1997 Pontiac Grand AM Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 5%of 383 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 5% of the 383 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 2 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.
“The most recent of problems is my steering went out on me while turning in to a parking lot. Had my mechanic look at it and he said it was the rack and pinion seal that caused it to pour out the fluid. I have also had many other problems such as gas leaking even though all lines were replaced. Power steering line replaced due to pin hole leaks, multiple wheel bearings, radiator. Ignition switch, and one of the sensors in the upper back side of the motor somehow came undone and melted the connector and caused a dead short in my car.”
NHTSA complaint #10551164, filed 2013-11, 223,027 miles“When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. There were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10031249, filed 2003-09, 113,000 miles“Passlock system turned car off in middle of highway had to push car to side of road with 100's of cars passing me at 65 MPH (life threatening) reset passlock but has done the same 4 times.”
NHTSA complaint #10222877, filed 2008-03, 194,544 miles“When trying to start the car the steering locks up and you have to move the steering wheel back and forth for it to catch and finally will start like it keeps locking up. My son bought this car as his first car so no sure how long it has been like this doing this as we purchased from a friend and he did say that something was up with the steering when trying to start.”
NHTSA complaint #10861427, filed 2016-04“I complained numerous times before about Pontiac, and the theft deterrent system going out five times standing my wife, children, gradndchildren and myself. This time we all were on vbacation and the motor blew up. Pontiac refused to pay the re[lacement cost of $5,500.00. The stupid car should have bee recalled and you did nothing.”
NHTSA complaint #749447, filed 2001-07Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 8% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 14 | 4% |
| 2002 | 22 | 6% |
| 2001 | 24 | 4% |
| 2000 | 34 | 5% |
| 1999 | 70 | 8% |
| 1998 | 14 | 8% |
| 1997 | 21 | 5% |
| 1996 | 19 | 4% |
| 1995 | 13 | 3% |
| 1994 | 56 | 15% |
| 1993 | 14 | 7% |
| 1992 | 14 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 5 | 11% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 4 | 14% |
| 1986 | 3 | 27% |
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 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