1998 Pontiac Grand AM: common problems

Owners of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM filed 172 complaints with NHTSA, most often about service brakes and electrical system. Details by component below, with sources.

Key figures

Owner complaints: 172
involving a crash: 12

What fails most often

1 Service brakes 22% of all complaints
2 Electrical system 19% of all complaints
3 Engine and cooling 13% of all complaints
4 Vehicle speed control 9% of all complaints
5 Steering 8% of all complaints
6 Suspension 8% of all complaints
7 Visibility 8% of all complaints
8 Air bags 8% of all complaints

Circle size and colour show each component’s share of NHTSA complaints. Schematic only, not a drawing of the exact model.

Service brakes: 38 complaints (22% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Electrical system: 33 complaints (19% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engine and cooling: 23 complaints (13% of all).
Vehicle speed control: 16 complaints (9% of all), 3 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Steering: 14 complaints (8% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.

Engines and transmissions

US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.

2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl
3.1 L · petrol · 6 cylnamed in 3 complaints
automatic, 4-speed
manual, 5-speed

Drive: FWD

Symptoms owners describe

How many of the 172 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).

windows, sunroof9 · 5%
smoke, burning smell, fire8 · 5%
knocking, grinding or other noise7 · 4%
seat belts7 · 4%
warning lights, check engine6 · 3%
A/C or heater5 · 3%
stalls while driving5 · 3%
steering or power steering problems5 · 3%
unintended acceleration5 · 3%
won't start4 · 2%

Components owners complain about

Component	Owner complaints	involving a crash
Service brakes	38	1
Electrical system	33	1
Engine and cooling	23	0
Vehicle speed control	16	3
Steering	14	1
Suspension	14	1
Visibility	14	0
Air bags	13	4
Powertrain	13	2
Fuel system	9	0
Seat belts	7	0
Equipment	4	0
Engine	3	2
Structure	3	0

What owners report

Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.

The contact stated that the driver was traveling at an unknown speed when the vehicle stalled and crashed into a tree. The driver was killed and the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine · crash · 2014-07-09 · NHTSA complaint #10609356
Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. Caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. Took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem.
Electrical system · crash · 2014-06-19 · NHTSA complaint #10604439
Dt*: the contact stated while exiting a vehicle parked in a driveway on a slight incline with the keys out of the ignition, the vehicle rolled backwards without warning. The vehicle rolled onto the foot of the contact, which left the contact trapped for 18 hours. Minor bruising injuries were sustained.
Powertrain · crash · 2006-12-07 · NHTSA complaint #10175457
While driving 40 mph vehicle was involved in a head on collision. As a result, the dual airbags did not deploy.
Air bags · crash · 2003-12-01 · NHTSA complaint #10049805
Accelerates on its own and lunges forward when stopping. Also the brakes failed,causing an accident. Rotors have warped on numerous occasions. Dealer contacted 10-15 times with no problem found. Car is a major safety hazard.
Service brakes · crash · 2000-03-04 · NHTSA complaint #719676
When making a left turn after coming to a complete stop , vehicle was involved in a crash. Another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side, air bag went off on passenger's side with such force that passenger's neck was broken. At the time of the crash occupant was wearing seat belt.
Air bags · crash · 2000-02-04 · NHTSA complaint #856249
While driving at a regular speed car accelerated on its own, hitting another vehicle.manufacturer was contacted, and stated they could resolve the problem.
Vehicle speed control · crash · 1999-08-23 · NHTSA complaint #845614
Front right lugs sheared off clean completely, causing the wheel & tire to drop and putting the auto to the pavement on it's front. Rail and rotor and spinning the auto somewhat. Pontiac refuses to cover under warranty saying they don't know what caused it, but it wasn't their fault.
Wheels · crash · 1999-04-24 · NHTSA complaint #705945

When owners complained

NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.

19971
19986
199938
200025
200114
200218
200314
200427
200512
20064
20073
20082
20091
20112
20144
20151
20161

Comparison

By complaint count this model year ranks 2,337 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 6% most complained about).

On average one model year of the Grand AM has 233 complaints (24 years in the data). This year has 172, below average.

What to check before buying

Service brakes. Pedal feel, ABS operation, leaks, discs and hoses.
Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
Vehicle speed control. Accelerator pedal, cruise control, throttle codes.

Questions and answers

What are the most common problems with the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?

Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: service brakes, electrical system, engine and cooling. Total complaints: 172. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: windows, sunroof (5%), smoke, burning smell, fire (5%), knocking, grinding or other noise (4%).

How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?

NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.

Should I buy a 1998 Pontiac Grand AM from a US auction?

Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.

Other 1998 models

Read also

Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.