1994 Pontiac Grand AM

◆ Worse than typical
1994 Pontiac Grand AM
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more 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

Complaints per year, Pontiac Grand AM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1994 highlighted. 1983: 1 complaints 1983 1984: 0 complaints 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 11 complaints 1986 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 1994 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 2005
1994: 384 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 22%

22% of complaints: electrical system — 83 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and starter assembly.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

ONE DAY CONSUMER UNSUCCESSFULLY ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE. REMOVED KEY AND VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE CHECKED BY DEALER, WHO ADVISED CONSUMER THAT TOO HIGH VOLTAGE WAS USED WITH IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA ODI report, 20020919

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 21%

21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.

FIRE
SERVICE BRAKES 18%

18% of complaints: service brakes — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASH INJURY
STEERING 15%

15% of complaints: steering — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and column.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

TILT STEERING BUSHING ARE NOT PROPERLY PUNCH SET FROM MFG. (PUNCH MISSES MARK OR NOT SET PROPERLY) RESULTING IN ONE OR BOTH PINS FALLING OUT OVER TIME. RESULT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND CAN CRASH! *NLM

NHTSA ODI report, 20030512

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASH INJURY DEATH
Show complaint excerpts

CONSUMER STATES WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH AND WHILE BEING HIT FROM BEHIND CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, CAUSING VEHICLE TO RUN OFF THE ROAD INTO AN EMBANKMENT. UPON IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AT ANY TIME. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 20030801

AT 12:00 POSITION AT 30-40MPH, DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, RESULTING IN AN INJURY. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950118

SAFETY TIMELINE

1994 — complaint volume: 384
R 19940708 — fuel system, gasoline

THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT CO

Remedy: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.

Campaign 94V122000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19991007 — PE (closed 20000303)

STEERING COLUMN FIRE

I 20000303 — EA (closed 20010207)

STEERING COLUMN FIRES

R 20001219 — electrical system

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION S

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN D

Campaign 00V287000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1994 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (83 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (81 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (71 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 94V122000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 00V287000 (electrical system) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1988 ▲ 1990 ▲ 1989

WORST YEARS

■ 1999 ■ 2000 ◆ 2001

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.