repaired · 2016 Q2
Electrical system: ignition
Risk. If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
2003 Pontiac Grand AMProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 325 owner complaints about the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 14V-400 the manufacturer reports only 22% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 4, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Pontiac Grand AM has problems
325 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
134Electrical system13 crash/fire/injury
65Exterior lighting2 crash/fire/injury
35Vehicle speed control3 crash/fire/injury
24Engine and engine cooling
20Air bags
17Engine
15Visibility
14Structure
14Steering
7518 other systems15 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 134 | 13 |
| Exterior lighting | 65 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 35 | 3 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 24 | 0 |
| Air bags | 20 | 16 |
| Engine | 17 | 2 |
| Visibility | 15 | 0 |
| Structure | 14 | 2 |
| Steering | 14 | 6 |
| 18 other systems | 75 | 15 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 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
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal
Risk. FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
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.
Mileage at failure
When do electrical system problems start?
75kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 101 electrical system complaints. 69% were reported before 100,000 miles.
11under 30k miles70under 100k miles31100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Electrical system
11 owners mentioned a cost$400median
Middle half: $100 – $574
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2003 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
NHTSA crash tests
2003 Pontiac Grand AM safety ratings
2003 Pontiac Grand Am 2-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
- Stability control: No
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Grand AM owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Engine has lost power from 150hp @ 3K RPM and 200ft·lb @ 4K RPM. It is now 50hp @ ½K RPM & 75ft·lb @ 2K revolutions per minute. Gear Shift Button has seperated from globe. Radio needs to be replaced or reset daily. Rear window defroster has seperated from window, and won’t retain position. Tire…
Korr’s Automotive wants $55Ø to repair our exhaust leak. Fuel lines are too close to engine, which can cause death or injury upon impact. You’re welcome for [XXXXXX] upon request! Driver seat is out of commission on power. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5…
Ecotec Gen I was re–engineered to be smoother and more efficient than its predecessor. Featuring an dual in–block balance shafts, power–steering pump, water–pump housing, and removable oil filter housing. This engine replaced the Quad–4 and GM 122 in North America and first appeared. GM offers an…
Own a 2003 Grand AM?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.