1998 Pontiac Trans AM

○ Not enough data
1998 Pontiac Trans AM
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:51:37.156Z

Only 11 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 11 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

Complaints
11

Too few to rank

Recalls
0

None on file

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1986: 10 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaint 1988: 1 complaint 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 2 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 9 complaints 1995: 5 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1997: 12 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 16 complaints 2000: 11 complaints 2001: 10 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1986: 10 complaints 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 2 complaints 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 1 complaint 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 12 complaints 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 16 complaints 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 10 complaints 2002: 32 complaints 2002
1980: 1 complaint 1980 1982: 2 complaints 1982 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1986: 10 complaints 1986 1987: 1 complaint 1987 1988: 1 complaint 1988 1989: 1 complaint 1989 1991: 2 complaints 1991 1992: 3 complaints 1992 1993: 1 complaint 1993 1994: 9 complaints 1994 1995: 5 complaints 1995 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 12 complaints 1997 1998: 11 complaints 1998 11 1999: 16 complaints 1999 2000: 11 complaints 2000 2001: 10 complaints 2001 2002: 32 complaints 2002

1998: 11 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 11 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

5 of 11 total reports mention: power train, most commonly citing differential unit and driveshaft.

Show complaint excerpts

Rear transmission seal failed. Yh

NHTSA ODI report, 1999-09-30

Service brakes

3 of 11 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 11 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing emission control and gasoline.

Vehicle speed control

2 of 11 total reports mention: vehicle speed control, most commonly citing linkages.

Show complaint excerpts

While driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle will jerk, and then engine light will come on and will stay on the remainder of time that vehicle is being operated. Dealer notified.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-09-19

Structure

2 of 11 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and trunk lid.

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

1998 Pontiac Trans AM — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Service brakes: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

FAQ

Is the 1998 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 1998 Pontiac Trans AM?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 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.