1994 Pontiac Grand AM
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
22% of complaints: electrical system — 83 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and starter assembly.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
21% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 81 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and gasoline.
FIRE18% of complaints: service brakes — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY15% of complaints: steering — 57 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar and column.
CRASH FIREShow 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
10% of complaints: air bags — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing frontal and side/window.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow 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
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
STEERING COLUMN FIRE
STEERING COLUMN FIRES
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
WORST YEARS
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.