2000 Pontiac Grand Am from North America - Comments

I own and drive a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and it has about 60,000 miles on it -- My car has been fine with no problems until recently and it all seems to be a chain reaction.

Brake problems, leaking intake gasket, hazard lights interfering with signals (there is a recall for this problem) -- my main concern is the leaking gasket which is a very expensive fix (i was quoted about $1,000) -- I know many people who drive Grand Ams who are experiencing the same gasket problem -- my question is why GM has not issued a recall for this problem -- no engine -- no car -- any suggestions? ms_s3xy_azz_virgo@yahoo.com.

Another 2001 Grand Am SE with brake rotor problems. It is this simple fact that will have the rotor problem reoccurring on Grand Ams indefinitely: the rotor size is inadequate for the vehicle weight. Compare the rotor size to vehicles of the same weight and you will see the Grand Am rotors are better fit for a Geo Metro. All I can recommend is the performance kit from Brembo with 13" cross-drilled&slotted rotors, although made for race cars, they will fix the problem and leave plenty of pedal reserve for emergencies. I have not had the other problems yet, but I run a very tight maintenance schedule. For the people with water pump problems, try flushing and refilling the coolant as per manuf. specifications. I change the oil every 3500 or less with full synthetic and visually check the dipstick for level, and contamination. If any white runny substance is visible in the oil it is water, and do not start the vehicle until it is fixed to minimize repairs. I am sure the intake gasket problem is due to warpage, which is due to overheating, which is due to poor coolant system circulation. Also NEVER USE TAP WATER TO TOP OFF YOUR COOLANT. Tap water contains minerals which conduct electricity- the mass of the engine block is used as part of the electrical circuit in all cars. The use of aluminum (radiators) and iron (block) will cause a reaction between the two metals and corrode the radiator/waterpump and whole coolant system from the inside out. All I can say for GM, is that if the problem was not easily fixable they would recall it. Make sure you find a mechanic who goes by the book, and perform maintenence twice as soon as the service manual states. All car manufacturers lengthen out the scheduled maintenance to provide a lower annual service average, which makes the car seem cheaper to own. This only causes more costly repairs in the future. Try taking the vehicle to a reputable private shop who will work for the money. The last time I ever took that Pontiac to the dealership, I checked the brakes two months later and the lower caliper bolt was sitting loose in the socket, lazy azzes didn't even use loctite as required. Know your mechanic! Don't be strong-armed by the dealership, they are making money off the vehicle sold, traded-in, parts for repairs and on the manufactures name, but will employ any idiot. Trust me, I was an idiot! PS, check your work order- if the torque specs of every process is not recorded by the technician, the repair is free! Take them to small claims court.

I own a Pontiac Grand Am SE 2000 version and have had a lot of problems also. I had to put new brakes on as well. I have already replaced the driver's side window motor, and now I the passenger side is broken. The security system keeps locking up on me, when I drive the SECURITY light will come on and stay on, and sometimes when I go to start the car, it won't start, I'll have to wait 10 minutes for it to start. Has anyone had this same problem? Any suggestions? Please help.

I recently bought a 2000 Grand Am GT, and was actually proud of myself for having a nice car. It worked fine for the first month, until the blinkers quit, the air conditioner fan won't work unless turned up to three, the gas gauge says I have a half tank, but then plummets to 'E' and then dies. The newest one is that the radiator decides to empty itself here and there. I used to love the Grand Am, but next time will buy a truck!!!

P.S. On the blinker not working, I found a recall on that particular problem...

I own a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am GT, and I love my car more than anything. I was beginning to give up on it and it's Cooling problems. It over heats and now needs a new head-gasket and (hopefully not) engine now. I have found the problem that caused it and I think any of you with similar problems will like to know. It's Dex-Cool! It has corroded and flat out destroyed just about everything under the hood. There is a Lawsuit going on you may be interested in. I found the web site an hour ago. If you are having cooling/radiator problems and I'm sure you using Dex-Cool, just type in Dex-Cool investigation and it will show up. I wrote the lawyers and even if I hear nothing back, I hope they put the company out of business for Killing my Car. Well the tow truck is pulling up with my car now. I wish you all luck. I'm 5000.00 broker and my car is worse than before. Don't give up on the Grand Am's! They are great cars. We just need to be careful what we put in them, parts and liquids. They're like kids, you have to really check what you are putting in them. Just because someone says its the best for them, you should investigate it for yourself. I will from now on.

I loved this car from the minute I got it. I have driven it a lot and put a lot of miles on it, but I have kept up with general maintenace. I bought it at 30k miles. At about 35k, the passenger side window motor and glass was replaced at about 500$. Then at 50k the rotors had to be shaved and turned. Now at 70k my car won't start at all. I have been having problems with the security system, but they don't know whats wrong. It has to go to the dealer. Does any one know what could be wrong?

Wow! Great website. I have a 2000 Grand Am sitting in my drive way I am afraid to drive. I have a coolant leak, all my brake warning lights are on, my entire radio/clock panel doesn't work, I just repaired the tail light issue (recalled) before the recall, but lost my receipt and the dealer doesn't have record of me buying the new panels. I think I need new shocks. This will be my 3rd brake repair in 4 years. I am afraid to drive it and not sure who to trust. I have read the horror stories on this site and not sure where to start with the repairs - and I only have 15 months more to pay on it??? Bittersweet.

