VehicleVerdict

1989 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1989 Pontiac Grand AM sits mid-pack among Grand AM years: 88 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 1 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 50% of all reports (44 of 88), far ahead of electrical system at 13.

88

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

1

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1989 compare to other Grand AM years?

Grand AM NHTSA complaints by model year, 1989 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, 1989 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand AM years to avoid →

What are the most common 1989 Pontiac Grand AM problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine4450%
Electrical System1315%
Steering78%
Fuel System56%
Speed Control45%
Brakes33%
Body & Structure33%
Transmission22%
Suspension22%
Tires & Wheels22%
Seats22%
Other11%

Does the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

3 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).

92V150000Fuel SystemOctober 19, 1992 · 108,836 units

Defect

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKING IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN ANUNDERHOOD FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

90V042000Fuel SystemMarch 5, 1990 · 61,765 units

Defect

FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE AT THE COUPLING ON THE ENGINE END OF THE HOSE ASSEMBLY, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

Consequence

LEAKING FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

REPLACE FRONT FUEL FEED HOSE ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT SIDE OF HOUSE. CONSUMER WENT BACK INTO HOUSE, AND A FEW MINUTES LATER, A NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON DOOR NOTIFYING HIM THAT VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. FIRE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE CARPARTMENT. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED, AND THERE WAS AN INVESTIGATION. NO INJURIES TO REPORTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 10, 2000 · fire

“THE SENSOR WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE DISTRUTOR AND WHICH IS USED FOR BETTER GAS MILEAGE MALFUNCTIONED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL WHILE DRIVING OR COMING TO A STOP, WHICH MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. MECHANIC DISCONNECTED THE SENSOR. PROBLEM NEVER REOCCURRED. ALSO SAME PROBLEMS ON THE GRAND PRIX'S. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 1999

“HEAD GASKET FAILED, LEAKS OIL. ALSO, STEERING WHEEL SHAKES AND IS VERY HARD TO TURN WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD/MAKES NOISE. IN ADDITION, VINYL COVERING BUBBLED, AND CAME LOOSE ON BACKSEAT ARMREST UP TO ROOF.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 17, 1997

“I KILLED IT AT A SERVICE STATION GONNA GET SOME WATER AND IT HAS NEVER STARTED SINCE THEN. THE GAS COMES OUT OF HOSE WHEN DISCONNECTED FROM INJECTOR BUT CONNECT THE LINE BACK AND THE FUEL INJECTION DOESNT GET GAS. I AM A SINGLE MOTHE WHO CAN NOT AFFORD THIS TYPE OF THING. A MAN PULLED IN SERVICE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 1, 2001

“WHEN VEHICLE IS STARTED IT HAS A HIGH RPM AND WHEN SHIFTED INTO DRIVE THE SPEEDS GO PAST 60-70MPH WITH TOUCHING OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control

1989 Pontiac Grand AM — common questions

Is the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand AM: 88 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 1989 Grand AM problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (44 complaints), electrical system (13 complaints), steering (7 complaints).

Does the 1989 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Grand AM under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.