Model year guide

1994 Pontiac Grand AM

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 1994 Pontiac Grand AM is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3 on record.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints417
Combined21–24 mpg

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM recalls 2

Electrical System:starter Assembly NHTSA Campaign #00V287000 · manufacturer #00079 · 02/10/2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE STARTER FAILS TO ENGAGE AND THE DRIVER HOLD THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, PRODUCING HEAT THAT CAN MELT SWITCH PARTS.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT AND VERIFY THAT THE VEHICLE WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY IN GOOD OPERATING CONDITION (ADEQUATE RESERVE CAPACITY, OR COLD CRANKING AMPS). THIS CAMPAIGN DOES NOT COVER BATTERY REPLACEMENT OR UNRELATED STARTING SYSTEM OR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM REPAIRS.

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #94V122000 · 01/07/1994

THESE VEHICLES WERE CONSTRUCTED WITH WELDS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT PAN ASSEMBLY THAT ARE NOT SUFFICIENT TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS PERTAINING TO FUEL TANK LEAKAGE IN THE EVENT OF A REAR IMPACT COLLISION. THE FUEL TANK ASSEMBLIES DO NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 301, "FUEL SYSTEM INTEGRITY."

Fix: DEALER WILL INSTALL RIVETS ADJACENT TO THE LOCATIONS WHERE THE SUSPECT WELDS ARE LOCATED.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 17 Oct 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Hydraulic
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 1994 Pontiac Grand Am 2-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM MPG & running costs

Combined21–24 mpg
City19 mpg
Highway28 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,175
EPA size classCompact Cars
Transmission3 options
Passenger volume92 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,875 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 1994 Pontiac Grand AM costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,875
Fuel only$15,875
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

1994 Pontiac Grand AM vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Grand AM model years

1994 Pontiac Grand AM — frequently asked questions

Does the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM?

Across all 417 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine and engine cooling, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM crash-test ratings of frontal 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

What gas mileage does the 1994 Pontiac Grand AM get?

The 1994 Pontiac Grand AM has U.S. EPA estimates of 21–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.