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 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift the vehicle into gear. There was an abnormal banging sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the transmission fluid was flushed and refilled. The contact was also informed that a spacer was missing. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for a scheduled transmission flush. The contact also stated that the transmission fluid utilized by the vehicle was dexron 3, but the dealer utilized dexron 6, which had a different viscosity. The contact also stated that the vehicle started to jerk when placed into drive. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for diagnostic testing and the results were that the transmission solenoid was faulty and needed replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.
I was driving down the road and all of a sudden my car lost power and said "reduced engine power" I was pressing the gas going 55 MPH and it suddenly lost all rpms and speed dropped. I was almost rear ended by another vehicle traveling behind me. I was very upset on the side of the road with my son. I was told about many others who have had this problem with pontiacs. What is being done about this? And if nothing why? My son and I were very lucky we weren't I'm an accident. Want answers and why there isn't a recall getting these cars fixed. It is very unsafe.
Tl* the contact owned a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. When the consumer exited the vehicle, it rolled backwards and crashed into another vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing but the technicians were unable to diagnose the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000. Updated 02/14/12
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the gear lever shifted from park to drive without the brake pedal being depressed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.
Transmission on my 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix gxp failed on 11/23/09 at 94,622 miles. Car was brought to dave sinclair Buick/Pontiac/GMC and the transmission was replaced under warranty. The second transmission started bucking while going up hills at 120,000 miles. Took the car in at 120,703 to the same dealership. They said no problem was found with the transmission and it was in good condition. The transmission failed again at 124190 with less than 30,000 miles on it. Dave sinclair replaced the transmission for $2979.19. I have complained to GM district managers about this not being an isolated incident with these transmissions and that I should not be responsible for this replacement. …
I purchased this used car from a go dealer in littleton colorado. They sold me a defective vehicle, knowing the torque convertor/ transmission had severe problems. I complained about it within 24 hrs. I had a extended service contract on this vehicle it was in their shop. 3 times . They made me pay for the diagnosis it still has they same problem and it is getting worse, they could not duplicate the problems at all. It shifts hard from 1st to 2nd gear loses power, steering locks up. Very scary when I have my 2 year old grandson in this vehicle.... Please please please help me. I am a single parent with 3 children, and no child support. I traded my Chrysler 300 m to this dealership. I should have keep my Chrysler.... Please please help me and replace this car. I need a car to transport my children in. I am desperate you can not rely on this car. …
My car at only 54K miles, transmission failed, causing to loose power in traffic. I had the transmission rebuilt ($2400), 8 months later it failed again ($1200), 2 months later, failed again ($0-warranty). Mechanic finally figured out it was some pressure relieve valve on the transmission, causing pressure to build up, causing the torque converter to explode, sending debris throughout the transmission. I did not go to dealer as car for that model year was out of warranty, but went to transmission shop who has been in business for about 30 years. I wrote to GM, but got no monetary satisfaction. Many people I've read about online with this type of transmission have had similar problems. I've never had transmission trouble in all the cars I've ever owned. It would seem there is a defect in this model, and would like to recoup the money spent on this issue. …
Dt*: the contact stated after accelerating to 65 MPH to change lanes, the vehicle speed continued to increase after the foot of the contact was removed from the accelerator and began depressing the brake pedal. The tires continued to spin in a forward motion. The transmission was placed into neutral in order to stop the vehicle, but the engine continued to race until the engine was turned off. When the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle drove normally, but the brakes had been damaged when stopping the vehicle. The service dealer repaired the brakes, but was unable to detect the problem. The manufacturer was notified. The 3rd gear of the automatic transmission burned out, causing the vehicle to accelerate badly. The vehicle was serviced but the vehicle continued to have problems and stalled when the vehicle speed was reduced to 45 MPH. …
I took my car in to an certified automotive center to receive a diagnostic check because the car had completely stopped on the bay bridge and I could not accelerate. Thank god I was completely over into the left hand lane because the steering wheel had completely locked. The automotive center could not find anything wrong but detected that the model and year had a recall on intergrated circuit chip damage that controlled the car. So they told me to go back to the dealership for that recall so when I went back to the dealer they stated that there was no recall. So I had to pay an additional fee to get my car checked by the dealer. Since I purchased this vehicle in July 2005 I have had several problems with transmission, sensors, fuel filter and had to put on rotors twice since I purchase my mileage is 69,000. …
Transmission complaints in other Grand Prix years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, 27% of the model year's 148 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix, though it has 1 recall 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 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 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.