1993 Pontiac Grand AM: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 204 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Sep 1993
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the vehicle only starts in neutral, not park. The dealer stated that although the contact was experiencing the same failure as noted in NHTSA campaign id number 93v153000 (electrical system:ignition:switch), his VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle has not been repaired. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 150,000 and current mileage was 215,000. Updated 02-25-08 *bf”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2006
“1993 pontiac grand am, 124,ooo miles. The car starts and runs good. When I go 10 to 15 miles and if I come to a stop, the car stalls. It starts with no problem but when I shift a gear, the car stalls. If I wait for the car to cool off, the car will move without stalling. I bought this car for my daughter since she is a new driver, but I'm afraid to let her take it on her own for fear that she'll stall and cause an accident. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2005
“1993 grand am engine head crack..according to my mechanic he's seen multiple head cracks on quad 4 engines. Caused anti-freeze fumes in the passenger compartment and puddle of anti-freeze under car. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 2005
Show 7 more owner reports
“1993 grand am was involved in accident. The car was hit in the front right passenger side. Then it caught fire from the front of vehicle. *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2005
“Vehicle was parked and consumer turned the vehicle off. A noise was heard coming from the front. Consumer lifted up the hood, and vehicle caught on fire. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire. Then, drove it to dealer for inspection, mechanic determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced. A recall issued did not include this vehicle due to VIN. *ak”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2004
“My car starts and runs good. When I go 10 to 15 miles and if I come to a stop, the car stalls. It starts with no problem but when I shift a gear, the car stalls. If I waite for the car to cool off, the car will move without stalling.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2003
“Vehicle was parked and began smoking under the hood. An independent shop stated that switch lamp burned out causing smoke in the steering wheel column. The dealer was notified. *ak the vehicle didn't start. The vehicle received a jump, then the vehicle started. The headlights were on even though the switch was off. The switch was unable to be moved. The battery had to be disconnected because the headlights would not go off. On the second occasion, the lights were still on with the switch and the ignition off. *scc *jb”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2003
“The vehicle had a cracked engine head gasket. The dealer was notified. *ak the cylinder head, water pump, spark plugs, thermostat, serpentine belt(s) were all replaced and one gallon of anti freeze was added. *scc *jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2003
“Consumer states that when applying the brakes the brakes will skid when wet causing the vehicle to have extended stopping distance. Dealer notified. Mr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2002
“Car is white. Paint is peeling off hood of car for no apparent reason. Steel is exposed and starting to rust. The entire car needs repainted because the problem is also happening on other parts of the vehicle. Seems to be a manufacturer's defect.*ak 1993 pontiac grand am”Owner report · Structure · Oct 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 10 of these complaints and injuries in 14 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
THE NEUTRAL START SAFETY SWITCH COULD HAVE BEEN FRACTURED DURING INSTALLATION.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE NEUTRAL START SWITCH. THE MANUAL SWITCH OF THE AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY WILL BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF AN OVERSIZED CONDITION EXISTS.
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 1993 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
NHTSA has 204 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Pontiac Grand AM. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Pontiac Grand AM problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 106,600 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Pontiac Grand AM have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:ignition:switch. 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.