Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 1996 Pontiac Grand Am
The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am has several notable issues, particularly relating to its electrical system, fuel pump, and steering components. With numerous recalls linked to these components, potential buyers should be vigilant. High owner complaints about these areas suggest persistent problems may arise. Ensuring these issues are addressed or mitigated will result in a more reliable used vehicle purchase.
NHTSA data on file today
The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 450 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #07E021000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #07E015000 AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #02V070000 GM/IGNITION SWITCH NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #98V027000 GM/FMVSS 101 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V250000 GENERAL MOTORS/FMVSS 108/4 WAY FLASHERS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #96V249000 GENERAL MOTORS/STEERING COLUMN NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 120 complaints
- Air Bags 103 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 74 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 58 complaints
- Visibility 34 complaints
- Power Train 29 complaints
Of the 450 complaints on file, 32 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 450 complaints, owners report 68 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Ignition switch overheating
How to check: Ensure ignition switch starts engine without overheating or sticking.
Interior lights come on unexpectedly
How to check: Test drive to see if interior lights activate randomly.
Steering column bolt loose
How to check: Check if steering feels loose or wobbly.
Hazard lights not flashing
How to check: Activate hazard lights to ensure they flash correctly.
Fuel pump modules reversed
How to check: Listen for rough idling or stalling during test drive.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Check for smooth ignition without overheating switch.
Red flag: Key gets stuck or overheats.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Listen for rough idling, indicative of fuel issues.
Red flag: Engine idles roughly or stalls.
- 03
City driving
What to check: Ensure steering wheel doesn't feel loose or wobbly.
Red flag: Steering feels unstable or loose.
- 04
Interior test
What to check: Check if interior lights activate randomly.
Red flag: Lights flicker without cause.
- 05
Emergency stop
What to check: Activate hazard lights to confirm flashing.
Red flag: Hazard lights don’t flash.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the ignition switch been replaced?
- Were there any steering repairs done?
- Is the fuel pump the original part?
- Have any recalls been addressed?
- Are there any issues with the interior lights?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Vehicle history report
- Maintenance records
- Recall repair documentation
- Previous owner information
- Accident history, if any
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 1996 Pontiac Grand Am? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.