Model year record
1998 Pontiac Trans Am recalls & problems
The 1998 Pontiac Trans Am has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 11 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is power train (5 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 1998 Pontiac Trans Am.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Power trainDriveline › Differential unit; Axle assembly › Axle shaft › Seal | 5 | — |
| Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc; Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip | 3 | — |
| Engine and engine coolingEngine › Gasoline; Cooling system › Radiator assembly | 3 | — |
| Vehicle speed controlLinkages | 2 | — |
| Electrical systemIgnition › Module; Alternator/generator/regulator | 2 | — |
| StructureFrame and members; Body › Trunk lid | 2 | — |
| SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Linkages | 2 | — |
| Exterior lightingTurn signal › Flasher unit | 1 | — |
| VisibilityRearview mirrors/devices | 1 | — |
| Unknown or other | 1 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Steering › Linkages
STEERING COLUMN, THE TWO PINS THAT HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TOGETHER AT THE HINGED PART SO THE ADJUSTABLE WHEEL CAN UP AND DOWN, WORK THEIR WAY OUT AND CAUSE THE STEERING TO BECOME VERY DANGEROUS. *JB
- Unknown or other
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND WITH NO WARNING VEHICLE WILL JERK, AND THEN ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON AND WILL STAY ON THE REMAINDER OF TIME THAT VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist systemCrash
WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE, VEHICLE WENT INTO A SPIN, STEERING WHEEL DID NOT RESPOND. VEHICLE HIT A BARRIER. NO INJURIES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.*AK
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
CONSUMER STARTED SMELLING GAS FORM THE OUTSIDE OF CAR. CONSUMER MENTIONED TO DEALER WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN FOR WARRANTY WORK, DEALER DID NOT CHECK IT AT THAT TIME. CONSUMER INSPECTED VEHICLE AND FOUND RETURN VAPOR LINE HAD POPPED COMPLETELY OFF. CONSUMER SNAPPED IT BACK TOGETHER AND SO FAR IS NOT HAVING ANY PROBLEM. ONCE IT WAS TAKEN BACK TO SHOW DEALER WHERE PROBLEM WAS, SERVICE TECHNICIAN STATED IT MUST BE OKAY NOW. *AK *SLC
- Structure › Body › Trunk lid
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Drum
I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. THEY REFUSED TO GIVE ME A NEW CAR IN THE BEGINNING WHEN THEY HAD TO WELD THE PILLAR POST TO THE FRAME. MY CAR HAS OVERHEATED MANY TIMES UNTIL THEY FOUND THE BROKE RADIATOR. THE TRANSMISSION HAS GONE OUT AND WAS JUST FIXED AND THE CAR NOW HAS A FIREWALL RATTLE. THE BRAKES ROTORS WERE WARPED. THEY WOULD NOT STAND BEHIND THEM. IT WOULD BE MY COST TO REAPIR THEM. THEY ARE STILL WARPED. THIS CAR HAD TO HAVE A NEW WINDSHIELD PUT IN ALSO. 4 RADIO, TWO REAR SPEAKERS, BELT TENSION PULLEY,OIL LEVEL SENSOR, U JOINTS,ALTERNATOR, RADIATOR CAP,LUMBAR SUPPORT REPAIRED 5 TIMES. THIS CAR HAS OTHER PROBLEMS ALSO. IT IS IN THE SHOP MORE THAN I HAVE IT. I AM DISABLED AND…
- Power train › Driveline › Differential unit
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOV EVEHICLE. *AK
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.