VehicleVerdict

1985 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 8 complaints on file for the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

8

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

3

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1985 compare to other Grand AM years?

Grand AM NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted1,318 complaints1973: 1 complaints1975: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 0 complaints1980: 0 complaints1981: 0 complaints1983: 1 complaints1984: 0 complaints1985: 8 complaints1986: 13 complaints1987: 47 complaints1988: 34 complaints1989: 88 complaints1990: 61 complaints1991: 102 complaints1992: 304 complaints1993: 290 complaints1994: 515 complaints1995: 587 complaints1996: 672 complaints1997: 600 complaints1998: 236 complaints1999: 1,318 complaints2000: 939 complaints2001: 759 complaints2002: 549 complaints2003: 436 complaints2004: 402 complaints2005: 143 complaints
Grand AM NHTSA complaints by model year, 1985 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand AM years to avoid →

What are the most common 1985 Pontiac Grand AM problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System225%
Engine225%
Visibility & Wipers225%
Lighting113%
Seat Belts113%

Does the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

87V124000Body & StructureAugust 10, 1987 · 261,171 units

Defect

SMALL CRACKS MAY DEVELOP IN THE BODY PILLAR AROUND THE DOOR STRIKER BOLT HOLE.

Consequence

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

Remedy

INSTALL INNER AND OUTER REINFORCEMENT PLATE ON BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BODY PILLARS.

86V030000Speed ControlFebruary 21, 1986 · 135,623 units

Defect

THE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING ASSEMBLY MAY FAIL PREVENTING THE THROTTLE FROM RETURNING TO THE CLOSED (IDLE) POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: ENGINE SPEED MAY NOT DECREASE AND LOSS OF ACCELERATOR CONTROL COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE THROTTLE RETURN SPRING.

84V146000Visibility & WipersNovember 20, 1984 · 973 units

Defect

THE SWITCH USED MAY NOT BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE WIPER MOTOR. THIS SYSTEM, ALTHOUGH FUNCTIONAL, IS NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 104, "WINDSHIELD WIPING AND WASHING SYSTEM". THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SPEED MAY REMAIN NEARLY CONSTANT WHETHER IN HIGH OR LOW SPEED MODE. THE STANDARD REQUIRES THAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH AND LOW SPEED MUST BE AT LEAST 15 CYCLES PER MINUTE TO ACCOMODATE A VARIETY OF RAIN, SNOW, OR WHEEL SPRAY CONDITIONS.

Remedy

WIPER SWITCHES WILL BE REPLACED IF NECESSARY, WITHOUT CHARGE.

84V124000SteeringOctober 10, 1984 · 10,359 units

Defect

THE TIE RODS ARE PART OF THE STEERING LINKAGE AND TRANSMIT TURNING MOVEMENTS TO THE WHEELS. THE BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE TIE RODS TO THEIR ADJUSTERS MAY NOT BE TIGHT ENOUGH. THIS COULD ALLOW THE TIE ROD TO LOOSEN AND DETACH ITSELF FROM THE ADJUSTER.

Remedy

THE TIE ROD END BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED WITHOUT COST TO THE OWNER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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 filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 1985

“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 filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 24, 1999 · fire

1985 Pontiac Grand AM — common questions

Is the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

The record is thin — 8 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1985 Pontiac Grand AM under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Grand AM years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Grand AM years to avoid are 1999, 2000, 2001, 1996, 1997, 1995, 2002, 1994, 2003, 2004, 1992, 1993, 1998. The cleanest record among Grand AM years belongs to 1984.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.