NHTSA — Visibility: Power Window Devices And Controls Problems

5.3

fairly significant
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
17,625 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Pontiac Grand Am windows / windshield problems

windows / windshield problem

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1998 Pontiac Grand Am Owner Comments

problem #8

Jul 202004

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Window regulators, both driver and passenger regulators have gone bad two times. Once at 40,000 and again at 80,000.

- Manhattan, KS, USA

problem #7

Jan 092004

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 95,000 miles
The regulators in both of the side windows are not functioning properly.

- Woodbourne, NY, USA

problem #6

Dec 012003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 16,000 miles
The anti lock brake function prevents me from being able to brake my car on wet, snowy or slushy days, both my daughter and I have had to shift down and pull on the emergency brake to pull over, we live on a long steep hill. This resets theabs but only temporarily. Also, the auto locks malfunction and the front windows don't roll up and down, I am afraid we'll be trapped in an out of control car. Also the adjustment knob for the exterior rear view mirrors fell into the door so I can't adjust them without stopping as the windows don't open.

- Unity, NH, USA

problem #5

Jan 252002

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Both front power windows operate sporadically. They will roll down (not consistently) and fail to roll up. They can be stuck in the down position for days. This matter happened on a windy, snowy January day on the highway after paying a toll. I could barely drive while going the minimum, 45 mph, on the highway because of the cold air and snow blowing into my face. I have put up with not using any windows for about a year, but found out that I could not pass the West Virginia safety inspection nor obtain a mandatory yearly safety sticker if my drivers side window will not roll down. It is against the state law to have an inoperable drivers window, because I was told that if you are pulled over, the police officer needs to be able to speak with you through that window. In addition, it just makes sense that if you are trapped for whatever reason, a window may be your only escape.

- Dunbar, WV, USA

problem #4

Apr 092002

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • miles
Power windows on both passenger and driver sides have failed. The motor still works, but if you roll window down you must manually keep window straight when rolling up. I have checked repair costs and it's about $500/window. My car was less than 3 years old when the problem occurred, so unless Pontiac makes an improvement to the window system it will continue to happen. I have been told the part that is malfuntioning is called a regulator. I have taken my door panel off to look at it and it is just not made strong enough for the weight of the windows.

- Chandler, OK, USA

problem #3

Aug 012001

Grand Am

  • miles
Both driver & passenger window components...levers that raise & lower the windows have failed....the lever, ca;;ed the "window regulators" have basically ripped apart...on both doors.... this seems rather difficult to belive that such a thing could take place on a three year old car...I can find no prior reports..I assume owners just have them repaired, when it appears to me that there is an obvious "defect" in the manufacturing of these components. These componenets appear to be too weakly constrcuted to stand up to the stress involved in these electric windows.

- Sarasota, FL, USA

problem #2

Aug 022000

Grand Am

  • miles
This is applicable to both front power windows: Power windows fail to operate randomly, up or down. GMC is relunctant to replace the units unless they see the defect occur. This could be a serious problem if the window were to fail to close in the rain or sandy situations while the car is being driven, damage to the interior or theft. Being unable to open a window could block and escape path in an accident. Not to mention daily problems, like toll boths, drive thru's etc.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #1

Jul 072000

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • miles
I have had a new transmission, calipers, gear shift mechanism,2 lighters, alternator,2 sets of window motors, 1 broken motor mount, strut torque wasnt bolted to the car when leased, a radial pull in 1 tire in which I had to pay to have replaced, tire scraping on fender right after leasing, 2 new headlamps, fuel cap, battery, and have had a short somewhere and dealer refused to locate. Dealer and Pontiac customer division refuse a buy back or trade in. Sent package to General Motors to make them aware of the situation and they refused the package all together. Pontiac tells me their field rep went to talk to john moore and he refused a buy back so in turn, so did Pontiac. I just would like a car that runs. This is my second Pontiac that has been a lemon. I have all documentaion to prove it. How does a single mom working two jobs get help? its costed me a fortune in missed work.( dot number: Tire size: P195/65R15 )

- San Jose, CA, USA

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