NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
849 reportsMileage unknown · Sep 12, 2003
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I CALLED PONTIAC TO TRY TO GET SOME HELP REGARDING THE FACT THAT MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS BOTH SIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF (ONE SIMPLY BY BEING BRUSHED AGAINST), MY REARVIEW MIRROR CAME OFF, BOTH SIDE WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN, AND THE CLEAR COAT IS CHIPPING AND LEAVING MY PAINT EXPOSED TO THE…
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I CALLED PONTIAC TO TRY TO GET SOME HELP REGARDING THE FACT THAT MY CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND WITHIN THE LAST 2 MONTHS BOTH SIDE MIRRORS HAVE FALLEN OFF (ONE SIMPLY BY BEING BRUSHED AGAINST), MY REARVIEW MIRROR CAME OFF, BOTH SIDE WINDOW REGULATORS HAVE BROKEN, AND THE CLEAR COAT IS CHIPPING AND LEAVING MY PAINT EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS. PONTIAC PRETTY MUCH TOLD ME "SORRY, NOT OUR PROBLEM" BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED (I AM THE SECOND OWNER), BECAUSE I DID NOT BUY THE EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND BECAUSE IT HAS OVER 70,000 MILES. I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THESE ARE ALL COMMON PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. I WOULD BE HAPPY TO FORWARD YOU MY RESEARCH. REGARDLESS OF WHAT NUMBER OWNER I AM OR HOW MANY MILES ARE ON THE VEHICLE, I FEEL THAT IF PONTIAC CANNOT MAKE A VEHICLE THAT CAN LAST 5 YEARS WITHOUT FALLING APART, THEN THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD NOT BE THROWING AWAY OUR HARD EARNED MONEY ON A BAD PRODUCT. PONTIAC SHOULD REALLY BE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING A LESS-THAN-DESIRABLE PRODUCT. *PH
NHTSA ODI #10038782
49,987 miles · Sep 8, 2003
Exterior LightingCrashInjury
TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE TURNING, CAUSING THE CAR FOLLOWING TO ASSUME I WAS NO LONGER TURNING, AND ACCELERATE....REAR-ENDING ME. THIS IS A RECURRENT ISSUE THAT NEEDS RESOLVED. ALSO, AFTER THE COLLISION, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. ALSO, JUST SAW THE RECALL ON THE 2000-2001 GRAND AIMS, ALLERGY, AND MAILBOX FROM…
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TURN SIGNALS BECAME INOPERATIVE WHILE TURNING, CAUSING THE CAR FOLLOWING TO ASSUME I WAS NO LONGER TURNING, AND ACCELERATE....REAR-ENDING ME. THIS IS A RECURRENT ISSUE THAT NEEDS RESOLVED. ALSO, AFTER THE COLLISION, THE HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD NOT WORK. ALSO, JUST SAW THE RECALL ON THE 2000-2001 GRAND AIMS, ALLERGY, AND MAILBOX FROM GM FOR THE EXACT SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE MANDATED TO INCLUDE THE 1999 MODEL YEAR AS WELL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10037487
61,000 miles · Aug 25, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
VEHICLE IS RUNNING EXTREMELY HOT. DEALER REPLACED THERMOSTAT, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. IN ADDITION, COOLANT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10034467
70,000 miles · Aug 22, 2003
Electrical System
PURCHASED PREOWNED VEHICLE FROM DORSCH FORD. WITHIN 6 MONTHS, WIRING ON UNDERCARRIAGE, AND ALTERNATOR HAVE GONE OUT. NEITHER OF WHICH WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10033333
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2003
Engine And Engine Cooling
LEAKING ANTIFREEZE FROM HEAD GASKET. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033019
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2003
Electrical SystemFire
FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN - LIGHTS NOW STUCK ON BRIGHT - OTHERWISE I HAVE NO LIGHTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033018
Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2003
Structure
PARTS FALLING OFF CAR- RIGHT DOOR PANEL, RIGHT SIDE MIRROR, BUTTON ON GEARSHIFT, DRIVER SIDE CONTROL PANEL(BUTTONS FOR WINDOWS,DOOR, LOCKS,MIRROR) . *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033017
130,800 miles · Aug 18, 2003
Electrical System
COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING - REPLACED BATTERY/ALTERNATOR- PROBLEM IS IN WIRING??? FYI.....3RD ALTERNATOR PUT IN CAR SINCE PURCHASED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10033016
18,000 miles · Aug 17, 2003
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. I"VE HAD THE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED THREE TIMES. AND TO THIS DAY I'M STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS THEY ARE WARPPED AGAIN. I'VE ALSO HAD THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED TWICE, DUE TO FLUID LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF IT. I NOW HAVE 56K ON IT NOW AND THERE IS …
