1996 Pontiac Grand Am: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am: 4 recalls, 450 owner complaints and up to 23 mpg combined.
Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 2 equipment/tire recalls that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #96V249000 · 1996 · 424 vehicles
What's wrong: The steering column lower pinch bolt was not properly tightened during assembly.
Why it matters: An undertorqued pinch bolt can rattle and cause looseness in the steering system. If the pinch bolt backed out of the joint completely, rotation of the steering shaft against the connector could cause increasing looseness in the steering system and result in loss of steering and an accident.
The fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column pinch bolt for correct torque and, if necessary, tighten the bolt to the specified torque.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #96V250000 · 1996 · 270,014 vehicles
What's wrong: The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Why it matters: If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
The fix: Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
Interior lights Vehicle recall #98V027000 · 1998 · 249,420 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Why it matters: The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
The fix: Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
Electrical Vehicle recall #02V070000 · 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
Why it matters: If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
The fix: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began March 27, 2002.
2 aftermarket equipment / tire recalls replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Fuel system Equipment recall #07E015000 · 2007 · 3,124 vehicles
What's wrong: Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. During production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. This condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative emission carbon canister May leak fuel.
Why it matters: A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. A fuel leak can result in a fire.
The fix: Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. The recall began on March 20, 2007. Owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
Fuel system (other) Equipment recall #07E021000 · 2007 · 742 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Fuel May leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 14 mention a fire, 69 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (122): the most common themes are electrical failure (33), stalls / loses power (28), door / lock issues (16).
- Airbags (104): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (18), fails to deploy (15), warning light on (6).
- Engine & cooling (74): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (19), leaks (15).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (59): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), brake failure / soft pedal (8).
The 1996 Pontiac Grand Am has 450 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Grand Am model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 341). Complaints peaked in 2002 (70 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 114,526 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (409 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (383 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 29 | 23 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | Regular |
| 3.1 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
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 1996 Pontiac Grand Am.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am, plus 2 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 1996 Pontiac Grand Am problems?
Owners have filed 450 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (122), airbags (104), engine & cooling (74).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am get?
EPA ratings run up to 23 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 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.