1997 Pontiac Grand Am
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Am › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 1997 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.
The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block IS exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. if the insulation on the negative cable becomes sufficiently worn, an electrical short circuit can occur between the positive terminal and negative cable resulting…
Risk and remedy
Risk
This high current flow can cause arcing and result in an underhood fire.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.
Owner complaints
383 complaints32 involved a crash12 involved a fire37 injuries3 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
The theft warning system keeps the ignition switch from engaging. the car will not start unless the key IS in the "on" position for fifteen minutes and resets the system. *tr
- Steering · Unknown or other
When trying to start the car the steering locks up and you have to move the steering wheel back and forth for it to catch and finally will start like it keeps locking up. my son bought this car as his first car so no sure how long it has been like this doing this as we purchased from a friend and he did say that something was up with the steering when trying to start.
- Electrical system
The ignition on this college students 97 pontiac grand am randomly defaults. It will get stuck in on or off position. Car sometimes continues running. Keyes will lock in the ignition and can not be removed. Lights remain on while keys are stuck in ignition. Ignition gets warm. *js
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I cannot drive car with out speedometer. There was a service bulletin #66-83-04a I feel the dealer should repair this at there cost. It IS not safe driving it without being able to see speed. the dealer says it cost 450.00 the vss IS working fine. I buy a lot of cars. *tr
- Steering
The most recent of problems IS my steering went out on me while turning in to a parking lot. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was the rack and pinion seal that caused it to pour out the fluid. I have also had many other problems such as gas leaking even though all lines were replaced.…
The most recent of problems IS my steering went out on me while turning in to a parking lot. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was the rack and pinion seal that caused it to pour out the fluid. I have also had many other problems such as gas leaking even though all lines were replaced. Power steering line replaced due to pin hole leaks, multiple wheel bearings, radiator. Ignition switch, and one of the sensors in the upper back side of the motor somehow came undone and melted the connector and caused a dead short in my car. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. The contact started the ignition but the vehicle immediately stalled. The same failure occurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated to the contact that the fuel tank pressure relief device would require…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. The contact started the ignition but the vehicle immediately stalled. The same failure occurred on a separate occasion. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated to the contact that the fuel tank pressure relief device would require replacement. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign ID number: 07e021000 (fuel system, other: storage: tank assembly: pressure relief devices) but the contact's vin was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.
- Tires
I have brought a set of four tire from firestone dot number IS h y c 6 38B 3896 dur3m365182 p195/65r15 so the tires start what do I do about this to come a part the frist time this happen I brought to tires. *tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am GT. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a strong fuel odor. The fuel cap was replaced but the odor persisted with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed an evaporation leak…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am GT. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited a strong fuel odor. The fuel cap was replaced but the odor persisted with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed an evaporation leak code. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and would not assist with the repair due to the age of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 126,000.
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. While traveling 70 mph, both driver and passenger front side airbags had deployed without warning. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 189,000. updated 02/01/118 lj the consumer and her passenger were injured due to the deployment of the airbags. Updated 03/18/11 *jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
The passlock anti-theft system in my 1997 pontiac grand am GT IS a failed piece of junk that never should have been put into any vehicle. gm should be responsible for correcting this situation as many, many individuals are spending too much money not having this situation fixed. most mechanics are at a loss. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Coolant levels in reserve tank always would drop below minimum levels, and we would continue to add coolant. last oil change in june 2009 review no problem. november 2009, while son was driving home from college (approximately 80 miles) car began to overheat with temp gauge reading in the red.…
Coolant levels in reserve tank always would drop below minimum levels, and we would continue to add coolant. last oil change in june 2009 review no problem. november 2009, while son was driving home from college (approximately 80 miles) car began to overheat with temp gauge reading in the red. had car towed to local shop and reported that coolant had leaked into core, engine destroyed (estimated repair - need new/remanufactured engine $2500-3000). seems while reviewing this subject online and w/nhtsa web site that this has been a re-occurring problem with 1997 pontiacs 4 and 6 cylinder engines. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Equipment
Cooling system IS failing all the time on all pontiacs have the same problem intake manifold blow 5 times at 50.00 miles oil mixes with the coolant and all the smoke from that goes in the air it IS a major problem and than the cars are junk so than everybody who buys pontiac they are buying a lemon cars even if it brand new from the shop. *Tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
1) firewall body seam leaks water into passenger compartment due to rust through. Fills floors beneath carpets with water. Causes air bag control module (sdm) under passenger's seat to fail due to moisture. Activates "air bar" dash light. Gm has issued a letter related to "flood" cars. It goes…
1) firewall body seam leaks water into passenger compartment due to rust through. Fills floors beneath carpets with water. Causes air bag control module (sdm) under passenger's seat to fail due to moisture. Activates "air bar" dash light. Gm has issued a letter related to "flood" cars. It goes beyond floods!!!! This IS a defective design & build problem. 2) water enters every time it rains. The air bag control module (sdm) located under the passenger seat (stupid design) has failed due to moisture under the carpeting. "Air bag" light IS triggered and gm warns that air bag(s) could deploy without warning!!! 3) I have removed the 10A air bag fuse and disconnected both air bags by unplugging wires to the inflators. gm says the air bag control module (sdm) needs to be replaced at my expense. No thank-you, gm should cover replacement and firewall repairs to prevent recurrence, period. This IS the 2ND case of firewall water leakage I have seen on the gm "n" bodied cars. The other was an olds achieva with the exact same problem. I have pictures of the rust out areas from both vehicles. Gm should be made to recall & repair these cars - free of charge to the owners. *Tr
