I own a 2001 pontiac grand am. I have experienced several of the same problems/issues noted in previous complaints. My 1 and 2 function on the fan is no longer working, the turn signals appear to have a short/wiring problem, the driver and passenger side window motor/brackets needed to be replaced, the driver seat adjuster is broken, the(gear shaft) button that puts the car in gear(p,r,n,d) pops out frequently, driver floor has been soak and wet periodically, and numerous braking system problems(need to replace rotors and brake pads frequently, had to replace brake calipers/hubs/wheel bearings). The only problem that was covered under a recall was the turning switch, which the problem has re-occurred. I would like to see the manufacturer cover these problems that have become repetitive in several other vehicles.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am brakes complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 68, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Grinding sound in front brakes. Dealer replaced rotors at my expense. Still making grinding noice. Breaks seem to have been a problem since I bought the car new in 2001. Recall of blinker switch. Blinking (inside above radio) noise came back after 1 year. Dealer says that recall was for the hazard lights not the turn signals? Car won't start and security light on. Have to wait 10 minutes with car in (on) position and then car will start..this information is located in the owners manual (are they expecting this problem?) dealer said at first that my key was worn out that's why it's not reading it correctly and then later stated that the sensor was bad in the ignition switch. Had to replace ignition sensor switch at my expense. Rear floor board behind drivers side gets wet. No known cause. Recently the service vehicle soon lite came on. Dealer repaired at my expense. Dealer said that the headlights were out and a part was cracked. Heater/AC buttons 1 and 2 do not work. Recently noticed that when I drive I hear grinding sounds seems to be coming from the body of the car, like it's coming unscrewed. Just took my car in for repairs of ignition switch, 4 new tires, a back seat seatbelt replacement and my drivers side automate seat adjuster was working the morning I took it in. When I picked up my car it was making a grinding sound and the seat cushion was torn. Service manager says they will replace the seat cushion but they don't think they broke the seat adjuster and the service manager says that maybe the seat adjuster just decided to go on that particular day. I'm now fighting to have them repair what they broke. I will never go to nucar pontiac in delaware for repairs again. This is the worst car I've ever owned. I think most of these problems should be recalls since many people have them. I will never buy a gm car again. Please someone help to make the car makers responsible for their poor workmanship.
Dt*: the contact stated while parked, the ABS light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealership three times to replace the bearings, which had the speed sensors attached. On the forth visit, the ABS problem reoccurred. Other components affected were the cruise control and the traction control. The manufacturer was contacted, and provided no resolution. The contact expressed concern because the defects represented a risk to safety.
Where to start...I have a 2001 pontiac grand am. Within 2 months of buying it, my fuel pump & computer went out at the same time. Next was my water pump & timing chain. Then was the security system, then the turn signals, then the windows wouldn't roll down. And now my brakes are having to be replaced on a consistent basis. The only thing covered by gm was the turn signal switch. All other replacements were at my expense. After researching on this site, I see numerous complaints of the same kind. I notified gm and they refused to help at all. I explained that since there are multiple complaints for the same things, it has to be a manufacturing defect. They shrugged that off. They finally sent me a letter stating that they would no longer "entertain" any of my comments or complaints. Do not buy a pontiac!!! Junk city!!!
Dt*: the contact stated while attempting to apply brake pressure there was an increase in stopping distance and the brakes vibrated. This occurred at all speeds on normal roads without warning. The dealership suggested the occupant to alert the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken to a local independent repair shop. The mechanic determined the front brakes and rotors needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was alerted. The consumer stated he had to get the thrid set of rotors and brakes installed on the vehicle. Updated
I purchased my 2001 grand am gt second hand in september 04. The 1 previous owner was my mechanic's brother in-law and has been well maintained when he owned it as well as since I have owned it. My problems started as soon as I left the lot. Within a month the car had been back into the dealership to have break pads replaced and rotors re-surfaced. My breaks have made a constant rubbing/grinding noise and no amount of work has solved the problem. I also have this intake manifold gasket issue. In december of 05 the low coolant light began coming on as well as the service engine soon light. I attempted to add coolant but the cap to the coolant tank was badly broken and required the replacement of the entire tank - since the cap would not come off even with a mechanics help. This solved the problem for a couple of months - but in february 06 the coolant alarm started again - I added more coolant and continued to drive it for another month. When the coolant alarm sounded again in march I took it to my mechanic who found the coolant leak from the intake manifold. $800-$900 to fix the problem. This was the second intake manifold he found on a gm car the same day and he told me there is a service bulletin on this. Why is gm not being forced to re-call this? Come on - I have been researching for 1 day and found hundreds of examples of this problem. I am a single mother on a very tight budget - owe more on this piece of $)%& than it is worth as it is! My car has been parked for a month and I am bumming rides while I make monthly payments on a pretty car - nice to look at sitting in my driveway !
