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2002 Pontiac Trans AM Problems and Recalls

Owners filed 32 complaints with NHTSA about the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM, most often about the engine (22% of complaints, typically around 6,500 miles). It is the most complained-about Trans AM model year since 2000.

Complaints32
Recalls0
Crashes reported5
Fires reported0
Injuries reported34 deaths reported

Most common 2002 Pontiac Trans AM problems

  1. Engine

    7 complaints · 22%

    Half of these problems showed up before 6,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine, cooling system.

    I have a knock in my engine appearing to be coming from the number 1 piston and cylinder area. One dealer calls it piston slap, which I have read up on and it says that it goes away after it warms up, my knock can be heard at all times of engine operation. Gm says there are teflon coated pistons available only for the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2003, at 8,000 miles
    Car started having problems after being purchased two months brand new. Multiple electric problems, fuses constantly burning out and are replaced, all power options failed, crackling noise from under the dash, groaning/grinding noise from under engine compartment, wheel balance issues, left blinker constantly…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 5,000 miles

  2. Brakes

    5 complaints · 16%

    Half of these problems showed up before 20,000 miles. Parts named most often: foundation components, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.

    I have had two vehicles of different year models with the same issues. He first was a 1999 Pontiac Trans AM heavy brake shudder after only 20000 miles.the dealership stated the rotor was warped and "turned" it. The problem re ocurred after aprox 20k more miles but by then was out of warranty.I also had issues with the…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 20,000 miles
    While traveling on the highway when she apply her brakes the vehicle will vibrate. Please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem. Ts
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2002, at 22,000 miles

  3. Lights

    5 complaints · 16%

    Parts named most often: turn signal, headlights.

    Loss of turn signals and high/low headlights caused by failure of what is called the "wind shield washer switch assembly" located on the stearing column. Part number 26098535 switch,ws 10 163. To correct, required teardown of stearing column.
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2004, at 38,800 miles
    Car started having problems after being purchased two months brand new. Multiple electric problems, fuses constantly burning out and are replaced, all power options failed, crackling noise from under the dash, groaning/grinding noise from under engine compartment, wheel balance issues, left blinker constantly…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 5,000 miles

  4. Body and structure

    4 complaints · 13%

    Parts named most often: body.

    I own a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM. The sail panel between the t-tops and the rear window is defective. There are bubbles that look like rust spots in the paint going in a straight line across the sail panel. Gm is aware of the problem and has even issued a service bulletin to it's dealers on how to fix the problem.…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2007, at 25,000 miles
    Tl contact owns a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM. The contact noticed that the driver's side door panel separated from the frame. He is concerned that the door will fall off while driving. The manufacturer sent him to the gmc collision center and they stated that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The failure and…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2008, at 49,000 miles

  5. Seat belts

    3 complaints · 9%

    Parts named most often: front.

    : the contact stated the guide that holds the driver's side seat belt shoulder strap broke. The vehicle was taken to the dealership to have the guide replaced. The manufacturer has not been contacted. This caused the seat belt to ride up\ on the driver's neck. If an accident occurred this could have resulted in a…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2006, at 12,093 miles
    The contact owned a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM. While driving approximately 95 MPH in fourth gear, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail and drove down an embankment. The air bags failed to deploy and the seat belts failed to retract. A police report was filed. There were…
    Owner report to NHTSA, 2014, at 5,000 miles

Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

2002 Pontiac Trans AM recalls

NHTSA lists no recalls for this model year.

Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.

Questions about the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM

What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM?
By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (7 complaints, typically around 6,500 miles); brakes (5 complaints, typically around 20,000 miles); lights (5 complaints).
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2002 Pontiac Trans AM. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls in case one is issued later.
Is the 2002 a bad year for the Pontiac Trans AM?
It is the most complained-about Trans AM model year since 2000, with 32 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.

Other Pontiac Trans AM years

Pontiac Trans AM problems by year