Summary
The Pontiac Grand Am has 14 recalls spanning 1979 through 2005, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2005 models where an undersized rear suspension knuckle bolt can fracture under load, allowing the rear suspension to detach from the wheel and the wheel to swing sharply inward or outward.
The final model years carry two other significant concerns. On 2004 models, an insufficient weld on the fuel tank can allow fuel to leak, creating a fire risk if an ignition source is present. On 2003 models, the accelerator pedal arm can stick to its bracket in hot weather and fail to return to idle when released, requiring much more braking effort to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Going back into the late 1990s and early 2000s, 2000 model year vehicles have a transmission issue where attempting to shift from 5th gear into reverse mechanically engages 4th gear instead, even though the shift lever shows reverse. On 1997 models, a missing underhood fuse block cover leaves an exposed positive terminal that can contact the battery cable and cause a short. The 1996 model year has two separate concerns: a steering column pinch bolt that can back out completely and cause progressive steering looseness up to a full loss of steering, and an incorrect evaporative emissions canister purge solenoid on 2.4-litre-equipped vehicles. On 1999 models, a child seat tether anchor kit was assembled with an overly long bolt and a short spacer, meaning a child seat may not hold in a crash.
Earlier production from the late 1980s through the early 1990s has a handful of issues. The 1992 coupe has a front seat easy-entry adjuster that can fail to fully lock after folding forward to let rear passengers in or out, leaving the seat unsecured. On 1988 models equipped with the 2.3-litre engine, moisture in the crankcase ventilation system can freeze behind the throttle in sub-zero temperatures and prevent the throttle from returning to idle. The 1987 model year has a fuel hose that can rub against the 5-speed transaxle shift lever, wear through, and leak fuel into the engine compartment. The 1985 model year has a tie rod that can loosen and separate from its adjuster, causing an abrupt and unwarned loss of steering control, along with a separate bumper compliance issue. The 1979 model year has one recall for which full details are not available.
