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1985 Pontiac Grand AMProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 4 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls4Free fix at dealersOwner complaints43 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem2Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 15, 1999. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system21
Engine and engine cooling20
Interior lighting10
Seat belts11
Visibility10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

4 recalls

1985 Pontiac Grand AM recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

–no report yet

Structure

Recall 87V-124 · Aug 10, 1987 · 261,171 vehicles

Risk. CRACKS WOULD INCREASE LEADING TO DIFFICULTY IN CLOSINGTHE DOOR AND MIGHT ALLOW DOOR TO COME OPEN DURING A CRASH, INCREASINGLIKELIHOOD OF INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pontiac.

Best & worst years

1985 vs. every other Grand AM year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Grand AM median. How we score

'73'75'78'83'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
3 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM, and the recalls they led to.

  1. WINDSHIELD WIPERSEA86025 · closed Mar 2, 1988
    No recall
  2. SEAT BELT SEPARATIONEA91045 · closed Oct 26, 1992
    No recall
  3. HEADLAMP SWITCH FAILUREPE88027 · closed May 11, 1988
    No recall
In owners' words

What Grand AM owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

THE CONSUMER STATE'S WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLS AND CUTS OFF WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. ALSO, THERE IS LOUD KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND WHEN TURNING THE KEY, THE VEHICLE IS VERY HARD TO START. *AK
Complaint 847765 · Sep 15, 1999
WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. NO PRIOR WARNING. INSURANCE COMPANY SAID IT MAY BE DUE TO FAULTY WIRING. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#. AK
Complaint 835380 · Mar 1, 1999

Own a 1985 Grand AM?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.