1991 Pontiac Grand Am

Introduction

The 1991 Pontiac Grand Am is a front-wheel-drive compact car available in two- and four-door configurations. It offers a range of engine and transmission options, including a 2.3L four-cylinder (150 hp, 160 lb-ft), a 3.0L V6 (160 hp, 200 lb-ft), and a 3.3L V6 (170 hp, 215 lb-ft). Transmission options include a three-speed automatic (3T40) or a five-speed manual (Getrag 282).

Despite its sporty appearance and performance, the Grand Am has been subject to various issues over the years. Potential buyers should be aware of these problems before making a purchase decision.

Engine

2.3L Four-Cylinder

• Intake manifold gasket failure:
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing belt failure:
  • Symptoms: Engine stalls, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace timing belt and tensioners
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

3.0L V6

• Valve cover gasket leak:
  • Symptoms: Oil leaks
  • Solution: Replace valve cover gaskets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water pump failure:
  • Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating
  • Solution: Replace water pump
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

3.3L V6

• Oil filter relocation kit failure:
  • Symptoms: Oil leaks
  • Solution: Replace oil filter relocation kit
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: 91V076000

Transmission

3T40 Three-Speed Automatic

• Shift solenoid failure:
  • Symptoms: Hard shifting, delayed shifts
  • Solution: Replace shift solenoid
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission fluid cooler line failure:
  • Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaks
  • Solution: Replace transmission fluid cooler lines
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Getrag 282 Five-Speed Manual

• Clutch master cylinder failure:
  • Symptoms: Clutch pedal goes to the floor
  • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Input shaft bearing failure:
  • Symptoms: Grinding noises, difficulty shifting
  • Solution: Replace input shaft bearing
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front strut failure:
  • Symptoms: Clunking noises, poor ride quality
  • Solution: Replace front struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear shock absorber failure:
  • Symptoms: Bouncing, poor ride quality
  • Solution: Replace rear shock absorbers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Ignition switch failure:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty starting, stalling
  • Solution: Replace ignition switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: 93V040001

Exterior

• Headlight switch failure:
  • Symptoms: Inoperative headlights
  • Solution: Replace headlight switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door lock actuator failure:
  • Symptoms: Difficulty locking/unlocking doors
  • Solution: Replace door lock actuator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power window switch failure:
  • Symptoms: Inoperative power windows
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
  • Recalls: None Found
• Heater core failure:
  • Symptoms: No heat, coolant leaks
  • Solution: Replace heater core
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1991 Pontiac Grand Am has been plagued by a range of issues, including engine problems, transmission failures, suspension issues, electrical malfunctions, and interior glitches. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be severe and expensive. Potential buyers should carefully consider the potential costs and risks associated with these issues before purchasing a used Grand Am.