1998 Pontiac Grand AM Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 33about this part
- Share
- 19%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,899miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 33 complaints about the electrical system of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, 19% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,899 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1998 Pontiac Grand Am theft system was engaged and the vehicle will not start I was told by the dealer that it was the dash cluster and key switch replaced both vehicle still will not start.”
NHTSA complaint #10415047, filed 2011-07, 115,786 miles“When attempting to turn off my vehicle the key would not go to the off position to release my key. All electrical devices (head lights, dash lights,etc...) would stay on. I disconnected the battery and then brought it to a dealer the next morning. They stated there was a failure in the shift interlock solenoiv and the ingnition lock cylinder also needed to be replaced. My car has 33,000 miles and has maintanance regularly(oil change,etc...). The dealer wants to charge $520 to fix a failed part. They also stated it could happen again. Any information on this would be wonderful. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #10021405, filed 2003-06, 33,000 miles“Was driving on interstate 287 in new jersey when engine cut off causing loss of brakes, power steering. Caused accident when ran off road due to lack of power steering and inability to effectively brake. Took to dealer who replaced crankshaft sensor that did not repair problem. After car was repaired incident continued to occur without any trouble codes. Now that issue has developed with ignition switches, it seems to me that this may be a longer term problem than currently thought. Finally sold the vehicle due to continuing problem that no one could solve.”
NHTSA complaint #10604439, filed 2014-06, 24,000 miles“1998 Pontiac GM recall ignition switch high current flow, the dealer red mccombs supirior Pontiac added a relay switch, and never replaced the original ignition switch that had been subjected to the high currency flow, now the vehicale is back in the service department needing the ignition cylinder and the ignition switch replaced if the original defect recall would have been sought out correctly by the dealer the vehicle would have been safe. …”
NHTSA complaint #10089036, filed 2004-09, 95,000 miles“When turning the ignition vehicle would not start right away. Dealer had been contacted. After repair on ignition, recall from manufacturer was released. Consumer is seeking reimbursement for the repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10067314, filed 2004-05, 93,462 milesRelated recalls
- 04V036000Jan 27, 2004On 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 1998, Chevrolet Cavalier 1998–2001, Pontiac Sunfire 1998–2001 +2 more
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…
- 10113258Sep 19, 2013This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on…
- 10013000Feb 23, 2004If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the start position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch and sometimes produces…
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 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
38 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsFuel system
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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