2003 Pontiac Grand AM
This year's complaint volume is within 30% 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 | 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
30% of complaints: electrical system — 98 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
Ecotec Gen I was reâengineered to be smoother and more efficient than its predecessor. Featuring an dual inâblock balance shafts, powerâsteering pump, waterâpump housing, and removable oil filter housing.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231118
Body, Brakes, and Electrical concern me. My family owned a 1999 same model vehicle, and the brakes failed us in an accident from itsâ left driver seal being punctured. Here is whatâs going on with the 2003 aside from the latter mentioned.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230716
9% of complaints: exterior lighting — 30 distinct reports on file.
FIRE7% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY5% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATH5% of complaints: air bags — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
TUESDAY, 24 APR 2007 1500 HOURS AFTER WORKDAY ENDED, I-25 SOUTHBOUND AT COLORADO MILE MARKER 104 RIGHT LANE, WEATHER PARTLY CLOUDY WITH PARTLY WET ROADWAY, THE PONTIAC GRAND AM 2003 I WAS DRIVING AT 55 MPH STARTED FRONT DRIVE SHAKING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140907
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A NECK INJURY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140723
THE OTHER DRIVER RAN A RED LIGHT AND I T-BONED HER JEEP, THE CRASH SPUN MY GRAND AM AROUND AND RIPPED THE FRONT END ALMOST ALL THE WAY OFF MY CAR. MY AIR-BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY I SUSTAINED DAMAGE TO MY SHOULDER THAT IS FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140613
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM M
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CH
Campaign 04V528000 — 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
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
2003 Pontiac Grand AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (98 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (30 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E064000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V528000 (vehicle speed control) 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 2003 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 30% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM have?
5 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.