This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Pontiac Grand AM lighting problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 11 lighting complaints filed for the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Turn signal failure is the dominant complaint. Owners describe constant clicking noises, signals stuck on, signals that won't activate, and flickering instrument-panel indicators. The problem is intermittent and often returns after dealership service, even after multifunction switch replacement (reportedly costing around $300). One owner reported hazard lights and turn signals both failing without warning at under 60,000 miles; another had the clicking noise worsen from occasional to constant over time.
Smoke from the steering column has been observed at least twice by separate owners—before and after multifunction switch replacement. A Firestone technician reportedly flagged this as a common problem and warned that steering-wheel smoking linked to turn signal defects could cause airbag malfunction.
Brake lights and other rear lights fail intermittently; owners say other drivers report them out, but the lights work fine at the dealership. Interior lights and air-conditioning lights also malfunction intermittently.
GM has issued a recall for 2005 Pontiac G-6 models with identical turn-signal problems, but the company has not expanded it to Grand AM and states that lights must be actively failed when the car is brought in for assistance. Several owners expressed frustration that they were not notified of recalls or offered compensation for out-of-pocket repairs.
Failure modes owners describe
Turn signal malfunction and clicking
Turn signals fail to work, stay stuck on, or make constant clicking noises. The issue is intermittent—signals work sometimes but not others. Owners report the problem returns even after dealer service. The multifunction switch has been replaced multiple times without resolving it.
When: Various; some noted within months of purchase or shortly after 2009 purchase; one car had fewer than 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Constant clicking sound from turn signal; Turn signals won't turn off; Turn signals won't activate when needed; Flickering turn signal indicator on instrument panel; Clicking noise continues even when signal is not in use
Repairs/costs cited: Multifunction switch replacement (~$300); hazard switch replacement attempted; fuse replacement attempted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for 2005 Pontiac G-6 with the same issues, but GM has not expanded it to cover Grand AM. GM stated lights must be non-working at time of dealership visit to qualify for assistance.
Smoke from steering column
Owners observed smoke coming from the steering column in at least two separate instances. In one case, smoke was noted both before and after multifunction switch replacement. A technician warned that steering wheel smoking due to turn signal defect could cause airbag malfunction.
When: At least two instances reported; timing not specified beyond 'two different times'
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke visible from steering column; Smoke from steering wheel area
Brake lights and rear lighting intermittent failure
Brake lights and other rear lights fail intermittently. Owners report being told by others that lights are out, but when taken to the dealership, lights function normally. The problem occurs repeatedly.
When: Long-standing issue; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights reported as non-working by other drivers; Brake lights function when tested at dealership; Other rear lights fail intermittently
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: GM will not help unless lights are confirmed non-working at time of dealership service.
Interior light intermittent operation
Interior light stops working or works only intermittently—turning on and off at random. Issue persisted even after dealer repair.
When: Occurred within 4 months of purchase; car had approximately 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Interior light goes on and off randomly; Interior light only works intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair attempted but problem recurred
Hazard light failure
Hazard lights stopped working. In one case, both turn signals and hazard lights failed simultaneously with no warning.
When: One case with fewer than 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hazard lights will not operate; Hazards stopped working after turn signals failed
Repairs/costs cited: Hazard fuses were checked and replaced without resolution
Air-conditioning light malfunction
Air-conditioning light stopped working. Occurred in a vehicle with approximately 20,000 miles.
When: Within 4 months of purchase on a car with ~20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Air-conditioning light stopped working
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
There is a clicking sound like the signal light is not working. With out having the signal is not on. We have replaced the multifunction switch and the hazard switch. This has not taken care of the problem. We have also seen smoke coming from the steering column two different times, once before replacing multifunction switch one after, the sound is coming from the dash. Have also had problems…
Had lighting trouble with your 2005 Pontiac Grand AM?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the lighting problem on the 2005 Pontiac Grand AM?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most lighting failures cluster between 46,000 and 66,000 miles, with the median around 59,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,000; a quarter make it past 66,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $250 for lighting repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to lighting?
No active recalls currently cover lighting issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Pontiac/Grand AM.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.