2001 Pontiac Grand AM Problems

What owners report

Owners of this model year most often describe electrical problems, especially an anti-theft (Passlock) system that refuses to let the car start and an ignition switch that has been replaced repeatedly. Turn-signal and hazard switch failures and coolant leaks from the intake manifold gasket are also commonly reported, with brake work (pads and rotors) showing up at relatively low mileage.

1. 1
   Electrical system

   Passlock security system prevents starting

   Mentioned in 24 of 60 sampled complaints

   Owners describe the security light coming on and the engine refusing to crank, requiring the key to be left in the ON position for about ten minutes before a retry, and sometimes several attempts. Some report the car stalling while driving, at times cutting steering assist, and dealers or shops often could not duplicate the fault or replaced the fuel pump first. Repairs reported include ignition switch, lock cylinder and wiring replacement, sometimes more than once. Reported from under 50,000 miles up into the 100,000-220,000 mile range, on vehicles of varying age.

   Recall 14V400000

   What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch or Passlock components have been replaced and whether the ignition recall work was completed; start the car cold several times and check that the security light goes out.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “The security light on my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am gt remains on and the vehicle does not start. The car has left me stranded time and time again in the cold and in the heat while waiting for the passlock system to reset. I have replaced the locking cylinder twice and it is still not working properly. According to information viewed on the internet, this is a reoccurring problem with these type vehicles.”

   NHTSA complaint #10412189, filed 2011-07, 87,000 miles

   “Vehicle key, which is part of key ring (2-3 house keys) slipped out of the ignition on a highway, in a tunnel. Vehicle functionality ceased. Now power steering or brakes. I put on my hazards but with no shoulder or breakdown lane in the tunnel, I used my emergency brake to come to a stop.”

   NHTSA complaint #10620920, filed 2014-08, 117,340 miles
2. 2
   Exterior lighting

   Turn signals and hazard switch intermittent or dead

   • 111 complaints (21%)
   • median 66,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (73 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $350 (median of 5 quotes)
   • filed 2002–2018

   Complaints describe turn signals that work only sometimes or stop entirely, sometimes restored briefly by cycling the hazard switch, and a clicking noise from the dash near the steering column. Several owners mention the multi-function switch being replaced, in some cases repeatedly, and a recall covering the hazard switch was noted by owners whose vehicles were outside its scope or who still had problems afterward. Mostly reported between roughly 30,000 and 100,000 miles, with some at higher mileage.

   Recall 03V3270003 related service bulletins

   What to check: Test both turn signals and the hazard flashers, listen for clicking from the dash, and ask whether the hazard switch recall (03V327000) and any multi-function switch replacement were done.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “Both the hazard switch and multifunction switch shorted out at the same time causing the need to replace both switches. The hazard switch subsequently became a recall, but GM would not reimburse me for the multifunction switch as well. The dealer's mechanic could not tell me which switch caused the other to fail.”

   NHTSA complaint #10163029, filed 2006-07, 53,345 miles

   “2001 Grand Am gt with 67,000 miles. Hazard lights and turn signals worked only sometimes. Had recalled switch replaced, now I have nothing at all. Garages can't seem to figure out what's wrong and I hate driving without turn signals. Getting a ticket for not having them is the least of worries.”

   NHTSA complaint #10285308, filed 2009-09, 66,000 miles
3. 3
   Engine cooling

   Engine stalling and rough or high idle

   • 56 complaints (10%)
   • median 94,650 mi at 7.5 yrs old (44 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $850 (median of 8 quotes)
   • filed 2002–2023

   Some owners describe the engine cutting out without warning at speed or at stops, sometimes restarting after a wait and sometimes not restarting at all. Others report the engine revving high at idle or a sticking accelerator that was attributed to the throttle body, with cleaning or parts replacement not always resolving it. Scattered from very low mileage up past 120,000 miles, with no clear pattern in the sample.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Ask whether stalling or idle problems have been diagnosed, and have a shop check for stored engine codes and inspect the throttle body and intake for leaks.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My 2001 Grand Am se hit around 98,000 kms and has been revving at 2,500 to 3,000 rpms while idling and while driving over revs and you need two feet on the brake. Have replaced intake manifold, one sensor, one valve, and $1,000 later my car still does the same. This is not safe while transporting children and with winter coming it should make for a scary ride.”

