1985 Pontiac Grand AM

○ Not enough data
1985 Pontiac Grand AM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:35.846Z

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

Too few to rank

Recalls
5

Campaigns on file for 1985

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1983: 1 complaint 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 33 complaints 1989: 44 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1992: 168 complaints 1992 1993: 206 complaints 1994: 384 complaints 1995: 409 complaints 1995 1996: 450 complaints 1997: 383 complaints 1998: 172 complaints 1998 1999: 849 complaints 2000: 675 complaints 2001: 538 complaints 2001 2002: 395 complaints 2003: 325 complaints 2004: 293 complaints 2004 2005: 102 complaints
1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 33 complaints 1989: 44 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 82 complaints 1991 1992: 168 complaints 1993: 206 complaints 1993 1994: 384 complaints 1995: 409 complaints 1995 1996: 450 complaints 1997: 383 complaints 1997 1998: 172 complaints 1999: 849 complaints 1999 2000: 675 complaints 2001: 538 complaints 2001 2002: 395 complaints 2003: 325 complaints 2003 2004: 293 complaints 2005: 102 complaints 2005
1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 4 1986: 11 complaints 1986 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 33 complaints 1988 1989: 44 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 82 complaints 1991 1992: 168 complaints 1992 1993: 206 complaints 1993 1994: 384 complaints 1994 1995: 409 complaints 1995 1996: 450 complaints 1996 1997: 383 complaints 1997 1998: 172 complaints 1998 1999: 849 complaints 1999 2000: 675 complaints 2000 2001: 538 complaints 2001 2002: 395 complaints 2002 2003: 325 complaints 2003 2004: 293 complaints 2004 2005: 102 complaints 2005

1985: 4 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19831
19840
19854
198611
198728
198833
198944
199039
199182
1992168
1993206
1994384
1995409
1996450
1997383
1998172
1999849
2000675
2001538
2002395
2003325
2004293
2005102

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.

FIRE
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.

CRASHINJURY
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 →

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. I
    1986-08-25Engineering analysisClosed 1988-03-02 Windshield wipers
  5. 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.

  6. I
    1988-02-09Preliminary evaluationClosed 1988-05-11 Headlamp switch failure
  7. I
    1991-11-07Engineering analysisClosed 1992-10-26 Seat belt separation
  8. 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 →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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.