Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Grand AM vs FORD F 150
How the Pontiac Grand AM and FORD F 150 compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Pontiac Grand AM vs FORD F 150: The Grand AM averaged 398.5 complaints per year over 6 years, while the F-150 averaged 1162.1 over 10 years. The Grand AM's top issue is electrical (834), and the F-150's is power train (3648). Both have serious safety complaints. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Grand AM or FORD F 150 more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Grand AM
The Pontiac Grand AM is a compact car that, based on owner complaints, can be a headache to live with due to frequent electrical and lighting problems. Over six years, it averaged about 399 complaints per year, with the electrical system and exterior lighting drawing the most attention. Owners report stalling, no-start conditions, and brake lights that work intermittently, which can be both frustrating and risky. With 32 recalls and a range of safety-related complaints, a used Grand AM demands careful inspection before purchase.
FORD F 150
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup that, while popular, has generated a high volume of owner complaints—over 11,600 in ten years, averaging about 1,162 per year. The most common trouble spots are the power train and electrical system, with reports of transmission limp mode, lead frame failures, and rear window defroster shorts. Although it has a lower death count in the provided data, the sheer number of complaints and 151 recalls means buyers should be vigilant. Many issues are recurring and can affect drivability and safety.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Grand AM | FORD F 150 |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 2,391 Better | 11,621 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 32 Better | 151 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 154 Better | 330 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 398.5 Better | 1162.1 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 135 Better | 297 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 14 | 1 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Pontiac Grand AM
- 01ELECTRICAL SYSTEM834
- 02EXTERIOR LIGHTING489
- 03ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING293
- 04SERVICE BRAKES286
- 05HYDRAULIC237
Owners report stalling at low speeds, ignition key failures, and random security sensor illumination. These issues can leave you stranded or cause a crash, as one owner stalled and hit a curb.
Complaints describe brake lights and other lights that work intermittently, often passing inspection only to fail later. This can make your vehicle less visible and lead to tickets or accidents.
While fewer complaints than electrical, owners mention engine-related problems that may cause overheating or performance loss. These can be costly to diagnose and repair.
Brake and hydraulic issues appear in complaints, potentially affecting stopping power. Any brake problem is a serious safety concern that should be checked immediately.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND CRASHED INTO A CURB. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE CONTACT INSERTED THE KEY INTO THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE SECURITY SENSOR RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIA…”
FORD F 150
- 01POWER TRAIN3,648
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2,100
- 03UNKNOWN OR OTHER1,431
- 04EXTERIOR LIGHTING1,224
- 05ENGINE880
Owners frequently report transmission problems, including limp mode, getting stuck in 5th gear, and lead frame failures. These can cause sudden loss of power and near-collisions, making the truck unreliable.
The same lead frame issue often appears under electrical complaints, along with output speed sensor failures that trigger limp mode. A rear window defroster short has even caused back windows to shatter.
This catch-all includes bizarre issues like the rear window exploding outward after using the defroster. Such unpredictable failures can be dangerous and expensive to fix.
Lighting complaints are common, though less detailed in the sample. Malfunctioning lights can reduce visibility and increase crash risk, especially at night.
“This lead frame issue is never ending. Well over a decade without a proper remedy. I’m very familiar with it. but this one nearly ended my life. After the near collision I called my mechanic and bought a new ford lead frame from a dealership. It’s doing fine…”
“My 2017 Ford F-150 V8 with the 6-speed automatic transmission has been experiencing a serious and recurring transmission malfunction. The truck has consistently, almost on a daily basis, gone into limp mode and become stuck in 5th gear. It also frequently fai…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Pontiac Grand AM — 32 recalls
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
The defect: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES…
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
The defect: CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS THAT ARE NOT TO SPECIFICATION AND COULD FRACTURE UNDER HIGH LOADS THAT CAN OCCUR IN SOME DRIVING CONDITIONS.
The risk: IF THE BOLT FRACTURE, THE REAR SUSPENSION LINKAGE COULD DETACH FROM THE KNUCKLE AND THE REAR WHEEL WOULD BE ABLE TO TURN INBOARD OR OUTBOARD. SUDDEN CHANGES IN VEHICLE HANDLING COULD OCCUR, PARTICULARLY AT HIGHER SPEEDS, AND THE DRIVER MAY…
The fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH REAR SUSPENSION KNUCKLE BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 9, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
The defect: This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency o…
The risk: If the key is not in the run position, the air bags may not deploy if the vehicle is involved in a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.