   NHTSA complaint #10200412, filed 2007-08, 98,000 miles

   “In november of 2005 I purchase a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am gt. A couple of days of having the car, when I went over a bump the car stalled on me. I thought it was a one time thing. I took it back to the dealer and they told me nothing was wrong. When it happened 2 more times, I took it back to the dealer and they told me that all of my relays were bad and that it would cost me $700. Out of cost pocket. They told me this when my warranty expired. I thought I had a 90 day warranty, but it turn out that I had a 30 day warranty. …”

   NHTSA complaint #10173097, filed 2006-11, 42 miles
4. 4
   Engine cooling

   Coolant leak from intake manifold gasket

   • 44 complaints (8%)
   • median 60,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (31 state mileage)
   • 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $800 (median of 20 quotes)
   • filed 2003–2014

   Owners report coolant leaking at the intake manifold gasket, with some describing coolant entering the engine, low coolant, overheating or white smoke. Several say the gasket was replaced more than once, and some were told the original gasket design was the reason and that an updated gasket should be used. Some complaints also mention head gasket and thermostat replacement. Described from about 17,000 miles up to roughly 170,000 miles, often noted around 75,000-125,000 miles.

   3 related service bulletins

   What to check: Check coolant level and look for coolant residue or staining around the intake manifold, and ask whether the intake gasket has been replaced and with which part.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “For the second time I am replacing the intake manifold gasket in my 2001 Pontiac Grand Am gt. My mechanic, also the place that changes my oil, as well as my GM dealer have all noted that there is a design flaw with the gasket in it's relation to the dex-cool coolant (the coolant is acidic and eats away at the gasket which leads to coolant getting into engine or oil getting into coolant). …”

   NHTSA complaint #10160253, filed 2006-06, 169,000 miles

   “I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Am gt with the 3.4 v6 engine. The intake manifold gasket started leaking coolant into the cylinders. According to my mechanic, this was a common problem for this engine and that GM knew about this problem but refuses to pay for the cost of repairs.”

   NHTSA complaint #10193308, filed 2007-06, 78,505 miles
5. 5
   Brakes

   Brake shudder and repeat pad/rotor wear

   • 56 complaints (10%)
   • median 38,000 mi at 3.6 yrs old (31 state mileage)
   • 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
   • owner-quoted repair $700 (median of 8 quotes)
   • filed 2001–2016

   Complaints describe vibration or shaking while braking, scraping noises from the front brakes, and repeated replacement of pads and rotors at low mileage. Some owners say dealers could not find a cause and that the symptom returned after repairs. Mostly reported under about 60,000 miles, some within the first few thousand miles.

   What to check: Brake firmly from highway speed during a test drive and feel for pulsation or shudder, and ask for service records showing when pads and rotors were last replaced.

   2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

   “My car shakes violently when braking. I have had the brakes replaced 4 times since buying it and haven't felt safe driving it since about the third day after I bought it. I am not driving it wrong, as the mechanics say. There is no reason you should hve to have the brakes done 4 times before 60,000 miles (rotors twice, once I wouldn't let them since it had just been done and was out of warranty). I wonder how long you will let this continue before someone gets killed. I will be watching for that complaint.”

   NHTSA complaint #10030962, filed 2003-08, 12,000 miles

   “First the speed sensor malfunctioned. Then, the speed sensor hub malfunctioned within one year time limit. These sensors had an effect on the anti lock braking system which did not work when sensors failed. Cruise control will not work because it made the brake light come on. Took vehicle in to see what was wrong. Dealer did not solve the problem.”

   NHTSA complaint #10095082, filed 2004-10, 15,500 miles

Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the starting and security system, the turn signals, coolant leaks and the brakes, and ask for records of ignition switch and intake gasket work. Parts and repairs for these items are widely documented, so service history is the best guide to condition.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.