1998 Pontiac Grand Am
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Grand Am › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 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. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Owner complaints
172 complaints12 involved a crash5 involved a fire11 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
While starting the vehicle, the anti-theft circuitry cuts out the ignition system and prohibits re-starting the vehicle. A 'pass code' light appears on the dashboard. in one instance, the anti-theft circuitry cut out while the vehicle was in motion and could not be re-started. The vehicle could be steered (no power steering) and coasted off the roadway (no power brakes).
- Air bags
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am. After the vehicle was started, the passenger side air bag deployed inadvertently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 208,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the driver was traveling at an unknown speed when the vehicle stalled and crashed into a tree. The driver was killed and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was unknown. updated 10/22/14*cn updated 05/19/2015 *js
- Electrical system · Engine
Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem. after car was…
Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem. after car was repaired incident continued to occur without any trouble codes. now that issue has developed with ignition switches, it seems to me that this may be a longer term problem than currently thought. finally sold the vehicle due to continuing problem that no one could solve. *tr
- Electrical system
1998 pontiac grand am. consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine made an unusual noise, when she started it. *smd the consumer stated she turned the ignition off, thinking the noise would stop, but it did not. She took the keys out of the ignition and it continued to make the sound. The…
1998 pontiac grand am. consumer writes in regards to vehicle engine made an unusual noise, when she started it. *smd the consumer stated she turned the ignition off, thinking the noise would stop, but it did not. She took the keys out of the ignition and it continued to make the sound. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop. They made a temporary fix. However, there was a campaign on the vehicle. Either the dealer did not fix the recall on the ignition switch or it was not fixed properly. The local repair shop advised the consumer, to take the vehicle to the dealer. Once at the dealer, they stated there was nothing wrong with the ignition switch and it was a computer problem. *Jb
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
I was driving my 1998 GT pontiac grand am from peoria illinois on highway at 65 mph. She completely shut down no power no nothing...pulled over waited approximately 5minutes and she started right up...please help!!! [Xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
1999 engine installed a 1998 car...faulty wires, car leaks when it rains, looks to have been in a fire. Knock sensor bad,egr valve bad...numerous things wrong with the car and leslie reed's auto knew it was a lemon car. it has a salvaged title and leslie reed's auto never got the car repaired before they sold the car. *tr
- Electrical system
My 1998 pontiac grand am theft system was engaged and the vehicle will not start I was told by the dealer that it was the dash cluster and key switch replaced both vehicle still will not start. *tr
- Electrical system
I have a 1998 pontiac grand am that will not start due to anti theft keep from starting. *Tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am. while the contact was seated in the parked vehicle, the air bags suddenly deployed and struck her in the face. she was badly bruised. a police report was filed. she took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection and they stated that the air bag module was corroded. the powertrain was unknown. the current mileage was 160,000 and failure mileage was 154,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am. the contact installed a flush and seal tube in the vehicle that allows antifreeze to penetrate faster. since that time, the engine has failed twice. the engine stalled during the second failure while driving 65 mph. the contact pulled over and the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am. the contact installed a flush and seal tube in the vehicle that allows antifreeze to penetrate faster. since that time, the engine has failed twice. the engine stalled during the second failure while driving 65 mph. the contact pulled over and the vehicle was towed to the mechanic. the mechanic stated that the flush and seal tube cracked and antifreeze leaked into the engine. the engine was replaced for the second time. the contact notified the manufacturer of the failure. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was 180,000 and failure mileage was 100,000. updated 04/16/08 *bf the consumer stated there IS a part named flush and fill sold with no warning labels. Updated 04/16/08 *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Anti-theft › Control module
My passlock system keeps on acting up. I can't say anything about the design of it, but I will say that the implementation IS absolutely horrid and should be recalled. *tr
- Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac grand am GT. the contact stated that the air bag light illuminated and the vehicle was taken to the dealer. a few months later, she returned to the dealer because the light would not dim. the mechanic performed a diagnostic and stated that the air bag sensor failed, which could prevent the air bags from deploying. the current mileage IS 100,300 and failure mileage was 99,000.
- Steering › Rack and pinion · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
Fluid was leaking by passenger side front tire. also, noticed a whining noise when turning. car has 40,000 miles on it. repair shop had to replace the rack & pinion and heater core. cost for repairs: $700.00. *ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
Dt*: the contact stated while exiting a vehicle parked in a driveway on a slight incline with the keys out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backwards without warning. the vehicle rolled onto the foot of the contact, which left the contact trapped for 18 hours. minor bruising injuries were…
Dt*: the contact stated while exiting a vehicle parked in a driveway on a slight incline with the keys out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backwards without warning. the vehicle rolled onto the foot of the contact, which left the contact trapped for 18 hours. minor bruising injuries were sustained. a passerby assisted, and pushed the vehicle off of the contact. the vehicle continued rolling, and collided with a nearby tree. moderate damage was sustained to the rear of the vehicle. upon inspection, the vehicle gear shift indicator was in park. the police were alerted, and a report was taken. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop to await further inspection by an insurance adjustor. the manufacturer was also alerted.*ak updated 12/28/06. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle failed to start after being parked in the driveway for a few hours. the battery cranked, but the engine failed to turn over. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the dealer came to the house and indicated something was wrong with the engine, but gave no clear reason for the failure. the dealer indicated the engine needed to be replaced.
