MYRModel Year Report

1997 Pontiac Grand AM

◆ Worse than typical
1997 Pontiac Grand AM
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
383
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Electrical system

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

1983: 1 complaint 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 1995: 409 complaints 1996: 450 complaints 1997: 383 complaints 1997 383 1998: 172 complaints 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 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 383 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 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 383 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

1997: 383 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

32% · 121 reports

Most commonly citing switch and ignition.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Ignition fire--inserted key into ignition slot and there was a terrible smell of insulation & something like gunpowder--the car's electric system was affected---recently watched tv & heard that Pontiac recalls Grand AM '97 because of problems w/...

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

In August 2002, we received a recall notice from Pontiac saying the ignition circuit thermal events on our Pontiac was a problem which could cause spearks or a fire and we should take the vehicle to our local dealer.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-22

The theft warning system keeps the ignition switch from engaging. The car will not start unless the key is in the "On" Position for fifteen minutes and resets the system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-06-04

Engine and engine cooling

23% · 89 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

21% · 80 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic and air.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Air bags

11% · 41 reports

Most commonly citing frontal and side/window.

CRASHINJURYDEATH
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer states air bags deployed without a crash or collision. Consumer's insurance company will not pay for the damages incurred to vehicle because this is a factory defect.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-12

Going 45-50MPH on dry road when vehicle hit gravel, started swerving left/right; had no control; applied ABS brakes to stop swerving; went down an embankment & hit tree; air bags did not deploy. Vehicle rolled 2 times 7 landed on roof.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-30

While driving 30 MPH and applying the ABS brakes on normal road conditions the pedal traveled to the floor, causing extended stopping distance which resulted in a rear end collision.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-09-02

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Vehicle speed control

10% · 37 reports

Most commonly citing linkages and cruise control.

INJURY

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. ▮
    1997Complaint volume 383 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    1997-04-30Electrical system97V059000 The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact the insulated negative battery cable. If…

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect these vehicles for the presence of the protective cover and, if necessary, install a protective cover to the underhood fuse center.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    1998-08-26Recall queryOpen Oversensitive air bag deployments
  4. R
    2002-03-27Electrical system02V070000 On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" Position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes…

    Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2003-01-02Recall queryClosed 2003-09-15 Power rack and pinion steering failure
  6. R
    2007-03-20Fuel system, gasoline07E015000 Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (Mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. During production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were…

    Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2007-04-27Fuel system, other07E021000 Certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, p/nos. Fp10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, and FP10027-11B1, sold after January 9, 2007, as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles listed above. The…

    Remedy: Delphi will notify owners and replace the upr free of charge. The recall began on April 23, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 877-411-8770.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 121 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 89 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 80 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 97V059000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 02V070000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 07E015000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 07E021000 · Fuel system, other
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.