1996 Pontiac Grand AM Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 4% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,000 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.
“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“My main problem is the steering column. When it is time to take the key out of the ignition it gets stucks. Your unable to take the key out until the car wants to let it go. Sometimes this ends up to be a 45 minute to an hour wait. The place I bought it from said they fixed it. Of course, aftr the warranty was up so wasn't the key once again getting stuck. Had the whole steering column replaced for about $500.00 no problems for about 2 months and now once again key is getting stuck.”
NHTSA complaint #10070417, filed 2004-01, 10,700 miles“This is the third replacement of the ignition lock cylinder within two years 1998-2000. It seems to need replaced every 9-12 months. I feel this is an obvious problem and should be corrected. The seat anchor has been reported each time I take the car to the dealership. The last time I was told to recline the seat to prevent the problem. I do not feel this is an acceptable answer to the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #723334, filed 2000-05“Interior lights come on intermittently while driving, there are recalls 88v927000 and 96v257000; but this vehicle is not affected due to VIN. The invoice states that they checked the recall/campaign-they had to install engine wiring harness, replace the ignition switch and the steering column tilt lever.”
NHTSA complaint #8013776, filed 2002-07“Lower control arm bushings are experiencing excessive wear and have disintegrated. Consumer was informed that this is due to a factory related defect. Also, front struts are noisy and squeaky, a metal to metal sound. Dealer replaced tie rods when crushing sound in front end was first heard.”
NHTSA complaint #889177, filed 2001-05Related recalls
- 96V249000Dec 17, 1996The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996, Buick Skylark 1996
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 14 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 6% |
| 2001 | 24 | 4% |
| 2000 | 34 | 5% |
| 1999 | 70 | 8% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 56 | 15% |
| 1993 | 14 | 7% |
| 1992 | 14 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 5 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 4 | 14% |
| 1986 | 3 | 27% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
20 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