2002 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.
39% of complaints: electrical system — 154 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing control module and switch.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS DRIVING MY MOTHERS CAR WHEN I WENT TO SLOW DOWN COMING UP ON A HILL GOING DOWN FELT LIKE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. COMING DOWN THE HILL IS WHEN I NOTICED MY EBRAKE DIDN'T EVEN WORK.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140401
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND SECURITY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT FAILED TO RESTART.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180518
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM ---- VEHICLE HAS 165,478 MILES CONTACT WAS GOING 10MPH WHEN BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING, IN TURN LANE TO TURN OFF MAIN ROAD AT NIGHT..
NHTSA ODI report, 20180119
26% of complaints: exterior lighting — 104 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing switch and turn signal.
14% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 55 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
11% of complaints: service brakes — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE TURNING AND BRAKES FAILED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20131201
Also filed under STEERING
6% of complaints: steering — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system and rack.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE IS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE1 SEDAN WITH THE ECOTEC 2.2L ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THERE WAS SOME SNOW AND MAYBE A SLIGHT AMOUNT OF ICE IN AREAS. AND THE CAR INFRONT OF ME LOST CONTROL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030113
STEERING FELT LOOSE, ALIGNMENTS WERE DONE, BUT DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES, COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, AND WENT OFF THE ROAD. *AK. THERE WERE 2 INJURIES.*YD
NHTSA ODI report, 20020506
Also filed under SUSPENSION
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
2002 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (154 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (104 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (55 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) 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 2002 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM have?
4 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.