1992 Pontiac Grand AM Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe coolant loss and overheating traced to a cracked cylinder head, a cracked engine block or a failed head gasket, with coolant appearing in the oil or oil in the cooling system. Brake complaints are the second theme, with the pedal going to the floor or extended stopping distances described in wet or cold weather. Many reports come in between roughly 70,000 and 100,000 miles, and several owners say dealers either could not find the cause or declined work after a mileage cutoff.

1. 1
   Engine cooling

   Cracked cylinder head / head gasket with coolant loss

   • 36 complaints (21%)
   • median 82,500 mi at 10.5 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
   • owner-quoted repair $1,200 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 1995–2003

   Owners describe coolant disappearing, engines running hot, and coolant mixing with the oil or oil showing up in the cooling system. Several report a cracked cylinder head or block, or a failed head gasket, found after inspection. Some say the dealership replaced a cylinder head or gasket once and the leak returned, and others report being told the repair was outside a mileage or age limit and would be at their own expense. Reports cluster from roughly 68,000 to 90,000 miles, though some appear at lower mileage.

   What to check: Have a shop pressure-test the cooling system and check for coolant in the oil, oil residue in the coolant, or exhaust gas in the coolant before buying. Ask for service records showing whether a head gasket or cylinder head has already been replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have a letter from Pontiac date nov, 1995. Which states that 2.3l quad ohc engine have a defect of cracking cylinder that allows coolant to leak from the cylinder heads. The letter also states.. Do not bring your vehicle to the dealer unless this occurs. The stated if this condition occurs within seven years or 100,000 miles they will replace the cylinder head free of charge.. My car is 8 years old now and has only 79000 miles on it. Neither the dealer or Pontiac corp. Will repair this for me without paying for all charges which are approx. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10006504, filed 2000-09, 79,000 miles

   “Cylinder head cracked at rear of part. Coolant leaked on to hot block and crusted over, which made me aware of the problem. I had it repared at my own expense in early 1999 and would like to be reimbursed as I am subsequently aware of a widespread problem with this.”

   NHTSA complaint #715517, filed 1999-12
2. 2
   Brakes

   Brake pedal to the floor, long stopping, ABS engagement

   • 22 complaints (13%)
   • median 86,000 mi at 12.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • filed 1995–2003

   Complaints describe the brake pedal sinking to the floor, noticeably longer stopping distances, and the ABS engaging when it should not, sometimes in wet or snowy weather. Some owners report a master cylinder or contaminated brake system, while others say the dealer could not reproduce or locate the problem. In a few reports an incorrect brake part was installed during a brake line repair. Reported across a wide mileage range; several complaints note the behavior appears in wet or cold conditions.

   What to check: Test the pedal for firmness and ask when the master cylinder, hoses and brake lines were last serviced; a brake fluid flush and inspection of the lines is worthwhile on a car this age.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “A little over 3 months after I purchased this car from gary matthews, the brake system failed in traffic on me. I had very little brakes and barely made it to my home without an accident. The car was inspected and the results are that the break system was contaminated. The total cost to repair is $2,400.00. When I contacted the dealership, they were very rude and told me that they would do nothing about the problem. …”

   NHTSA complaint #723147, filed 2000-05

   “Coolant leaked from underneath the vehicle while driving about 50 MPH which caused the vehicle to overheat. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they determined that the radiator hose had a split in it. The same week the vehicle was purchased the brake line broke. About 2 months later the brake pedal went to the floor while braking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the incorrect brake parts were installed and that the radiator clamps were loose. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10039987, filed 2003-11, 86,000 miles
3. 3
   Electrical system

   Horn sounds by itself in cold weather

   • 11 complaints (7%)
   • typically at 8.3 yrs old
   • filed 1997–2002

   Owners describe the horn sounding on its own, often at night, when temperatures drop below freezing; several say they pulled the fuse to stop it. Complaints attribute it to the rubber or plastic housing around the horn contracting in the cold. A few owners also report melted ignition switch or wiring harness components. Typically reported in cold or freezing weather, with no clear mileage pattern.

