Pontiac Grand Am: Powertrain

Affects Pontiac Grand Am · 2000–2001 — about 2K vehicles.

The hazard

Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114 - Locking System. When a driver attempts to shift from 5th gear to reverse, a shift inhibitor causes the transmission to be mechanically in 4th gear even though the shift lever indicates reverse gear. In this situation, the key can be removed from the ignition while the transmission is in a forward gear, which is not permitted by the standard. Correction: Dealers will disable the 5th/Reverse Inhibitor by removing a retaining pin and replace the shifter assembly.

What to do

Contact your dealer; the remedy details were not included in the filing.

Critical — crash/injury risk now High — injury risk; see remedy Moderate — fix at next service Low — minor / informational