1992 Pontiac Grand AM: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 168 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (32% of complaints); the 1990 and 1991 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jul 1992
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl* the contact owns a 1992 pontiac grand am. The contact owns centron cordovan tires, dot number utt2, line size p205/55/r16. The contact stated both front tires were exhibiting separation from the side wall. The tires were taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that they would be replaced. There were no prior warnings and the tires were not serviced or replaced. The current and failure mileages were 20,000.”Owner report · Tires · Jun 2010
“The steering on my 1994 grand am is broken. The bolts that mount the steering gear to the cradle have rusted and both are separted. There was a recall on my 89 grand prix and I had the same problem on my 92 corsica. 8jb”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2006
“Coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle while driving about 50 mph which caused the vehicle to overheat. *ak the vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined that the radiator hose had a split in it. The same week the vehicle was purchased the brake line broke. About 2 months later the brake pedal went to the floor while braking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the incorrect brake parts were installed and that the radiator clamps were loose. The consumer requested invoices from the dealer but they refused. *nlm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2003
Show 7 more owner reports
“The brakes failed without warning while the vehicle was being slowed down, resulting in extended stopping distance. The vehicle was not involved in an accident. *nlm this was due to the brake line replacement in which the wrong part was installed. *scc *jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Sep 2003
“Ignition system melted resulting in total destruction of starting system. Ignition system did not ignite but did continue to emmit noxious fumes and smoke. Researched problem and found out all models made the year after my car, were recalled for same exact problem. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2001
“While driving, my radio, clock, cruise control, and windshield wipers stop working. This would usually happen when I would use the turn signals. At first I thought it was a fuse, but later realized if I jiggled the key in the ingnition, these things would start working again. The ignition seems to have a lot of play, as if it needs to be tightened. I can almost turn the ignition all the way around without touching the key.”Owner report · Visibility · May 2001
“We have oil in the cooling system and water in the oil note: this was not due to a crash as indicated in report provided. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2001
“The head gasket was replaced once b/c of a "special recall" that had a 7 yr or 100,000 mile quota on it well my car was over the quota so pontiac said they couldnt do a thing for me, even though that obviously proved that something was wrong w/ the car b/c it had been "recalled" before . Pontiac was susposed to call me back , never did I called twice after that still havent recieved a phone call its been 6 months. Car cost 1500$ to replace, and its still giving me problems. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2000
“Head gasket failure with just 68,300 miles causing coolant into the engine. Estimate to repair is $1700.00. I see from the internet this has been a major problem with this vehicle. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2000
“On march of 1999, the first problem with my vehicle occured. The car was sitting in the driveway, no key in the ignition, and it began to try to start by itself. I was shocked to see this, and by the time it finished, my battery was drained and I had to purchase a new battery. The second time I had an ignition problem was in november of 2000 when my car wouldn't start unless it was placed in neutral gear. I had the ignition switch replaced, and six weeks later, the same incident happened with trying to start the car. Ever since I purchased this vehicle, I have had it in the repair shop numerous times, and frankly I believe the dealership that sold me the vehicle, sold me a lemon.*ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2000
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 12 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE EASY-ENTRY SEAT ADJUSTER MAY FAIL FULLY LOCK INTO POSITION AFTER THE SEAT BACK HAS BEEN TILTED FORWARD AND THE SEAT SLID FORWARD, THEN RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL POSTITION.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY ON THE SEAT.
THE BOLTS AND NUTS WHICH ATTACH THE BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLY TO THE REAR AXLE FLANGE ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED ON SOME VEHICLES.
Remedy: TIGHTEN REAR AXLE BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLY FASTENERS, AND REPLACE ALL THE FASTENERS ON A WHEEL IF TWO OR MORE BOLTS ARE FOUND TO BE LOOSE.
THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT SUSPENSION UPPER SPRING SEAT AT THE RIGHT-REAR POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A REAR IMPACT ACCIDENT, THE RIGHT-HAND REAR WHEEL HOUSE FLANGE COULD SEVER THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND SPILL FUEL.
Remedy: INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT UPPER SPRING SEAT WITH THE CORRECT PART.
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 1992 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
NHTSA has 168 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Pontiac Grand AM. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (32% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Pontiac Grand AM problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 88,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Pontiac Grand AM have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seats:front assembly:recliner. 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.