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
- 12
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
None on file
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1997: 12 complaints
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.
Electrical system
3 of 12 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and fuses and circuit breakers.
Show 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2001-11-07
Also filed under Engine and engine cooling
Exterior lighting
2 of 12 total reports mention: exterior lighting, most commonly citing headlights.
Air bags
2 of 12 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal.
Show complaint excerpts
The consumer was pulling inside of the parking lot and without prior warning both airbags deploy. The dealership is aware of the problem.…
NHTSA ODI report, 2002-10-25
Visibility
1 of 12 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing glass, side/rear.
Suspension
1 of 12 total reports mentions: suspension.
Safety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
Buy-smart checklist
1997 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
- Exterior lighting: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 2 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 electrical system, accounting for 25% 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.