1st Jul 2010, 17:22

I have a 99 Grand Am SE, 4 cyl, 2.4 L that I bought new off the lot. I currently have approx. 180,000 km with a mix of city and highway driving. It handles well and is relatively comfortable to drive. The rear seats are not very comfortable, but this is not an issue for me. I like that the front driver seat has a power seat. For people with mobility issues, it is difficult to get into the front seats as the front seats sit quite low to the ground.

From almost the beginning, my car went out at lights, particularly in really cold weather (colder than -20C) or really hot weather (warmer than 30C). This problem seemingly couldn't be detected by the dealership computer system until the warranty expired. At that time, it was confirmed there was an O2 sensor issue. In the last few years, I've put in quite a lot of money in repairs:

- O2 sensor x2 (both)

- Replaced the driver side power window

- Replaced the driver side power seat motor

- New alternator x3 (but one was a faulty part)

- New batteries x4 (but keep in mind I lived in Winnipeg for 6 years and at least once it was because of the deep cold at -44C)

- Rear wheel cylinder leak x3 (but one was a faulty part)

- Brake pads replaced 4x

- Front driver side suspension coil spring broke requiring new front end suspension both sides

- New belt

- New water cooler

- New tracking guide for the chain (this part was showing wear in the metal and had a crack in it)

- New wheels x2 (regular maintenance)

- Some of the recalled fixes (e.g. the latch on the console)

- Routine bulb replacements

- Cruise control was replaced

In the last week, I've done $2700 in repairs. It seems several major repairs are happening at the same time.

Also, the rear suspension is soft and needs repairs and there is an oil leak. In the last year, the gas gauge has stopped working below 1/4 tank. Occasionally it will drop down to zero, then bounce back up to full. After 1/4 tank, it moves erratically. I have to track mileage and I aim to fuel up when I hit 1/4 tank.

Other things I haven't bothered to repair include the radio knob turning up in volume when trying to turn it down, the rubber around the doors coming off, the digital display for the radio / clock working inconsistently and having random lines, the upholstery in the trunk is loose, and a little rust at the bottom of the doors.

I'm trying to determine whether the car has reached its limit and I need to get a new car for safety reasons or to prevent shelling out a lot more in repairs. Alternatively, maybe I've repaired all the major things and it will last for another year or two.

2nd Jul 2010, 11:41

I sold my 2001 Grand Am last year, but in 9 years of service here is a list of my total repair expenses:

1 light bulb, $10.

19th Jul 2010, 23:23

I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am SE 2dr Coupe that I've owned since 2005. I bought it off the lot, working and looking like new.

After 2 weeks of owning it, most of my lights went on like my ABS, Brake, Trac, etc. I brought it back to the dealership where I bought it let me borrow a 97 2dr, and examine the issue. After a week, they found out that the computer failed and were going to charge me $400.00 for a new computer when I've already given them $1200.00 down. I wrote them bad checks because I gave them ALL I HAD. They replaced my computer and tried to cash the checks and kept on getting returned (sorry fellas, I know all about lemons, and you ain't putting me in no smaller 97).

After that, it worked nicely!

2 years later... ABS, brakes go on simultaneously, losing my traction control, and then return to normal, giving me all options back.

Now it's 2008... ABS, brake light stays on and never shuts off, have no Trac, blinker relay switch is possessed and keeps ticking, keep on burning my blower motor and switch, passenger side window motor has been replaced 3 times, ignition control module has been replaced 3 times, all 4 wheel bearings have been replaced recently, gas gauge gives me faulty readings, and have to play with my transmission shift lever to get the thing started.

I kept up on repairs with the car until I realized I need to buy a more reliable vehicle for my wife and kids. I still have it, runs and drives nicely at 193,000 miles, granted that the computer system has ADHD. Tough car, but has no intelligence to it.

I do have a good pro to this... this car took out a 1999 Ford Expedition, and has no damage to the engine, frame, and driveline... :)

16th Sep 2010, 01:06

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Am SE with 114000 on it. My uncle bought it used back in 2004, when he passed away I inherited the car.

Since November I have put 1 wheel bearing in and no other major problems. Sounds like some of you have a lemon and others have crummy mechanics. When you ABS brakes and traction control light comes on it is your wheel bearing. Replace the wheel bearing and you shouldn't have any problems. As for my vinyls on the back door panels they are peeling up but other wise no issues.

However I have to replace a $275 turn signal relay because there is a short in it and it sounds like the turn signal is constantly on. My check engine light has come on and it was in fact for the O2 sensor but I shut the light off. It came on again 6000 miles later so I shut it off again and I am now 14000 miles without a check engine light at all.

They really are good cars never left me stranded. However all Pontiac Grand Ams have their quirks because of how they were made.

2nd Oct 2010, 14:21

I had quite a few of the problems mentioned in previous posts.

I have a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am GT (2dr coupe) that I bought in 2002 from a dealer. I went out of the country for about five years, starting in 2005, and it sat in storage all that time.

Since I returned, I have replaced both window regulators and all my tires (about $1500 in all). I just got used to the hazard light or turn signal clicking anomaly. However, I have had two recent developments that if you have any knowledge about, it would be greatly appreciated:

1. All of the instruments (to include the fuel gauge) /cautionary warning lights will momentarily go out, light up like a Christmas tree, and then come back.

2. When I drive 70 mph or greater I get a shudder resonating from the steering column. What do you think the probable causes are?

9th Nov 2010, 12:05

I have a '99 Pontiac Grand Am SE. I bought the car roughly around 2006.

Since then, I've had to replace:

The heads 2x (1 was manufactured broken).

Water pump 3x.

ABS ETS brake lights come on at about 5 MPH and don't turn off until you turn the car off.

Driver side power window motor is going out.

E brake doesn't work at all.

Seats are comfy in front. I haven't sat in the back yet (I won't because it's mine, LOL).

When I bought the car, it had roughly 75k miles on it and it now has about 98k.

I had to replace fuel filter (regular maintenance).

If the temp is below 40F, it won't stay cranked. There is a clacking noise when the car is first started (this lasts about 5-10 seconds depending on the weather temperature).

It has a massive oil leak (repair shop can't find it).

So far, that's about all I've had go wrong with it. It was my first car and I know they're not supposed to be perfect, but with no job, it's hard to keep this car maintained to keep it running.

18th Nov 2010, 21:59

I have a 1999 Grand Am SE... and to the person 2 up from this post, the shaking could possibly be because of needing tires rotated and aligned. I just recently put new tires on my car, they did all the above, and the shaking has since disappeared when I get to 70 on the highway. Hope that helps!

Does anyone know what causes the problem with the fluctuating gas gauge? Mine is like some similar stories, it hits about 1/2 tank and next thing I know, I have a full tank. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!