MYRModel Year Report

1997 Pontiac Trans AM

○ Not enough data
1997 Pontiac Trans AM
RENDERED 2026-09-17T02:52:34.767Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Trans AM Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1997 highlighted. 1980: 1 complaints 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1986: 10 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaints 1988: 1 complaints 1989: 1 complaints 1989 1991: 2 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 1 complaints 1993 1994: 9 complaints 1995: 5 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1999: 16 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2001: 10 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002
1997: 12 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19801
19822
19845
198610
19871
19881
19891
19912
19923
19931
19949
19955
19964
199712
199811
199916
200011
200110
200232

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.

FIRE
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.*SLC

NHTSA ODI report, 20011107

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. TS

NHTSA ODI report, 20021025

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.

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1997 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (3 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.