1997 Pontiac Grand Am suspension problems

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 28, 2006 · Acceleration, Electrical · NJ

Numerous complaints regarding a 1997 pontiac grand am for repairs/ replacements of parts. Door windows do not function, motor has had to be replaced by former owner, we have repaired motors on door windows several times on our own, windows would not go up and down at all, cost to repair at mechanics was over 400 and was done by first owner at least once. Car service engine light comes on, had to replace entire computer system and now same problem is happening again, car idles horribly, sounds like it will be blowing up, and check engine light comes on. Prior to the replacement of the computer car frequently stalled out while driving in mid turn or while going forward, and car frequently was difficult to start, eventually needing to be towed to a repair facility who had to replace entire computer. Car has wheel bearings that make a lot of noise, sounds like wheel is going to fall off. Car has accelerated all on its own without the driver stepping on gas pedal or doing anything at all with accelerator, car randomly decides by itself to lunge forward and try to drive itself. This stopped briefly after the computer was replaced and is now happening again.

Filed Apr 29, 2004 · Suspension · 50,000 miles · FL · crash · 1 injury

While driving 7 MPH front driver side support bracket snapped. This caused the vehicle to run off the road. Driver sustained back injuries. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Acceleration, Electrical · 113,000 miles · OH

When a turn was made, the steering wheel produced a loud rubbing noise. Dealer notified. *ak there were high idle problems. The interior lights and the power locks were replaced. The check engine light had come on and the vehicle had started to run rough, the alternator light had come on and the alternator was replaced. The drivers side seat belt did not retract and was replaced, the lower front control arm was replaced, the blower motor was replaced, the compressor was replaced, when starting the engine cold, there was a knocking sound on the right side until the vehicle was warm ,then the noise would go away, surging would also occur and would worsen when the engine was warmed, the volume on the radio was erratic(had gone up when trying to turn down), the sensor throttle position shorted and was intermittent, the valve air control was replaced, and the fuel filter was replaced. *scc

Filed Mar 13, 2003 · Suspension · AL

There was a loud noise coming from the rear of the vehicle.

Filed Sep 9, 2002 · Brakes, Suspension · MD

Front drivers side wheel area. When brakes were applied, made a thumping noise. Replaced driver side lower controll arm, was told it was bad. 3 or 4 days after I picked up my car, I now have a single thump when I brake and release the brake. This noise is so loud and scary sounding that I am absolutely afraid to drive the car. It sounds like my wheel is ready to fall off. Taking the car back to the shop again tomorrow. I read several reports on your website regarding this same issue.

Filed May 7, 2002 · Suspension · MT

Steering wheel is whining and pulling vehicle to the left.ak

Filed Mar 28, 2002 · Suspension · IN

Customer states front lower control arm rubber burshing went out, causing a lot of noise. Mechanic replaced. Nlm

Filed Mar 11, 2002 · Suspension · OH

While traveling notice a rattling noise coming from front end. Also, steering vehicle was not normal. Vehicle was serviced, technician replaced front end suspension. Please provide further information.

Filed Apr 12, 2001 · Suspension · TN

While driving at low speeds bottom of front suspension failed, causing right front wheel to break off, and other damage.