1996 Pontiac Grand AM Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 122about this part
- Share
- 27%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,350miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 122 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 27% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,350 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 11 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving down hiway the car died I turned it to the right to get off the hiway and the airbag on drivers side exploded, I had the car towed and was told the pass key system or theft system went bad in ignition switch and no explanation why air bag went off? Or how to fix any of it, this is now july and I am still having problems.”
NHTSA complaint #11003734, filed 2017-07, 163,000 miles“I started my car in a parking lot and was driving approx 10mph when the car died almost immediately, after restart, it did it again. Then, it wouldn't even turn over. I had it towed to a mechanic who told me that it was probably a bad fuel pump. Turns out it was the Pontiac anti-theft device that was keeping it from starting. When your key starts getting worn and rounded off, (as most keys do after some use!) the theft system locks your car up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10489407, filed 2012-12, 136,141 miles“Car would not start. Steering locked and transmission stuck in park.key would not turn. Towed car home. Removed the ignition switch and found the ignition lock had melted. The obvious fire hazard prompted a recall search for the make and model finding an ignition recall has been issued. I contacted Pontiac customer service. The representative asked me if my VIN was covered. I have confirmed the VIN is on the recall list although the rep. Failed to acknowledge this. …”
NHTSA complaint #10523832, filed 2013-07, 171,708 miles“Every time it rains I get water on the floor of my car, this has been an ongoing I have had to replace the instrument cluster because it went out on me wile driving because the wires behind on the firewall are wet.”
NHTSA complaint #10239544, filed 2008-08, 100,000 miles“A tech issue memo issued from Pontiac/GM dated april, 1998 stated that owners may claim water leaking into the front passenger compartment of the car due to an inferior adhesive used during the manufacturing process on the top vent grille... Was given to me by my mechanic, after I disvoered water leakage on my passenger area floor for 2 years (which I attributed to my negligence only) until this water leakage finally caused a short in my air bag module (located under the front passenger seat) which caused all of the other car electrical systems to short out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10128133, filed 2005-07, 62,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows…Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 40 | 39% |
| 2004 | 140 | 48% |
| 2003 | 134 | 41% |
| 2002 | 148 | 37% |
| 2001 | 232 | 43% |
| 2000 | 130 | 19% |
| 1999 | 132 | 16% |
| 1998 | 33 | 19% |
| 1997 | 105 | 27% |
| 1996 | 122 | 27% |
| 1995 | 120 | 29% |
| 1994 | 71 | 19% |
| 1993 | 51 | 25% |
| 1992 | 28 | 17% |
| 1991 | 9 | 11% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1988 | 2 | 6% |
| 1987 | 6 | 21% |
| 1986 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
104 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsExterior lighting
20 complaintsSteering
19 complaintsOther or unknown
15 complaintsEquipment
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 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