1997 Pontiac Grand AM Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 105about this part
- Share
- 27%of 383 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 106,358miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 105 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 27% of the 383 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 106,358 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 8 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I cannot drive car with out speedometer. There was a service bulletin #66-83-04a I feel the dealer should repair this at there cost. It is not safe driving it without being able to see speed. The dealer says it cost 450.00 the vss is working fine. I buy a lot of cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10573161, filed 2014-03, 90,000 miles“I have had several problems with my 1997 Grand Am gt since purchasing it. I have replaced the ignition switch three times in one year, the service costs are $900.00 in total. I can't understand how the same thing keeps breaking every 3 months. My windows get stuck and don't want to roll up, it has power windows. I was rear ended in 2003, but other than that, no damage done to my car. What can I do? Just keep replacing ignition switches every 3 months? I have gotten written up at work for my car not starting. I do not have triple a.”
NHTSA complaint #10237169, filed 2008-08, 160,000 miles“The ignition on this college students 97 Pontiac Grand Am randomly defaults. It will get stuck in on or off position. Car sometimes continues running. Keyes will lock in the ignition and can not be removed. Lights remain on while keys are stuck in ignition. Ignition gets warm.”
NHTSA complaint #10616869, filed 2014-07, 165,000 miles“The theft warning system keeps the ignition switch from engaging. The car will not start unless the key is in the on position for fifteen minutes and resets the system.”
NHTSA complaint #11327228, filed 2020-06, 178,000 miles“The passlock anti-theft system in my 1997 Pontiac Grand Am gt is a failed piece of junk that never should have been put into any vehicle. Gm should be responsible for correcting this situation as many, many individuals are spending too much money not having this situation fixed. Most mechanics are at a loss.”
NHTSA complaint #10299128, filed 2010-01, 132,000 milesRelated recalls
- 02V070000Mar 6, 2002On 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…Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1996–1997, Chevrolet Cavalier 1995–1997, Pontiac Sunfire 1995–1997 +2 more
- 97V059000Apr 8, 1997The protective cover for the underhood fuse center was omitted. Without this cover, the positive terminal bolt on the fuse block is exposed and can contact…Covers: Pontiac Grand AM 1997, Oldsmobile Achieva 1997, Buick Skylark 1997
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 40 | 39% |
| 2004 | 140 | 48% |
| 2003 | 134 | 41% |
| 2002 | 148 | 37% |
| 2001 | 232 | 43% |
| 2000 | 130 | 19% |
| 1999 | 132 | 16% |
| 1998 | 33 | 19% |
| 1997 | 105 | 27% |
| 1996 | 122 | 27% |
| 1995 | 120 | 29% |
| 1994 | 71 | 19% |
| 1993 | 51 | 25% |
| 1992 | 28 | 17% |
| 1991 | 9 | 11% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 10 | 23% |
| 1988 | 2 | 6% |
| 1987 | 6 | 21% |
| 1986 | 2 | 18% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
83 complaintsBrakes
71 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
22 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsFuel system
19 complaintsEquipment
16 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 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