1996 Pontiac Grand AM Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.

• 02V070000Mar 6, 20021,589,948 vehicles potentially affected
  Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
  Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more

  Reported issue: On 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 through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.

  Possible consequence: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.

  Remedy: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact…

  Full campaign details →

• 98V027000Feb 17, 1998249,420 vehicles potentially affected
  Interior lighting
  Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996, Chevrolet Cavalier 1996, Pontiac Sunfire 1996 +3 more

  Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."

  Possible consequence: The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

  Remedy: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V249000Dec 17, 1996424 vehicles potentially affected
  Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
  Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996, Buick Skylark 1996

  Reported issue: The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.

  Possible consequence: An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.

  Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.

  Full campaign details →

• 96V250000Dec 17, 1996270,014 vehicles potentially affected
  Exterior lighting › Hazard flashing warning lights
  Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1996, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1996 +1 more

  Reported issue: The 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, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."

  Possible consequence: If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.

  Remedy: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

  Full campaign details →

NHTSA investigations

• RQ98013Oversensitive air bag deploymentsOpen · Aug 26, 1998

← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM