1997 Pontiac Grand AM Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 3%of 383 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 128,728miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 3% of the 383 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 128,728 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The contact owns a 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. While driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle shut off and on three different times. The windows would not roll up and down properly unless controlled by the driver's side control swtich. The fog lights do not work as well and the fuses are charred. The vehicle has not yet been taken to the dealer. The current and failure mileages were 128,728.”
NHTSA complaint #10217821, filed 2008-02, 128,728 miles“This is the third time the power sunroof has failed, each time it fails in the exact same manner, the window is opened slightly to vent and then the unit fails, and it won't open or close. The second time, the car was in the shop for over a week, then I had to wait a month for a part to come in. In the meanwhile, I could not use the sunroof either. The headlights stay on most of the time when the car is on. The sensor seems to work intermittently. On bright, sunny days, the headlights come on. On cloudy, rainy days, when the lights should be on, they don't come on. …”
NHTSA complaint #707013, filed 1999-05“Had the sunroof motor replaced 2 times, left front wheel noise, dealer said there is no problem always makes grinding noise left front after car sits all night , when you first put car in reverse the noise is noticeable, had too have left rear taillght replaced when new,car trunck gets dust into at right side of rear seat where it folds down , dealer says there is no proble, still not repaired ,car is now out of warranty.has coolant leak at the intake manifold ,has been leaking for aprox 15,000 miles again out of warranty this was my first new car I have ever bought and will never buy…”
NHTSA complaint #716332, filed 1999-12“Brakes: when driving and attempting to stop the car, has to push pedal completely to the floor before the car will stop. Beginning to make grinding noise when applying the brakes. In addition, headlights will not cpme on on certain times/seat belt twists all the time and ticking noise from engine area.”
NHTSA complaint #819901, filed 1998-01“Ongoing problem with condensation getting into the headlight lens, causing discoloration and poor visibility. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that repairs/replacement would only be done at consumer's cost.”
NHTSA complaint #863123, filed 2000-06Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 12 | 12% |
| 2004 | 53 | 18% |
| 2003 | 65 | 20% |
| 2002 | 97 | 25% |
| 2001 | 98 | 18% |
| 2000 | 157 | 23% |
| 1999 | 68 | 8% |
| 1998 | 2 | 1% |
| 1997 | 12 | 3% |
| 1996 | 20 | 4% |
| 1995 | 31 | 8% |
| 1994 | 23 | 6% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 4 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM
105 complaintsEngine cooling
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 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