Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 290 of 383 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 66 of 383 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Electrical system
123 complaint records8 fire reports3 crash reports
"NHTSA RECALL 02V070000/ MANUFACTURER 02008. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALER AND HAD RECALL REPAIRED, BUT PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
91 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"SERPENTINE BELT WAS OFF PULLEYS CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH STEERING.*MR THE VEHICLE STEAMED OVER AND DEX COOL BOILED OUT. *PH..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Brakes
84 complaint records2 fire reports3 crash reports
"WHEN BRAKING, THE VEHICLE PULSATES AS IF SOMETHING IS OUT-OF-ROUND. THE SENSATION ORIGINATES IN THE FRONT END (MAYBE FROM THE ROTOR). *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| RQ98013 opened Aug 1998 | OPEN | Air Bags | OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS - led to recall 98V146000 ON JUNE 26, 1998, GENERAL MOTORS BEGAIN A SAFETY RECALL, 98V-146, TO RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE (SDM) IN THE 1996 AND SOME 1997 J BODY CARS, CAVALIER AND SUNFIRE.DUE TO CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG SDM, THERE IS AN INCREASED... |
| RQ03001 opened Jan 2003 | closed Sep 2003 | Steering | POWER RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILURE GM CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL (NHTSA # 02V286) TO ADDRESS A STEERING DEFECT PERTAINING TO A LOWER PINION BEARING (LPB) WITHIN THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR (R&P). |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V070000 | Electrical System | 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... | Normally free |
| 97V059000 | Electrical System | THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTER WAS OMITTED. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED AND CAN CONTACT THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015501 2015-10-23 | Engine | 105,933 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. |
| 2009105 2009-04-08 | Engine | 128,726 | On certain vehicles equipped with a 3.8L naturally aspirated engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. Under hard braking, drops of engine oil may be deposited on the exhaust manifold. |
| 2008081 2008-03-05 | Engine | 21,046 | On certain Grand Prix GTP and Regal GS vehicles equipped with a 3.8L supercharged engine, degradation of the front rocker cover gasket may result in eventual oil seepage. |
| 2003162 2003-06-24 | Airbag | 224,528 | Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. |
| 2002199 2002-11-05 | Steering | 238,877 | On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. |
Show 4 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002041 2002-03-06 | Electrical | 293,250 | 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... |
| 2000002 2000-01-04 | Visual System | 12,032 | On certain vehicles, the windshield wipers may stop working, usually after operation under heavy load conditions such as accumulated snow or ice, because of separation between the drive pin and crescent in the crank arm assembly. |
| 1999083 1999-05-12 | Engine | 3,107 | On certain vehicles, the spark plug wires may be causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to be illuminated, as well as causing rough idle and poor performance. |
| 1997078 1997-04-14 | Electrical | 279 | THE PROTECTIVE COVER FOR THE UNDERHOOD FUSE CENTRE MAY HAVE BEEN OMITTED ON THESE VEHICLES. WITHOUT THIS COVER, THE POSITIVE TERMINAL BOLT ON THE FUSE BLOCK IS EXPOSED, AND MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE INSULATED NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 16NA260 Aug 2016 | Equipment | THIS TECHNICAL BULLETIN PROVIDES A PROCEDURE TO REPROGRAM THE MEDIA DISC PLAYER WITH THE LATEST CALIBRATIONS TO CORRECT A CONDITION OF THE REAR ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM NOT OPERATING AS INTENDED IN COLDER AMBIENT TEMPERATURE AREAS DUE TO CALIBRATION CONCERNS. | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| Recalls Jun 2014 | Equipment | Vehicle Recalls | |
| 05-06-04-035D May 2014 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 000089008E Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 04152004 Apr 2004 | Service Brakes | VEHICLES MAY SET ANYONE OR A COMBINATION OF FRONT-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CODES AS INTERMITTENT OR HARD FAILURES. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 00966B Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 00966 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 000089008B Sep 2003 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 010601002A Dec 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | REVISED PISTON PIN REMOVAL / INSTALLATION PROCEDURE. *TT | |