   What to check: Honk the horn and check whether the fuse is present; if the fuse has been pulled, ask why. Inspect the steering column and ignition switch area for scorching or a loose feel in the key cylinder.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The paint is chipping on my hood. It started in 1995. I have been told by dealerships that their was a recall on paint. I was not notified by GM, and when I last attempted to contact them the srvc rep said they remembered a recall but couldn't find it now. Also, every winter since I bought the car the horn gows off in the middle of the night when it gets below freezing. My power door locks keep going out. Are they related to the horn? …”

   NHTSA complaint #743789, filed 2001-04

   “Ignition system melted resulting in total destruction of starting system. Ignition system did not ignite but did continue to emmit noxious fumes and smoke. Researched problem and found out all models made the year after my car, were recalled for same exact problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #748870, filed 2001-07
4. 4
   Transmission and drivetrain

   Transmission shifting and engagement problems

   • 18 complaints (11%)
   • typically at 7.0 yrs old
   • filed 1996–2002

   Complaints describe the transmission failing to shift into drive or reverse, harsh or delayed shifting, and the car dying at a stop sign because the transmission did not disengage. Some owners report multiple rebuilds or replacement units, and others mention a solenoid failure that needed a modification kit. Reported across a broad mileage range; several owners say the trouble appeared soon after purchase.

   What to check: Drive the car from cold through several stop-and-go cycles and check that it engages drive and reverse promptly; ask whether the transmission has been rebuilt or replaced and for those receipts.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “I have rebuilted my transmission for the second (2) time (each time costing over $1200.00). Something must be wrong how they engineered the transmission. I always change my transmission fluid every 20,000-30,000. I do not drag race with my vehicle or mistreat my vehicle.”

   NHTSA complaint #735064, filed 2000-10

   “On march of 1999, the first problem with my vehicle occured. The car was sitting in the driveway, no key in the ignition, and it began to try to start by itself. I was shocked to see this, and by the time it finished, my battery was drained and I had to purchase a new battery. The second time I had an ignition problem was in november of 2000 when my car wouldn't start unless it was placed in neutral gear. I had the ignition switch replaced, and six weeks later, the same incident happened with trying to start the car. …”

   NHTSA complaint #742917, filed 2001-03
5. 5
   Steering

   Tilt steering wheel loosens or will not stay locked

   • 8 complaints (5%)
   • median 201,000 mi at 15.0 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
   • filed 1995–2007

   Owners describe the tilt steering wheel dropping or moving freely while driving after a locking pin or component came loose inside the column. Some report rust in the column or mounting bolts, and one complaint describes a mechanic finding the pin was not properly secured and reinstalling it. Reported from the late 1990s onward, with no consistent mileage figure; one report notes about 201,000 miles.

   What to check: With the car stationary, try to move the steering wheel up and down with the tilt lever locked and check that it stays put; look for rust around the column and steering gear mounts.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The steering on my 1994 Grand Am is broken. The bolts that mount the steering gear to the cradle have rusted and both are separted. There was a recall on my 89 grand prix and I had the same problem on my 92 corsica. 8jb”

   NHTSA complaint #10184914, filed 2007-03, 201,000 miles

   “Steering wheel tilt disengaged while driving cause to go up & down freely, causing a loss of control conditon.found locking pin in tilt assembly came out which was not staked properly, reinstalled and staked in properly. Consumer called Pontiac saftey number, dealer is not willing to inspect it.”

   NHTSA complaint #552945, filed 2000-07

Buying note. The main things to verify on this model year are the cooling system and the brakes: a coolant pressure test and an oil check will tell you a lot before you buy. Service records showing recent head gasket, brake and transmission work are worth asking for, since several owners report repeat repairs.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.