2002 Pontiac Trans AM problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 43 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.6 times the median Trans AM year — the 2002 model ranks #1 of 22 Trans AM years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 4 deaths and 7 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (7), lighting (6), and brakes (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
43
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
7
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
7
Injuries
4
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2002 compare to other Trans AM years?
What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Trans AM problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 16% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 6 | 14% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 5 | 12% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 4 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 3 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Fuel System | 2 | 5% | — flat |
| Other | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Airbags | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 1 | 2% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 1 | 2% | ▼ down |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 95 MPH IN FOURTH GEAR, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND DROVE DOWN AN EMBANKMENT. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELTS FAILED TO RETRACT. A POLICE REPORT…”
“2002 TRANS AM JERKS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. *TS THE DEALER STATED THE CALIPERS ARE HARD HITTING WHICH WARPS THE ROTORS. IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM AND A DEFECT. THE WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE INSIDE LIGHT ABOVE THE HANDLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB”
“2002 TRANS AM JERKS WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED. MECHANIC DETERMINED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED. *TS THE DEALER STATED THE CALIPERS ARE HARD HITTING WHICH WARPS THE ROTORS. IT IS A KNOW PROBLEM AND A DEFECT. THE WINDOW MOTOR WAS REPLACED AND THE INSIDE LIGHT ABOVE THE HANDLE WAS INOPERATIVE. *JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC TRANS AM. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME. HE IS CONCERNED THAT THE DOOR WILL FALL OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE MANUFACTURER SENT HIM TO THE GMC COLLISION CENTER AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPAIR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE…”
“SENSING DIAGNOSTIC MODULE COMPLAINT. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE FOUND OUT THAT GM WAS PUTTING EVENT DATA RECORDERS ON THEIR VEHICLES. HE STATES THESE RECORDERS WILL NOT BE ACCURATE IF THE CONSUMER CHANGES THINGS SUCH AS TIRE SIZE. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH RESULTED IN 2 PEOPLE…”
2002 Pontiac Trans AM — common questions
Is the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 43 complaints put the 2002 model at #1 of 22 Trans AM years. It is one of the Trans AM years to avoid.
What are the most common 2002 Trans AM problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (7 complaints), lighting (6 complaints), brakes (5 complaints).
Does the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM.
Which Pontiac Trans AM years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Trans AM years to avoid are 2002. The cleanest record among Trans AM years belongs to 1993.
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.