1985 Pontiac Grand AM
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 4 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1983 | 1 |
| 1984 | 0 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 11 |
| 1987 | 28 |
| 1988 | 33 |
| 1989 | 44 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 82 |
| 1992 | 168 |
| 1993 | 206 |
| 1994 | 384 |
| 1995 | 409 |
| 1996 | 450 |
| 1997 | 383 |
| 1998 | 172 |
| 1999 | 849 |
| 2000 | 675 |
| 2001 | 538 |
| 2002 | 395 |
| 2003 | 325 |
| 2004 | 293 |
| 2005 | 102 |
Known problem areas
Only 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer state's when driving at any speed vehicle stalls and cuts off without prior warning. Also, there is loud knocking noise coming from the vehicle and when turning the key, the vehicle is very hard to start.
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-15
Visibility
2 of 4 total reports mention: visibility, most commonly citing switch/wiring and windshield wiper/washer.
Electrical system
2 of 4 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and switch.
Show complaint excerpts
While driving vehicle caught on fire underneath the hood. No prior warning. Insurance company said it may be due to faulty wiring. Please provide further information and VIN#.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1999-03-01
Seat belts
1 of 4 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.
Show complaint excerpts
Seat belt buckle failed to latch upon impact, resulting in injuries.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-11-09
Interior lighting
1 of 4 total reports mentions: interior lighting.
Safety timeline
5 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1984-10-01Steering84V124000 The tie rods are part of the steering linkage and transmit turning movements to the wheels. The bolts that fasten the tie rods to their adjusters may not be tight enough. This could allow the tie…
Remedy: The tie rod end bolts will be tightened without cost to the owner.
-
R
1984-12-27Visibility84V146000 The switch used may not be compatible with the wiper motor. This system, although functional, is not in compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 104, "Windshield wiping and washing…
Remedy: Wiper switches will be replaced if necessary, without charge.
-
R
1986-03-07Vehicle speed control86V030000 The throttle return spring assembly may fail preventing the throttle from returning to the closed (Idle) position when the accelerator pedal is released.
Remedy: Replace throttle return spring.
-
I
1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
-
R
1987-08-27Structure87V124000 Small cracks may develop in the body pillar around the door striker bolt hole.
Remedy: Install inner and outer reinforcement plate on both left and right body pillars.
-
I
1988-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-11 Headlamp switch failure
-
I
1991-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Seat belt separation
-
R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V124000 · Steering
- Recall 84V146000 · Visibility
- Recall 86V030000 · Vehicle speed control
- Recall 87V124000 · Structure
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.