NHTSA vehicle safety data

1996 Pontiac Grand Am Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 450 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Pontiac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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1996 Pontiac Grand Am owner complaints

Owners have filed 450 complaints with NHTSA about the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, describing incidents dated May 23, 1995 to March 12, 2017.

Most-cited components

Electrical System 120 complaints
Air Bags 103 complaints
Engine 75 complaints
Service Brakes 63 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 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).

Newest complaints

ODI #11003734 · Filed July 7, 2017
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIWAY THE CAR DIED I TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT TO GET OFF THE HIWAY AND THE AIRBAG ON DRIVERS SIDE EXPLODED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND WAS TOLD THE PASS KEY SYSTEM OR THEFT SYSTEM WENT BAD IN IGNITION SWITCH AND NO EXPLANATION WHY AIR BAG WENT OFF? OR HOW TO FIX ANY OF IT, THIS IS NOW…
ODI #10863271 · Filed May 4, 2016
AIR BAG WHEN OFF WHEN I WAS WAITING TO PULL AUT OFF PARKING LOT. HAVE INJURY TO MY SHOULDER.
ODI #10588301 · Filed May 14, 2014
DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Read all 450 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am in 2 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Recall Query RQ03-001: POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE
Closed September 15, 2003
Recall Query RQ98-013: OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
Opened August 26, 1998; no closing date on file
- Recall 98V-146

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

AFTERMARKET FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS

NHTSA #07E021000 · Fuel System, Other — Storage — Tank Assembly — Pressure Relief Devices · NHTSA notice

Reported March 12, 2007 · DELPHI

Potentially affected: 742 vehicles

Owners notified April 27, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Safety consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED BY GENERAL MOTORS.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES

NHTSA #07E015000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported February 26, 2007 · DELPHI

Potentially affected: 3,124 vehicles

Owners notified March 20, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.

Safety consequence

A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PUMP MODULES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/IGNITION SWITCH

NHTSA #02V070000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,589,948 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 02008 · Owners notified March 27, 2002 · Vehicles built May 1, 1995 – July 31, 1996 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Safety consequence

IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/FMVSS 101

NHTSA #98V027000 · Interior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported February 17, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 249,420 vehicles

Owners notified February 28, 1998 · Vehicles built May 1, 1995 – October 31, 1995 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Safety consequence

THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300,PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GENERAL MOTORS/FMVSS 108/4 WAY FLASHERS

NHTSA #96V250000 · Exterior Lighting — Hazard Flashing Warning Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 1996 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 270,014 vehicles

Owners notified January 30, 1997 · Vehicles built May 1, 1995 – December 31, 1995 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Safety consequence

IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING JANUARY 1997. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

GENERAL MOTORS/STEERING COLUMN

NHTSA #96V249000 · Steering — Steering Wheel/Handle Bar · NHTSA notice

Reported December 17, 1996 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 424 vehicles

Owners notified January 6, 1997 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – July 31, 1996 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

THE STEERING COLUMN LOWER PINCH BOLT WAS NOT PROPERLY TIGHTENED DURING ASSEMBLY.

Safety consequence

AN UNDERTORQUED PINCH BOLT CAN RATTLE AND CAUSE LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. IF THE PINCH BOLT BACKED OUT OF THE JOINT COMPLETELY, ROTATION OF THE STEERING SHAFT AGAINST THE CONNECTOR COULD CAUSE INCREASING LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM AND RESULT IN LOSS OF STEERING AND AN ACCIDENT.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING COLUMN PINCH BOLT FOR CORRECT TORQUE AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN THE BOLT TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING JANUARY 1997. NOTE:OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

1996 Pontiac Grand Am 4-DR.

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: Not Rated, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

2 investigations

450 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11003734

Incident: March 12, 2017 · Filed: July 7, 2017

I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIWAY THE CAR DIED I TURNED IT TO THE RIGHT TO GET OFF THE HIWAY AND THE AIRBAG ON DRIVERS SIDE EXPLODED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED AND WAS TOLD THE PASS KEY SYSTEM OR THEFT SYSTEM WENT BAD IN IGNITION SWITCH AND NO EXPLANATION WHY AIR BAG WENT OFF? OR HOW TO FIX ANY OF IT, THIS IS NOW JULY AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEMS.

Air Bags

ODI #10863271

1 injury

Incident: September 6, 2009 · Filed: May 4, 2016

AIR BAG WHEN OFF WHEN I WAS WAITING TO PULL AUT OFF PARKING LOT. HAVE INJURY TO MY SHOULDER.

Air Bags

ODI #10588301

1 injury

Incident: September 8, 2011 · Filed: May 14, 2014

DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10583887

Incident: April 4, 2014 · Filed: April 21, 2014

I WAS LEAVING MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, HAD JUST BACKED OUT OF MY PARKING SPOT AND PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE. STARTED MOVING FORWARD AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. NO BUMPS, NO CONTACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. JUST DEPLOYED. STEERING WHEEL PARTS HIT MY ARM, BRUISED IT PRETTY WELL. HAVE SINCE PURCHASED ANOTHER VEHICLE. *TR

