Before you buy
This 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has 404 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2002 Pontiac Grand Am trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2002 Pontiac Grand Am Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 2-DR.Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has 404 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Pontiac
- Model
- Grand Am
- Model year
- 2002
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 404
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 30
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2002 Pontiac Grand Am problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Headlight/Taillight Failures
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Headlight/Taillight Failures, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?
This PONTIAC GRAND AM year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The PONTIAC GRAND AM has 404 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. 22 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 404 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 4 federal recall campaigns
- 22 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2002 Pontiac Grand Am complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 150 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 100 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 67 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 40 | 3 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 22 | 6 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 19 | 12 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 2 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
MY PONTIAC GRAND AM SE 4DS 3.4 LITER ENGINE 2002 HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SECURITY LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON & STAYS ON & THEN WHEN I SHUT IT OFF & THEN GET BACK IN CAR TO START IT , IT WOULDN'T START THE SECURITY LIGHT FLASHES & I HAVE TO WAIT 10 MINUTES OR FOR IT TO GO OUT LEAVING TH…
I WAS DIVING DOWN HWY 70 GOING TO PICK UP MY FIRST DELIVERY FOR THE DAY WHEN, I'M NOT SURE HOW BUT THE KEY CAME OUT OF THE ON POSTION AND FELL OUT ON FLOOR, SCARED I WAS GOING TO CRASH I HURRIEDLY REACHED DOWN AND PUT IT BACK IN AND NOTICED THE SECURITY LIGHT HAD CAME ON AND WITH…
I REPLACED THE CLOCK SPRING BACK IN 2018 BUT THE AIR BAG LIGHT STILL ON IT HAS TO BE A AIRBAG CONTROL MODULE SINCE I PURCHASED MY FIRST CAR SINCE 2011 IT NEEDS TO BE TURNED OFF
TAKATA RECALL TRANSMISSION - SHIFTS HARD, WENT OUT WITH OUT ANY WARNING LIGHTS. WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WHEN I TRIED TO GO, IT WOULDN'T GO PAST 10 MPH AND WENT ALL THE WAY UP TO 4TH RPM. POWER STEERING LEAKS BAD.
SINCE THE DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR IT'S HAD A STRONG GAS ODOR THAT FILLS THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. IT GETS WORSE WHEN YOU RUN THE DEFROST AND WHEN THE GAS TANK IS ON E. IT'S AN EVERYDAY STRONG GAS ODOR AND MOST OF THE TIME IT'S EVERYTIME YOU DRIVE IT NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES IN ONE D…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN, BUT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR DID NOT WORK. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE REAR TAIL LIGHT BULBS. WHEN THE HAZARD BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED, THE TURN SIGN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE AND SECURITY WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTA…
'TAKATA RECALL' DETERIORATION OF AIRBAGS DUE TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION AND THE HEAT OF THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES
TL-CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM ---- VEHICLE HAS 165,478 MILES CONTACT WAS GOING 10MPH WHEN BLINKERS STOPPED WORKING, IN TURN LANE TO TURN OFF MAIN ROAD AT NIGHT.. CONTACT WAS DRIVING HOME TWO NIGHTS AGO WHEN BLINKERS BOTH WENT OUT AND CONTACT WENT ONLINE AND LOOKED UP V…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE OPERATING THE TURN SIGNAL EITHER RIGHT OR LEFT, THE SIGNAL LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
THE LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL WENT OUT I HAVE REPLACED ALL BULBS AND NOTHING THE HEADLIGHTS AUTO DOSENT WORK MOST OF THE TIME THE TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING THRDAY AFTERBI BOUGHT THE CAR.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WAS RESTARTED AFTER A FEW MINUTES. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURR…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TURNED THE KEY IN THE IGNITION, THE ENGINE FAILED TO START THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. IT TOOK OVER TEN MINUTES FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. THE MANUFACTURE…
OIL LEAK OIL LEAKING ON HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING FIRE WHILE EITHER RUNNING OR DRIVING MAY CAUSE ENGINE FIRE DON'T SEEM SAFE TO ME SOMEONE OWNNG AND DRIVING THIS CAR AS I SMELL OIL BURNING WHEN I SHUT OFF CAR NOT SAFE TO ME IF GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT'S THE WAY I WANNA…
TRANSMISSION IS SLIGHTLY SLIPPING I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE WHEEL HUBS CHANGED FOUR TIMES I'M ONLY THE SECOND OWNER THE FIRST OWNER WAS 80 WHEN THE CAR WAS SOLD IT HAS 122K ON IT AND IF SOMETHING IS NOT DONE I WILL BE CONTACTING MY LAWYERS VERY SOON
PASS LOCK SENSOR.WONT START DUE TO SECURITY LIGHT.HAVE TO WAIT 10 MIN UNTIL IT STOPS FLASHING TO TURN CAR ON.HAPPENED 4 TIMES THIS MONTH.GETTING WORSE.A FRIEND HAD THIS PROBLEM ALSO,SHE TOLD ME WHAT TO DO.
HELLO, I'M NOT SURE WHO TO CONTACT IN REGARDS TO THIS, BUT I HAVE A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM AND RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL, (THE IGNITION/SECURITY RECALL.) I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, ONLY TO DISCOVER THEY NEVER FIXED IT AND WHEN I CALLED TO ADDRESS THEM…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 TO 35 MPH AND TURNING RIGHT OR LEFT, THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAILED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE…
OIL LEAK OIL LEAKING ON HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING FIRE WHILE EITHER RUNNING OR DRIVING MAY CAUSE ENGINE FIRE DON'T SEEM SAFE TO ME SOMEONE OWNNG AND DRIVING THIS CAR AS I SMELL OIL BURNING WHEN I SHUT OFF CAR NOT SAFE TO ME IF GM KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT'S THE WAY I WANN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHEN THE IGNITION WAS TURNED TO THE ON POSITION, THE IGNITION FAILED TO TURN. THIRTY MINUTES AFTER JIGGLING THE KEY, THE IGNITION TURNED TO THE ON POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am.
Safety recalls
2002 Pontiac Grand Am recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2002 Pontiac Grand Am buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 404 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. This PONTIAC GRAND AM year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (150 complaints). #2: Headlight/Taillight Failures (100 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (67 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 3 fire reports out of 404 total complaints. 23 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION. 4 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am?▾
This PONTIAC GRAND AM year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Pontiac Grand Am reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2002 Pontiac Grand Am based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.