1996 Pontiac Grand AM Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 37about this part
- Share
- 8%of 450 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 37 complaints about the visibility of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM, 8% of the 450 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“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“In the past 4 months, I have replaced my heater core, because it is plastic, and then the radiator, now the head gasket. Problems of this nature first surfaced with heater core failure, which is made of plastic and then proceeds through the cooling to system, to my current problem, head gasket replacement. The water pump and transmission have both been replaced, while under the new car warranty. I took my car to hardin Pontiac in anaheim, ca at 3 pm on march 4th. They have now had my car 2 days and they want to charge me another $80 to further diagnose my coolant leak. …”
NHTSA complaint #10008516, filed 2003-03, 78,000 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“Window motors have been replaced and I still have numerous problems. Windows still will not go up and down properly or stick and won't go down or stick and won't go up. Grinding in steering column; noise has been there since 6/96 and dealers can't seem to locate problem. Struts have been replaced as faulty and are bad once again. Back window leaked they replaced it, now leaks again. This is very fustrating knowing that I have two children one is a toddler and the other is 8, riding in this car with these problems.”
NHTSA complaint #760672, filed 2002-04“On 09/09/99 my left rear door power window motor failed me and was replaced at the cost of $310.27. On 10/02/99 the right rear door power window motor failed and I am scheduled to have it replaced on 10/06/99.”
NHTSA complaint #712803, filed 1999-10Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 7 | 7% |
| 2004 | 9 | 3% |
| 2003 | 16 | 5% |
| 2002 | 23 | 6% |
| 2001 | 33 | 6% |
| 2000 | 44 | 7% |
| 1999 | 89 | 10% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 34 | 9% |
| 1996 | 37 | 8% |
| 1995 | 27 | 7% |
| 1994 | 21 | 6% |
| 1993 | 6 | 3% |
| 1992 | 14 | 8% |
| 1991 | 11 | 13% |
| 1990 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Grand AM
122 complaintsAir bags
104 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsBrakes
64 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsSuspension
30 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