I own a 2001 pontaic grand am that I bought in april 05 having bought it used I had it about 20 days when my service engine soon light came on took it to the dealer that I bought if from he sent it to his mechanics and the replaced the coil pack because it was reading a misfire on cylinder 4. Didn't have problem for about 8 month so I thought. On dec.20,2006 started running real bad had coil pack changed, boots, housing, and spark plugs at the nice price of $200.00. In 1 day to find out stll not working right mechanic said problem is internal and the only way to fix this is replace motor which for a used one only $3300.00 unless I would like a new one for $6000.00. I feel that they have lost there minds expecting people to pay that kind of money for another junky motor when the one I have now only has 77000 miles on it it should be like the energizer bunny still going I have taken excellent care of my car I did talk to pontaic complaint line to have smoke blown up my you know what they dont care about there customers I owe to much to trade it in and can't afford to fix it so now I have a car payment and can't even drive it pontaic need to fix there junk they have on the road before somebody gets hurt or killed driving this stuff I know I will never own another if I can get rid of this.
2001 Pontiac Grand Am engine complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 84, 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.
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!!!
Service engine soon light and coolant light came on at the same time, eventually causing the head gaskets to blow. Besides having to replace the gaskets, the oxygen sensor had to be replaced as well. Also, while the car was still under warranty, at 32,567 miles, the dealer found a coolant leak at the upper intake gaskets and lower intake gaskets, and replaced both gaskets, as well as the oil pump drive seal and related parts.
I just recently replaced the coolant intake in my 2001 pontiac grand am se 6 cylinder. The mechanic told me that he has seen this many times before and that it is a costly manufacturing error. I also have to replace my multi-function switch when the turn signal recall came out. I have done a little research on the coolant intake problem and as I have stated I have found that as well as my gm dealer have all noted that there is a design flaw with the gasket in it's relation to the dex-cool coolant (the coolant is acidic and eats away at the gasket which leads to coolant getting into engine or oil getting into coolant). I would like to looked at further.
For the second time I am replacing the intake manifold gasket in my 2001 pontiac grand am gt. My mechanic, also the place that changes my oil, as well as my gm dealer have all noted that there is a design flaw with the gasket in it's relation to the dex-cool coolant (the coolant is acidic and eats away at the gasket which leads to coolant getting into engine or oil getting into coolant). Mechanic says he sees at least one of these a week (very small town, low population, high incidence -- is related to the engine that gm used for that year and model (and others as well).. Mine happens to be the 3.4 litre.
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 !
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle intermittently stalled, without warning, while driving 70-75mph. The vehicle restarted after waiting about five minutes. Also, the fuel gauge showed an inaccurate reading and no more than seven dollars of gasoline can be pumped into the tank before the pump shuts off. The vehicle was seen by the service dealer who was unable to duplicate or diagnose the problem.
The coolant system has a continual leak. It needs to be replaced at least every month. Faulty ignition switch makes all interior lights and gauges go on and off and sometimes not come back on for days (happens everytime the car is started up). Makes speed limits impossible to tell, etc.
Dt*: the contact stated the vehicle stalled intermittently for about seven months. There were no warning indicators before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, when the vehicle stalled it will not restart without the computer being reprogrammed. Every time the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The only thing the dealer did was reset the computer. After the vehicle was in the dealership 5 times for this problem the contact began resetting the computer. The dealer's service manager showed the contact how to reprogram the computer by turning the ignition on, allowing the security light to flash ten minutes, turn the ignition off, and restart the vehicle. The dealer identified the problem as a short in the ignition switch. The vehicle is currently at the dealer awaiting repair of the ignition. The dealer offered two options for repair, to replace the entire ignition system or jump the security system. If the security system was by passed it will no longer activate. There are two technical service bulletins (tsbs) concerning the ignition, tsbs 010849020 and 020604011. *ak updated 02/27/06.
I purchased a 2001 pontiac grand am in february 2003. Shortly after the 45k miles I started to have problems with the dex-cool anti-freeze leaking around the intake gasket, head gasket was damaged. Also, there was extensive oil use, approximately a quart every 500 miles of driving. Despite what this might sound like, this vehicle, while in my possession has been well maintained. I have had the above problems fixed on 11-20-05 and after the mechanic was done I had put another $1465.00 into a car that has been nothing but problems. Now, one month after getting my car back the check engine light is on, and this is not the first time I have had to fix this problem either. I have heard from several mechanics and dealers that this is common problem with this car due to dex-cool only systems and aluminum engines that erode head- gaskets prematurely.
