1988 Pontiac Grand AM

▲ Better than typical

1988 Pontiac Grand AM
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:15:46.749Z

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 PER YEAR

1988: 31 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1980	0
1981	0
1983	1
1984	0
1985	4
1986	11
1987	28
1988	31
1989	44
1990	38
1991	82
1992	168
1993	204
1994	377
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

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 35%

35% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

FUEL THROTTLE STUCK IN BELOW ZERO TEMPERATURE CAUSING ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19960213

STEERING 6%

6% of complaints: steering — 2 distinct reports on file.

SEAT BELTS 6%

6% of complaints: seat belts — 2 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

DURING IMPACT, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT DID NOT LOCK. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19960403

VISIBILITY 3%

3% of complaints: visibility — 1 distinct report on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19890117 — EA (closed 19900508)

BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS

R 19900329 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 90V042000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19900829 — EA (closed 19920330)

BRAKE PERFORMANCE

I 19901031 — EA (closed 19911231)

REAR WHEEL BEARINGS FAIL

I 19911205 — EA (closed 19920817)

W-CAR HINGE PIN FAILURE

R 19921103 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 92V150000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Verify recall 90V042000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 92V150000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1990 ▲ 1989 ▲ 1991

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

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:engine, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Grand AM have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.