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EVER SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR I HAVE HAD CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS WITH BRAKES. I"VE HAD THE ROTORS AND PADS REPLACED THREE TIMES. AND TO THIS DAY I'M STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. IT SEEMS THEY ARE WARPPED AGAIN. I'VE ALSO HAD THE RACK AND PINION REPLACED TWICE, DUE TO FLUID LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF IT. I NOW HAVE 56K ON IT NOW AND THERE IS STILL A CLUNK WHENEVER I STEER TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT THAT THE DEALERSHIP HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO FIND. ALTHOUGH THE DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN GOOD TO ME, I WON'T BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10032974
48,000 miles · Aug 13, 2003
Air Bags
AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT WITHOUT IMPACT. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10032729
Official recalls
3Jul 3, 2014
This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
May 18, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 201, "OCCUPANT PROTECTION IN INTERIOR IMPACT." THE CONSOLE COVER ON THESE VEHICLES DOES NOT STAY CLOSED WHEN A SPECIFIED VERTICAL LOAD IS APPLIED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CONSOLE COVER COULD OPEN AND THE COVER OR ITEMS STORED UNDER IT COULD INJURE AN OCCUPANT.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CONSOLE LATCH MECHANISM.
Dec 15, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE STEERING WHEEL CAN COME LOOSE FROM THE STEERING SHAFT BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT COULD HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE STEERING WHEEL RETAINING NUT FOR CORRECT TIGHTNESS AND TIGHTEN IF NECESSARY.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3RQ04005 · Turn Signal Failures
Opened Jun 18, 2004 · Closed Nov 30, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch; Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch
GM CONDUCTED A RECALL (NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 03V327) ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2001 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE HAZARD SWITCHES THAT CAUSE THE TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARD LIGHTS TO FAIL.THE RECALL COVERED VEHICLES BUILT FROM FEBRUARY 2000 THROUGH MAY 2001 (DEPENDING ON MODEL).ODI OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON 64 REPORTS ALLEGING TURN SIGNAL FAILURE ON MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND BUILT PRIOR TO FEBRUARY 2000.IN DECEMBER 2004, GM WILL ISSUE A SPECIAL POLICY FOR MY 1999-2000 ALERO, GRAND AM AND MALIBU VEHICLES NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL 03V327.THE POLICY COVERS TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD FLASHER FAILURE FOR A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS OR 150,000 MILES (WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST) TO PROVIDE A NO COST REPLACEMENT OF THE HAZARD SWITCH.GM WILL SEND LETTERS TO OWNERS STARTING DECEMBER 30, 2004.THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURER IS SUFFICIENT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUES RAISED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FUTURE ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA03021 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Nov 4, 2003 · Closed Oct 19, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension; Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Suspension:front
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
Suspension
THE FAILURE RATE OF THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS LOW RELATIVE TO PAST ODI INVESTIGATIONS.THE ENGINEERING ANALYSIS IS THEREFORE CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT FOR ADDITIONAL DETAILS.
PE03031 · Front Suspension Coil Spring Fracture
Opened Jul 14, 2003 · Closed Nov 4, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Suspension:front; Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Suspension:front
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
Suspension:front:springs:coil Springs
THE SUBJECT VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A COIL SPRING-OVER-STRUT FRONT SUSPENSION WITH THE SPRING ITSELF RESTING IN COMPRESSION BETWEEN TWO POLYMER ISOLATORS.PE03-031 WAS OPENED TO INVESTIGATE REPORTS OF FRACTURE OF THIS SPRING.THE FRACTURES OCCUR IN THE FIRST ACTIVE COIL ABOVE THE LOWER ISOLATOR AND APPARENTLY ORIGINATE IN CORROSION PITS FOUND BENEATH REGIONS OF DAMAGED EPOXY COATING.CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOW THAT THE FAILURES OCCUR PREDOMINANTLY IN THE ?CORROSION STATES? AND TEND TO APPEAR OUTSIDE OF THE STANDARD 36,000 MILE WARRANTY TERM.THESE DATA ALSO SUGGEST THAT THESE FAILURES WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.SLIGHTLY MORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS HAVE INVOLVED THE BROKEN SPRING COIL CONTACTING THE ADJACENT TIRE.ODI IS UPGRADING PE03-031 TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO GATHER FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCES OF THESE FAILURES.
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