rate of speed and the air bags malfunctioned causing my fiance to hit her head on the dash. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Fuel system, gasoline · Structure
Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. started approximately 1YR. Ago. caused all lights on dash to light up, now vehicle will not start, could not afford to have pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. While driving at approximately 65 mph, the driver's side air suddenly deployed. The contact was able to drive onto the emergency lane and wrap the deflated air bag to keep it from obstructing his vision. The vehicle was not taken to an authorized dealer. The current and failure mileages were approximately 175,000.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the passenger side and the driver side had two inches of rain in the vehicle but was unable to identify where it was coming from. The theft system activated and the vehicle responded as if it were stolen which made it impossible…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the passenger side and the driver side had two inches of rain in the vehicle but was unable to identify where it was coming from. The theft system activated and the vehicle responded as if it were stolen which made it impossible to start the vehicle. The contact also had a lot of major components repaired on the vehicle and the failure continued to occur. The dealer advised the contact that there was nothing they could do to assist with the failure. The failure mileage was currently 141,000. The failure mileage was 120,000.
- Air bags · Structure
I have a 1996 ponitac grand am that has water in the passenger compartment. Gm sent a letter stating that the air bag module could deploy the air bags with warning while driving without a crash or when the key IS turn on. This has many complaints but no one IS doing anything. as a auto tech for…
I have a 1996 ponitac grand am that has water in the passenger compartment. Gm sent a letter stating that the air bag module could deploy the air bags with warning while driving without a crash or when the key IS turn on. This has many complaints but no one IS doing anything. as a auto tech for my own safety as well of others there should be a recall and of the effective years or 96-98 grand ams. They said injuries have been reported already. *Tr
- Electrical system
Gm pass lock system on a 1996 pontiac grand am wont allow car to start stranding me at work. *Tr
- Air bags
My airbag deployed under normal driving conditions (no impact/crash, no damage, etc.) after doing some research, I learned that it could be due to the fact that my car was wet (not flooded.) I suffered brush burns up my forearms. I received a letter from pontiac stating that they are aware of…
My airbag deployed under normal driving conditions (no impact/crash, no damage, etc.) after doing some research, I learned that it could be due to the fact that my car was wet (not flooded.) I suffered brush burns up my forearms. I received a letter from pontiac stating that they are aware of this problem, however, there IS no recall and it IS up to the owner to fix it (at the owner's expense.) if pontiac IS aware of the problem, and sent out millions of letters, they should issue a recall. at the very least, they should pay for the damages/repairs. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. while driving 35 mph, the air bag deployed in the contact's face. there was no impact or crash at the time of the deployment. she lost control of the vehicle, but managed to pull over to the side of the road. the contact was the only occupant in the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. while driving 35 mph, the air bag deployed in the contact's face. there was no impact or crash at the time of the deployment. she lost control of the vehicle, but managed to pull over to the side of the road. the contact was the only occupant in the vehicle and she was wearing her seat belt at the time. she suffered severe chemical burns all over her face and was transported to the emergency room for her injuries. the contact has not yet notified pontiac. the failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac grand am. while driving approximately 35 mph, the front driver's side air bag deployed without warning. there were no injuries. the vehicle has not been inspected to determine the cause of the failure. the failure and current mileages were unknown.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Power rack and pinion steering failure
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans…
Gm conducted a safety recall (nhtsa # 02v286) to address a steering defect pertaining to a lower pinion bearing (lpb) within the rack and pinion steering gear (r&p). The recall covered 1,159,156 model year 1997-1998 pontiac grand prix vehicles built between march 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, 1996-1998 pontiac trans sport, chevrolet lumina apv, chevrolet venture, oldsmobile silhouette minivans, and chevrolet cavalier and pontiac sunfire sedans built between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997.odi opened this rq after receiving reports that other vehicles were exhibiting the same symptoms as the recalled vehicles.based on odi's review of technical and complaint data collected during the rq, the w-cars are associated with either a higher steering complaint rate or a higher lpb failure rate than the other vehicles investigated under the rq and are above or near the rates for the recalled vehicles.thus, odi will further examine the w-cars (1996-1997 oldsmobile cutlass supreme, 1996-1998 buick regal, chevrolet lumina, chevrolet monte carlo, 1997-1998 buick century, and 1998 oldsmobile intrigue) under a new investigation, engineering analysis (ea)03-019.
- Oversensitive air bag deployments
On june 26, 1998, general motors begain a safety recall, 98v-146, to recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (sdm) in the 1996 and some 1997 j body cars, cavalier and sunfire.due to certain calibrations in the air bag sdm, there IS an increased risk of inadvertent air bag deployment in a low speed crash…
On june 26, 1998, general motors begain a safety recall, 98v-146, to recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (sdm) in the 1996 and some 1997 j body cars, cavalier and sunfire.due to certain calibrations in the air bag sdm, there IS an increased risk of inadvertent air bag deployment in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.the recall population consists of 675,302 vehicles built from april 1995 through may 1997.odi has received 8 owner reports alleging inadvertent air bag deployment without a crash.the purposer of the rq IS to determine whether gm should expand the recall to include these vehicles.closing resume note:as of august 5, 1999, odi received one additional complaint regarding the alleged defect.the incident rates for the subject vehicles are about one-thrid of the rates of the recalled vehicles (when the recall was initiated).based on the available information, a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect dose not exist.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by future circumstances.
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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 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.
- 10017096Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 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.
- 634708Subject regarding revised lower intake manifold installation.
- 631899Subject regarding revised ignition lock cylinder or ignition switch assembly replacement. *Slc
- 628890Some owners may comment on leakage of a few drops of coolant after parking their vehicle.
- 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.
- 620810Subject regarding polymer service pistons.
- 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.
- 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.
- 601114Seat belt latch slides to seat belt anchor sleeve.
- 600282Some vehicles may experience a driveability symptom of long or hard starts, chuggle, rough idle and light or intermittent misfire.
Every Pontiac Grand Am model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.