Faulty intake gasket to engine from coolant. After less than 80,000 miles the intake gasket is leaking in the 2001 pontiac grand am. My understanding is that this problem is not restricted to an occasional vehicle and it presents an issue of losing fluid. Not only is this a safety hazard for vehicle owners, it is an environmental hazard as well.
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.
2001 pontiac grand am 6 cylinder with 31,000 miles. Engine coolant light came on. Added coolant, but light comes on 2 weeks later. Find a small leak on right side of engine at the intake manifold gasget where coolant is seeping out of the engine. Pontiac wants $800 to fix problem, pontiac mechanic tells me this is very common for this type engine. Search around area and find someone to do it for $500. During repair I find out that coolant was leaking inside and outside the engine. Coolant was in the oil. Total repair bill is $550. This problem should have been dealt with by gm or pontiac. A recall should be initiated on this vehicle or compensation should be made to those who were stuck with a costly repair bill on a poorly designed and defective engine.
Low coolant light came on after turning vehicle on in morning, checked coolant level it was low, added coolant, light came back on 2 weeks later, added more coolant. Changed oil found white crud in oil, called dealership (village pontiac gmc) and service said it was manifold gasket and it is very common on this type of vehicle. Made appointment to have this fixed, quoted at $800.00 to repair. If this is so common and a service center knows what the problem is without seeing vehicle, shouldn't this be a recall?
I have a 2001 grand am, which I do love. I have found out that a lot of people that have the same car, has the same problem that I have. The intake manifold gasket must be repaired, which cost 1000 to fix. I really think there needs to be a recall on the car.
The lower intake manifold gasket of the consumer's 2001 pontiac grand am failed. *nm the gaskets were replaced along with the egr, coolant bypass, occ/oxygen catalyst converter and the PCM/power control module "p" drive seal. The consumer requested information about any accidents and or deaths associated with this failure. *sc
Defective intake gasket. See complain #'s 79007,10086421,10065717. Low coolant light started coming on every week and a half or so, starting back in october of last year (2004). It came on every couple weeks so I just kept filling it with coolant and had my thermostat replaced. Problem still kept happening. Finally my car overheated on the way home from work on the interstate so I had to pull over. I put it in the shop on 3/7/05 and was just told that I needed my intake gasket replaced costing me $800.00. Mechanic says this is ia common problem due to defective equipment. Did some research and due to the number of complaints regarding this same problem, ponitac needs to be held responsible for this.
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.
09/01/04 - low coolant warning light following cold engine starts. No visible coolant leaks, added 16 oz. Coolant to fix problem. 11/01/04 - same problem, added 16 oz. Coolant to fix problem. 12/23/04 - low coolant light always on while driving. 01/14/05 - intake gasket was found to be leaking coolant externally and internally. Potential for damage to engine. Potential for engine to overheat, which is dangerous to passengers in sub-zero temperatures during winter months. Intake gasket was replaced at costly $650 repair bill.
I am one of many people with this same problem. I own a 2001 pontiac grand am. At about 53,000 miles I noticed a coolant leak on my garage floor. Upon further inspection I noticed that it was coming from the exhaust manifold gasket. I promptly called up my local dealer, jack walker pontiac in dayton, ohio. I made an appointment for january 4, 2005 to have my vehicle inspected for further diagnosis. When the phone call came in from the dealer with the estimation of $765, I was stunned, but knew it was a major issue that had to be attended to. So I ok'd the procedure. On friday, january 7, 2005 my car was finally ready for pickup. I went to pick it up, paid the $780 and got in the car. After I turned it on, it flashed "low coolant". I proceeded to walk back into the repair center, and told them what was going on. The man there talked to the mechanic, who said that it was just air in the coolant line; it could be cleared in about 10-20 minutes. One hour later they finally released the car to me. I think it is ridiculous that gm is not forced to recall this manifold head gasket since it is such a prominent issue in most gm v6-style engines. Thank you for your time.
