CarBrief

Owners filed 325 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, and the electrical system is the biggest group, with 134[1][2]. Two recalls apply, one for the ignition key and one for a sticking accelerator pedal[3][4].

325owner complaints[1]
2recalls[5]
21–25MPG combined (EPA)[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 325 owner complaints on file for this model year[1]. Of those, 27 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 28 injuries and 8 deaths[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups by count:

We also read a small sample of the complaint texts. In the electrical sample, 3 of 11 describe the car stalling or shutting off with little warning, alongside lights acting up and ignition or security system faults[2]. In the engine sample, 6 of 12 describe coolant or fluid leaks, often traced to the intake manifold or head gasket, and 4 of 12 describe the engine cutting out while driving[8]. In the speed control sample, 11 of 12 describe a pedal that sticks or a car that speeds up without the pedal being pressed[9]. In the lighting sample, 8 of 12 describe a turn signal or hazard switch that acts on its own and clicks[7].

These samples are small, so they show what owners describe and not how often a problem happens. Complaint counts are also not adjusted for how many cars were sold[5].

Recalls

Two recalls are on file for this model year[5]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

The EPA lists three versions. All use regular fuel and front-wheel drive[6][12][13].

Engine and transmission City / highway / combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[6] 21 / 30 / 25 $2,700
2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd[12] 22 / 30 / 25 $2,700
3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd[13] 18 / 27 / 21 $3,200

The V6 costs about $500 more per year to fuel in the EPA estimate[6][13]. The EPA cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA has not rated the 2003 Grand Am in its 5-Star Safety Ratings, for either the 2-door or the 4-door[14][15].

Engine and size

Engines in the EPA data are a 2.2L 4-cylinder and a 3.4L 6-cylinder[6][13]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2-door coupe 4-door sedan
Length[16][17] 186 in 186 in
Width[16][17] 70 in 70 in
Height[16][17] 55 in 55 in
Wheelbase[16][17] 107 in 107 in
Curb weight[16][17] 3,049 lb 3,115 lb

How 2003 compares with other years

1995: 409 complaints, 1 recalls19951996: 450 complaints, 4 recalls19961997: 383 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 172 complaints, 1 recalls19981999: 849 complaints, 3 recalls19992000: 675 complaints, 5 recalls20002001: 538 complaints, 4 recalls20012002: 395 complaints, 1 recalls20022003: 325 complaints, 2 recalls32520032004: 293 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 102 complaints, 2 recalls2005
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Grand Am model year. The 2003 is highlighted[5].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19954091
19964504
19973832
19981721
19998493
20006755
20015384
20023951
20033252
20042932
20051022

The 2003 model year has 325 complaints and 2 recalls[5]. Seven of the 11 listed years have more complaints, from 383 in 1997 up to 849 in 1999[5]. Three have fewer: 293 in 2004, 172 in 1998 and 102 in 2005[5]. On recalls, 1996, 1999, 2000 and 2001 have more (4, 3, 5 and 4)[5]. 1997, 2004 and 2005 also have 2, and 1995, 1998 and 2002 have 1 each[5].

Should you buy a used 2003 Grand Am?

The record shows a car whose largest complaint groups are electrical and lighting, with some reports of crashes, fires and injuries[1][2][7]. Both recalls matter. Ask whether both recall repairs were done, and test that the pedal returns smoothly[3][4]., and test that the pedal returns smoothly[3][4]. Expect higher fuel bills with the V6[13]. Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a checklist for an inspection and not as a verdict on every car[5].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am?
By NHTSA complaint count, the electrical system leads with 134 of 325 complaints, followed by exterior lighting with 65 and the engine with 41[1][2][7][8].
Does the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am have any recalls?
Yes, two. One covers the ignition switch moving out of the run position (14V400) and one covers a sticking accelerator pedal (04V528)[3][4].
What gas mileage does the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am get?
The EPA rates the 2.2L at 25 MPG combined and the 3.4L V6 at 21 MPG combined[6][12][13].
How did NHTSA rate the 2003 Grand Am for safety?
NHTSA has not rated it in its 5-Star program for the 2-door or the 4-door[14][15].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 325 owner complaints on file for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am (27 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 28 injuries, 8 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 134 complaints name the electrical system component group (6 crashes, 4 fires, 10 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,898). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Recall 14V400, filed July 3, 2014: Electrical System › Ignition. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 04V528, filed November 1, 2004: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
  5. Owner complaints and recalls for every Pontiac Grand Am model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  6. EPA rating for Grand Am, 2.2L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  7. 65 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 79,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 41 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 35 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,003). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 20 complaints name the air bags component group (16 crashes, 0 fires, 14 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,247). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 19 complaints name the brakes component group (5 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 36,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. EPA rating for Grand Am, 2.2L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  13. EPA rating for Grand Am, 3.4L 6-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  14. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  15. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR None: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  16. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND AM 2DR COUPE SE/GT: length 186 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,049 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  17. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, GRAND AM 4DR SEDAN SE/GT: length 186 in, width 70 in, height 55 in, wheelbase 107 in, curb weight 3,115 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.