Three big issues with this car: 1) the worst-I've had problems with the security system shorting three times. Each time, the car turns over but will not start. The security light flashed twice, but did not come on the third time. The first time the dealer adjusted the system (whatever that means) which was covered under warranty. The second time (two months later), my car would not start at 2am outside of a bar, so I had to have it towed. This time the whole system was replaced under my warranty. The third time (four months later) my car would not start and had to be towed. The system was again replaced, this time it was covered under a parts& labor warranty so at least I didn't have to pay anything. 2) the brakes. I had the rotors replaced because of extreme vibrating when breaking, as well as a loud squealing noise that would start after the breaks heated up. The squealing noise did not go away so I had the breaks' hardware replaced. That worked for a while. Six months later, the vibrating has come back and there is a loud grinding noise when the breaks get wet (I.e. Rain). 3) coolant light comes on frequently. First, I simply replaced the coolant much more often than should be necessary. Finally, I let my dealer convince me to pay the $700 to have it fixed (I'm not sure what the problem was) a year ago. The coolant light is now coming on again, so I'm just refilling it frequently. I've only had this car 18 months. I'm in love with the look and the pickup, but it is completely unreliable. When can I get it declared a lemon? At least I still have 10k miles left on the extended warranty I purchased with it. If I can't extended it again, I will sell this unreliable car.
My 2001 pontiac grand am has had brake failure since last year. I have had rotors & brakes replaced july of 2004. Turned around my brakes was failing again and was told that I needed new calipers in november 2004. My car is not under any warranty. I could not afford to get the calipers replaced, so they sprayed them to get me through. I also had my brakes replaced again. Started having brake problems again july 22,2005. This time I was sitting at a stop light and my brake pedal just released and went to the floor. I almost ran into the back of another car. Took my car to get looked at. My rotors, brakes and calipers all need replacing immediately. Was told that grand am vehicles are common for having these problems.
Dt: the consumer owns a 2001 pontiac grand am. Consumer states that he is hearing a scrapping metal noise with the front brakes. The consumer has replaced the rotors, pads and is still hearing this noise. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and they have not been able to fix the problem. Consumer contacted gm and they said the front tires needed to be replaced and the air pressure needed to be changed, however, this did not do any good. Consumer talked to about 20 people that owns the same vehicle with different model years, but doing the same thing. Consumer does have service invoices available. *tt
I read on cnn on may 3 that the federal safety agency has launched an investigation into antilock brake failures of gm pickup trucks and SUV's in the "salt belt" states. I would like to advise that I live in ontario, canada, and own a 2001 pontiac grand-am. It currently has 138,000 km. I purchased this vehicle new from a gm dealership. I have experienced similar antilock brake issues, to those mentioned in cnn's news article. The first one occured around 60,000 km. Since then, I have had to replace all of the antilock brake components three times over the life of the car. I anticpate having to do it again, as my antilock brakes have started to act up, activating on their own, for no apparent reason. I know of at least three other pontiac grand-am owners who have experienced similar issues. I have tried to take this up with the dealership and gm canada, but all attempts to rectify the issue were unsuccessful. After the vehicle was over its warranty period (60,000 km), gm basically advised that it was my tough luck for not purchasing the extended warranty. There was no effort put into identifying what the problem was or why it continues to occur. I will be anxious to hear the results of your investigation and would encourage you to extend your investigation into the pontiac grand-am vehicle line as well. Thank you.
I have noticed a grinding sound coming from my brakes. I took the car to the shop and was told that I needed pads and rotors, I replaced pads and rotors and the ABS, trac off, and the service vehicle soon light started coming on. Took the car to the dealer for further analysis and they told me I needed a speed sensor because it was malfunctioning and because it is inside the wheel hub I also had to replace these things also. $700.00 later the lights were still coming on and the brakes was still making this strange noise. I returned the car and after inspection was told that the ABS wires were busted and needed to be replaced, $200.00 later the car is still making these noises and the lights are still coming on. No one seems to know what the problem is. I am taking the car back again for further analysis. I have also had a problem with the manifold replaced it at $700.00, the ignition fortunately for me it was covered under the extended warranty I purchased with the car. I also have a problem with the turn signals malfunctioning.
While braking at any speed the steering wheel pulled to the left/right, and consumer heard a grinding noise. Dealership repaired vehicle once, but problem recurred.
I bought a brand new gt and since I've had it the brakes made a slight grinding noise in the front, I just figured the car was new and 4 wheel disc brakes just make that noise. I drive a lot of highway mile so of course after the warranty expired the noise got worse. After 38000 miles I took it to my mechanic he replaced the front pads and resurfaced a rotor but could not figure out what the noise was, he thought it was a bushing or a boot worn out. He greased it and the noise dissapeared for about a weak . Then I took in with 56000 mile and it needed pad, a caliper and he resurfaced the other rotor.again, after a weak the noise came back. Now, with 64000 the noise is worse than ever , a constant grinding, scraping sound. I going take it to the mechanic again. For all the highway I drive I shouldn't be going through brakes like this.
Intake manifold gasket failure/signal failure/ window regualtor failure/rotors.
First the speed sensor malfunctioned. Then, the speed sensor hub malfunctioned within one year time limit. These sensors had an effect on the anti lock braking system which did not work when sensors failed. Cruise control will not work because it made the brake light come on. Took vehicle in to see what was wrong. Dealer did not solve the problem.
