1998 Pontiac Grand Am suspension problems

Filed Dec 28, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 40,300 miles · CA

General motors need to recall their vehicles to diagnosis this major issue. My case number with gm 1382341310 however, they wont assist me and said they are closing my case. I informed them not to I am not done with this issue with them... This is a very serious problem or defect with my general motors pontiac grand am se 3.1l v6 engine in this vehicle. I have had, 3 intake manifold gasket failures in less than 40,000 miles, the first occurring at approx 24,000 miles the second at approx 27,000 miles and now again at 40,000 miles but I have suspected the anti-freeze I have been smelling in the cab when I turn the heater blower on, is somehow connected to this leak. Which means its been leaking for some time just not bad enough to drip onto the ground bringing my attention to it. I am only one of thousands of victims that general motors has raped financial over the years. The repeated failures of the intake manifold gasket started long ago and due to the numerous complaints to the bbb and gm you would think that would be enough to alarm general motors that they are having a major issue, and they should of began a recall of their vehicles long ago. In the year 2002 they couldn't supply enough intake manifold gaskets to keep up with the gm vehicles that needed repair either under warranty or out of warranty. I have had other major non-related repairs to my vehicle as well, 19,693 miles the sway bar bushings had to be replaced, alternator was replaced, heater core replaced, the rack and pinion steering rod replaced. Now my car and many thousands of other gm owners vehicles are out of warranty and gm won't stand behind their own vehicles, even though work was done repeatedly under warranty on my vehicle. I am currently 3 years out of warranty but only 12,900 approx miles since they did the last repair on my intake manifold gaskets. I believe a class action suit is the only thing general motors corporation will respond to.

Filed May 7, 2005 · Suspension · 67,609 miles · NH

Noise heard in front end going over bumps. Failure= lower control arm rear bushings separating from control arm.left and right sides. Correction+ replacement of lower control arms

Filed Nov 10, 2004 · Suspension · NY

I was informed that the problems related to the difficulty driving my grand am and the lound clunking noise and the intense "shimmy" was because my right lower control arm had snapped and my left lower control arm was cracked about to separate as well. I do know a little about cars and this doesn't seem to be a normal maintenance problem. This is costing me well over 600.00 to repair.

Filed Sep 23, 2004 · Suspension · 65,000 miles · MN

I have had lower control arm failures on both sides of my 1998 pontiac grand am. The rear bushing pulls apart causing a severe shimmy when braking at high speeds and clanking when going over bumps. It is either a design or manufacturing defect. The dealer has refused to pay costs.

Filed Sep 20, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 142,572 miles · VA · crash

While driving 40 MPH on a wet road surface vehicle swerved. Consumer lost control of the vehicle, an dit was was forced off the road into a wooded area, where vehicle spinned several times and hit several small trees. Vehicle was towed to a body shop. Mechanic determined that the right tie rod wore out and the left tie rod was getting worn out. Consumer stated, that front wheel bearing was repaired under a recall on may 5, 2004 at a dealer.

Filed Jul 25, 2003 · Suspension · IL

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning steering wheel veered left to right.

Filed Sep 7, 2002 · Suspension · MN

Control arm bushing separated. Sounded from dealer like they had delt with this problem in other vehicles, but since in was out of warranty, they made me pay. Seems like a safety issue.

Filed Nov 28, 2000 · Brakes, Suspension · IA

While driving vehicle would start to shake when brakes were applied. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic indicated that brakes were warped & needed to be replaced. After having rotors replaced, problem has reappeared again.

Filed Aug 15, 2000 · Suspension · IN

Control arm bushing kept pulling out of bracket. Problem reoccurring every five months. Also, sway bar excessive wear, caused bounce/loss of controland wandering. Vehicle been in dealer shop on five s,and problem still reccurring. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jan 5, 2000 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

Purchased vehicle 6/98. Three days after purchase car ignition switch failed. Vehicle towed 3 times for same problem. Found wires in harness bad causing problem. Brake problems since owning wheel cylinders leaking brake shoes soaked with oil. Rotors machined @ 10,462. Excessive brake dust. Brake pads worn at 10,465 miles. Rear shoes out of adjustment @ 10,465. 13,985 miles ABS light failed. While lights and AC or heat on when applying brakes interior and headlights dim. Can't find problem! When heater is on smell of antifreeze. Can't find problem. Front suspension noise. Stabilizer bushings bad can't find problem. No brake pedal at times. When road surface is wet and brakes applied car will not stop.