1998 Pontiac Grand Am visibility problems

Filed Jun 13, 2007 · Steering, Visibility · 40,000 miles · CA

Fluid was leaking by passenger side front tire. Also, noticed a whining noise when turning. Car has 40,000 miles on it. Repair shop had to replace the rack & pinion and heater core. Cost for repairs: $700.00.

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 Nov 19, 2005 · Visibility · KS

Window regulators, both driver and passenger regulators have gone bad two times. Once at 40,000 and again at 80,000.

Filed Mar 5, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · MN

Brake pads and rotors needed to be replaced after 20,000 miles. Have had to replace 5 yr batteries 3 times now at my own expense. Last time resulted in car needing to be towed and key not being able to be taken out of ignition. Tried jump starting and electrical system over heated. My complaint is this I just received a safety recall stating that if the car is hard to start it could start on fire if jump started more then 3 times and if the key is on the on potion to long. They want to install a relay device to prevent fires but why is the electrical ignition problem not being fixed. Why do we have to replace the battery every year. The relay device will not fix the original problem it will only fix the fire threat. Also side mirror adjustment knob has fallen inside car door and windows will not roll down or up. Car will not shift into reverse at times. Front tires wore on the inside out and had to be replaced shortly after purchase.

Filed Feb 6, 2004 · Visibility · 95,000 miles · NY

The regulators in both of the side windows are not functioning properly.

Filed Dec 22, 2003 · Brakes, Visibility · 16,000 miles · NH

The anti lock brake function prevents me from being able to brake my car on wet, snowy or slushy days, both my daughter and I have had to shift down and pull on the emergency brake to pull over, we live on a long steep hill. This resets theabs but only temporarily. Also, the auto locks malfunction and the front windows don't roll up and down, I am afraid we'll be trapped in an out of control car. Also the adjustment knob for the exterior rear view mirrors fell into the door so I can't adjust them without stopping as the windows don't open.

Filed Dec 12, 2003 · Visibility · 30,000 miles · WV

Both front power windows operate sporadically. They will roll down (not consistently) and fail to roll up. They can be stuck in the down position for days. This matter happened on a windy, snowy january day on the highway after paying a toll. I could barely drive while going the minimum, 45 MPH, on the highway because of the cold air and snow blowing into my face. I have put up with not using any windows for about a year, but found out that I could not pass the west virginia safety inspection nor obtain a mandatory yearly safety sticker if my drivers side window will not roll down. It is against the state law to have an inoperable drivers window, because I was told that if you are pulled over, the police officer needs to be able to speak with you through that window. In addition, it just makes sense that if you are trapped for whatever reason, a window may be your only escape.

Filed Jun 10, 2002 · Visibility · NY

While turning on the heater there is some strong smell that comes from the vents, it will fog up windshield. *ak

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Visibility · OK

Power windows on both passenger and driver sides have failed. The motor still works, but if you roll window down you must manually keep window straight when rolling up. I have checked repair costs and it's about $500/window. My car was less than 3 years old when the problem occurred, so unless pontiac makes an improvement to the window system it will continue to happen. I have been told the part that is malfuntioning is called a regulator. I have taken my door panel off to look at it and it is just not made strong enough for the weight of the windows.

Filed Sep 9, 2001 · Visibility · FL

Both driver & passenger window components...levers that raise & lower the windows have failed....the lever, ca;;ed the "window regulators" have basically ripped apart...on both doors.... This seems rather difficult to belive that such a thing could take place on a three year old car...I can find no prior reports..I assume owners just have them repaired, when it appears to me that there is an obvious "defect" in the manufacturing of these components. These componenets appear to be too weakly constrcuted to stand up to the stress involved in these electric windows.