Model year guide

2003 Pontiac Grand Am

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 81 on record.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2003 Pontiac Grand Am at a glance

Safety recalls5
Owner complaints338
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$1,704

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am recalls 5

Electrical System:ignition NHTSA Campaign #14V400000 · 03/07/2014

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should also be removed from the key ring. General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 3, 2014, that they are recalling 5,877,718 model year 2000-2005 Chevrolet Impala and Monte Carlo, 1997-2003…

Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will install two key rings and an insert in the key slot or a cover over the key head on all ignition keys, free of charge. The recall began on September 9, 2014. GM's number for this recall is 14350.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #09E012000 · 07/04/2009

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Fix: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Exterior Lighting NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006

CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal NHTSA Campaign #04V528000 · 01/11/2004

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 124, 'ACCELERATOR CONTROL SYSTEMS.' IN HOT AMBIENT CONDITIONS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM MAY STICK AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET AND NOT RETURN TO THE ENGINE IDLE POSITION WHEN THE OPERATOR LIFTS HIS FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL.

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM AND REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY WITH A NEW ASSEMBLY, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 20, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices NHTSA Campaign #07E021000 · 12/03/2007

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Fix: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 338 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,617

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am worth?

Low
$700
Typical price
$1,704
High
$3,100

From 68 comparable 2003 Pontiac Grand Am listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,085
Depreciation (5 yrs)$850
Total$13,935
Per mile$0.19

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($1,704) with the same model 4 model-years older ($1,042), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2003 Pontiac Grand Am trims & engines on record

Trims
SE1 · GT · GT1 · SE · SE2
Engines
3.4L 6-cyl · 2.2L 4-cyl 170 hp

2003 Pontiac Grand Am vehicles on record

Other Pontiac Grand Am model years

2003 Pontiac Grand Am — frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls for the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am?

Based on 338 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, fuel/propulsion system, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2003 Pontiac Grand Am at about 24 mpg combined (20 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am worth?

Comparable 2003 Pontiac Grand Am listings run roughly $700–$3,100, typically around $1,704 (from 68 vehicles).

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