1998 Pontiac Grand AM: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 172 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2007
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 172 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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).”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2016
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2015
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“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”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 2014
“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”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Oct 2011
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2011
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Mar 2008
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2007
“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.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2006
“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”Owner report · Visibility · May 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 12 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
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.
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 1998 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
NHTSA has 172 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (18% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Grand AM problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 80,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, other:storage:tank assembly:pressure relief devices. 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.