← New search

2003 Pontiac Grand Am

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Grand Am years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am are substantially higher than the model-year median of 82.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

238 reports with mileage · 87 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 134 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Exterior Lighting. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports5 fire reports23 injury reports

Vehicle Speed Control complaints

35 reports
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

CPSC:I13A0533A. 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. CONSUMER STATED HER CAR ACCELERATED UNEXPECTEDLY, WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR. *LN

NHTSA ODI #10551322

130,000 miles · Feb 27, 2013
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM STUCK TO THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRACKET CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE CHEC…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM STUCK TO THE ATTACHMENT OF THE BRACKET CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE INTO PARK IN ORDER TO STOP THE ACCELERATION. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ODI #10500679

85,000 miles · Apr 21, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control

THIS DIDN'T INVOLVE ANYTHING TRAGIC. I HAVE A 2003 PONTIAC GRANDAM AND IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING COOLANT AND I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AND ALSO LEARNED FROM THE MECHANIC THAT I TOOK IT TO THAT THIS MODEL OF CAR IS INFAMOUS FOR HAVING THAT PROBLEM AND HIS DOES SEVERAL REP…

Read full complaint

THIS DIDN'T INVOLVE ANYTHING TRAGIC. I HAVE A 2003 PONTIAC GRANDAM AND IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH LEAKING COOLANT AND I HAVE FOUND OUT THAT MY INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED AND ALSO LEARNED FROM THE MECHANIC THAT I TOOK IT TO THAT THIS MODEL OF CAR IS INFAMOUS FOR HAVING THAT PROBLEM AND HIS DOES SEVERAL REPAIRS OF THE SAME TYPE OF CAR FOR THE SAME PROBLEMS EVERY MONTH AND I THINK THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE GM MANUFACTURERS BECAUSE THEY PUT A FAULTY PART ON THIS TYPE OF CAR AND IT IS GOING BAD AND COULD SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSE THE HEAD GASKETS TO BLOW ON THE CAR IF IT IS NOT REPAIRED AND ALSO I AM HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ACCELERATOR AND WHEN I CALLED ABOUT A RECALL THEY TOLD ME THAT FOR MY VIN ON MY CAR THEIR WAS CURRENTLY NO RECALLS WHICH IS A BUNCH OF BULL BECAUSE MY CAR IS ALSO HAVING THAT PROBLEM MY ACCELERATOR IS STICKING AND THE CAR KEEPS GOING EVEN WHEN I AM NOT PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL AND IT IS REALLY SCARY SOMETIMES BUT IT DOESN'T DO IT EVERY TIME I START THE CAR ITS JUST UNPREDICTABLE AND HAPPENS OUT OF THE BLUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10266310

98,000 miles · Dec 30, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control

I OWN A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT THE THROTTLE STICKS. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL GM (4092) (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V528000) HAD ISSUED ADDRESSING THIS BUT ONLY IN A SPECIFIED SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. MY CAR DOES NOT FALL IN THAT RANGE BUT IS AFFECTED IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VIN # IS . THE CAR IS B…

Read full complaint

I OWN A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM THAT THE THROTTLE STICKS. I HAVE DONE EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND FOUND THERE WAS A RECALL GM (4092) (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 04V528000) HAD ISSUED ADDRESSING THIS BUT ONLY IN A SPECIFIED SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. MY CAR DOES NOT FALL IN THAT RANGE BUT IS AFFECTED IN THE SAME MANNER. THE VIN # IS . THE CAR IS BECOMING A SAFETY HAZARD TO MY FAMILY AND IS ONE OF OUR PRIMARY VEHICLES. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING BECAUSE OF THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. I FEEL THAT THE NHTSA NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE THIS FURTHER AND WIDEN THE SERIAL NUMBER RANGE. THE DATE OF INCIDENT IS THE MOST RECENT TIME IT HAPPENED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10253165

8,000 miles · Sep 9, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM STICKS AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET. THE PEDAL ARM DOES NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE FAILURE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS N…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM STICKS AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET. THE PEDAL ARM DOES NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED. OVER THE PAST YEAR, THE FAILURE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED. THE DEALER STATED THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL); THEREFORE, HE WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM, ACCELERATOR, AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLIES AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 17,000.

