1989 Pontiac Grand AM Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 11%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM, 11% of the 44 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have been complaining of a bumping and grinding in the steering at slow sppeds since 1992. I have been given the run around all this time until major failure in dec. 1999. Dealer said it was the rack and pinion steering. After replacement another problem arose which caused the whole front of the car to viberate when turning. I was told a power steering hose would have to be replaced to correct this problem. I was told by the repair dealer that they checked with Pontiac tech. Ass. And found the hose insufficent to handle the high preasure return to the power steering unit. …”
NHTSA complaint #717054, filed 2000-01“While driving at 30 MPH, rear cradle bolts broke, causing the rear of the engine to fall out. Also, consumer lost control of steering due to steering shaft breaking. Dealer is aware of the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #840843, filed 1999-06“Steering gear malfunctioned. Also, there is an extreme jerking when turning the steering wheel and vehicle is sitting still. Consumer believes that jerking is due to rack and pinion steering failure.”
NHTSA complaint #534770, filed 1998-04“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 1997-12“Engine head gasket failed leaking coolant/ shakes and is very hard to turn. Also, steering wheel/vinyl covering bubbled and came loose on backseat up to roof.”
NHTSA complaint #526840, filed 1997-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 14 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 6% |
| 2001 | 24 | 4% |
| 2000 | 34 | 5% |
| 1999 | 70 | 8% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 56 | 15% |
| 1993 | 14 | 7% |
| 1992 | 14 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 5 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 4 | 14% |
| 1986 | 3 | 27% |
Other parts of the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM
23 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsFuel system
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 31, 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