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Fuel systemPart report

1996 Pontiac Grand AM Fuel system Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
6%of 450 total for the year
Median mileage
136,141miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the fuel system of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 6% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 136,141 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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

“Water getting into vehicle somewhere behind firewall. Started approximately 1yr. Ago. Caused all lights on dash to light up, now vehicle will not start, could not afford to have Pontiac fix, although they did issue a warning regarding issue, but will not help with remedy.”

NHTSA complaint #10324647, filed 2010-04, 98,000 miles

“We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. We were informed that the car was sucking the coolant in rather than leaking out. We have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. The 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. The 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. The 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. …”

NHTSA complaint #758810, filed 2002-03

“Vehicle lost power then engine quit. Dealer mechanic indicated intake manifold gasket failure to let cooling fluid into crankcase oil. Gasket replaced, engine flushed 5 times ($480) suggested engine overhaul. Two weeks, engine failed with knock due to previous problem. Received letter from dealership warning of possible intake gasket failure resulting in engine replacement. No satisfaction from GM, found 5 identical complaints on NHTSA web site, attorney contacted, we will both investigate. My situation is, no car, still paying payment. …”

NHTSA complaint #758638, filed 2002-02

Related service bulletins

Fuel system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20051515%
2004145%
2003206%
2002154%
2001397%
2000497%
1999415%
199895%
1997195%
1996256%
1995184%
1994133%
199373%
199274%
199134%
199013%
1989511%
198826%
1987311%

Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM

Electrical system
122 complaints
Air bags
104 complaints
Engine cooling
74 complaints
Brakes
64 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
37 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
33 complaints
Suspension
30 complaints
Body and structure
24 complaints
Exterior lighting
20 complaints
Steering
19 complaints
Other or unknown
15 complaints
Equipment
14 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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