1987 Pontiac Grand AM Problems
- Complaints
- 28filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- —no mileage reported
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 22 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 18 city / 28 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM (complaints, recalls, investigations), EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM. The part named most often is engine cooling, with 9 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electrical system (6) and seat belts (6). Of all complaints, 4 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 4 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 0 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine cooling9 32%
- Electrical system6 21%
- Seat belts6 21%
- Steering4 14%
- Fuel system3 11%
- Vehicle speed control2 7.1%
- Brakes1 3.6%
- Equipment1 3.6%
- Other or unknown1 3.6%
Also reported: Seats (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Vehicle having trouble starting. Consumer charged battery and while driving vehicle caught on fire due to possible electrical failure resuting in injury to drivers hands.”
NHTSA complaint #544233, filed 1999-03Seat belts: “The driver and passenger seatbelt buckle broke, causing both to be inoperative, which offered no protection for the driver and passenger. Please provide further information. Consumer claims there is a bulletin and there is no recall.”
NHTSA complaint #833618, filed 1999-01Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1987 Pontiac Grand AM version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Am FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 28 | 22 | $3,750 |
| Grand Am FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Grand Am FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Grand Am FWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 19 | 29 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Grand Am FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 3-speed automatic | 17 | 25 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 88V032000Mar 15, 1988Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Pontiac Grand AM 1987, Oldsmobile Calais 1987, Buick Skylark 1987
The fuel feed or fuel return hose at the engine may rub against a shift lever on the 5 speed transaxle.
- 87V184000Dec 1, 1987Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Pontiac Grand AM 1987, Sunbird 1987, Buick Skyhawk 1987 +1 more
The fuel feed and/or return hose/pipe assemblies could crack or separate, allowing fuel to leak into the underhood area.
Recall details for the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
No technical service bulletins are on record for the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM.
Other model years of the Pontiac Grand AM
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 102 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 293 | 74,633 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 325 | 63,500 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 395 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 538 | 71,000 | 4 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 675 | 66,771 | 5 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 849 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1998 | 172 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 383 | 95,550 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 450 | 114,526 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 409 | 110,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 377 | 123,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 204 | 106,600 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 168 | 88,000 | 3 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 82 | 83,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 38 | — | 0 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 44 | 113,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 31 | — | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 28 | — | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 11 | — | 1 | — | 23 | — | Not enough data |
All Pontiac Grand AM model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM have?
NHTSA recorded 28 consumer complaints for the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM is reported most often?
Engine cooling is named most often, in 9 complaints (32% of the total), followed by electrical system with 6.
Has the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM get?
The EPA rates the 1987 Pontiac Grand AM (Grand Am, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 22 mpg combined, 18 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,750 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.