NHTSA ODI #10241594

Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM WHICH HAS A SAFETY AND NON-COMPLIANCE RECALL THAT INVOLVES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, (SAFETY RECALL # 04092). WHEN THE INITIAL RECALL WAS DELIVERED I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A GM DEALERSHIP IN KENDALLVILLE INDIANA. THEY INSPECTED THE DEVICE, AND AT THAT TIME STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLE…

Read full complaint

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM WHICH HAS A SAFETY AND NON-COMPLIANCE RECALL THAT INVOLVES THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY, (SAFETY RECALL # 04092). WHEN THE INITIAL RECALL WAS DELIVERED I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A GM DEALERSHIP IN KENDALLVILLE INDIANA. THEY INSPECTED THE DEVICE, AND AT THAT TIME STATED THERE WAS NO PROBLEM AND NO PARTS WERE REPLACED. I AM CURRENTLY LIVING IN VIRGINIA AND HAVE FOUND IN HOT, AMBIENT CONDITIONS, (IN THE AFTERNOON AND ALMOST DAILY), MY ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING, FAILING TO RETURN TO THE NORMAL IDLE POSITION. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A GM DEALERSHIP IN HARRISONBURG VA TO HAVE IT CHECKED AND THEY ADVISED A NEW PEDAL ASSEMBLY WOULD BE NEEDED ALTHOUGH THEY ARE UNWILLING TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE UNDER THE RECALL # 04092 SINCE THE INITIAL INSPECTION WAS PERFORMED IN INDIANA. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP IN INDIANA THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON OCTOBER 19, 2005 WHICH IS NOT DURING THE HOT AND AMBIENT WEATHER THAT IS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SAFETY CONCERN. I HAVE CONTACTED GM AND THEY STATE SINCE MY VEHICLE HAS OVER 100,000 MILES AND IS A 2003 THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO REPLACE THIS REQUIRED PROCEDURE UNDER THE MANUFACTURES RECALL. I SEEK YOUR ASSISTANCE IN A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME FOR THE SAFETY OF NOT ONLY MYSELF AND MY FAMILY, BUT FOR OTHER'S ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234374

33,913 miles · Apr 28, 2008
Vehicle Speed Control

ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. WHEN THE WEATHER WOULD WARM UP THE PEDAL WOULD STICK HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY VEHICLE WAS 900 CARS OUT OF THE VIN NUMBER BREAK POINT FOR THIS RECALL. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED ON THIS FAILURE. THE PARTS THAT THE DEALER REPLACED WERE THE SAME PARTS THAT WERE ON…

Read full complaint

ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. WHEN THE WEATHER WOULD WARM UP THE PEDAL WOULD STICK HOLDING THE THROTTLE OPEN. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT MY VEHICLE WAS 900 CARS OUT OF THE VIN NUMBER BREAK POINT FOR THIS RECALL. THE RECALL NEEDS TO BE EXPANDED ON THIS FAILURE. THE PARTS THAT THE DEALER REPLACED WERE THE SAME PARTS THAT WERE ON THE RECALL VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE IS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM WITH A V6 ENGINE IN IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10225952

Mileage unknown · Feb 21, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingVehicle Speed Control

2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THEN EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS OIL IN THE COOLANT RECOVERY TANK, WHICH REQUIRED REP…

Read full complaint

2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL. CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE. THEN EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THERE WAS OIL IN THE COOLANT RECOVERY TANK, WHICH REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, VALVE COVER GASKETS, THERMOSTAT AND COOLANT. *JB THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT ENGAGE PROPERLY AND THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL FLASHER.

NHTSA ODI #10219457

102,000 miles · Aug 14, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE SPEED INCREASED TO 45 MPH. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES OTHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. THE CURRENT A…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER FOOT WAS NOT ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHEN THE SPEED INCREASED TO 45 MPH. A MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES OTHER THAN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 102,000.

NHTSA ODI #10199536

15,000 miles · Jul 27, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED IN HOT WEATHER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. RECALL NUMBER 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN SHE REMOVED HER FOOT. THE FAILURE ONLY OCCURRED IN HOT WEATHER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. RECALL NUMBER 04V528000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL) WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 58,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ

NHTSA ODI #10197629

Official recalls

2

14V400000 · Electrical System:ignition

Jul 3, 2014

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 on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003 Chevrolet Malibu, 2004-2005 Malibu Classic, 1999-2004 Oldsmobile Alero, 1998-2002 Oldsmobile Intrigue, 1999-2005 Pontiac Grand Am and 2004-2008 Pontiac Grand Prix vehicles. In these models, the weight on the key ring and/or road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position, turning off the engine.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

04V528000 · Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal

Nov 1, 2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.