1998 Pontiac Grand AM
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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
9% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 15 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
WHILE DRIVING AT A REGULAR SPEED CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE.MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND STATED THEY COULD RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19990823
6% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
IGNITION STARTED SMOKING WHILE TRYING TO TURN KEY IN IGNITION. MR
NHTSA ODI report, 20021015
5% of complaints: visibility — 8 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
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 P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSAR
Campaign 04V036000 — check if this car was fixed
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 REVERS
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.
Campaign 07E015000 — check if this car was fixed
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 UNI
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.
Campaign 07E021000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes, hydraulic issues (15 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V036000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E015000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, accounting for 9% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.