1995 Pontiac Grand Am: won't start

24 of the 408 complaints about the 1995 Pontiac Grand Am describe won't start.

owner complaints: 24
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 126,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 11 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2005
12
2004
37
2003
42
2002
52
2001
80
2000
37
1999
11
1998
3
1997
12
1996
10
1995
24
1994
13
1993
2
1992
3
1991
1
1990
1

What owners say

Filed Apr 15, 2013 · Electrical · 138,000 miles · AL

Car won't start and cut off when car is in drive.

Filed Feb 7, 2009 · Electrical · 140,000 miles · CA · fire

I was in the parking lot of a fast food place we came out after we ate and got in the car attempted to start it but it did not start at first then I turned off the ignition and then tried again it started and after a short time it seamed like it tried to start itself again and it started smoking from below the steering column so I turned it off and jumped out of the car and out the battery by the time the battery was out it had already caught fire and had to be put out with a fire extinguisher which was supplied by a tow truck driver who just so happened to be getting lunch the fire dept was called but never filed a report they just made sure all were ok then left that's basically what happened.

Filed Jul 31, 2006 · Electrical · MI

1995 pontiac grand am coils went bad. *kb the consumer stated his vehicle would not start. The coils were replaced because the garage stated they were bad, however the consumer kept the coils and placed them back in the vehicle which has been running ever since.

Filed Aug 20, 2004 · Electrical · 126,000 miles · PA · fire

Consumer turned the ignition and vehicle did not start. Upon trying to start the vehicle again there was a noise. Consumer looked under the hood and there was fire.

Filed Jul 23, 2004 · Engine · 87,000 miles · PA · fire

I bought my 1995 pontiac grand am se, used in 2001, not even a month after having it, I had to replace the radiator. From there went my coolant line, a dealer part I had to pay a fortune for. Then I also have significant water damage that somehow gets into my carand I end up with puddles of water on the floor. My heater core went, replaced that. Then ball joints, replaced that. Then the recall on my ignition that I failed to recieve, was out with my husband and son for the day, got in to start my car and it wouldnt turn over. Took the key out, then all of a sudden the car started to turn over repeditily. Needless to say if my husband wasnt there my son and I could have died, I wouldnt have know what to do. My son was strapped in his car seat and I popped the hood, next thing I know smoke starts pouring into my car from the dash. So I grab my son out quickly as my husband popped the hood, and seen sparks and ripped the power cord off of the battery which stopped the sparks which was in the process of starting a fire. After replacing that, my power steering went, had to replace those lines. Then my coolant was low for no reason at all, the next week, two weeks after an oil change, oil light comes on. No oil in the engine. Put oil in and was fine for about an hour until car suddenly lost power and I had to pull of to the side of the road to find out that I have a blown head gasket plus other problems caused by this that caused my motor to no longer be in running order. I still owe $2000 on my car and was told today by numerous specialists that this car with the blown head gaskets is a known problem in these cars, and for some reason gm fails to acknowledge this and lets these cars remain on the road. You need to do something. So now I have no car with a baby, and a major problem. Like I said you need to fix this problem.

Filed May 20, 2004 · Electrical · 95,493 miles · MA · fire

Vehicle was parked and consumer placed the key inside the ignition, and vehicle would not start. A burning smell was coming from the vehicle. Consumer lifted up the hood, and smoke was coming from the starter. Consumer was able to extinguish the fire. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection, and mechanic determined that the ignition switch needed to be replaced due to failure. *ak

Filed Sep 10, 2002 · Electrical · WV

When putting key in ignition and turning it, vehicle will not start. Consumer has to try at least three times before engine will turn over and start.*ak

Filed May 3, 2002 · Engine · TX

While driving temperature goes up and vehicle starts making noise. Vehicle would not start. Cause unknown.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Engine · PA

Was traveling on a side street and heard a banging noise coming from underneath the vehicle. She pulled over to the shoulder and vehicle wouldn't start back up. The dealership is aware of the problem.

Filed Jun 26, 2001 · Electrical · OH

Recall 00v287000/ manufacturer's recall 0079; vehicle doesn't start, and when trying it sends power surges, causing it to smoke. Relay is bad and will be replaced by manufacturer. Consumer was responsible for ignition switch although this vehicle was not included in recall.

Filed Jun 15, 2001 · Electrical · TX

Ignition started smoking from the steering column and then would not start, the ignition switch was replaced, consumer later received recall 00v287, dealer stated there was no way to tell if the problem was related to the recall because the relay switch had not been installed, consumer is requesting reimbursement if her repairs are related to the recall.

Filed Jun 8, 2001 · Electrical · TX

Consumer stated that vehicle just stopped completely and would not start again, consumer had been awaiting parts for recall on relay kit, consumer had car fixed at own expense and was told she would be reimbursed monies paid out of pocket.