Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 18 | 13% | 65,000 miles |
| 2007 | 29 | 13% | 72,000 miles |
| 2006 | 61 | 26% | 83,000 miles |
| 2005 | 40 | 27% | 74,000 miles |
| 2004 | 19 | 4% | 56,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% | 125,000 miles |
| 2002 | 18 | 5% | 85,000 miles |
| 2001 | 22 | 7% | 47,000 miles |
| 2000 | 43 | 9% | 63,000 miles |
| 1999 | 24 | 6% | 65,000 miles |
| 1998 | 21 | 4% | 149,000 miles |
| 1997 | 32 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% | 39,000 miles |
| 1995 | 31 | 18% | 85,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The transmission shifting cable has clips that keep it held in place for you to be able to put your car into drive or reverse and park ect. Is broke and at least once a month or more my car won't go into gear the shifter just slides smoothly but don't catch a gear. So far it hasn't happened on the road just when it's parked. But still feels like it's not in park. I worry that it won't be in park and back up or roll forward on me while I'm trying to get into or out of my car. [redacted]
I was pulling into the garage and I shifted into park, my car continued rolling as if I was still in drive. I attempted to switch gears and the gear shift had no traction. It was sliding back and forth b/w the gears as my car continued moving forward. I then slid it back in park and shut the engine off to prevent the car from moving. I then could not start my car because it wasn't technically in park. The car had to be towed to the dealership and the gear shift cable had worn away/broken. GM has recalled this issue in other Pontiac and other vehicles for the same model year as my vehicle. Definitely unsure why the same issue happening in the Grand Prix has yet to be addressed but this is a repair that costs over $400.00. The GM csr I spoke with totally ignored my concerns regarding the gear shift cable and just wanted to speak w/ me regarding the ignition switch recall.
I have same problem as others. Have been able to start car sometimes by putting it in neutral. Several years ago I left the car with our son to see if he could figure out the problem because my wife quit driving the car after being stranded a few times. When using blinkers the high beam would come on. It has a roaring sound like a wheel bearing going out.the key fob doesn't work. I've been told the BCM body control module could be causing problems. Had estimate of $500 to replace and program new BCM.. We have towed car home after going to store. I used to drive otr so we got a second vehicle to drive. After reading other posts on this car 4/4/2021 I don't think I want to put more money into it. Especially when I've read GM techs can't fix the problems.. Once the vacuum line to brake booster came off when my wife was going down hill. I put the line back on, it hasn't done that again. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Pontiac Grand Prix. While approaching an intersection, the vehicle seized without warning. The contact managed to move the vehicle to the shoulder of the road with the help of a bystander. The contact believes the key fell out of the ignition. The power steering and brakes went out, place the gear into park. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
This is an issue it felt like someone hit us from behind and yet no one was there. Started driving and the next thing we know the car speedometer just slows down to 30 MPH. Luckily was able to get out of high speed lane before an 18 wheeler smashing into the rearend and would have killed my two kids!! This is bull crap Pontiac GM will not do anything about it!! This happened with a GM envoy that I purchased. I should have known better to purchase another GM product. There are way too many complaints regarding the transmission and steering for GM not to do anything about this this issue, the worst is they know about and will not do anything about it. Some people do not have that kind of money to just crap out and continue to crap out for a known issue!
I brought this car January 12th 2015 the next week I had to take it to the shop to get work done to the engine I got it back it ran good for like an month and I had to take to a different shop and they told me I need a new engine and my warranty company didn't want to cover it so I had to pay to get my after the warranty company said they would pay to get it fix that was almost 1500 for nothing I had to pay another 700 for engine and on July 27th 2015 the transmission stop going into drive and the lowest price I have for that is 2500 this alot of money to be making payments on and online all I am seeing is bad reviews of this car I need to know is there anything that can be done about this because this is ridiculous.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Grand Prix years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2006 (61), 2000 (43), 2005 (40), 1997 (32) and 1995 (31) model years. Transmission complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 2006.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Pontiac Grand Prix model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Grand Prix transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles; 24% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (179 mentions), followed by the automatic transmission › control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) (7).
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.