- Electrical system
I have had several problems with my 1997 grand am GT since purchasing it. I have replaced the ignition switch three times in one year, the service costs are $900.00 in total. I can't understand how the same thing keeps breaking every 3 months. My windows get stuck and don't want to roll up, it has…
I have had several problems with my 1997 grand am GT since purchasing it. I have replaced the ignition switch three times in one year, the service costs are $900.00 in total. I can't understand how the same thing keeps breaking every 3 months. My windows get stuck and don't want to roll up, it has power windows. I was rear ended in 2003, but other than that, no damage done to my car. what can I do? Just keep replacing ignition switches every 3 months? I have gotten written up at work for my car not starting. I do not have triple a. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Ignition won't turn to the off position. I have to disconnect the battery so I don't drain it. I have to leave my kids in the hot car while I do this. Or pay $200 that I don't have to get it fixed. I have found many other people that have the same problem. I was told it could be the sensor on the…
Ignition won't turn to the off position. I have to disconnect the battery so I don't drain it. I have to leave my kids in the hot car while I do this. Or pay $200 that I don't have to get it fixed. I have found many other people that have the same problem. I was told it could be the sensor on the transmission that tells the car its in park. Whatever the problem IS it happens to a lot of vehicles. I understand that I have to maintain my car but I don't see why so many people have this problem. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. in rainy weather conditions, the rear of the vehicle became completely saturated with water. two years later, the contact received a notice advising consumers that the air bag control module could fail and allow water to enter the vehicle, causing…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. in rainy weather conditions, the rear of the vehicle became completely saturated with water. two years later, the contact received a notice advising consumers that the air bag control module could fail and allow water to enter the vehicle, causing unexpected air bag deployment and flooding. the manufacturer stated that the letter was for informational purposes only and that they would not assume any financial responsibility for the costly repairs. the vehicle has not been repaired. the failure mileage was 90,000 and current mileage was 110,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact constantly smells antifreeze and it has leaked onto the front and back floors of the vehicle. she noticed that the floors were wet, but never paid attention to it until she removed the floormats and saw the green antifreeze. as of april…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact constantly smells antifreeze and it has leaked onto the front and back floors of the vehicle. she noticed that the floors were wet, but never paid attention to it until she removed the floormats and saw the green antifreeze. as of april 16, 2008, the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer or a mechanic. the powertrain was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 97,000.
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
Passlock system turned car off in middle of highway had to push car to side of road with 100'S of cars passing me at 65 mph (life threatening) reset passlock but has done the same 4 times. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
The anti-theft devices are malfunctioning. They are often leaving codes and popping on my check engine light. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting › Fog lights · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle shut off and on three different times. the windows would not roll up and down properly unless controlled by the driver's side control swtich. the fog lights do not work as well and the fuses are charred. the vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. the current and failure mileages were 128,728.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Abs warning light · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Disc › Pads · Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
1) front ABS began to pulsate as if the vehicle were in a skid however this happened during normal driving and braking when attempting to stop. 2) ABS wiring harness was faulty due to wear and tear from turning the wheel 3) had to replace both front right and left ABS wiring harnesses this braking system IS faulty and can lead to serious braking issues. *tr
- Tires
1997 pontiac grand am tire blew causing the driver to lose control and end up in a ditch. *kb the vehicle had damage to the rear axle and left side mirror. (Ohio traffic crash report)*jb
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch · Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off at a stop without warning. the mechanic stated that the electrical system caused the failure. as of october 15, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not repaired the vehicle. the manufacturer stated that…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact stated that the vehicle shut off at a stop without warning. the mechanic stated that the electrical system caused the failure. as of october 15, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not repaired the vehicle. the manufacturer stated that her vin was excluded from nhtsa campaign ID number 02v070000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). the contact felt that her vehicle should be included as part of the recall. the current and failure mileages were 150,000. updated 01/11/08. *lj the dealer stated engine replaced in june. Updated 12/12/07 *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
The ignition key continues to get lock or stuck in the ignition. this represents a secondary safety issue in that car has key in the ignition at all times. battery could drain leaving passengers and drivers stranded in unsafe or unable to react to unsafe situations (criminal pursuers, assailants, etc). because your car has been drain due to an ignition defect that locks your key in the ignition. *Jb
- Electrical system › Wiring
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. the contact noticed smoke inside the vehicle and sparks underneath the hood while the vehicle was parked. the mechanic stated that the wire harness needed to be replaced, but did not make the repair. the manufacturer stated that the vehicle IS excluded from recall # 97v059000 (electrical system:wiring:front underhood). the current and failure mileages were 102,715.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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.
- 634845Service manual update regarding revised brake specifications.
- 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.
Every Pontiac Grand Am model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.