MotorDeets

1994 Pontiac Grand Am: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am: 2 recalls, 377 owner complaints and up to 24 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
377owner complaints
59mention a crash
24best combined mpg
1994 Pontiac Grand Am
Photo: MercurySable99 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #94V122000 · 1994 · 1,681 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles were constructed with welds in the rear compartment pan assembly that are not sufficient to comply with the requirements pertaining to fuel tank leakage in the event of a rear impact collision. The fuel tank assemblies do not comply with fmvss no. 301, "fuel system integrity."

Why it matters: This can result in an increased risk of a vehicle fire in the event of a rear impact collision.

The fix: Dealer will install rivets adjacent to the locations where the suspect welds are located.

Electrical Vehicle recall #00V287000 · 2000 · 699,617 vehicles

What's wrong: If the engine starter fails to engage and the driver hold the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, producing heat that can melt switch parts.

Why it matters: A fire could occur in the steering column and spread to the interior of the car.

The fix: Dealers will install a relay kit and verify that the vehicle will start with a properly charged battery in good operating condition (adequate reserve capacity, or cold cranking amps). This campaign does not cover battery replacement or unrelated starting system or electrical system repairs.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 29 mention a fire, 51 injuries and 5 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling73
Electrical71
Brakes (hydraulic)60
Steering56
Airbags38
Exterior lights23
Transmission & drivetrain22
Visibility (wipers, glass)21

What owners describe

The 1994 Pontiac Grand Am has 377 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 16 Grand Am model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 341). Complaints peaked in 2001 (79 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 123,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1993 (204 complaints, 1 recalls), 1995 (409 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.3 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive213224Regular
2.3 L 4-cylAutomatic 3-spdFront-Wheel Drive192923Regular
2.3 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive192922Regular
2.3 L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182721Regular
2.3 L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive182721Premium
3.1 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive182621Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 1994 Pontiac Grand Am manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1994 Pontiac Grand Am manual

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FAQ

Does the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 1994 Pontiac Grand Am problems?

Owners have filed 377 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (73), electrical (71), brakes (hydraulic) (60).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am get?

EPA ratings run up to 24 mpg combined (2.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 6 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1994 Pontiac Grand Am repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Grand Am years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005