2000 Pontiac Grand Am: rotors or pads wearing out early

Filed Nov 8, 2005 · Brakes, Electrical · 55,000 miles · IL

I have had constant electrical problems in my vehicle. It started with the turn signals working intermittently, then my power windows would work intermittently, then my sunroof would do so as well. I have had the switch replaced for my turn signals, and they have worked fine since. I had the motor replaced for my sunroof, and it has also worked fine. However, the power windows still work intermittently, and the motor has been replaced 3 times. Gee, maybe it isn't the motor?!?!?! I have also had brake rotor wear problems, which almost caused an accident. Dealer said rotors looked as if I had been storing my vehicle for years they were so rusted. I urge anyone considering the purchase of a pontiac to re-think their decision.

Filed May 15, 2005 · Brakes · MA

I am experiencing repeated problems with the brake rotors. When traveling at highway speeds (above 50 MPH), if the brakes are applied, the car, including the tires and steering wheel, vibrates/shakes back and forth. Sometimes it shakes so much that it feels like control of the car is compromised. Several auto mechanics have told me that the problem is definitely that the brake rotors wear out. The brake rotors have already been replaced twice (the first time by a pontiac dealership), and now need to be replaced a third time, even though they were replaced less than a year ago.

Filed Jan 5, 2005 · Tires · 13,000 miles · SD

Kumo tires, 225/50r16 , dot#y0f8ya3f4903. The consumer was driving at approximately 50 MPH when the right front tire blew out. The tire had only 13,000 miles on it when the tire sidewall blew out. The consumer took the vehicle back to the tire distributor where it was noticed that the other 3 tires had excessive wear. Also, the consumer had to replace all four tires which had only 15,334 miles. All of the tires had 3 rotations, yet the tires just wore out prematurely. The cause of the premature wear was undetermined. *ak *sc

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Body, Brakes · 49,000 miles · OH

I bought this car used in the november 2001. With in 31 days the brakes started squealing took in for service was told that the brakes were shot and need replaced. This cost me $86. I went back on the dealer where purchased and he paid the other half. When I bought the car the windshield washer fluid tank had a hole in and had to be replaced this was covered under warranty and was in the shop at the same time with the brakes. They were to order the new tank when they had the car in for brakes and didn't I had to go back to get it installed. There was rear end noise that they told me was the control arm in the back, which the dealership told me that they would replace and it was covered under warranty. There was front end noise that they told me was the control arm on the drivers side and that there was a bushing that needed greased - that was covered under warranty. The molding on the side drivers doors was been put back on in october of 2001 before I purchased the car - the in september of 2002 it started coming off again - when I tried to get it in to be repaired at the dealership that did the work they couldn't get it in before the one year warranty expired - so I super glued it. In march 2003 the front end noises have come back so bad that it sounds like a old bed spring and no mechanic can seem to figure out where the noise is coming from or what is causing it. When my car was in the shop for this one of the censors in the front drivers side went bad and cost me $489. The brakes where also shot and need rotors turned because the dealership that put the brakes on back in 2001 put brake pads on warped rotors. When it rains and you are driving it sounds like the back passenger door is opened or the window is down. 6/30/03 the front end noise are still there - the passenger side reclining seat arm has broken off - the knob that turns the heat/air/defrost has broken off. I am the only person who drives this car. I still owe over 11,000.00 on this car.

Filed Dec 28, 2003 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · PA

Rotors warped after 11000 miles . Took the car to the dealer . Resurfaced rotors and replaced pads. Got a lecture about my driving problems. Noticed a problem at 20000 miles rotor vibration when braking. Took it to an independent repair place at 240000 miles and had the rotor resurfaced again. Car has 30000 miles on it now and has the same problem.

Filed Nov 13, 2003 · Brakes · 6,000 miles · NY

Excessive brake rotors wear, vehicle was driven in a rural area, it did not experience inner city stop and go driving techniques.

Filed Nov 13, 2002 · Brakes · MD

Brake pedal vibration and steering wheel shimmy at 17,000 miles. Front rotors warped and dealer replaced rotors and brake pads. Problem reoccured at 28,000 miles. Dealer found nothing wrong. Took car to dealer at 31,300 mi. For oil change and same braking problem. Front rotors needed to be machined. Did not solve the problem at high speeds. Returned car to dealer one week later and they replaced the front rotors again but not the brake pads at no charge. The service rep. Told me that pontiac has had this problem with the grand am for years and that it is a defect in the wheel design and rotor. I asked what would happen once the new car warranty expires and was told he didn't know. They have my service records on file and he hoped I wouldn't have to pay for future rotor replacements caused by defective design but couldn't say for sure. I purchased a new car specifically so I wouldn't have to deal with costly repairs for a number of years. Dealer says rotors have been re-designed and should be better. So far that has not proved to be the case. This is a design flaw that I believe the manufacturer should correct and not make the purchaser liable for repair costs on a defective part after the warranty expires. Dt

Filed May 8, 2002 · Brakes · MA

Vehicle had only 23000 miles on it of which e16000 miles was highway. Brakes wore out prematurely and dealer refuses to list this as a warranty item. The federal safety agency files show this to be an issue with othe grand ams of the same year. This should be a safety issue, re premature wear out, rotor damage, noisy front brakes, and vibration while stopping. Dealer has informed me that this will happen again in about the same mileage period.

Filed Jan 23, 2002 · Brakes, Suspension · NC

While driving 35-40 MPH applied brakes and there was no response, brakes were constantly skipping.*ak. Consumer states while driving, left front wheel sounds loose and feel like it is going to fall off, and when pressing the brake pedal vehicle experiences a knocking, pulsation or grinding sound, dealer found front rotors warped and rear brakes not adjusted correctly.

Filed Jul 12, 2001 · Brakes · PA

When braking vehicle was vibrating. Dealer replaced warped rotors. At this time, rotors warped again. Will be replaced by dealer.

Filed Jul 4, 2001 · Brakes · NY

Front rotors replaced 3x and pads replaced 2x within 14 months of having vehicle and 11,276 miles. Pontiac customer service contacted 2x with complaints filed. Awaiting return call from supervisor at central florida location. Dealer states that grand am's are being brought in for 2 major items: braking system and air conditioning. Stated that problem with rotors wearing may be caused by city driving? Rotors replaed on vehicle approx. Every 3k to 5k miles. In the process of contacting bbs and attorney general as well as a certified letter to manufacturer is in progress regarding braking system problems and safety concerns.

Filed Mar 12, 2000 · Brakes · TX

Brake rotors warped, and dealersip said they were not in warranty.