Vehicle is 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. The automatic brake system has never seemed to operate smoothly. The pads have been replaced, the rotors have been resurfaced and also replaced and still brakes do not operate smoothly. When braking at 70 mph a feeling of braking and non-braking alternately can be noticed. When slowing from 20 mph to a complete stop a feeling of braking and no-braking can be felt. It seems like something is out of time or adjustment. At the slow speed the danger is not great; but at the higher speed, control of the vehicle is a problem. Control is a much greater problem when roads are wet, snowy, or icy.

- Millington, TN, USA

Antifreeze was leaking into the core. Brakes were replaced three times last year.

- West Branch, MI, USA

While driving at 50 mph vehicle began to overheat. Consumer heard sounds as if some one had dropped marbles in the engine. Soon after the vehicle stalled. A mechanic examined the vehicle, and found that the timing chain was defective. Also, consumer had to get a new transmission, and ABS system needed to be replaced.

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

While in the drive position and stopped on an incline with the break depressed, upon release of the brake the car makes a grinding noise.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

Front drivers side wheel area. When brakes were applied, made a thumping noise. Replaced driver side lower controll arm, was told it was bad. 3 or 4 days after I picked up my car, I now have a single thump when I brake and release the brake. This noise is so loud and scary sounding that I am absolutely afraid to drive the car. It sounds like my wheel is ready to fall off. Taking the car back to the shop again tomorrow. I read several reports on your website regarding this same issue.

- Laurel, MD, USA

When driving down hill brake pedal goes to the floor. Cause unknown.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

Consumer applied brakes at 10 mph, no braking action, pedal went to the floor. Brakes were applied again. This time brakes were operational. Dealer stated that ABS computer was faulty and had to be replaced.

- Parma, OH, USA

Anti-lock brakes failed when driving down hill. Brakes began to smoke/smell with soft pedal. Dealership replaced pads and checked brake system. The next day when driven down a hill front brakes caught fire. Please desccribe details.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

Consumer has ABS brake problems for three months. Rear brake drums were turned, and three sets of brakes shoes were replaced. Vehicle ha been in a total of three times. Wheels locked up at the slightest touch of brake pressure or when brakes overheated. Dealer was notified.

- Carson, CA, USA

When applying brakes there would be a popping noise present, and brakes would lock up. This would cause the vehicle to drift to the right into another lane. Also left rear and right front window was inopartive, also the transmission was slipping.

- San Angelo, TX, USA

After applying, cruise control failed to disengage, the car accelerated out of control and would not disengage with braking, need to turn off car to slow down while driving on the highway, barely averted crash.

- Waterford, MI, USA

Car accelerated to 100+ miles, could not brake or slow down for approx 3 miles, and then at five mile intervals it would drop. This was during rush hour traffic. I could not turn key nor shift, until it got down to 10-15 miles per hour. Then I was able to shift so it would stop. Dealer was called. Car was towed to dealer. Dealer says there's no sign of anything wrong. But of course there is. This was a horrifying, terrifying experience, and I shook for hours. When I finally got the car to stop, it smoked (black) from under the hood. Seatbelt was on. I'm not sure what a 2-point or 3-point belt is.

- Woodbury, MN, USA

ABS system is dangerous. You have no control over braking when ABS is activated.

- Tyngsboro, MA, USA

1997 Pontiac Grand Am has multiple brake problems I have replaced calipers and rotors and pads within 2 to 3 weeks the brakes start clunking and the stopping distance time is decreased.I have contacted the main Pontiac company with no positive results.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

This failure is particularly bad because both times the ABS light came on about 10 miles before the occurrence (which in hindsight) I see was the only warning of danger and both times were pitch dark outside, first the car seemed to be in neutral in the drive position, in that the engine revved, but had little real power and while in anticipation (fear) that the car would lunge when the transmission finally took hold didn't come to fruition, what occurred could have been as bad. The dash light indicators started flashing but the main dash lights seen freguently (speedometer) disappeared and then I noticed that I was only being guided by street lamps (second occurence, I didn't even have that) and the car died at the same time, making me lose power steering and brakes and have to get this thing off the road. This car has never missed a beat before that, but when this happened the first time, a bunch of city workers out trying to fix a burst pipe in the street at 5:30 a.M. were watching this happen and came running over and said that the way this car failed should be reported because it could have been bad for any driver to lose car manueverability at the same time as exterior lights. The second time, when I saw the ABS light come on, I was prepared. I called my hubby on the cell phone and he came and followed me from there and I had about 10 miles of drivetime before my car became possessed again. It is sitting by the road on an isolated section in Indiana and I'm feeling pretty darn lucky.

- Hamilton, OH, USA

ABS: Steering groans after hard braking or tight high/low-speed turns/warning light comes on; alternator: Not charging-replaced twice; thermostat replaced twice

- Boulder, CO, USA

Consumer was driving at approximately 30 mph and slowing down by applying brake pedal lightly when brake pedal completely fell off, causing loss of brakes. Consumer had to accelerate quickly and get into right lane to get out of traffic to prevent accident. Then, gradually applied emergency brake. Pontiac dealer stated that 30 cent clip broke which caused the brake pedal to fall.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

Anti-lock brake system locked up when brake is applied.

- Summersvil, WV, USA

Tapped brakes to slow down and ABS brakes locked up. Vehicle went over an embankment & rolled over. Vehicle declared totaled. Prior to accident, vehicle was in repair shop twice for brake failure. State trooper & independent mechanic indicated brakes were locked up after accident. Emergency room treatment.

- Mount Lookout, WV, USA

Anti-lock brake system locked up when brake is applied.

- Summersvil, WV, USA