2004 Pontiac Grand Am
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am was a popular compact car known for its sporty styling and affordable price. It was available with two engine options: a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 producing 140 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.4L LA1 V6 producing 170 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praised the Grand Am for its exterior design, comfortable ride, and decent fuel economy. However, common complaints included electrical issues, interior trim quality, and some reliability concerns with certain engine components.
Engine
2.2L Ecotec Inline-4
- Coolant Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks often originate from the thermostat housing or water pump. Symptoms include low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant puddles under the car.
- Solution: Replace the thermostat housing and/or water pump, and coolant hoses.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, leading to vacuum leaks and poor engine performance. Symptoms include rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, and a check engine light with codes related to lean running conditions.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
3.4L LA1 V6
- Intake Manifold Cracks/Coolant Leaks (Plastic Intake Manifold)
- Description/Symptoms: The plastic intake manifold is prone to cracking, leading to coolant leaks and/or vacuum leaks. Symptoms include coolant loss, overheating, rough idling, misfires, and a check engine light.
- Solution: Replace the intake manifold. Aftermarket versions made from aluminum are available and are more durable.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Lower Intake Manifold Gasket Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Leaks at the lower intake manifold gasket can cause coolant to enter the engine oil, leading to engine damage. Symptoms include milky-colored oil, coolant loss, and engine overheating.
- Solution: Replace the lower intake manifold gaskets.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, hesitation, or a no-start condition. Check Engine Light will likely be illuminated with a corresponding code.
- Solution: Replace the crankshaft position sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic (4T40-E)
- Shift Problems/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: The 4T40-E transmission can experience shifting problems, including slipping between gears, harsh shifting, and failure to shift.
- Solution: Depending on the severity, repair or replace the transmission.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Torque Converter Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Can also cause stalling or poor fuel economy.
- Solution: Replace the torque converter. It’s often recommended to replace the transmission filter and fluid at the same time.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The strut mounts can wear out, causing clunking noises when driving over bumps.
- Solution: Replace the strut mounts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per pair)
- Recalls: None Found
- Worn Ball Joints
- Description/Symptoms: Clicking or popping noises when turning the steering wheel, loose steering, and uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replace the worn ball joints.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ (per pair)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Power Window Motor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Power windows may stop working or operate intermittently.
- Solution: Replace the faulty power window motor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ per window
- Recalls: None Found
- Security System Issues (Passlock)
- Description/Symptoms: The Passlock security system can malfunction, preventing the car from starting. Symptoms include the security light flashing and the engine not cranking.
- Solution: Reset the Passlock system or replace the faulty component (ignition switch, sensor, etc.) in some cases.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Instrument Cluster Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Gauges may stop working, display incorrect readings, or the entire cluster may fail.
- Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Breakage
- Description/Symptoms: The plastic exterior door handles are prone to breaking, especially in cold weather.
- Solution: Replace the broken door handle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150+ per handle
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Headliner Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: The headliner fabric can detach from the backing and sag down.
- Solution: Replace the headliner fabric or the entire headliner board.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Dashboard Cracking
- Description/Symptoms: Cracks can develop in the dashboard, especially in warmer climates.
- Solution: Replace the dashboard (expensive) or install a dashboard cover.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2004 Pontiac Grand Am, while offering a stylish exterior and comfortable ride for its time, does suffer from some common issues. Engine problems, particularly with intake manifold leaks (especially on the V6) and coolant leaks, are prevalent. Transmission issues, such as slipping and hard shifting, can also be costly. Electrical problems, including power window motor failures and security system glitches, are frequently reported. Suspension components like strut mounts and ball joints tend to wear out over time, contributing to noise and handling issues. Interior issues such as headliner sagging and dashboard cracking are common, although generally cosmetic. While not all Grand Ams will experience all these problems, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential issues and factor in potential repair costs.