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.
Pontiac Grand Am oil consumption problems
12 of the 5,457 owner complaints about the Pontiac Grand Am describe excessive oil consumption, most of them for the 1995 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 1995
By model year
- 20011
- 20001
- 19991
- 19971
- 19961
- 19953
- 19941
- 19921
- 19911
- 19901
Often reported together
Loss of power 2Engine failure 2Water leak 1Stalling 1Slipping 1Knocking 1Check engine light 1Grinding brakes 1
What owners say
Problems with braking system on 2000 pontiac grand am. *mr the brakes squealed, the front end would shake, the passenger and driver side windows were broken, the regulators in the doors were busted, the volume on the radio control was improper, the steering hose broke, the brakes and rotors were replaced 12 times, the vehicle would shake when braking, the transmission slipped, the vehicle burned excessive oil, the passenger side strut was bad, the power steering leaked, the engine acted as if it was going to stall, the cigarette lighter was inoperative, and the rear compartment filled with water. *sc
95 pontiac grand am se 3.1l v6, automatic trans. With 113,264 miles. Car lost power, starting smoking very badly, car was pulled off highway and stopped immediately. Repair shop inspected and found oil filter gasket blew out, allowing engine oil to be expelled. This could cause an engine fire, but did not this time. Oil change shop inspected filter and claims regulator in oil pump caused oil to be over-pressurized, blowing out the gasket and claims no responsibility. Engine needs to be replaced according the repair shop. I bought car new and maintained it regularly and am very disappointed with the apparent poor quality of this gm product.
Leaking power steering return hose, low oil levels between oil changes, unable to find problem first time, car to go back in shop 10-22-02, driver side power window inoperable and scratched since purchase, rewired remote starter, pulsating brakes, replaced pad, rotors, positive battery terminal broken, replaced battery,radio LED inoperable, replaced radio assembly, wheel speed sensor r/f wheel incorrect signal, replaced r/f hub and bearing assembly, knocking and car shaking at stops and loss of power, lack of fuel cylinder #4, replaced injector, replaced machine cylinder head, replaced upper strut mounts, 6-10-02 inspect for oil loss down 2 1/2 quarts, nothing found. Oil change completed at 34304 and at 37160 oil loss to 3 quarts, car to be brought back to dealer 10-22-02. Air conditioner has pc leak in hose, hose needs to be replaced and freon added. Dt
Under warranty, reported the trunk and rear spoiler for water leakage. Every time dealer answer, resealed trunk. At 5th attempt to repair leak owner requested spoiler to be replaced dealer refused to replace, owner frustrated. 2. Engine consumes 1 quart of oil every 1500-3000 miles dealer responds with no problems. 2nd attempt dealer performed oil consumption test results: no problem, owner reports still consumes oil at same rate. 3. Clutch: owner reported that it was difficult to shift out of 1st and 3rd gear dealer responded no problem drivetrain. All reported during warranty period. Owner continues to drive vehicle although problem still continues. Dealer serviced vehicle overfilled all fluids owner did not discover problem until after 500 miles of driving owner informed dealer that they would be responsible for damages to vehicle at a later date due to pre mature wear. Current: 30000 later engine continues to consume oil at higher rate app. 1000 miles 1 qt of oil , clutch burned out at 62000 miles currently in shop and gmac will not repair in lue of proir service history.
Engine head gasket is cracked, causing oil to leak. Cause of defect is unknown. Manufacuter has been notified.
The engine rocks hard back and forth causing oil lines to wear holes, also causing wire harness wear problems at back of engine near fire wall, also causing A/C lines to wear prematurely, the engine rocks when forward and reverse gears are changed.
When driving at 30 MPH and applying the brakes, brake pedal went straight to the floorboard. Also, locks and the windows on the driver's side don't work. The lighter went out. The vehicle uses excessive amounts of oil. Vehicle has been in the shop three times and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak
Engine cylinder head cover failed, causing oil to leak.
Engine valve cover gasket failed, causing oil leak.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Pontiac Grand Am oil consumption
Which Pontiac Grand Am years have excessive oil consumption problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1995 (3 complaints), 1990 (1 complaints) and 1991 (1 complaints).
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