1998 Pontiac Grand AM Vehicle speed control Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 9%of 172 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,039miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM, 9% of the 172 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,039 miles. 3 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.
“Consumer was driving through a school zone going less than 25 MPH and cruise control kicked in. The vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and went down an embankment. The vehicle hit a tree and it wasn't until the vehicle stopped that the air bags deployed. When the air bags deployed they blacked the passengers eyes.”
NHTSA complaint #10089196, filed 2004-08, 135,678 miles“Does not matter what time of day or what temp outside, when car is started, RPM's range from 2000 to 3000. Car will not go to normal idle at any time no matter how long driven unless car is turned off an then back on. Sometimes it takes doing this several times. If this is not done and idle is left as is, car is extremely difficult to stop. Almost necessary to stand on the brakes! Dealer says there is nothing wrong and that it is a factory preset.”
NHTSA complaint #10058864, filed 2004-02, 65,000 miles“Severe acceleration when auto is moving at slow or idle speed when moving from a cold start or nearly cold start. Most noticeable when auto is making a turn after a cold start or nearly cold start. The problem occur 100% of the time when descending from a parking deck and reaching the lower level or lowest level of the parking deck. My action is to put the car in neutral until it drop back to a normal idling speed, which normally take( as a guest), about 45 to 60 seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #10096408, filed 2004-10, 100,400 miles“Had problems with car since beginning. Accelerates on its own and lunges forward when stopping. Also the brakes failed,causing an accident. Rotors have warped on numerous occasions. Dealer contacted 10-15 times with no problem found. Car is a major safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #719676, filed 2000-03“Consumer states when taking foot off accelerator, vehicle starts to pulsate and when brakes are applied it takes approximately 3 to 4 feet to stop, while vehicle is bucking as if the ABS are engaging, RPM needle goes crazy.”
NHTSA complaint #561530, filed 2001-06Vehicle speed control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 6% |
| 2003 | 35 | 11% |
| 2002 | 5 | 1% |
| 2001 | 11 | 2% |
| 2000 | 10 | 1% |
| 1999 | 23 | 3% |
| 1998 | 16 | 9% |
| 1997 | 36 | 9% |
| 1996 | 9 | 2% |
| 1995 | 8 | 2% |
| 1994 | 8 | 2% |
| 1993 | 4 | 2% |
| 1992 | 9 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 2 | 5% |
| 1989 | 4 | 9% |
| 1988 | 3 | 10% |
| 1987 | 2 | 7% |
Other parts of the 1998 Pontiac Grand AM
38 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsEngine cooling
23 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 Nov 1, 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