NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

2001 Pontiac Grand Am (Page 6 of 6)

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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,632 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.

2001 Pontiac Grand Am electrical problems

electrical problem

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2001 Pontiac Grand Am Owner Comments (Page 6 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

Jan 012005

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

Turn / flasher switch was recalled..I had it replaced by dealer and after a month it has started again with the constant clicking noise. My security system also has failed costing me $500 to have repaired..and now my auto door locks do not work, my automatic dash lights come on and off..my guess is a major wiring problem!

- Washburn, IL, USA

problem #19

Aug 262006

Grand Am

  • miles
Passlock system shorts out and ignition does not start. This happened several times, each resulting in tow & repair fees. Solution: If you turn the key to the "on" position & wait 10 minutes, the security light will go solid and them disappear. The car will then start. It's still a pain, but at least it's only 10 minutes of my time. No more towing. If you want to keep this car, I highly recommend giving it a try.

- Rockville, MD, USA

problem #18

Dec 102001

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,000 miles
Where to start...I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am. Within 2 months of buying it, my fuel pump & computer went out at the same time. Next was my water pump & timing chain. Then was the security system, then the turn signals, then the windows wouldn't roll down. And now my brakes are having to be replaced on a consistent basis. The only thing covered by GM was the turn signal switch. All other replacements were at my expense. After researching on this site, I see numerous complaints of the same kind. I notified GM and they refused to help at all. I explained that since there are multiple complaints for the same things, it has to be a manufacturing defect. They shrugged that off. They finally sent me a letter stating that they would no longer "entertain" any of my comments or complaints. Do not buy a Pontiac!!! junk city!!!

- St Joseph, MO, USA

problem #17

Jul 012002

Grand Am 9-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,000 miles

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

: the contact stated the computer module went out which caused the security system to lock the vehicle. The vehicle was disabled from starting and the horn and the alarm would continuously activate. The incident occurred 4 times and the module was replaced everytime.

- Marion, IA, USA

problem #16

Aug 102005

Grand Am

  • 82,750 miles
The body control module caused two batteries to fail. The turn signal switch failed causing clicking noise in the ash. When the BCM failed the consumer noticed a 1 amp draw. The dealer could not duplicate the problem but replaced the BCM per the consumers request. The vehicle was bucking and felt as if there was a major miss. This was due to faulty #4 injector. The injector was replaced and the PCM was reprogrammed.

- Leesport, PA, USA

problem #15

Oct 112005

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45,000 miles
In the 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, the theft protection system "passlock" will fail and the car cannot be started. I fist thought it was only my car. Until I found a website and it appears this happens to a lot of people over and over.. the car has to be towed to the dealer to be fixed, because it acts as if the owner is trying to steal the car and will not start.. here is a copy of the info on a consumer reports site>>> bug in 2001 Grand Am won't start car. A bug in 2001 Pontiac Grand Am's causes them to simply not start, right out of the blue. Better hope you're not in the wrong neighborhood when it happens 'cause almost nobody knows what the fix is. (prweb) February 21, 2005 -- if you own a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am, you'd better hope you're not stuck somewhere bad when this hits: You go to start your car, and the engine cranks, but it seems like your out of gas, and won't start. Numbers of people then have the car towed to a shop, only to find that the car easily starts after being towed, but no cause is ever found. The problem is that the rke (remote keyless entry) system has a defect in it that causes car not to start. As of now there is no recall on the passlock systems. As for a fix, the experts are honestly not sure. To reset the computerized system, put key in the ignition and leave it in 'on' position for about ten minutes. Then turn it off, and try - it should start then. Warning: Continued resetting of the computer this way will eventually damage computer and will cost lots to replace/fix. And here is a link to a car forum where U can see its not just my car townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.ee9E52F/2082

- Piney Point, MD, USA

problem #14

Apr 012004

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,000 miles

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

After starting the vehicle all electrical systems don't engage. Including radio, heater, A/C, speedometer, all gauges, power locks, power windows, all interior lights and head lamps if in the auto day lamp status. It then randomly starts sometimes, and other times you can drive for 30+ and it never comes back. Most of the time if you turn the vehicle off and back on 3-7 times then all works. This has been an ongoing problem coming up on a year now. I have submitted symptoms on web forums and the majority of the people blame it on faulty body control modules and claim that the Grand Am has a problem with them. I have yet to see a recall on it.

- Pleasant View, UT, USA

problem #13

Aug 012004

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,400 miles
The left rear brakes are locking. The pads and rotors are ground down to the point of needing replacement. The pads and rotors were replaced and components cleaned. The problem is still occuring. The ABS, antilock, and service vehicle soon lights will come on after start up. They will stay on until the engine is shut off and restarted. The vehicle will not start. The starter will crank, but the engine won't start. First visit to dealer: Fuel pump was replaced. Second visit to dealer: Oil pressure sensor was replaced, third visit to dealer: Vehicle theft deterrent codes appeared in computer. Dealer does not know how to fix yet and problem still persists. The problem is intermittent. Occasionally the care will be hard to start requiring taping the accelerator to start it. If it does not start then, it will not start no matter how long it sits (recommended by mechanic.

