1990 Pontiac Grand AM: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 38 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 38 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“4 tires purchased at sam's wholesale club all developed sidewall bubbles. *ak (dot number: bhkatt 114 tiresize: p195/75r14)”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2000
“When you are traveling at low speeds and try to stop there are many times when the brake pedal goes to the floor and it just doesn't seem as if the car is going to stop. It takes a much longer time than it should. I have had the brakes replaced many times, and yet this keeps occurring. This is not happening with our other car, so it is not bad braking habits. I feel there is something wrong with the braking systerm and it is scary. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 1999
“Torque converter solenoid causes stalling. Can stall in intersection causing accident and fatalities poor gm design, they should pay for the junk they build!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”Owner report · Power Train · Apr 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“Whle driving and after making a right turn, the steering wheel did not properly respond to straighten from the turn, there was approx 90 degrees of slack. Took vehicle to mechanic, found that the rack and pinion steering bracket on the driver's side had separated. The firewall had failed, causing the bracket to pull out with the firewall still attached. Manufacturer of no help. *ml”Owner report · Steering · Dec 1998
“While driving at about 10 to 20 mph was trying to slowdown, but vehicle took off. Consumer had to shift car into park in order for it to stop. Consumer never knows when car may hit something or someone. Pontiac cannot help until they can duplicate the problem. *ak *ml”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jun 1998
“Rusted firewall is affecting rack and pinion steering mounting studs, rack is flexing on firewall, causing fron tire wear on the inside.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 1998
“Head gasket failed due to a design flaw. General motors issued a service bulletin extending the warranty from 5 years and 50000 miles to six years and 60000 miles. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 1997
“While driving 15mph the defective front braking system malfunctioned, causing an accident. Dealer replaced front braking system prior to the accident. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 1997
“The webbing of driver's side seat belt is fraying apart. The webbing of front passenger's seat belt is also showing signs of webbing apart. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 1997
“In accident when rear ended drivers side seat latch failed thrusting driver forward and seat lay flat now.the seat back is completely inoperative. Tt”Owner report · Seats · Dec 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Grand AM by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
NHTSA has 38 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1990 Pontiac Grand AM. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (30% of complaints).
Does the 1990 Pontiac Grand AM have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.