2002 Pontiac Grand AM Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 54about this part
- Share
- 14%of 395 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 56,937miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 54 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM, 14% of the 395 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 56,937 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am with a 3.4 litre engine. The vehicle overheats. I did some research and found out that general motors installed plastic gaskets on these vehicles and recommended dex-cool. The antifreeze eats the gasket up from the inside out and causes the vehicle to overheat. General motors refuses to fix my vehicle even though they knew about this problem for years.”
NHTSA complaint #10357088, filed 2010-09, 142,000 miles“When it rains, at take off the car stalls and will not run until it dries out. This has been going on for a year or more. I have almost been hit from behind several times as drivers behind me think I am going and the call stalls. One time my husband was driving on the expressway at 70 and the car shut down. Most time it seems to be when coming to a stop then taking off it stalls. The car will start then as soon as you hit the gas or put it in gear it shuts down. My daughter has a 2003 alero that does the same thing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10595771, filed 2014-06, 120,000 miles“I went to start my 2002 Pontiac Grand Am and it wouldn't turn over, just a very high speed spinning noise. The day prior there had been a rattle during start up. I had the car towed to the dealership where I bought it. They checked it and the timing chain had broken. They told me that it was an interference engine, and as a result there was valve and cylinder damage. They had to rebuild the engine almost completely as a result. This was at approximately 85,000 km.”
NHTSA complaint #10228271, filed 2008-05, 85,000 miles“On my way to an event, I heard a pop and the steering wheel became stiff; then stalled. I had it towed to a mechanic, who declared the timing belt broke and repairs are going to be costly. I have low mileage on the car, and believe some remedy should be sought.”
NHTSA complaint #10159980, filed 2006-06, 52,000 miles“I was driving when the engine shut off and the key in the ignition was turned to the on position. Had I been going faster instead of turning a corner I would have wrecked, been killed, or killed someone.”
NHTSA complaint #10181833, filed 2007-02, 140,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10251890Mar 13, 2024This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank…
- 10250775Feb 22, 2024This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10242262Aug 24, 2023This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and…
- 10236164Apr 24, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10235802Apr 24, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234141Mar 23, 2023This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 10234110Mar 17, 2023This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10227056Nov 9, 2022This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large…
- 10222796Sep 14, 2022This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 12 | 4% |
| 2003 | 24 | 7% |
| 2002 | 54 | 14% |
| 2001 | 75 | 14% |
| 2000 | 111 | 16% |
| 1999 | 133 | 16% |
| 1998 | 23 | 13% |
| 1997 | 83 | 22% |
| 1996 | 74 | 16% |
| 1995 | 60 | 15% |
| 1994 | 73 | 19% |
| 1993 | 54 | 26% |
| 1992 | 62 | 37% |
| 1991 | 22 | 27% |
| 1990 | 14 | 37% |
| 1989 | 23 | 52% |
| 1988 | 12 | 39% |
| 1987 | 9 | 32% |
Other parts of the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
148 complaintsExterior lighting
97 complaintsBrakes
40 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsSteering
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsTires
12 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsSuspension
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Pontiac Grand AM
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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