1994 Pontiac Grand AM: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 377 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints); the 1992 and 1993 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 377 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I was driving down the highway and my back frame that hooks to the tire broke in half and the tire went flying in the air. It looks as if there is a default in the frame where the hub is connected. *tr”Owner report · Wheels · Jan 2013
“Steering column has come loose. Took to a pontiac dealer to have repaired and they replaced a pin in the column. Repair worked for a year and a half but the steering column has come loose again and the entire unit has fallen in the drivers lap while driving. Have been able to push the pin back in several times, but it does not stay in place. Have not taken back to local dealer because they are expensive and do not seem overly competent. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1994 pontiac grand am. The contact's daughter attempted to drive the vehicle, but it failed to start. She exited the vehicle and noticed smoke inside the passenger compartment under the steering column approximately 10 minutes later. The smoke turned into flames, which were extinguished by the fire department. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 00v287000 (electrical system:starter assembly). The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 118,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“My car, which is a 94 grand am, is a good running car but I been working on it hard time for 5 weeks trying to get it to run. It has some problem where the fuel pump fuse keeps on blowing on it. I replace spark plug coil, fuel injectors, fuel pump, fuel filter, under the hood wiring harness, control module, ignition switch, vacuum lines, and the little box that sounds off your alarm when you leave the lights on and/or keys in the ignition when you open your door. I don't know what else to do I am tired of busting my butt on it. It takes a lot for me to say that. *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2006
“94' pontiac grand am quad 4 2.3l blown head gasket or maybe even head. Can't afford to have it fixed. Repairs estimated at $2300. The car is not even worth that much. Gm knows this engine has been a constant problem. They need to recall it!*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2005
“94' pontiac grand am quad 4 2.3l blown head gasket or maybe even head. Can't afford to have it fixed. Repairs estimated at $2300. The car is not even worth that much. Gm knows this engine has been a constant problem. They need to recall it!*jb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2005
“Dt: contact stated she is having problems with a used car that she purchased on 5-31-05. On june 3, 2005 the radiator was leaking. When she took vehicle to dealer to have it inspected they told her that oil and antifreeze were leaking into the engine. They insisted that she would have to pay for engine repairs. *al”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2005
“Dt: when driving over a pot hole three days ago, the front axle broke, resulting in damage to the tire and the wheel. The vehicle has not been seen by a service dealer. There was no problem before the axle broke off. There was no accident, police report and damage to the vehicle has not yet been assessed.*ak”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2005
“While driving a loud clicking noise from the front end was produced. Dealer stated the control arm and the stabilizer bar bushings needed to be replaced. *ak”Owner report · Suspension · Apr 2005
“Hello. I was in a crash,sandwiched between 02 pickup trucks. My airbags never deployed. My car was crushed! The force broke my front seats slam me into the dash. The truck in front of me was stop also as I was a green truck slam into me at 45 miles an hour crushing me against a white pickup waiting to turn left into a gas station. *tr”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2004
When filing, owners marked a crash in 58 of these complaints and injuries in 49 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.
THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."
Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.
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 1994 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
NHTSA has 377 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM. The most complained-about area is engine and engine cooling (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Pontiac Grand AM problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 123,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning electrical system:starter assembly. 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.