1999 Pontiac Grand AM
This year had more than double the complaints of 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.
31% of complaints: service brakes — 266 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Our braking system on this car failed us, and is probably crushed by now at no fault of my own. My safety was atârisk when the brakes lost pressure and if it wasnât for our seatbelts, I couldâve been thrown through the windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230722
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
17% of complaints: electrical system — 148 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.
CRASH FIRE INJURY17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 141 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. CONSUMER STATES VEHICLE FIRE FROM UNDER HOOD *TGW THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. *JB
NHTSA ODI report, 20120508
13% of complaints: suspension — 113 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing coil springs and front.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: visibility — 93 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and windshield.
SAFETY TIMELINE
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
Campaign 98V320000 — check if this car was fixed
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
Campaign 00V140000 — check if this car was fixed
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING FRACTURE
TURN SIGNAL FAILURES
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
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONF
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
Campaign 14V400000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
Campaign 06E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1999 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (266 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (148 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (141 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 98V320000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 00V140000 (structure) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E021000 (fuel system, other) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V400000 (electrical system) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1999 Pontiac Grand AM have?
6 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.