1997 Pontiac Trans AM
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 12 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 1 |
| 1982 | 2 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1991 | 2 |
| 1992 | 3 |
| 1993 | 1 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 5 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 2000 | 11 |
| 2001 | 10 |
| 2002 | 32 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 12 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 12 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
2 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE WHILE DRIVING, TOTALLED VEHICLE. DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD, HE PULLED OVER OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.*SLC
NHTSA ODI report, 20011107
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: suspension.
1 of 12 total reports mentions: structure.
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1997 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (1 reports on file for this year).
FAQ
Is the 1997 Pontiac Trans AM reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Trans AM?
The most-reported component is exterior lighting:headlights, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Pontiac Trans AM have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.