FORD F 150 — 151 recalls
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater. Water and contaminants may get into the block heater cable's splice connector causin…
The risk: When the heater is plugged in, prolonged corrosion could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring which can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the block heater cable, free of charge. Once parts are available, Dealers will replace the engine block heater cable, free of charge. The recall began June 3, 2019. Owners may contact Ford…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Ford F-150 and 2017-2019 Ford F-250 Super Duty, F-350 Super Duty, F-450 Super Duty, and F-550 Super Duty pick-up trucks equipped with an engine block heater and previously remedied under recall 18V894. During the previous repair, the block he…
The risk: A damaged cable could cause a resistive short, increasing the risk of overheated or melted wiring, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will disable the engine block heater from being used. When replacement cables become available, a second notice will be mailed and dealers will replace the engine block heater cord, free of charge. The…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Ford F-150 Regular Cab and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. If a front seat belt pretensioner deploys as the result of a crash, the sparks may ignite materials such as carpeting or insulation within the B-pillar area.
The risk: A vehicle fire could result if materials ignite inside the vehicle.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will remove the B-pillar insulation material and wiring harness tape, and install heat resistant tape, free of charge. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-…
The defect: Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford F-150, and 2017 F-250, F-350, F-450, and F-550 Super Duty trucks. The doors on these vehicles may have a bent or kinked actuation cable or the door latches may freeze after water gets into the latch. Either condition can result in the do…
The risk: A door that opens while driving can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the door latch actuation cables and repair if necessary, and install water shields over the door latches, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Ford customer…
Buyer analysis
Pontiac Grand AM or FORD F 150: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Grand AM has far fewer complaints per year (about 399) compared to the Ford F-150 (about 1,162), but both have serious safety-related patterns. In practice, the Grand AM may have fewer overall issues, but its electrical and lighting problems can still leave you stranded or in a crash. The F-150's higher volume means more chances of encountering a major power train defect.
Key differences
- The Grand AM's top complaint is electrical (834), often causing stalls and no-starts, while the F-150's top complaint is power train (3648), with transmission limp mode and lead frame failures.
- Exterior lighting is a major issue for the Grand AM (489 complaints), with intermittent brake lights, whereas the F-150 has 1224 lighting complaints but more varied electrical problems.
- The F-150 has 151 recalls versus 32 for the Grand AM, meaning more potential safety campaigns to check.
- The Grand AM has 14 deaths in the data, while the F-150 has 1, but the F-150 has more crashes (330 vs 154) and injuries (297 vs 135).
- Check for intermittent brake lights and other exterior lights—have someone watch while you test them, and look for corrosion or loose connections.
- Test the ignition and security system: try starting multiple times, watch for the security light, and listen for any stalling or hesitation.
- Test drive at highway speeds and watch for sudden limp mode or getting stuck in 5th gear—this points to a failing lead frame or output speed sensor.
- Inspect the rear window defroster for signs of shorting or overheating, and check if the rear window has been replaced due to shattering.
Before you buy
- Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see all open recalls for the specific vehicle and confirm they were fixed.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially for transmission repairs or electrical work on the F-150 and ignition/lighting fixes on the Grand AM.
- During a test drive, deliberately test all lights, the ignition, and transmission shifting (including highway speeds) to reproduce common complaints.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on the power train and electrical systems for the F-150, and the electrical and brake systems for the Grand AM.
- Check for any signs of water leaks or corrosion in the electrical system, as these can worsen the reported issues.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Pontiac Grand AM or FORD F 150 in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Grand AM vs FORD F 150
- Pontiac Grand AM total complaints
- 2,391
- FORD F 150 total complaints
- 11,621
- Pontiac Grand AM total recalls
- 32
- FORD F 150 total recalls
- 151
- Pontiac Grand AM avg complaints/year
- 398.5
- FORD F 150 avg complaints/year
- 1162.1
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Grand AM
- Pontiac Grand AM top complaint area
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- FORD F 150 top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN