1996 Pontiac Grand Am: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Apr 14, 2002 · Visibility · IL

Window motors have been replaced and I still have numerous problems. Windows still will not go up and down properly or stick and won't go down or stick and won't go up. Grinding in steering column; noise has been there since 6/96 and dealers can't seem to locate problem. Struts have been replaced as faulty and are bad once again. Back window leaked they replaced it, now leaks again. This is very fustrating knowing that I have two children one is a toddler and the other is 8, riding in this car with these problems.

Filed Mar 1, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · MO

We have had coolant loss three times with no visible leakage. We were informed that the car was "sucking the coolant in" rather than leaking out. We have had to have the intake manifold gasket replaced 3 times. The 1st time, the dealer replaced intake manifold gasket & oil pump drive ring and valve cover gasket leaking. The 2nd time, the dealer simple resealed the intake gasket but did not replace. The 3rd time, the dealer replaced the upper and lower intake gaskets and rechecked for leaks. All of these repairs were covered under either the original warranty or the extended warranty (good thru 72,000 mi). We now have almost 70,000 mi on this car and the engine is shot! The main throttle bearing gaulded and the extended warranty company is denying our claim (even though we have 2,000 mi left on extended warranty) because they say the oil is "contaminated". I have maintained regular oil changes and am due for an oil change in approx 200 mi. The dealership did not inform me that I should have had the oil changed after any of the coolant leak repairs. Also, we had to have the alternator replaced when then car was just 2 yrs old. Plus we had to have the r&r shaft seal & bearing kit replaced 3 times due to squeaking noise coming from steering column. Also had to have shifter assemply replaced because the key was sticking in the ignition.

Filed Jan 17, 2002 · Suspension · PA

Lower control arm have experienced premature excessive wear and have fallen out. Holding on by a metal bar underneath the bushings. Also while driving at any speed or going over a bump the vehicle grinds making a metal to metal sound.

Filed Aug 19, 2001 · Brakes · NY

When brakes are applied they grind and seem not to catch the car just keeps going. I have had the car to the shop 3 times in one month and nobody can find the problem.

Filed May 25, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · NY

Lower control arm bushings are experiencing excessive wear and have disintegrated. Consumer was informed that this is due to a factory related defect. Also, front struts are noisy and squeaky, a metal to metal sound. *ak dealer replaced tie rods when crushing sound in front end was first heard.

Filed Apr 28, 2000 · Electrical, Suspension · PA · fire

The steering wheel column made grinding noises when my 1996 grand am se was driven. The noises even persisted after the grand am was returned to the original dealership in washington, d.c. Where the car was purchased from for service/repair in december 1999. The service manager informed me the noises from the steering wheel column could not be fixed and since the car was "older"- only 3 years old, any noises in the steering wheel column should be expected and are normal for a 3 year old car. The service manager told me he would look at the steering wheel column as well as the electrical componenets under the dashboard to investigate the problem. The service manager informed me that he did the best he could do to find and repair the noises in the steering wheel column. Approximately three months later, and continued to hear grinding noises from the steering wheel column, on march 31, 2000, after dropping my infant to the daycare center, I attempted to start the car and it would not start. The steering wheel column in addition to the turn signal chamber on the steering wheel column began to smoke. Flames began to appear from the steering wheel column and a steady flow of smoke. The electrical fire increased in size and was finally brought under control by two fire engine companies. My 1996 pontiac grand am was towed, assessed for damages and finally deemed unsalvageable- a total loss. My 1996 pontiac grand am se was only three years old. This incident should not have occurred.*ak( dot number: )

Filed Mar 24, 1999 · Suspension · NY · crash

While driving at any speed and going over any type of bump or hole in the street vehicle grinds due to lower control arm malfunctioning. Consumer had lower control arm on the right and left sides replaced. *ak,

Filed Nov 28, 1997 · Brakes, Suspension · PA

Brakes squeal and do not stop appropriately.

Filed Jul 17, 1997 · Brakes · CA

Driving, started applying brakes; can feel & hear grinding noise; would happen at various speeeds; brake pads grind into rotors, but pads not worn. Took to dealer & had pads replaced & rotors turned; noise still exists. Not under warranty & dealer does not know what causes problem.