1997 Pontiac Grand AM Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 6%of 383 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 82,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Pontiac Grand AM, 6% of the 383 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 82,500 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.
“The car has a hard start between 1st and 2nd gear that has happened for the past 60k and no one able to diagnose problem. The car is now at 96k and the check engine light came on indicating a p1870 code which triggers the light and is caused by a worn tcc apply valve on the 4t60e GM transmissions. Have heard from several other individuals that they are experiencing the same problems on their 1997 4t60e transmissions. …”
NHTSA complaint #10000315, filed 2002-12, 96,498 miles“Sensor in transmission failed. Driver's window had previously been replaced/electrical problem. Now, having problems in the other windows/and the one replaced.**** dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over to artemis****760764.”
NHTSA complaint #10008769, filed 2002-04, 108,000 miles“Transmission shifts out of drive to neutral gear. I found a technical service bulletin #677164 which the dealer said was not a recall notice and would not honor it. The notice states to repair the control valve body assembly. The power loss resulted in a reeve of the engine at 70 miles per hour on interstate 10 in arizona and also while driving locally off highway 101 at 65 miles per hour. The car gears shifted out of drive into neutral gear. This needs to be recalled before it causes injury. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #10000318, filed 2002-12, 95,550 miles“I had to replace transmission due to severe slippage 2nd to 3rd gear. 82000 miles on it. Drivers power window system needed repaired. Pass front inop. Radio know is screwed up.”
NHTSA complaint #10043903, filed 2003-10, 82,500 miles“97 Grand Am 4cyl pur new 5/97 series of problems.gt version but driven cautiously by 40 year olds.at 2 years and 39,000 miles water pump fails.is under car and is 600.00 dol to replace!nobody should buy the 4 cylinder when an item prone to failure like a water pump cant be accessed without removing the manifolds on the car.at 50,000 key comes out of ignition while car running.ignition switch fails,has to be re keyed and cost is 500.00 by local mechanic serv stat.at 55,000 miles at interlocks up,car stuck towed at this time a alternator check shows that is not charging.replace both cost…”
NHTSA complaint #10062085, filed 2004-03, 39,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10017096Oct 24, 2005Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 10017086Oct 24, 20054t40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 13 | 3% |
| 2001 | 12 | 2% |
| 2000 | 17 | 3% |
| 1999 | 32 | 4% |
| 1998 | 13 | 8% |
| 1997 | 22 | 6% |
| 1996 | 33 | 7% |
| 1995 | 33 | 8% |
| 1994 | 22 | 6% |
| 1993 | 19 | 9% |
| 1992 | 16 | 10% |
| 1991 | 5 | 6% |
| 1990 | 7 | 18% |
| 1989 | 2 | 5% |
| 1988 | 1 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 11% |
| 1986 | 1 | 9% |
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 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