Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. After reversing from the driveway, the contact noticed fluid leaking on the pavement. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that there was a fuel and transmission fluid leakage. As a result, the transmission kit and oil pan were replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 210,000. Updated 02/18/16
Tl* the contact owns a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel seized, the vehicle overheated, and there was a burning odor. The failure recurred on various occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 149,000.
Battery blew-up and started small fire after I noticed the positive termanal leeking as I diconected the battery it blew acid all over the car and myself causing a small fire after replacing the factery ac delco battery the transmision slips when switching from 2nd gear to 3rd gear.
This is the second transmission that I have had to put into my wife's 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix. The first one died at 3600 miles and GM installed that one under warranty. Now with just 57,700 miles on the car I am having the same exact problem and the car is technically out of its 5 year/50,000 mile warranty. The car is in no way abused and I religiously change the transmission fluid every 20,000 to 25,000 miles. I am an engineer and I know what quality is. From my search on the internet it's obvious that there is a big problem with these transmissions and it appears that GM is coping out on its responsibilities to its customers. I am the original owner of a 1969 Pontiac lemans and with 220,000 miles on it I still have the original transmission (that's quality). It's time that GM owns up to this apparent design deficiency and reimburse Grand Prix owners for this problem. …
I purchased a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix gtp from a friend of mine with about 97,000 miles on it. He said it was in good shape and running good. About 4 months after I bought it, it had around 102,000 miles on it and the transmission started to go. It suddenly wouldn't shift from park into gear sometimes. I had very little power in reverse, I had to rev the engine to 3500 rpms to get the car to budge in reverse. Then the check engine light came on. I took it to a mechanic and he said the transmission had to be replace. He referred me to a shop that only works on transmissions and they confirmed that it had to be rebuilt. It cost around 2,000$ dollars and I have since read that this model car has a known problem for transmission failure around 100,000 miles.
The gas tank is not sealed in the middle allowing gas and fuel vapor to leak from car! All the sway bar on the driver side has separated due to the rack and pinion, car has no sound when turning to the right but if you try and turn the car to the left it is as if the power steering is going out and make a loud grinding noise and is getting very difficult to turn left, also the windshield wiper do not work proper and cause problems in the rain, the key get stuck in the ignition all the time,feel as if motor is twisting or moving forward, will be contacting Pontiac due to recalls and problems arising.
I was told by the dealer and GMC headquarter, in oder for me to get any kind of help from them or assistance, I would need to pay 300.00 first to find out if the trasnsmission is defect. And then they will what they can do for me. A customer service rep. Told my husband boss that the company will give me the run around because I am a women. Sgt lewis is in saudi for 3 mos. And I bridget lewis his wife have been dealing back and forth with the dealer and thegmc motors head office. I have sent letter to the bbb auto line they told me that they could not help me, because of the miles I have on our car. But I have been tolf that it is very unusally for a transmission to go out in a 98 . Especally if you have kept up with all the car tune ups. From May 12 to May 17 my car was seen three time by a Pontiac dealer. …
Transmission started making a whining noise and at times would shift hard and sudden. Took to trans. Shop, was told Pontiac had put out a bulletin stating a problem with the trans. And what was wrong if a certain code came up.it turns out they have been having trouble with the pressure sensors on the trans.,and need to be replaced.this ended up costing 500.00. I called the Pontiac dealer and was told it was something they were having trouble with but there was no recall.
A check for transmission fluid leak, bolts loose on pan tighten and top off, pan and/or gasket transaxle oil replaced. Popping noice when braking now crunching noise. Brake pedal bushing noisey, blower motor noisey. R&r or replace pedal and/or bushing, brake, motor and/or fan. Vehicle will not start and battery is leaking, due to cracking, replace. Pass headlamp fills with water, improperly sealed.
Trans. Upshifted while accelerating, engine stalled on onramp. Occurred 5x. Original complaint documented @ dealer, happened numerous times since then and now out of warranty. $3000 to fix an obvious (and commonly reported) transmission problem on this car. Narrowly avoided 2 accidents after engine died. Dangerous safety issue that needs attention by NHTSA and Pontiac.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, 4% of the model year's 499 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (17 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 149,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.