1999 Pontiac Grand Am: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed Sep 16, 2009 · Tires · OH

1999 pontiac grand am right front tire blew out causing damage to the right front corner of the vehicle. *kb the officer observed the tread cap from the right front tire had come off and went into the wheel well, it knocked the right front fender loose. Ohio traffic crash report # 10-0754-90.

Filed Mar 2, 2009 · Suspension · 80,000 miles · IL

1) no warning of any kind! 2) front drivers suspension coil break/collapse, coil punctured tire causing tire blow out, car crashing down all instantaneous. No injury - I was pulling out of my garage. How often 1 time. 3) tow and then replace the tire, coil, strut, I also must replace the other front coil, strut as well, since there clearly is a defect - and I don't want to die! I will request to keep the parts.

Filed Apr 18, 2006 · Suspension · 87,000 miles · OH

No warning or event leading up to failure. 1999 pontiac grand am gt with 87,000 miles. New tires in december of 2004. While backing out of driveway, received some resistance, thought my brakes were sticking. Pushed on accelerator to back out of my driveway and heard a loud snap and ripping noise. After I heard the noise, I stopped the car and put the car back in drive to pull forward. Before hitting the accelerator to pull forward I felt the front right of my car fall down and heard an "air release" noise. I exited my car and discovered I had a flat tire. My husband removed my tire that day and found the whole inside wall of my tire open. The spring coil on the front right hand sight was broken in two and a jagged edge was exposed. I had my car towed to a nearby shop. They have not given me an estimate yet but they suspect I need new spring coils and possibly a whole new suspension. Pending on corrective action. I have contacted the manufacturer and they have advised that there are no recalls with this defect. This is a safety hazard. If I was driving at highway speeds and my tire blew, I could have killed myself. I have researched other websites such as mycarfacts.com and have found several complaints of this same thing happening to people with 1999 pontiac grand ams. I have also read the federal safety agency has done an investigation (ea03021 and pe03031). I am writing to submit my complaint in hopes that some action will come out of this. It is very sad that a company would allow this to continue to happen, especially here in america. My sister is 8 months pregnant and drives a grand am also. I worry for her safety. Is it going to take a death for this matter to be addressed? Thanks for your time.

Filed Mar 12, 2005 · Suspension · 64,000 miles · NY

While traveling at 50 MPH on a 4 lane road there was a loud noise (bang) from the right front of the vehicle. Suddenly the right front tire blew out, the front of the car drop and pulled severely to the right, causing the car to travel completely accross the right hand lane and into the shoulder of the road before being able to stop. After stopping it was found that the right front coil spring broke in half, ripping into the inner side wall of the front tire for approximately 12" and seizing the right front wheel from rotaing. Replaced both front strut assemblies and the right front tire, which had less than 1,000 miles useage.

Filed Nov 8, 2004 · Suspension · MI

On november 3, 2004, upon leaving work, I noticed a noise coming from my left front end. I pulled over in the parking lot of my work place, but unable to identify the cause. I proceeded to the rinke pontiac dealership in warren, mi. The service technician performed a cursory check and determined that the strut (and possibly) the spring was broken. After verifying with him that it wouldn't be dangerous, I continued toward home. When I arrived at my turn-off, my front passenger tire blew out. I made it home and called aaa mich; the driver who came to change my tire informed me that the coil spring was broken. On november 4, 2004 , I took my car to noonan pontiac for repair. They replaced the left front coil spring, strut, mount, spring and seat which resulting in a total charge of $614.23 (minus discount). I retained the old part. I replaced the tire and alignment separately.