VehicleVerdict

2004 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 402 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.9 times the median Grand AM year — the 2004 model ranks #10 of 29 Grand AM years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 24 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 151 reports (38% of the total).

402

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

34

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

24

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Grand AM years?

Grand AM NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Grand AM years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Pontiac Grand AM problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System15138%
Lighting6015%
Engine297%
Airbags215%
Body & Structure205%
Brakes195%
Speed Control184%
Steering154%
Fuel System143%
Other123%
Transmission113%
Visibility & Wipers102%
Tires & Wheels82%
Suspension72%
Seat Belts31%
Latches & Locks20%
Seats10%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

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

14V400000Electrical SystemJuly 3, 2014 · 5,877,718 units

Defect

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

04V301000Fuel SystemJune 30, 2004 · 2,857 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A FUEL TANK THAT DOES NOT MEET SPECIFICATION. A WELD ON THESE FUEL TANKS MAY BE INSUFFICIENT, RESULTING IN A FUEL LEAK.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL TANK, AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 7, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM SE. SHE STATED THAT THE HAZARD LIGHTS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY AND RAPIDLY TURN ON AND OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A BURNING WIRE SMELL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS OR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. NEITHER THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 21, 2010 · fire

“REGULAR OCCURRENCES STARTED AT 120K MILES, THESE ARE ALL ISSUES WHICH PREVIOUSLY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN FILED BY CURRENT 2004 GRAND AM OWNERS BUT HAVE NOT BEEN CORRECTED AND I HAVE CALLED EVERY 6 MONTHS FILING THESE COMPLAINTS. 1) GAS FUMES ARE COMING IN THE CAR WHEN IT IS RUNNING OR SITTING STILL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 1, 2013 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE DETAILS OF THE CRASH WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE ALSO PROBLEMS WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · October 7, 2013 · crash

“DRIVER HIT GAS INSTEAD OF BRAKE EXITING FROM A PARKING LOT AND DROVE INTO THE REAR WHEELS OF A FLAT BED TRACTOR AND TRAILER TRUCK. AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND DRIVER'S SEAT BELT POPPED LOOSE. DRIVER SUSTAINED A MILD CONCUSSION. PASSENGER SUFFERED CHEST PAIN AND HAS SINCE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH TORN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 9, 2013 · crash

2004 Pontiac Grand AM — common questions

Is the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 402 complaints put the 2004 model at #10 of 29 Grand AM years. It is one of the Grand AM years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Grand AM problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (151 complaints), lighting (60 complaints), engine (29 complaints).

Does the 2004 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 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.