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.
2005 Pontiac Grand AMProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 102 owner complaints about the 2005 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 April 24, 2020. Updated daily. Photo: MercurySable99, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM has problems
102 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
40Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
12Exterior lighting1 crash/fire/injury
11Fuel system, gasoline
10Air bags9 crash/fire/injury
10Engine2 crash/fire/injury
8Steering
5Vehicle speed control
5Visibility
5Electronic stability control (ESC)
3112 other systems4 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 40 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 12 | 1 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 11 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 9 |
| Engine | 10 | 2 |
| Steering | 8 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 2 |
| Visibility | 5 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 5 | 2 |
| 12 other systems | 31 | 4 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2005 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
Suspension: rear
Risk. IF THE BOLT FRACTURE, THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE COULD DETACH FROM THE KNUCKLE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD.
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?
88kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 28 electrical system complaints. 61% were reported before 100,000 miles.
1under 30k miles17under 100k miles11100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2005 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
2005 Pontiac Grand AM safety ratings
2005 Pontiac Grand Am 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot 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.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT THE KEY MOVED FROM THE ON POSITION TO THE OFF POSITION. THE CONTACT RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND INTERMITTENTLY. IF THE STEERING WHEEL WERE IN A STRAIGHT POSITION, THE HORN WOULD WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE.…
DURING STARTING OR REGULAR DRIVING, THE SECURITY LIGHT WILL COME ON. SOON AFTER, THE CAR MAY SHUT DOWN OR WILL NOT START AT THE NEXT IGNITION CYCLE. THIS IS DUE TO A WIDELY-KNOWN FAILED PASSLOCK OR VATS SYSTEM. IT IS NOT DUE TO USER ERROR, AND IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS IF NOT FATAL AT THE WRONG TIME.
Own a 2005 Grand AM?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.