1997 Pontiac Grand Am Reliability ReportCommon Problems, Repair Costs & Expert Verdict
Quick Facts · 1997 Pontiac Grand Am
- Has 4 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system:ignition:switch.
- Outscores the 1996 Pontiac Grand Am by 6 points — one of the stronger nearby years to consider.
- The system most likely to surface first: electrical system & bcm (moderate severity).
Should You Buy the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am?
The 1997 Pontiac Grand Am, while initially an affordable proposition, carries moderate reliability risks primarily due to its aging electrical system and specific powertrain vulnerabilities. While parts are plentiful and repairs can be inexpensive, prospective owners must be prepared for a series of common issues that can accumulate, making it a car best suited for those comfortable with routine maintenance and occasional, more involved repairs.
Biggest Strengths
- Abundant and inexpensive parts availability
- Simple mechanicals for easier diagnosis and repair
- Robust body-on-frame design (for some generations, though this is unibody, the structure itself is fairly solid)
Top Risk Areas
The systems that break first on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
NHTSA Recalls
4 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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 SWITCH PARTS.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.
What breaks on the 1997 Pontiac Grand Am?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Pontiac Grand Am by Year
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Pontiac Grand Am. Click any year for its full report.
If You're Considering This, Also Look At
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 1997 Pontiac Grand Am
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Frequently Asked Questions
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