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 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After having the transmission replaced 2 times by dealership, we had to replace it at 99,000 miles again out of our pockets. The intake manifold exploded in my husbands face in 2012! We also had that fixed for $480.00 out of our pockets. Then on February 22,2013 after parking the vehicle , the engine caught fire within minutes and completely engulfed the car!( we had taken it in for the engine compartment fire recall at our Pontiac dealership previously to be fixed.) fire was so severe it went under the car and down the street. We have 4 children and this has been not only a constant inconvenience for us, but a danger to my family! It is time that this be taken seriously.
Pontiac Grand Prix 2001: was hit by another car in the left rear while car was at red stop light waiting for green light, spinned, went on to "automatic" drive and hit fire hydrant on the right side fender. The impact May have been too great to cause the vehicle to move passed median and still hit a fire hydrant and stop sign at the intersection. My wife suffered multiple injuries, I.e., broken ribs, neck wounds, organ burst, etc., that killed her at the scene. I have seen a car that went on "crazy spin" after running over a piece of tire on the road. I have been bothered by that incident which happened just a month after my wife's death and began to question the design of front wheel driven cars that go on to "automatic" drive after any disturbance. …
I bought the car oct 2003 it had 23000 miles on it and then when it hit 30000 miles that's when trouble started my husband went to check on his brother and turned the car off and was off for 1 hour and went to start the car and it wouldn't stay running took it to the local repair man and he worked on it and nothing 250.00 dollars later he hauled it the GM dealer in independence ks. Where they said it was the anti theft device had me locked out and the had to replace the module. 480.00 later. Now when I drive a distance my check engine light comes on and my car acts like it tries to cut out and shifts hard and jerks. And my tract off light stays on now all the time. My last Grand Prix had 160000 miles on it before it started acting up. My local repair man said that I need to replace the brain module and all my problems well stop. …
Mileage/date complaint resolution 24736-10/29/01 rt ft power window replaced motor regulator 59454-12/5/02 error code 20 on cd replaced cd player ($537.59) 62469-1/30/03 rt rr power window regulator cables worn gears stripped 62469 tach intermittent replace crankshaft sensor 62469 trans slipping computer said no problem ($1,050) 64406-2/25/03 won't go into reverse replaced transmission 70758-5/23/03 key won't come out replace shifter assy ($510) 70758 rt rr power window intermittent - could find no problem 83769-10/24/03 engine coolant recall perform recall 83769 rt rr power window replaces cables worn gears 83769 engine oil leak replace upper intake manifold gasket 83769 loss of power replace catalytic converter
Purchased this car used, it was 2 years old with about 21K miles. Kept up with all maintenance. Dealer extended warranty for 3 months. But did not notify me when the original manufacturers warranty expired so I was unable to extend. Purchased a platinum warranty from aaa. Transmission "blew up" at 48K miles. Had it replaced per warranty w/a used transmission as warranty would not pay for new one. Drove the car for 19 mos and 12K miles and transmission blew up again! Dealer said warranty was only good on transmission for 1 year and they are making inquiries as to whether I have to pay for another one even though my contract w/aaa warranty co is good to 8/10/08 or 83,894 miles. Why is my car eating transmissions??? Help!
1 positive terminal comes off delco battery known by delco and GM 2 transmission -bang while reversing out of garage car stopped would not go in reverse extensive damage to transmission $2,700.00 , 47,000 all interstate driving 3 road noise car was taken in said it was just from the tires but no problem found .take car in after warrante runs out this time for routine oil change tire rotation guess what bad tire put on rear what bad tire. No wonder USA is doing its self out of trade at least with a foriegn vechele I would of got 60,000/ 6years I'm considering it for my next car.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that she had recurring failure with her anti-lock brakes. While braking, the ABS and traction service lights illuminated on the dashboard and a "grumbling" sound can be heard coming from the brakes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the hubs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired independently. The failure continued to occur. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. The current mileage was approximately 72,200. Updated 12/21/10 updated 12/23/10
Purchased used 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix in June, 2007. Complained to auto dealer that cars transmission was slipping. They test drove vehicle and stated it was OK. Had vehicle s transmission tested a few months later - it is bad per transmission place. Auto dealer states he will put in tranny at cost of 1,700 to 1800. Transmission center offered to put in tranny for 1200. He will not match the cost nor pay for it. I feel he is partially liable for this as he sold it like that. Please advise me of what legal rights I have as a consumer.
Oil leakage from valve covers, transmission failure, hub assembly failure,traction system failure. Problems with only 60,000 miles GM will not acknowledge responsibility or assist in paying for repairs. Found many similar complaints. Should not have these problems with low mileage on this vehicle which was purchased new and well maintained. Told by certified mechanics that these problems should not have happened.
Automatic transmission failure: in overdrive at about 55mph, sudden bang. Car started bucking with more noises. Pulled over. Overdrive no longer working, as well as failure with 1st, 2nd, and reverse. Nursed it home in 3rd. Car almost impossible to push even in neutral. Had it towed to dealer. Probable transmission replacement upcoming. Only 31,000 miles on car.
Transmission complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 22 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, 7% of the model year's 308 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 6 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 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries and 1 death 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.