MYRModel Year Report

1988 Pontiac Grand AM

▲ Better than typical
1988 Pontiac Grand AM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:05.755Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
33
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

39% of complaints

Complaints per year

1983: 1 complaint 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 33 complaints 1988 33 1989: 44 complaints 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 1986: 11 complaints 1987: 28 complaints 1988: 33 complaints 1988 33 1989: 44 complaints 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 1986: 11 complaints 1986 1987: 28 complaints 1987 1988: 33 complaints 1988 33 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

1988: 33 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

39% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Intermittent stalling followed by engine compartment fire.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-25

Seat belts

18% · 6 reports

Most commonly citing buckle assembly and webbing.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

During impact, the driver's side seat belt did not lock. Please describe.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-04-03

Steering

15% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Rack & pinion steering assembly mounting bracket broke twice, causing loss of control when turning.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-12-12

'cold power steering'.

NHTSA ODI report, 1994-09-23

Vehicle speed control

9% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Fuel throttle stuck in below zero temperature causing accelerator pedal to stick. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-13

Structure

6% · 2 reports

Most commonly citing frame and members and body.

CRASH

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
  2. R
    1990-03-29Fuel system, gasoline90V042000 Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Remedy: Replace front fuel feed hose assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
  4. I
    1990-10-31Engineering analysisClosed 1991-12-31 Rear wheel bearings fail
  5. I
    1991-12-05Engineering analysisClosed 1992-08-17 W-car hinge pin failure
  6. R
    1992-11-03Fuel system, gasoline92V150000 Front fuel feed hose assembly could crack or separate at the coupling on the engine end of the hose assembly, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment.

    Remedy: Replace front fuel feed hose assembly.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. 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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 90V042000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 92V150000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1988 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1988 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Grand AM have?
3 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.