MotorDeets

Pontiac Trans Am problems, recalls & best years

The deets on every Trans Am from 1991 to 2002: 116 owner complaints and 1 recalls across 12 model years.

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (32), 1999 (16), 1997 (12). Best fuel economy: 21 mpg combined (2001).

Pontiac Trans Am
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Problem areas across all years

Engine & cooling18
Body & structure17
Brakes (hydraulic)16
Transmission & drivetrain14
Electrical13
Visibility (wipers, glass)10
Steering10
Exterior lights9

Year by year

YearRecallsComplaintsBest mpg
19910219
19920319
199301–
199419–
199505–
199604–
1997012–
1998011–
199901621
200001121
200101021
2002032–

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Pontiac Trans Am.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

What is the worst year for the Pontiac Trans Am?

The model years with the most owner complaints are 2002 (32), 1999 (16), 1997 (12).

How many recalls has the Pontiac Trans Am had?

Across 1991–2002, NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).