Started seeing coolant leaking from under hood. Went to daler and they pressure tested and found nothing. A day later started leaking even more. Dealer then said head gasket faulty and he also said he has seen several times before at about the 60k mile mark. They replaced the gasket at a cost of over $800.00. Every shop I contacted said they know of the problem. Shouldn't this be replaced at pontiac's expense.
Intake manifold gasket failure/signal failure/ window regualtor failure/rotors.
When consumer turned on the air conditioner vehicle stalled while driving at any speed. Vehicle was towed to dealership three times, but dealer could not reproduce or correct the problem.
This is a submission to note yet another general motors v6 issue with failing intake manifold gaskets. My particular gasket has a leak that is getting progressively worse, requiring me to fill coolant. At this time, the leak is external only and has not leaked into the engine compartments containing oil. My car is a 2001 grand am gt. My wifes car (2000 alero with the v6 also) had this same problem and pushed us to get rid of it. I only posted this after knowing of all the other people out there that have had this expensive problem. I only wish that everyone could submit the issue on here, allowing the federal safety agency to have a better idea as to the scope of this poorly designed (and later fixed) engine gasket.
On my 2001 grand am gt1 I have replaced the intake gasket twice now. The 1st time it was in the shop for fuel gauge misreading. I never even got the "low coolant" light. That was at 51,000 miles around april 2002. The 2nd time was on 6-22-04; on 6-21-04 "low coolant light came on. Added about 1 qt mixture of dex-cool and water. Light did not come back on, but when I got to work on 6-22-04 I got out of car and noticed a line of orange fluid coming from car. I took it to the garage and 844.00 dollars later it was fixed again. I work 50 miles from my home and have to go through a bad neighborhood to get to work. I had to find a ride home, but was not able to find a ride to work the next day so I missed work. Gm is a big company that no longer cares about their customer. They need to step up and accept liability for their error. There is a service bulletin but that does not cover the cost because it is less likely an accident will happen so the chances of them being suied is low.
Turn signal failure (recall by manufacture corrected that problem). However, dealer would not fix the continuos problem with the on-going ticking sound of the turn signal even when signal is not in use. That would cost $273 to fix, dealer said. Grinding sound in tires (dealer gave documentation to support the fact that the 2001 pontiac grand am's were manufactured with a faulty tires and rim package. Suggested new rims or different than manufacture choice tires. The most significant problem is with the engine. Randomly upon ignition and sometimes after sitting idle, the engine will rev high (at times upto 3rpms). Sounds like the engine is going to explode! Went to 2 pontiac dealers various times (at least 6) and neither can fix the problem. Each time I was charged with assessment fees. I'm done with pontiac vehicles!
Our 2001 pontiac grand am gt1 has coolant leaks. 3/15/04 we called pontiac to request assistance. They opened a file & said they'd investigate to determine if the problems were a manufacturer defect & if so provide repair assistance, to take it to a dealership for evaluation & call back with diagnosis, which we did 3/19/04 (cost $47). The dealership said the intake manifold gasket needed replacing [see gm service bulletin #03-06-01-010] & would cost $700+. After approx a month of waiting, on 4/14/04 pontiac denied our request stating we were past warranty & there was no recall. (we knew that & so did they from the start! Otherwise, we would have just had it fixed!) no one read the service bulletin & pontiac refuses to admit liability for a faulty intake manifold gasket, despite the service bulletin which reads: "correction: install a new design intake manifold gasket. The material used in the gasket has been changed in order to improve the sealing qualities of the gasket. When replacing the gasket, the intake manifold bolts must also be cleaned, coated with threadlocker and torqued to a revised specification." not a manufacturer's defect? In denying our request pontiac is hiding behind the fact that they have unethically not issued a recall on their admitted defect. They have identified a design defect but disguised it in a service bulletin, then used the words "new design", "changed in order to improve" and "revised specification", which admits faulty equipment & procedures & should warrant a recall or at least assistance to the customer!! Please look into this matter on our behalf. We appreciate any assistance you can offer us.
Engine coolant leak at intake manfold, relating to tsb 03-06-01-010a apr 03. Isue appears to be common among this make and model of car. Car is a 2001 pontiac grand am with 45k miles. This type of leak is not typical for a car of this age and usage. Local and dealer mechninics indicate that this is a common problem that could be easily solved with proper installation of the gasket.
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.
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