1996 Pontiac Grand AM Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 7%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 142,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 7% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 142,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The control arm (a arm) on the front drivers side has a bushing which came loose and caused an awful sound when slowing down. This was replaced last year at my expense. Now a year later, the same arm has the exact same problem. I'm sure that I am speaking for many when I say that I can not afford to fix the same problem every year.”
NHTSA complaint #10118542, filed 2005-04, 142,000 miles“The steering wheel column made grinding noises when my 1996 Grand Am se was driven. The noises even persisted after the Grand Am was returned to the original dealership in washington, d.c. Where the car was purchased from for service/repair in december 1999. The service manager informed me the noises from the steering wheel column could not be fixed and since the car was older - only 3 years old, any noises in the steering wheel column should be expected and are normal for a 3 year old car. …”
NHTSA complaint #722065, filed 2000-04“Control arms bushing wears out, unable to replace the bushing without replacing the whole control arm. Causes tire to move, alignment to be throwed off, and severe jerking when applying brakes. Have noticed that the new control arms have been modified so rubber bushing cannot come out, unlike the one that was originaly on the car, request reimbursement for control arms which are $160 a piece.”
NHTSA complaint #749190, filed 2001-07“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 2001-05“Lower control arm have experienced premature excessive wear and have fallen out. Holding on by a metal bar underneath the bushings. Also while driving at any speed or going over a bump the vehicle grinds making a metal to metal sound.”
NHTSA complaint #9005166, filed 2002-01Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 7 | 2% |
| 2003 | 9 | 3% |
| 2002 | 10 | 3% |
| 2001 | 16 | 3% |
| 2000 | 34 | 5% |
| 1999 | 107 | 13% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 26 | 7% |
| 1996 | 30 | 7% |
| 1995 | 12 | 3% |
| 1994 | 15 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 8 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1989 | 2 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
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 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