The left rear brakes are locking. The pads and rotors are ground down to the point of needing replacement. The pads and rotors were replaced and components cleaned. The problem is still occuring. The ABS, antilock, and service vehicle soon lights will come on after start up. They will stay on until the engine is shut off and restarted. The vehicle will not start. The starter will crank, but the engine won't start. First visit to dealer: fuel pump was replaced. Second visit to dealer: oil pressure sensor was replaced, third visit to dealer: vehicle theft deterrent codes appeared in computer. Dealer does not know how to fix yet and problem still persists. The problem is intermittent. Occasionally the care will be hard to start requiring taping the accelerator to start it. If it does not start then, it will not start no matter how long it sits (recommended by mechanic.
Brakes and rotors need replacement at 27000 miles. Brakes were squeaking at approx. 15000 miles. Apparently there is many concerns among pontiac owners that the grand am has faulty brakes/rotors.
While driving, a loud scrap noise was heard coming from the front. The consumer was able to drive the vehicle to the dealer for an inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the noise could not be duplicated, but the brakes and rotors needed replacing. The mechanic replaced the brakes and rotors, but the problem still continued. The problem has not been resolved. Please fill in additional information. *jb the noise only happened at speeds of 30 MPH. The dealer stated the tires were the problem
Brake failure.
2001 pontiac grand am has had problems with window motor, turn signals, air conditioner, the brake system, the security system and vehicle would not start. *mr there was strange noise when the brakes were applied and when making a left turn. The other problems with the window motor, turn signals, air conditioner were resolved per warranty, but the brake system problems continued. There were two instances with the factory security system. The vehicle would not start. The vehicle would just crank but not catch. The security light started to flash. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they reset the system. A few months later, the security system locked the vehicle. The consumer found that the key sensor in the ignition shorted and the pass lock module was replaced and re-keyed. *sc
Consumer complained about a brake problem. Consumer replaced brakes every 4500 miles. Brake calipers were not allowing the pads to wear evenly, thus destroying the rotors.
Consumer complained about a brake problem. Brakes made noise when coming to a stop. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, who told consumer that was the way the brakes acted on this vehicle. Consumer claimed that rotors were worn out, and needed to be replaced.
I had to have the rotors resurfaced 3 times already, and the symptoms I am currently having indicate that I have to have them done for a 4th time. This car is only 3 years old, but the rotor problem has been a constant issue.
I have a pontiac grand am gt 2001 v6 and it has 3 major problems. The car has 52,000 miles and I have had to replace the rotors/breaks twice already. Whenever the front brakes are applied they pulsate and drag the car to a stop. Best of all its starting to shudder again when I use the breaks. So, soon to be 3 times in about 3 years. Second, the speakers have blown 2 times. I dont understand why gm would put speakers in the car that cannot handle the power from the factory reciever. Finally, the engine cooling problem. The low coolant light would turn on when I started the car, then turn off after 10-30 seconds. This went on for a week or two and I brought it in to get checked out. They told me the dex cool coolant ate through the gaskets, which caused the loss of coolant. Its $800 to get it fixed. Please do something, this car's design is flawed.
My 2001 pontiac grand am has had problems with brakes/ABS and wheel hubs. With 47k miles on the car, I've had problems with ABS/trac off/svc vehicle lights, brakes needing to be replaced & rotors turned, and have had to replace both front wheel hubs(at $391 per hub, just for the parts) and a wheel bearing.
When applying the brakes ABS system locked. As a result, the vehicle experienced extended stopping distance.
Every three months I ended up replacing brake pads and rotors on my 2001 grand am. Then one morning I was going to work traveling at the speed of around 60 MPH when the car started to drift left uncontrollably. I ended up jerking the wheel to avoid a head-on collision, which resulted in a end to end roll over crash. At which time the part of the seat belt that you buckle in to broke causing me to become unbuckled and thrown to the back seat of the car.
Dash lights came on and off intermittently. Also, while braking there was a loud grinding noise. Abs warning light and engine check light kept illuminating.
Rotors needed to be replaced 2 weeks after purchase in 2001 - steering wheel vibrating(800 miles on vehicle) rotors needed to be file in 2002 - wheels noises when driving 9/2003 needed new rotors and brakes. 2003 -strange tire noise for about a week took to dealer today 10/7/03 now being told the wheel noise is cause I need to buy new tires after I overheard the mechanic tell the service rep it's the issue with the wheels and tire not being a perfect match and is a big problem with the grand am. So how did it become my problem. Why do I need to pay for four new tires when the tires were purchsed with the car and only have 28000 miles on them! This is a gm problem. Actually I believe this could be a big big safety issue.
Speakers have been replaced twice, calipers, electrical problems and only 3 months after I purchased the vehicle until now I have heard a grinding, scrubbing noise in the wheels when driving at slow speeds. And when slowing down the car shudders violently. I have only had the car a year and every month something has had to be fixed. The car is still under warranty and I am very displeased with the service that I have gotten from the dealership. I am now consulting a lawyer who handles lemon law cases.
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