- Equipment › Electrical › Anti-theft devices
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at various speeds the anti theft light illuminated. the dealership has replaced the anti theft sensor twice. the vehicle IS having the same problem again. the manufacturer was alerted. *ak
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
The gas tank seal IS leaking. I have not did anything about it yet. *nm
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · Steering · Suspension · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Heater core
General motors need to recall their vehicles to diagnosis this major issue. My case number with gm 1382341310 however, they wont assist me and said they are closing my case. I informed them not to I am not done with this issue with them... This IS a very serious problem or defect with my general…
General motors need to recall their vehicles to diagnosis this major issue. My case number with gm 1382341310 however, they wont assist me and said they are closing my case. I informed them not to I am not done with this issue with them... This IS a very serious problem or defect with my general motors pontiac grand am SE 3.1L V6 engine in this vehicle. I have had, 3 intake manifold gasket failures in less than 40,000 miles, the first occurring at approx 24,000 miles the second at approx 27,000 miles and now again at 40,000 miles but I have suspected the anti-freeze I have been smelling in the cab when I turn the heater blower on, IS somehow connected to this leak. Which means its been leaking for some time just not bad enough to drip onto the ground bringing my attention to it. I am only one of thousands of victims that general motors has raped financial over the years. The repeated failures of the intake manifold gasket started long ago and due to the numerous complaints to the bbb and gm you would think that would be enough to alarm general motors that they are having a major issue, and they should of began a recall of their vehicles long ago. In the year 2002 they couldn't supply enough intake manifold gaskets to keep up with the gm vehicles that needed repair either under warranty or out of warranty. I have had other major non-related repairs to my vehicle as well, 19,693 miles the sway bar bushings had to be replaced, alternator was replaced, heater core replaced, the rack and pinion steering rod replaced. Now my car and many thousands of other gm owners vehicles are out of warranty and gm won't stand behind their own vehicles, even though work was done repeatedly under warranty on my vehicle. I am currently 3 years out of warranty but only 12,900 approx miles since they did the last repair on my intake manifold gaskets. I believe a class action suit IS the only thing general motors corporation will respond to. *jb
- Equipment · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
Window regulators, both driver and passenger regulators have gone bad two times. Once at 40,000 and again at 80,000. *jb
- Equipment · Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system › Injectors
I own a 1998 grnad am GT and for the past two years I have had fuel injector problems. I have had all six injectors replaced twice totaling over $600.00 each time. Other people that I know who also own 1996-1999 grand ams/grand prix have also seem to have the same problems. The injector cleaners…
I own a 1998 grnad am GT and for the past two years I have had fuel injector problems. I have had all six injectors replaced twice totaling over $600.00 each time. Other people that I know who also own 1996-1999 grand ams/grand prix have also seem to have the same problems. The injector cleaners that are one the market don't seem to get rid of the build up and eventually they need to be replaced. I believe that there IS some kind of defect in the injectors and would like an investigation to find out. *nm
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module · Vehicle speed control › Cruise control
Pontiac grand am air bags arent safe at all mine busted out for no reason whatsoever it burned my arm and left a bruise and could've caused a wreck!
- Electrical system › Ignition
In aug. 2004 my 1998 pontiac grand am SE caught fire in the steering column and fried everything in the column , alternator, and battery.the local pontiac dealer refused to work on the car so I took it to a local garage.they fixed what they could clearly see was damaged and sent me on my way.…
In aug. 2004 my 1998 pontiac grand am SE caught fire in the steering column and fried everything in the column , alternator, and battery.the local pontiac dealer refused to work on the car so I took it to a local garage.they fixed what they could clearly see was damaged and sent me on my way. Since then I have had to have the alternator rebuilt four times and battery replaced three times .the car has to be jumped several times a week. The alternator kicks in at 800 rpm. And the car idles at 500 rpm.( computer controlled) meaning that the battery IS constantly discharging below 35 mph, or with the air and everything on .when it goes above 800rpm the alternator kicks in and boils the battery trying to play catch up. I received a recall notice may 2005 (#04002) and took the car to the gm dealer in batesville,ar.i told them about the fire and damage .they changed the relay and wire under the recall and advised that they could not fix the damage done by the fire,or even check and diagnois the damage still existing,without approval from g.m. . Icontacted g.m. (Mike demeyer) and was iinformed that they would pay for the damage that was fixed by the local garage ,but would not pay to finish fixing the rest of the damage that was not fixed.
- Child seat
Dt: the harness of the car seat loosens and pops out. The problem has occurred since the purchase of the car seat. Has not contacted manufacturer to see if there IS a way of repairing the car seat. Has not checked to see if there are any recalls. After placing the child in car seat, while driving, strap pops out of the bracket in the back of car seat. Problem only happens sometimes.*ak
- Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Noise heard in front end going over bumps. failure= lower control arm rear bushings separating from control arm.left and right sides. correction+ replacement of lower control arms
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.
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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 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.
- 10013000If 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.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 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.
- 10009214Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002. Gm voicemail express.
- 10007858Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007178Sunroof supplemental information to 03-08-67-009.*mr
- 10005595Sunroof will not open or close completely due to the sunroof motor.
- 10005579Neutral flare and/or rpm flare while in drive, no 1-2 upshift, service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1810, diagnostic trouble code p1815 set.
- 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.
- 10002878Parts availability for sunroof repairs.
- 10002392Neutral flare and/or rpm flare while in drive, no 1-2 upshift, service engine soon (ses) light illuminated, diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p1810, diagnostic trouble code p1815 set.
- 10000782Revised piston pin removal / installation procedure.
- 6092333Some customers may comment that the black plastic housing around the outside rear view mirror turns chalky or IS dull in color.
- 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.
Every Pontiac Grand Am model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.