- Valparaiso, IN, USA

problem #12

Dec 302003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • miles
2001 Pontiac Grand Am has had problems with window motor, turn signals, air conditioner, the brake system, the security system and vehicle would not start. There was strange noise when the brakes were applied and when making a left turn. The other problems with the window motor, turn signals, air conditioner were resolved per warranty, but the brake system problems continued. There were two instances with the factory security system. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle would just crank but not catch. The security light started to flash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they reset the system. A few months later, the security system locked the vehicle. The consumer found that the key sensor in the ignition shorted and the pass lock module was replaced and re-keyed.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #11

Apr 302004

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • 60,000 miles
Vehicle is having electrical problems. Turn signals were defective, the gas gauge will indicate that vehicle has more gas than what was really in the vehicle. The power steering trac off light came on. Also, vehicle shut down completely and had to be towed.

- Lexington, AL, USA

problem #10

Mar 242004

Grand Am

  • miles

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

After the dealership replaced the hazard warning switch for the hazard warning light recall 03V327000 the turn signal stopped working correctly.

- Statesboro, GA, USA

problem #9

Dec 062003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 34,000 miles
Water leaked into floorboard from air-conditioner. Grinding noise coming from the front and back wheels. Trim came loose from back bumper. Rearview mirror fell off. Had numerous times where the car would crank but not start (dealership could not duplicate problem) front driver window would not come down on occasion. Car caught fire under the dashboard while parked in our garage. The fire did extensive damage to the interior of the car. The inspector sent out to look at the car (by GM) said the fire was electrical and not caused by anything we did to the car. The car was repurchased by GM on January 7, 2004 after basically calling them on a daily basis to get something done about it.

- Kellyville, OK, USA

problem #8

Feb 192004

(reported on)

Grand Am

  • Manual transmission
  • 40,000 miles
The hazard lights stopped operating. The fuses were changed twice but the problem still occurs. The signal lights also failed. When the consumer changed the fuses the lights worked for 2-3 weeks then failed again.

- Corpus Christi, TX, USA

problem #7

Dec 162003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
2 weeks after purchase, floorboard was drenched and took to the dealership to be repaired.they said it was;however, the next big rain the car was drenched again. The car stayed for almost 2 weeks during which time, the mechanics could not "figure it out" and I was informed that some "experimental" fluid was used to try to stop the leak, but that did not work so it was being removed. The mechanics were putting it under the water hose to see if they could determine the leak. This was finally fixed, though I do not know what the cause may have been or what the final fix was done. 6 months later, the blinkers went out and were haphazard working. This was repaired under a different Pontiac dealership as I was leery to "experiments." 3 months later, the check engine light was on or the check vehicle light, headlights were acting funny. Dealership and was informed this was due to corrosion and was not covered under warranty. Last week, the traction off light kept coming on, the headlights kept blowing bulbs, the service vehicle light was on, the cigarette lighter would not work, and the daylights and fog lights would not work at all. I was informed that the map sensor was covered under warranty, but the headlight control circuit control module was not covered. I was informed by dealer#2 that the faulty parts could have been caused by the prior water leakage. Both the warranty company and dealer #2 told me that even though headlights and a lighting system was pertinent, there was nothing they could do to fix it at no cost to me. Dealer #2 fixed the map sensor and I picked up the vehicle. Now other problems after map repai. Since the car was waterlogged and it is only logical that any water damage should be covered by someone. I called dealer#1 and explained the situation. At this time, when they pulled up the record of the car, I was informed the water leakage was on a service bulletin I did not go put my car in the lake and I did not ask for this kind of hassle.

- Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #6

Feb 012003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Speakers have been replaced twice, calipers, electrical problems and only 3 months after I purchased the vehicle until now I have heard a grinding, scrubbing noise in the wheels when driving at slow speeds. And when slowing down the car shudders violently. I have only had the car a year and every month something has had to be fixed. The car is still under warranty and I am very displeased with the service that I have gotten from the dealership. I am now consulting a lawyer who handles lemon law cases.

- Gretna, FL, USA

problem #5

Jun 222003

Grand Am 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
I have only had the car for about 4 months, but recently, the turn signals have stopped working almost causing several accidents. I have noticed that if you try setting the emergency flashers on it will sometimes make the turn signals work, but not very often. I feel this is unsafe and I don't want to cause any accidents.

- Amelia, OH, USA

problem #4

Mar 152003

Grand Am 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,668 miles
Fuel pump does not work. Dealer notified. The fuel gauge, fuel injectors, fan, lights, door locks, computer chip, oil leak, brakes, blinkers had to be replaced. Gmac had been notified on several occasions and had refused to cooperative in fixing the defects. These were known defects. Gmac refused to fix under warranty and refused under the lemon law.

- River Falls, WI, USA

problem #3

Apr 092003

Grand Am

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2001 Pontiac Grand Am has problems cranking. Ignition turns over but engine will not crank until 3-4 tries. Does not do it on a consistent basis and dealership has not been able to duplicate problem. It has been in 4 times for this problem and 4 times because the back doors will not open some times without bumping the doors with your hip. Dealership was not able to duplicate problem. Also, rearview mirror fell off, side mirrors had to be replaced because clear coat was left off, door reflector fell off, weather strip on window fell off, blinkers stopped working. Despite the fact that this car is well taken care of, it is coming apart at the seams. Pontiac rep has been contacted answer is the same, we have to duplicate problem. It has now began stalling out after you get it cranked. I am now contacting GM/BBB as a last resort. Please help me if you can.

- Hattiesburg, MS, USA

problem #2

Feb 042003

Grand Am

  • miles
The electrical system failed, which caused the lights and horn not to work.

- Medina, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 172001

Grand Am

  • miles
Water leaks from sun roof into electrical panel, causing various electrical shortages. Vehicle been in dealer shop on two occasions, and problem still reoccurring. Feel free to provide us with any further details on this matter.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

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