Steering; Electrical System

ODI #10523832

Incident: July 3, 2013 · Filed: July 9, 2013

CAR WOULD NOT START. STEERING LOCKED AND TRANSMISSION STUCK IN PARK.KEY WOULD NOT TURN. TOWED CAR HOME. REMOVED THE IGNITION SWITCH AND FOUND THE IGNITION LOCK HAD MELTED. THE OBVIOUS FIRE HAZARD PROMPTED A RECALL SEARCH FOR THE MAKE AND MODEL FINDING AN IGNITION RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUED. I CONTACTED PONTIAC CUSTOMER SERVICE. THE REPRESENTATIVE ASKED ME IF MY VIN WAS COVERED. I HAVE CONFIRMED THE VIN IS ON THE RECALL LIST ALTHOUGH THE REP. FAILED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS. THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE RECALL, POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD AND VALIDITY OF MY COMPLAINT WAS IGNORED AND [XXX] (PONTIAC REP.) WOULD NOT ASSIST ME FURTHER. I AM STUCK NOW WITH TRYING TO RESOLVE GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED IN A TIMELY MANNER. PLEASE ADVISE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10520656

Incident: May 29, 2013 · Filed: June 19, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS ADVISED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE SENSOR WAS DISCONNECTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. *TR

Electrical System; Engine; Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #10489407

Incident: December 19, 2012 · Filed: December 20, 2012

I STARTED MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS DRIVING APPROX 10MPH WHEN THE CAR DIED ALMOST IMMEDIATELY, AFTER RESTART, IT DID IT AGAIN. THEN, IT WOULDN'T EVEN TURN OVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO TOLD ME THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A BAD FUEL PUMP. TURNS OUT IT WAS THE PONTIAC ANTI-THEFT DEVICE THAT WAS KEEPING IT FROM STARTING. WHEN YOUR KEY STARTS GETTING WORN AND ROUNDED OFF, (AS MOST KEYS DO AFTER SOME USE!) THE THEFT SYSTEM LOCKS YOUR CAR UP. THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS PROBLEM OTHER THAN REPLACING THE ECU, IGNITION SYSTEM, KEY TUMBLER, OR A COMBINATION OF THE SAME, AND REPROGRAMMING IT, WHICH COSTS UPWARDS OF 1000.00 THIS ANTI THEFT SYSTEM IS PREVENTING ME FROM USING MY LAWFULLY OWNED CAR! THE ONLY WAY TO FIX IT IS TO HAVE A DEALERSHIP REPLACE DEFECTIVE PONTIAC PARTS. AN ANTI THEFT SYSTEM SHOULD BE A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO KEEP CROOKS FROM BOOSTING YOUR CAR, NOT SOMETHING THAT WILL COST THE OWNER MORE MONEY LATER WHEN THEIR KEY WEARS DOWN! WORSE YET, IF THE CAR IS DISABLED ON A HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP, YOU RISK KILLING YOURSELF OR OTHERS ON THE ROAD! THIS HAS GOT TO BE A SAFETY VIOLATION AND A RED FLAG FOR A RECALL. I'M GOING TO PROBABLY SELL THIS RAT-TRAP FOR SCRAP/CRUSH VALUE TO A JUNK YARD AND BUY ANOTHER CAR, SO ALTHOUGH THIS COMPLAINT WON'T BENEFIT ME, HOPEFULLY MY COMMENT WILL HELP SOMEONE ELSE WHO IS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR POS PONTIAC. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10475643

1 injury

Incident: September 16, 2012 · Filed: September 17, 2012

WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM THE PARK, DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WENT OFF, BURST OF POWDER AND HORN BLOWING, SCRAPED RIGHT HAND. WAS ABLE TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD AND UNDO FUSE TO HORN. FOUND OUT BY GOING ONLINE MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN IS THERE ANY RECOURSE TO THIS THAT I CAN FOLLOW UP ON? NOTE: IT SEEMS GMC HAS KNOWN ABOUT THIS AND REALLY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE VEHICLES OR TAKEN THEM OFF THE ROAD, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF THESE BLOW WITHOUT CAUSE. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10472582

1 injury

Incident: August 21, 2012 · Filed: August 27, 2012

I HAD JUST TURNED MY CAR ON AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. I ONLY MOVED ABOUT TWO INCHES BACKWARDS, NOT EVEN GOING OVER 5 MPH, WHEN THE AIR BAG RANDOMLY DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. IT HIT ME ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY HEAD/NECK, CHEST, AND ARM RESULTING IN CUTS, BURNS, AND BRUISES IN THOSE AREAS. MY LEFT EAR STARTED RINGING AND I MOMENTARILY LOST HEARING ON THAT SIDE. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING WITH MY VEHICLE NOR DID SOMETHING HIT ME. MY CAR DID NOT EVEN LEAVE THE PARKING SPOT BEFORE THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER I GAINED COMPOSURE AND REALIZED WHAT HAD JUST HAPPENED, I MADE MY WAY OUT OF THE CAR AND A MAN WHO WITNESSED EVERYTHING WALKED ME TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT NEAR BY. MY CUTS WERE TENDED TO AND I WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE FOR FURTHER TREATMENT AND EXAMINING. *TR

Air Bags

ODI #10434127

Fire

Incident: November 2, 2011 · Filed: November 3, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WHILE THE CONTACT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE AIR BAG WAS ON FIRE AND IGNITED THE JACKET THAT THE CONTACT WAS WEARING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TAPED THE AIR BAG INTO THE DASHBOARD IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Other Pontiac Grand Am model years

Check your 1996 Pontiac Grand Am VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Pontiac Grand Am at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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