Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 304 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.0 times the median Grand AM year — the 1992 model ranks #11 of 29 Grand AM years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (72), brakes (48), and electrical system (38), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
304
NHTSA complaints
3
Recalls
0
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
16
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 72 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 48 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 38 | 13% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 23 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 20 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Transmission | 19 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 15 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Seats | 9 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Other | 7 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 7 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 6 | 2% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 6 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 2 | 1% | new |
| Airbags | 1 | 0% | new |
| Child Seat | 1 | 0% | new |
3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
THE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH AN INCORRECT SUSPENSION UPPER SPRING SEAT AT THE RIGHT-REAR POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE IS INVOLVED IN A REAR IMPACT ACCIDENT, THE RIGHT-HAND REAR WHEEL HOUSE FLANGE COULD SEVER THE FUEL TANK FILLER PIPE AND SPILL FUEL.
Consequence
THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 301,FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY. SPILLED FUEL IN A LOW SPEED ACCIDENT CAN RESULT IN AFIRE.
Remedy
INSPECT AND REPLACE INCORRECT UPPER SPRING SEAT WITH THE CORRECT PART.
Defect
THE BOLTS AND NUTS WHICH ATTACH THE BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLY TO THE REAR AXLE FLANGE ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED ON SOME VEHICLES.
Consequence
THIS WOULD ALLOW EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT OF THE BEARING-HUBASSEMBLY RELATIVE TO THE REAR AXLE FLANGE AND COULD CAUSE ELONGATION ANDEVENTUAL SEPARATION OF THE ATTACHING BOLTS FROM THE REAR AXLE FLANGE. IF THISWERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, THE AFFECTED TIRE AND WHEEL COULDTRACK ERRATICALLY, EVENTUALLY CAUSING FAILURE OF THE OTHER ATTACHING BOLTS. THETIRE AND WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE WHICH COULD RESULT IN AVEHICLE ACCIDENT.
Remedy
TIGHTEN REAR AXLE BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLY FASTENERS, AND REPLACE ALL THE FASTENERS ON A WHEEL IF TWO OR MORE BOLTS ARE FOUND TO BE LOOSE.
Defect
THE PASSENGER'S SIDE EASY-ENTRY SEAT ADJUSTER MAY FAIL FULLY LOCK INTO POSITION AFTER THE SEAT BACK HAS BEEN TILTED FORWARD AND THE SEAT SLID FORWARD, THEN RETURNED TO ITS ORIGINAL POSTITION.
Consequence
IF THE SEAT ADJUSTER FAILS TO LOCK INTO POSITION, THEPASSENGER SEAT WOULD SLIDE FORWARD IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.OCCUPANTS OF THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD FACE INCREASED RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY.
Remedy
REPLACE THE ADJUSTER ASSEMBLY ON THE SEAT.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH CONSUMER NOTICED SMOKE AND THEN SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND POPPED THE HOOD AND FLAMES WERE COVERING THE ENGINE. CAUSE IS UNKNOWN. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION. TS”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES (ABS), VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW UP, TURNED VEHICLE INTO A PARKING LOT, TRYING TO BRAKE STEERING WENT, LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, NO BRAKES, HIT POLE; DRIVER HAD SEAT BELT ON, ALSO REPLACED PITTED ROTORS. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING, MY RADIO, CLOCK, CRUISE CONTROL, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING. THIS WOULD USUALLY HAPPEN WHEN I WOULD USE THE TURN SIGNALS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A FUSE, BUT LATER REALIZED IF I JIGGLED THE KEY IN THE INGNITION, THESE THINGS WOULD START WORKING AGAIN. THE IGNITION SEEMS TO…”
“WHILE DRIVING, MY RADIO, CLOCK, CRUISE CONTROL, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS STOP WORKING. THIS WOULD USUALLY HAPPEN WHEN I WOULD USE THE TURN SIGNALS. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS A FUSE, BUT LATER REALIZED IF I JIGGLED THE KEY IN THE INGNITION, THESE THINGS WOULD START WORKING AGAIN. THE IGNITION SEEMS TO…”
“PAINT IS LIFTING OFF IN CHUNKS IN SEVERAL AREAS ON THE HOOD, FRONT SIDE PANELS & ROOF. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED 7/13/01 @ 87,000 MILES. I WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR CAMPAIGNS ON THIS CAR FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CAN UNDERSTAND PAINT FADING AND WEARING DUE TO AGE, BUT NOT LIFTING OFF IN CHUNKS…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 304 complaints put the 1992 model at #11 of 29 Grand AM years. It is one of the Grand AM years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (72 complaints), brakes (48 complaints), electrical system (38 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 Pontiac Grand AM. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.