1997 Pontiac Grand AM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 83about this part
- Share
- 22%of 383 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 89,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 83 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 22% of the 383 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 89,500 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving to work one day and the engine started to make a funny noise, and when I shut it off. Took it to the mechanic , they told me it was the connecting rod. I will have to replace the engine because it is cheaper to put an engine in rather then rebuild the one I have. The engine is still in the car because I haven't got enough money to replace it.”
NHTSA complaint #10113919, filed 2005-03, 96,997 miles“The motors on the windows go out around 97k miles. My drivers window went out a month ago. My right, front window is about to go out, and my back right window went out today. Obviously, there is a problem with faulty window motors with this model. The total cost out of my pocket for this incident is about $1000 included with a lot of frustration!”
NHTSA complaint #10069089, filed 2004-01, 97,000 miles“My 1997 Pontiac Grand Am is leaking coolant into the oil. I first noticed this problem at around 40000 miles. I would periodically have to add coolant to the vehicle because it was low. I thought it was normal. Now the problem is really bad, to the point that I do not drive the car now with 80000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10010197, filed 2003-03, 40,000 miles“Ignition won't turn to the off position. I have to disconnect the battery so I don't drain it. I have to leave my kids in the hot car while I do this. Or pay $200 that I don't have to get it fixed. I have found many other people that have the same problem. I was told it could be the sensor on the transmission that tells the car its in park. Whatever the problem is it happens to a lot of vehicles. I understand that I have to maintain my car but I don't see why so many people have this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10232006, filed 2008-06, 120,000 miles“Engine failed.his car has 58250 miles. My daughter called me at work to inform me that something is making noise in the front of the car, but it goes away once you exceed 20mph. After dinner I pup the hood open and try to start the car. I discover that noise during startup was not normal, and car has great difficulties to start. When it finally stars, I hear knocking noise coming from the left side of the engine. The noise was concentrated on the cylinder next to timing chain. I stopped the engine and check the oil level, it was ok. I contacted local auto repair shop. …”
NHTSA complaint #10051525, filed 2004-01, 58,250 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10246631Sep 1, 2013Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 4% |
| 2003 | 24 | 7% |
| 2002 | 54 | 14% |
| 2001 | 75 | 14% |
| 2000 | 111 | 16% |
| 1999 | 133 | 16% |
| 1998 | 23 | 13% |
| 1997 | 83 | 22% |
| 1996 | 74 | 16% |
| 1995 | 60 | 15% |
| 1994 | 73 | 19% |
| 1993 | 54 | 26% |
| 1992 | 62 | 37% |
| 1991 | 22 | 27% |
| 1990 | 14 | 37% |
| 1989 | 23 | 52% |
| 1988 | 12 | 39% |
| 1987 | 9 | 32% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
105 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 29, 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