1997 Pontiac Grand Am engine problems

Filed Nov 13, 2009 · Engine · 92,000 miles · VA

Coolant levels in reserve tank always would drop below minimum levels, and we would continue to add coolant. Last oil change in june 2009 review no problem. November 2009, while son was driving home from college (approximately 80 miles) car began to overheat with temp gauge reading in the red. Had car towed to local shop and reported that coolant had leaked into core, engine destroyed (estimated repair - need new/remanufactured engine $2500-3000). Seems while reviewing this subject online and w/the federal safety agency web site that this has been a re-occurring problem with 1997 pontiacs 4 and 6 cylinder engines.

Filed Oct 23, 2008 · Electrical, Engine · 50 miles · NH

Cooling system is failing all the time on all pontiacs have the same problem intake manifold blow 5 times at 50.00 miles oil mixes with the coolant and all the smoke from that goes in the air it is a major problem and than the cars are junk so than everybody who buys pontiac they are buying a lemon cars even if it brand new from the shop.

Filed Jun 23, 2008 · Engine · 120,000 miles · FL

Ignition won't turn to the off position. I have to disconnect the battery so I don't drain it. I have to leave my kids in the hot car while I do this. Or pay $200 that I don't have to get it fixed. I have found many other people that have the same problem. I was told it could be the sensor on the transmission that tells the car its in park. Whatever the problem is it happens to a lot of vehicles. I understand that I have to maintain my car but I don't see why so many people have this problem.

Filed Apr 16, 2008 · Engine · 97,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. The contact constantly smells antifreeze and it has leaked onto the front and back floors of the vehicle. She noticed that the floors were wet, but never paid attention to it until she removed the floormats and saw the green antifreeze. As of april 16, 2008, the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer or a mechanic. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 97,000.

Filed Oct 15, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · 150,000 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac grand am. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off at a stop without warning. The mechanic stated that the electrical system caused the failure. As of october 15, 2007, the dealer and manufacturer had not repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer stated that her VIN was excluded from the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system: ignition: switch). The contact felt that her vehicle should be included as part of the recall. The current and failure mileages were 150,000. Updated 01/11/08. *lj the dealer stated engine replaced in june. Updated 12/12/07

Filed Sep 25, 2006 · Body, Electrical · 2,000 miles · PA

Purchased car new at end of 97 model year. Within first six months returned car six times due to defective sway bar bushings. Problem has never been corrected. Car clunks as it is either turned to the right or left or travels (slowly) over speed bumps. Also have experienced paint peeling from outside mirrors, radio volume control problems, radio/clock display works only part of the time, right front passenger seat mounting broke and slid passenger into dashboard, 2 door sport coupe-both power windows motors have broken and been replaced. The driver's side window just broke for the second time in two years. Passenger window has also started to act sluggish. Discovered leaky intake manifold gasket. Another expensive repair. Rain leaks into car around window gaskets which also make a hissing sound at speeds over 45 MPH. Car has been driven with care for nine years(odometer=80,000 miles) and has had oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Completed according to schedule. Owner cannot afford additional costly repairs especially since it seems to be going downhill from here. Disgusted with problems as well as with lack of service from several different pontiac dealers. Owner cannot afford to buy a [decent] new car and will have to purchase something used. Make no mistake- it won't be a gm product!

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 170,498 miles · AR

Took vehicle to murphy motors, dealership here in my home town. Took to them due to fact my heat gauge kept rising and I didn't want to run car hot ;went to find out what was wrong. Technician stated that he put the car on the code machine and ran it. Said code popped up transmission. I didn't take car in for transmission. They refused to fix overheat problem. Said would have to pay $2,500.00 to replace transmission. Picked up car took to clifford vine garage. He looked at car and immediately told me the radiator was pouring water out of it. He replaced radiator and cooling fan. He put car on code machine after repairing those two items and did not see a code for transmission. After that alternator went out, and two days later, my computer and fuel injectors went out. Murphy motors ran car checking transmission no telling how long and probably ran without water since radiator was pouring it out. They didn't mention problem with radiator at all, just transmission codes. I feel they damaged car while running it in their shop looking for more money to get off me, like $2,500.00 for a transmission that has nothing wrong with it. This car was a lemon from the first day I got it. I've had coil housing replaced numerous times by murphy motors and by john hays pontiac-hope ar 71801 when I broke down. Car has been towed in more times for coil housing. Gm needs this car drove right up their backside for the problems it has caused and continues to cause me. I currently have a $750.00 outstanding shop bill to clifford vines garage in el dorado, ar 71730 for the last 3 times it was towed to his shop for the radiator, cooling fan, alternator, fuel injectors, and computer. I'll never buy another pontiac again, that's for sure.

Filed Jan 19, 2006 · Engine · 154,000 miles · OH

Intake manifold gasket warped and coolant leaked. This is the second gm 3.1 l engine which has had to have the intake manifold replaced. Also had to replace the water pump at the same time. Additionally the alternator has been replaced (again in both gm 3.1 l's I've had). The intake manifold gasket problem seems to be common with pontiac's and malibu's (and other gm made cars). It's expensive to repair at a shop and time consuming and frustrating to do on your own. It's ridiculous that such a cheap part and cheaply made part hasn't been recalled.

Filed Aug 2, 2005 · Airbags, Brakes · 74,000 miles · MI · 1 injury

This is the worst car (lemon) I have ever had. I bought this car from a used car dealer ship called new car alternative in livonia mi. I am now on my third engine in the car. The first 2 failed due to the head gaskets blowing and anti-freeze was mixing with oil in the engine causing engine failure. All car window motors have be replaced 4 or 5 times each and still don't work. Back two doors are broke one wont open the other wont close. The sunroof wont close the dealer told me 1500 to replace motor and put back on tracks. Lol I have the brakes replaced 3 times in 5 years. I bought the car dec of 99 and have had all these problems since. I don't recommend anyone to buy a grand am or a car from this dealership they were no help at all. The first engine was covered by warranty second one was at my cost of 3500. Then another 1500 for new radiator and heater core. Then alternator needed to be replaced. After that I needed a new transmission hose. This is such bull crap. What a lemon! Plus I was pulling out of a gas station one day and my air bag decided to come out on it own no accident occurred and hit me in the face resulting in injuries and I had to go to the hospital.

Filed Mar 10, 2005 · Engine · 96,997 miles · IN

I was driving to work one day and the engine started to make a funny noise, and when I shut it off. Took it to the mechanic , they told me it was the connecting rod. I will have to replace the engine because it is cheaper to put an engine in rather then rebuild the one I have. The engine is still in the car because I haven't got enough money to replace it.