1992 Pontiac Grand Am

Introduction

The 1992 Pontiac Grand Am is a compact sedan that was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine was a 2.3L four-cylinder with 100 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. A 3.1L V6 with 140 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque was optional. Transmission options included a five-speed manual and a three-speed automatic.

The Grand Am was praised for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, it was criticized for its lack of power and poor handling.

Engine

• 2.3L Four-Cylinder
  • Blown Head Gasket
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks coolant and oil, overheating
    • Solution: Replace head gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cracked Exhaust Manifold
    • Description/Symptoms: Loud exhaust noise, decreased performance
    • Solution: Replace exhaust manifold
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
• 3.1L V6
  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Leaks coolant, overheating
    • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Water Pump
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks
    • Solution: Replace water pump
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Five-Speed Manual
  • Failed Input Shaft Bearing
    • Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting, difficulty shifting
    • Solution: Replace input shaft bearing
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
• Three-Speed Automatic
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping transmission, overheating
    • Solution: Replace torque converter
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, dead battery
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine cranks but won’t start
  • Solution: Replace starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Fading Headlights
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights become cloudy and dim
  • Solution: Restore headlights or replace
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Broken Window Regulators
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows stuck or slow to roll up/down
  • Solution: Replace window regulator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Dashboard Gauges
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges not working properly or erratically
  • Solution: Replace faulty gauges
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1992 Pontiac Grand Am is a reliable vehicle, but it does have some common problems. The engine can suffer from blown head gaskets, cracked exhaust manifolds, and intake manifold gasket failures. The transmission can experience failed input shaft bearings and torque converter failures. The electrical system can have alternator and starter failures. The exterior can have fading headlights. The interior can have broken window regulators and faulty dashboard gauges.

The severity of these issues varies. Some are minor and inexpensive to fix, while others can be more serious and costly. Overall, the Grand Am is a good value for its price, but potential buyers should be aware of its common problems.