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1986 Pontiac Grand AMProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 11 owner complaints about the 1986 Pontiac Grand AM, most often about the steering. It is covered by 1 safety recall.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls1Free fix at dealersOwner complaints112 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem3Steering

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 23, 1997. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1986 Pontiac Grand AM has problems

11 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
Steering31
Electrical system21
Interior lighting20
Seat belts20
Structure20
Power train10

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

1 recall

1986 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

1986 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
2 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1986 Pontiac Grand AM, and the recalls they led to.

  1. SEAT BELT SEPARATIONEA91045 · closed Oct 26, 1992
    No recall
  2. SAFETY BELT CUT AT D-RINGPE91099 · closed Nov 7, 1991
    No recall
In owners' words

What Grand AM owners report

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

THE VEHICLE HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND CAUSED THE OWNER TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR AND THE CAR CRASHED AND EXPLODED. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
Complaint 984528 · May 16, 1996

Own a 1986 Grand AM?

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