MotorDeets

1997 Pontiac Trans Am: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1997 Pontiac Trans Am: 0 recalls, 12 owner complaints.

0vehicle recalls
12owner complaints
0mention a crash
–best combined mpg
1997 Pontiac Trans Am
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Electrical3
Airbags2
Exterior lights2
Brakes (hydraulic)1
Body & structure1
Suspension1
Fuel system1
Visibility (wipers, glass)1

What owners describe

The 1997 Pontiac Trans Am has 12 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 12 Trans Am model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 10). Complaints peaked in 2000 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old. Neighboring years: 1996 (4 complaints, 0 recalls), 1998 (11 complaints, 0 recalls).

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 1997 Pontiac Trans 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 1997 Pontiac Trans 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
Check 1997 Pontiac Trans Am manual
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
Check 1997 Pontiac Trans Am manual
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 1997 Pontiac Trans Am manual

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FAQ

Does the 1997 Pontiac Trans Am have any recalls?

NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1997 Pontiac Trans Am. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.

What are the most common 1997 Pontiac Trans Am problems?

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (3), airbags (2), exterior lights (2).

Where can I get a 1997 Pontiac Trans 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 Trans Am years

199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002