I have had a similar horror story concerning the brake grinding problem. First I was told it could not be recreated; then someone finally heard the problem, which when driving about 60 mph the car would shake and sound like it would shake off its tires. The rotor was readjusted; the rotor was cut; the pads and rotors were finally replaced; then it was suggested it might be the bearing assembly. Did it solve the problem? No, I still feel shimmying occasionally and am fearful about driving too fast. Now another situation: after driving all day I parked the car. After two hours it would not start. The lights, radio, fan, etc come on so it doesn't seem to be the battery, however, the car is dead. No sound, no click, no nothing. Could it be the starter? Could it be the wiring? Could it be the anti-theft system? What is the problem? Not to mention the lighter went out, which I understand is a common problem. Can someone help with a suggestion on what could be the problem before other things start to go? Thanks!!!

I own a 2000 grand am GT that I purchased brand new. To date I have had to put new brakes and rotors 7 times and the car only has 70,000 miles. Stay away from these vehicles, they are nice looking, but not worth the problems. Car is basically crap and GM is not taking responsibility.

Wow!! I thought I was the only one having problems with my 2000 Grand Am, but I see that there are many stories and a lot of the problems that I am reading about are the same ones that I have. The brake and rotor problems are annoying, 6 times replaced in 4 years. The horrible clicking sound after the turn signal turns off is even more

annoying. And now the problem I have is with the cooling system!!! It started with the fan blower not working unless it was on 3 and then the air started to come out hot and then one day I turned the car on and turned the a/c on 3 and the car just died on me with a horrifying sound, I think the compressor went out and when I start the car now, it makes a chilling sound and the car hesitates to start. Does anyone know what the problem is? I want to have a heads up before taking it to the dealer and having them tell me that it needs $2000 dollars in repairs. Help!! I am considering buying import next time!!

Wow! Thought I was the only one. I have a 2000 Pontiac Grand Am and it has been trouble from the get go. I bought my car in 2001 it was a rental previously. It had 35,000 miles on it. To date my car has 73,000 miles. I have nothing, but trouble from this car. I have replaced my power windows twice on the passenger and driver side at 300.00 a piece. I have replaced my head gasket manifold at 1,200.00 because I was going through a bottle of coolant a day. I have replaced the battery 3 times and the starter once. I have just now replaced the starter and my car is sounding like terrible it barely starts. Every time I try to get an opinion on whats wrong with the car I get a different answer. People tell me its the the FLYWHEEL that needs to be replaced which is 900.00. Two of my friends bought a Grand Am because it looked nice and they have had so much trouble from it. I am not getting my car fixed I am getting rid of it. I will never buy a Pontiac again and will tell my friends to do the same.

My 2000 Grand-Am SE is beautiful, but... blinkers don't' work, already replaced the unit for the power windows (because the driver side wouldn't roll down), AC don't work unless it is on 3, replace brakes every year, 6 months after purchasing it had to replace some module in the fuel tank/pump (because it would just knock off and die going down the road), car won't start sometimes and we have to get on the ground and peck on the fuel tank to even get it to start, I was told it needed a fuel pump. When you turn the wheel it makes a loud grinding type noise.

My 2001Pontiac Grand Am has not started several times with the red SECURITY light flashing. I wait 10 minutes for the light to go out, with the ignition switch at run, and then turn the ignition to off for 5 seconds and then start the car. This not acceptable. I had the fuel pump module replaced the first time the car did not start. I suspect it may have been the same problem, I just did not notice that the SECURITY light was lit when I had the car towed to the shop. The car started and the mechanic could not find a problem. But he thought it needed a new fuel pump or it might stop on the road. $517.00 later I have this recurring problem. I am afraid to take it to the shop because it will probably cost another $500.00 with no solution again. Is there a part that must be replaced or is it a poor connection or is it a worn key or ignition switch? I do not know how this security system is supposed to work or I could probably figure it out myself and fix it. Does any one know how this system is supposed to work? I you know how it should work or how to fix the problem, please let us know.

Oh my gosh! This site makes me want to cry because I thought I was going insane with my car!! This car has been nothing, but a problem from day ONE! First is was the starter, which I was told was part of the security system, of which I have no control over, I didn't' know I had a security system! Then the flywheel broke, which caused a main gasket to crack and break off. The air and the heater both will not work unless it is on 3. Now, I too am having the mysterious "security" light problem, where the car decides not to start and I have to sit and wait about 10 minutes until the light stops flashing before it will start. I've taken the car to my mechanic, who is very good to me and he says he knows there's a problem with it, but the system checks that they can run show nothing on them. It's not even something they can figure out from running a diagnostic from the computer. If anyone knows how to fix this, please help! I've heard that after so long, the car just plain won't start... I will never again buy a pontiac, this car makes me sad.

I too own a 2000 Gran Am GT which I am having big troubles with. I haven't seen any comments on here about a harsh grinding sound when turning at low speeds. I found (after owning the car less than a week) that it is caused by the tires. Whenever you put Goodyear LS tires (225/50/16) on the car it will do this. There is a Technical Service Bulletin out about this subject for no reason. My car is currently in the shop with a coolant leak at 49,000 miles. I have only owned it for just under 2 months and it had been back to the dealer 4 times. First for the rotors to be turned, then pads, then the tire noise, and now the coolant leak. I haven't even put 3,000 miles on it yet. Add to this, the dealer is trying to give me the runaround and telling me the coolant leak is "just a little seepage"!!! Since when is any coolant leak OK? I will not buy another Pontiac again.