VehicleVerdict

2005 Pontiac Grand AM problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Pontiac Grand AM sits mid-pack among Grand AM years: 143 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 102, with 4 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 46 reports (32% of the total).

143

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

21

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

9

Injuries

1

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Grand AM years?

See all Grand AM years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Pontiac Grand AM problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System4632%
Lighting1510%
Fuel System1510%
Engine128%
Airbags107%
Steering86%
Visibility & Wipers75%
Other53%
Speed Control53%
Body & Structure43%
Suspension32%
Seat Belts32%
Latches & Locks32%
Brakes21%
Seats21%
Transmission21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%

Does the 2005 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.

05V054000SuspensionFebruary 14, 2005 · 9,402 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FRACTURE UNDER HIGH LOADS THAT CAN OCCUR IN SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

IF THE BOLT FRACTURE, THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE COULD DETACH FROM THE KNUCKLE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING COULD OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND A CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY 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 OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPUN OUT OF CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 1, 2013 · crash

THE SMELL OF GAS OUT OF THE BLUE. AT FIRST WE THOUGHT IT WAS TOPPING OFF THE GAS, SO WE STOPPED, THEN JUST SOME TIMES IT WILL JUST SMELL WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE. ALSO, WE HAVE HAD THE CAR BARELY OER A YEAR AND BOTH THE WINDOW REGULATORS IN THE FRONT DOORS ARE INOPERATIVE AND THE ONE PART WE NEED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2009

IN MANY OCCASIONS I HAD A COUPLE OF INCIDENTS, ONE BECAUSE OF A YELLOW POLE AND ANOTHER BECAUSE OF AN OBJECT IN THE FREEWAY. AND THE AIR BAG WOULDN'T DEPLOYED. I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND I AM STILL DRIVING THIS CAR. AFTER READING THE LETTER I RECEIVED I HAVE COME TO ONE UNDERSTANDING THAT IS THAT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · September 30, 2008 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AFTER CRASHING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED ON ANOTHER OCCASION WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AS THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 8, 2014 · crash

IN MANY OCCASIONS I HAD A COUPLE OF INCIDENTS, ONE BECAUSE OF A YELLOW POLE AND ANOTHER BECAUSE OF AN OBJECT IN THE FREEWAY. AND THE AIR BAG WOULDN'T DEPLOYED. I PAID FOR THE REPAIRS AND I AM STILL DRIVING THIS CAR. AFTER READING THE LETTER I RECEIVED I HAVE COME TO ONE UNDERSTANDING THAT IS THAT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 30, 2008 · crash

2005 Pontiac Grand AM — common questions

Is the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM reliable?

It is close to typical for the Grand AM: 143 NHTSA complaints, 4 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2005 Grand AM problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (46 complaints), lighting (15 complaints), fuel system (15 complaints).

Does the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.