1989 Pontiac Grand AM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 23about this part
- Share
- 52%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 23 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM, 52% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Transmission locking torque converter solenoid does not allow torque converter to unlock resulting in engine stall when stopping. Replaced solenoid. Replaced slapping timing chain and timing chain guides. Changed oil after repair. Drove the car about 100 miles when 3 rod bearings spun. One half of the bearing spun into the other half resulting in crankshaft damage and piston tipping. Replaced engine with used which I repaired before replacing. Looked like oil pump failure. Was told the engine had between 145-150 compression.”
NHTSA complaint #10070435, filed 2004-01, 113,000 miles“The vehicle is equipped with a quad 4 engine. Throughout this past year, the vehicle has been stalling on numerous occassions after the car has been running for a while. In addition, I spent roughly $2000 to replace the head gasket and cylinder head. Please contact me if you need more information.”
NHTSA complaint #723658, filed 2000-06“Vehicle was parked at side of house. Consumer went back into house, and a few minutes later, a neighbor knocked on door notifying him that vehicle was on fire. Fire was coming from engine carpartment. Fire department was notified, and there was an investigation. No injuries to reported.”
NHTSA complaint #875878, filed 2000-12“The head gasket had to be replaced and after numerous repairs still didn't function properly. Runs rough, doesn't idle properly, fuel injection doesn't function properly, oil turns foamy.”
NHTSA complaint #702456, filed 1999-01“Head gasket failed, leaks oil. Also, steering wheel shakes and is very hard to turn when vehicle is cold/makes noise. In addition, vinyl covering bubbled, and came loose on backseat armrest up to roof.”
NHTSA complaint #526881, filed 1997-12Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 4% |
| 2003 | 24 | 7% |
| 2002 | 54 | 14% |
| 2001 | 75 | 14% |
| 2000 | 111 | 16% |
| 1999 | 133 | 16% |
| 1998 | 23 | 13% |
| 1997 | 83 | 22% |
| 1996 | 74 | 16% |
| 1995 | 60 | 15% |
| 1994 | 73 | 19% |
| 1993 | 54 | 26% |
| 1992 | 62 | 37% |
| 1991 | 22 | 27% |
| 1990 | 14 | 37% |
| 1989 | 23 | 52% |
| 1988 | 12 | 39% |
| 1987 | 9 | 32% |
Other parts of the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM
10 complaintsFuel system
5 complaintsSteering
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology