Pontiac Trans AM Problems by Year
NHTSA has 101 owner complaints and 0 safety recalls on file for the Pontiac Trans AM, across 8 model years (1995–2002). The 2002 model year has the most complaints (32). The most reported problem area overall is engine and engine cooling.
Pontiac Trans AM years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Trans AM year: 2002. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2002 Trans AM: 32 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1999 Trans AM: 16 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1997 Trans AM: 12 complaints, 0 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 1996 Trans AM: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
- 1995 Trans AM: 5 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2001 Trans AM: 10 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Pontiac Trans AM problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 16 | 7 | 0 |
| Structure | 16 | 6 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 15 | 6 | 2 |
| Power Train | 13 | 7 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 7 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 5 | 3 |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Visibility | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Air Bags | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Engine | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Tires | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interior Lighting | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seats | 1 | 1 | 1 |
All Pontiac Trans AM model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 Trans AM | 32 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2001 Trans AM | 10 | 0 | — | Engine and Engine Cooling | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2000 Trans AM | 11 | 0 | — | Fuel System, Gasoline | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1999 Trans AM | 16 | 0 | — | Structure | More complaints than other years |
| 1998 Trans AM | 11 | 0 | — | Power Train | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1997 Trans AM | 12 | 0 | — | Electrical System | About as many complaints as other years |
| 1996 Trans AM | 4 | 0 | — | Electrical System | |
| 1995 Trans AM | 5 | 0 | — | Steering |
More from Pontiac: all Pontiac models · VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Trans AM years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2002 (32) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Trans AM year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Pontiac Trans AM?
Engine and Engine Cooling, with 16 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Pontiac Trans AM have?
0 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.