5th May 2010, 10:23

I bought a 99 Grand Am SE used 2 years ago for $1500... this car has treated me very well with the exception of a few issues, and after reading all the comments about brake and rotor issues, I am a little worried now. I took my car into a shop about a month ago, because I was hearing squealing/squeaking when I turn, and it would go away when I hit the brakes most of the time. The shop gave me an estimate for a loose tie rod end on the drivers side, and insisted that my brakes/pads were fine.

I took my car to a different shop to have the tie rod end fixed, and was made aware that my brakes were grinding a bit and it may need new rotors as well... what I don't get is that the brakes don't always grind, and sometimes the grinding is real bad on one side...

I love this car, but I am worried that I might have repeated issues with the braking system, etc... is this a case of a repair shop not doing a full quality inspection? Or is this going to be an ongoing problem now... devonte725@yahoo.com

18th May 2010, 14:48

I have owned 2 Pontiac Grand AM GT's and really had no problems. I had a 1995 for about 4 years and bought it used. I did have an issue with oil leaking into the manifold, which luckily was under the warranty I purchased when I got the car, and it was covered. I had some other small issues with the front squeaking when I would hit a bumpy road or go over speed bumps which were a little annoying, but minor. Other than that, I just wanted another newer car... so I traded the 95 for a used 2000 Pontiac Grand AM GT. I really like this car and for what I paid for it, it’s not that bad. Some repairs I've done with this car are breaks, power steering pump repair, replaced my water pump and the head lamp was foggy and I replaced it.

For some, this may seem like a lot, but for me it isn't... but it helps I have a friend who is a mechanic who has saved me tons of money on labor.

To me it’s a double edge sword... like anything else. Either you like it or you don't. Me, I like it. I'm even going to maintain it and instead of trading it in for a new one, I'm going to give it to my nephew when he turns 15 in a year!

9th Jun 2010, 17:12

I own a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 2.2 engine. I bought it brand new, and over the course of 8 yrs, besides regular maintenance, I replaced fuel pump 3 years ago, front struts and driver's side strut mount.

Recently changed the water pump and thermostat. Have a friend who is a mechanic and got that job done cheap, considering the garage wanted over 600 dollars.

My question to all of you is, since changing the water pump, I have a terrible whining noise when cranked and during acceleration. I changed the water pump out again. Still have the whining. Carried the car to the garage and this is what I was told. That the tensioner may be a little tight, but will work itself out. He drove it.. he looked all under the hood and could not find a problem. States the engine runs good and the transmission seems to be working fine. States the chain is made of heavy duty metal, and it does not sound or feel like the chain, just the tensioner. Any thoughts on this?

As for other problems, I do know I will be having to replace the lock cylinder soon.. just expensive because mine is passcoded.

As for people out there with turn signal and hazard light problems... check into I found out today; my car has a recall on the turn signal and hazard signal light. The catch is the car has to be under 10 yrs old or under 150000 miles. Mine has 199000. I have the part to replace it, just have to get it done. Turn signals work when they want to. But I do know 2001 and 2002 Pontiac Grand Ams have a recall on this issue; check on it.

Overall, I really cannot complain about the car. I drive 45 miles one way to work, and like I said, I have 199000 miles on it with no engine or tranny problems.

26th Jun 2010, 13:44

Man, maybe I just got lucky... I have a 2001 Grand Am with the 3.4 V-6. The previous owner replaced the head gaskets and had the heads resurfaced, because the motor dropped the #3 intake valve.

I bought the car with 123,000 miles. I have done the following.

* Front brakes (once)

* Water pump (once)

* Oil changes (when the lights come on)

I need to do my hubs because it just started throwing the 3 light combo.

Power steering pump looks like it may have a slow leak.

However, keep in mind I drive 90 miles to work, a round trip 5 days a week, along with other road trips and stuff, so in the two years I have had this car, I have put 70,000 miles on it (she's up to 195,000 now).

I paid 4500 for the car. The previous owner gave me the receipt for the motor work he had done... it was almost 2500.00. So I think I got my moneys worth out of this car. I have no complaints with it... things wear out, things break... it's part of owning a vehicle.

14th Jul 2010, 20:28

Well I've had my Pontiac 3 years. The first year my window just all the sudden fell down during winter, and broke, and that fix was $400, lasted 6 months, broke again. I have seen that a few people had this problem.

Brakes. Yes, I have this problem they do not last long.

A/C does not work unless on level 5.

Now, all of a sudden, I drove my car yesterday, fine! Today, it skips when starting, then the car starts shaking and the muffler sounds like crap, with lots of smoke coming out, and it keeps dying. It just happened overnight.

The trac off/service engine light will not go off. I am wondering if this is the beginning of problems...