VehicleVerdict

1991 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1991 Pontiac Grand AM sits mid-pack among Grand AM years: 102 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with 3 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 30 reports (29% of the total).

102

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

11

Crash-involved

6

Fires reported

9

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Grand AM years?

Grand AM NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand AM years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Pontiac Grand AM problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3029%
Visibility & Wipers1212%
Brakes1111%
Electrical System99%
Seat Belts77%
Transmission66%
Other55%
Seats44%
Steering33%
Fuel System33%
Speed Control33%
Body & Structure33%
Suspension33%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 1991 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).

92V043000Visibility & WipersApril 1, 1992 · 37,030 units

Defect

MOISTURE CAN ENTER THE EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE AND CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT THAT CAUSES WINDOW OPERATION WITHOUT OPERATOR CONTROL, AND LEAVES THE WINDOW IN THE DOWN POSITION.

Consequence

THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WILL FAIL FROM OVERHEATINGAND COULD RESULT IN A FIRE HAZARD INSIDE THE DOOR PANEL.

Remedy

REPLACE THE WINDOW EXPRESS-DOWN ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE.

91V018000SteeringJanuary 4, 1991 · 35 units

Remedy

REPLACE STEERING COLUMN ASSEMBLY.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 1990 (NA) PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE OTHER DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 21, 2001 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER IS AWARE OF SAFETY RECALL FOR POWER WINDOW CONTROL MODULE REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN WITH NO INSIDE DOOR PANEL (BARE METAL EXPOSED). THE WINDOW WAS BEING HELD UP WITH PLASTIC TAPE, AND THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE LOCKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 15, 2002 · fire

“THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. VEHICLE HIT THE GUARD RAIL. AND AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT DID NOT OPERATE AND LOCK. DEALER WAS INFORMED BY CONSUMER.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HIT THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · January 22, 2005 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING TO THE STORE ABOUT A HALF OF MILE AWAY, HEARD A HISSING SOUND IN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. CONSUMERR THEN SAW SMOKE, AND STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND GOT OUT. THEN THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WENT UP IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO WARNING BEFORE. POLICE SAID THAT IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE ELECTRICAL PANEL INSIDE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 7, 1999 · fire

“THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. VEHICLE HIT THE GUARD RAIL. AND AS A RESULT, DRIVER'S FACE HIT THE WINDSHIELD BECAUSE THE SEAT BELT DID NOT OPERATE AND LOCK. DEALER WAS INFORMED BY CONSUMER.*AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE HIT THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · January 22, 2005 · crash

1991 Pontiac Grand AM — common questions

Is the 1991 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand AM: 102 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 1991 Grand AM problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (30 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints), brakes (11 complaints).

Does the 1991 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Pontiac Grand AM. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.