Pontiac

Trans Am (2002)

2002 · Sports Car ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โŒ Avoid (1.1)
32 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
5 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

LS1

5.7L 8-cyl
โŒ Avoid (1.1)
24 complaints 24.0 per year
4 fatalities
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Complaint Breakdown

other
4
engine
4
cooling
4
body
3
exterior
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (4 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (4 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (3 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

Pontiac Trans Am Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (3.2)
7 complaints 7.0 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

engine
3
interior
2
cooling
2
brakes
2
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (3 complaints)
Interior Issues (2 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (2 complaints)

LP2

1.0L 3-cyl
โœ… Recommended (4.2)
1 complaint 1.0 per year
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Complaint Breakdown

wheels tires
1

Known Issues

Wheels & Tires Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Pontiac Trans Am regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (7 complaints)
engine critical
Cooling System Issues (6 complaints)
cooling critical

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am problems?

The 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am has accumulated 32 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Cooling System, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Pontiac Trans Am engine is most reliable?

The 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 5.7L 8-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am a good used car?

The 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 32 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am have?

The 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am has 32 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2002-2002 Pontiac Trans Am vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Pontiac Trans Am?

Before buying a used Pontiac Trans Am, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Cooling System, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Trans Am have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2002 Pontiac Trans Am. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 32 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

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