1996 Pontiac Grand AM Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 4%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 22,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 4% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 22,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The car's headlight, fog lights and rear lights flicker all the time, fuses are okay, battery tests okay, headlights changed without any change, fuses changed without any difference, rear lights replaced without any change. Makes driving at night difficult and gives me a migraine headache.”
NHTSA complaint #10235828, filed 2008-07, 22,000 miles“Daytime running lights were serviced twice because they would flicker on and off when the car was being driven and parked. After I had the car for about a year the air conditioner would not put out any cold air. We have refilled the freeon once and that didn't seem to help at all. The driverside power window will not go down unless its been a very warm day and the car has sat in the sun. The fuse was checked and is okay.”
NHTSA complaint #723669, filed 2000-06“When driving with headlights on,they flicker off/on. Also, the instrument panel lights turn off, causing poor driver's visibility. High beam lights are the only other option. Consumer has contacted dealer. Consumer has yet to have the problem corrected. Please provide any further details.”
NHTSA complaint #854875, filed 2000-01“Since purchase had to replace 3 alternators/ 2 ignition switches/ 2 stop-hazard switches/ABS switch, and 2 batteries. Windshield is leaking during heavy rains. The consumer indicates that the vehicle has questionable design which causing most of the problems.”
NHTSA complaint #875679, filed 2000-11“Headlights: whenever applying the brakes the headlights become very dim. After releasing foot from brakes, headlights return to normal. Took to dealer and they said that they received letter from manufacturer indicating that this is normal.”
NHTSA complaint #811096, filed 1997-04Related recalls
- 96V250000Dec 17, 1996The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108…Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1996, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1996 +1 more
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 12 | 12% |
| 2004 | 53 | 18% |
| 2003 | 65 | 20% |
| 2002 | 97 | 25% |
| 2001 | 98 | 18% |
| 2000 | 157 | 23% |
| 1999 | 68 | 8% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 20 | 4% |
| 1995 | 31 | 8% |
| 1994 | 23 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
122 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSuspension
30 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
24 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