| 020601014 Apr 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 020522001 Apr 2002 | Service Brakes | SERVICE MANUAL UPDATE REGARDING REVISED BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS. *TT | |
| 010602012 Dec 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON LEAKAGE OF A FEW DROPS OF COOLANT AFTER PARKING THEIR VEHICLE. *TT | |
| 010849020 Dec 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER OR IGNITION SWITCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT. *SLC | |
| 010601010A Jun 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING POLYMER SERVICE PISTONS. *TT | |
| 000089008A May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 1996 THROUGH 2000 TOYOTA CAVALIER. *TT | |
| 990604005A Apr 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON DRIVEABILITY SYMPTONS OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE DUE TO CLOGGED FUEL INJECTORS. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 000524001 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990604005 Feb 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *TT | |
| 833208 Oct 1998 | Steering | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT ABOUT A SQUEAK/ SQUAWK TYPE NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN AREA WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *YC | |
| 831704 Oct 1998 | Structure | CONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC | |
| 876002A Jul 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT | |
| 98836416 Jun 1998 | Electrical System | CONDITIONS REGARDING WEAK OR DISCHARGED BATTERY, SLOW STARTING, GEN OR MIL LAMP ON, VARIOUS DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS. *YC | |
| 98576124A Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS ON A TICKING TYPE NOISE THAT BEGINS SHORTLY AFTER COLD ENGINE START-UP AND GRADUALLY DIMINISHES AS THE ENGINE WARMS UP. *YC | |
| 98776514A May 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE'S INSTRUMENT PANEL. *YC | |
| 98731616A Apr 1998 | Seats | SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 98776304A Feb 1998 | Fuel System | SOME VEHICLES MAY EXPERIENCE A DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM OF LONG OR HARD STARTS, CHUGGLE, ROUGH IDLE AND LIGHT OR INTERMITTENT MISFIRE. *YC | |
| 735018 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | COMMENTS THAT THE REAR BRAKES MAY DRAG/HEAT UP OR REAR OF CAR IS SQUATTING DUE TO AGGRESSIVE REAR BRAKE. *YC | |
| 971101731616 Nov 1997 | Seats | COMMENTS THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 971101776304 Nov 1997 | Fuel System | SUBJECT PERTAINING TO DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOMS DUE TO FUEL INJECTOR DEPOSITS. *YC | |
| 971101733209 Nov 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING A SQUEAK/SQUAWK NOISE COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE STEERING COLUMN. *YC | |
| 9709015015A Sep 1997 | Service Brakes | COMPLAINTS THAT THE ABS INDICATOR LAMP IS "ON". *YC | |
| 970801676305 Aug 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | SOME VEHICLES EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTIES TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR AN ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION. *YC | |
| 970801735026 Aug 1997 | Service Brakes | COMMENT THAT THE ABS LIGHT IS ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) 46 AND 86 SET AS CURRENT OR HISTORY. *YC | |
| 970501776109 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXHIBITING DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, AND P0304 INDICATING ENGINE MISFIRE CONDITIONS. *YC | |
| 733301 Apr 1997 | Suspension | SQUAWK NOISE COMING FROM FRONT SUSPENSION OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT AREA (INSTALL ULTRA HIGH MOLECULAR TAPE). *TW | |
| 776109 Apr 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE STALL AT COLD START, ROUGH IDLE, OIL FILTER EXPANSION, HIGH OIL PRESSURE AND ENGINE MISFIRE DTC'S (REPLACE OIL PUMP WITH IMPROVED PRESS RELIEF VALVE BORE). *TW | |
| 676305 Mar 1997 | Vehicle Speed Control | DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND/OR ACCELERATOR CABLE SEPARATION (INSTALL ACCELERATOR CABLE AND CLIP). *TW | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 677164 Feb 1997 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW | |
| 577106A Feb 1997 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE (DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 631051 Jan 1997 | Visibility | LEFT REAR DOOR POWER WINDOW INTERMITTENTLY INOPERATIVE/COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE (SECURE CONNECTOR WITH TIE STRAP). *TW | |
| 638313 Jan 1997 | Electrical System | INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER SQUEAK OR ITCH NOISE (REPOSITION FELT PADS). *TW |
Showing 60 of 67 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 2 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Grand Am →