2002 Pontiac Pontiac problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System (1) · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch (1) · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Pontiac Pontiac model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (11)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:electrical 2005-03-01 · 010846004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicle integration of cellular phones and normal operating characteristics. *tt
Power Train:automatic Transmission 2004-11-01 · 020730001A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
diagnostic information on diagnostic trouble code p1870, transmission component slipping for 2000 - 2002 passenger cars and light duty trucks. *tt update to include 2004 models. *tt updated *eh
Unknown Or Other 2004-09-01 · 010089011A · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
new technical assistance information form for 2002 and prior passenger vehicles and trucks. *tt to include 2005 models. this bulletin replaces previous dated 08/01/01. *tt
Wheels 2001-11-01 · 010310009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding plastic wheel nut covers missing and /or loose (replace missing covers and add sealant to all covers). also applies to all prior year passenger cars ( except all cadillac models) with plastic wheel nut covers. *jg
Unknown Or Other 2001-09-21 · 210901 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding synthetic oil usage in all f-cars. *slc
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2001-09-07 · 070901 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subject regarding the owner information quick reference guide for misunderstood options and features. *slc
Showing the 6 most recent of 11 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2007-10-23 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System“i have numerous problems with the cooling system with this 2002 grand am. first thermostat went. had thermostat replaced -- car continued to run hot , losing power and shut off.... have replaced water pump, hoses, and intake valve and problem still existed with car losing pressure and running hot. also had head gaskets replaced because of this p…”
2007-10-15 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System“i was driving on a busy highway when my fan speeds stopped in a down pour causing my windshield to fog up rapidly & i couldn't see where i was driving almost causing an accident. *tr…”
2007-08-15 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal · 99,000 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac grand am se. the contact stated that her turn signal was working intermittently and displayed nothing on the dashboard. while attempting to make a turn at 5 mph, the turn signal failed to activate. this failure has occurred at least four times and the turn signals were replaced last fall. the purchase date was…”
2007-06-06 · Electrical System:ignition:switch“2002 pontiac grand am gt would not start due to faulty ignition switch (which was already replaced a few years ago by my gm pontiac dealer because of the same problem). new ignition switch must be bought to replace the defective one.…”
2007-01-31 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine · 41,000 mi“while driving the engine stopped running. the timing chain and gear(s) broke as well as valve train damage. the car only has 41,000 miles but is out of warranty. gm takes no responsibility.…”
2006-01-26 · Electrical System:ignition:anti-Theft:control Module“without any prior issues one day the gm anti-theft system failed on our car, resulting in our inability to start the car. mother and 9 month old child were stranded because of this situation. to fix the issue, the dealership originally quoted us around $250.00. after they had our car, the tune changed and now they have charged us $860.00. *ak…”
2005-10-05 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:switch · 37,000 mi“i'm the owner of a 2002 grand am se. i heard about the govt investigating signal malfunctions and i wanted to file a complaint. my car continues to make this annoying turn signal clicking sound on it's own. i cant do anything to stop it. sometimes it does it and sometimes it does not. please help. if you need any more information, please contact m…”
2005-06-07 · Exterior Lighting:hazard Flashing Warning Lights:switch“2002 pontiac grand am;turn signal constantly clicking (behind dash, by hazard button) after turn signal is in the off position. very annoying. sounds like same problem as recalls to 2000 and 2001 grand am's. had diagnostic check and was told it was the hazard/warning switch (which they could change out for approx $260.00). …”
2004-11-15 · Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner“i have complaint on the failure of my air conditioner. the air conditioner went out just shortly after the warranty expired due to the mileage on the vehicle. i have a 2002 pontiac montana and i believe the air conditioner should not go out in 2 years and of course it goes out shortly after the warranty runs out on it. i also have a 1990 chevy s…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.