NHTSA — Power Train Problems

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix (Page 1 of 2)

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
82,251 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #23

May 042022

Grand Prix

  • 100,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Hutchinson, KS, USA

problem #22

Sep 022016

Grand Prix

  • 134,300 miles
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 Pontiac. 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.

- Mansfield, MO, USA

problem #21

Oct 302015

Grand Prix

  • 148,000 miles
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.

- Trumann, AR, USA

problem #20

Jul 212015

Grand Prix

  • 85,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #19

Feb 272013

Grand Prix

  • 118,000 miles
My car started having very erratic shifting, and revving.

- Canton, OH, USA

problem #18

Sep 032012

Grand Prix

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. While driving 65 mph, the speedometer gauge fluctuated. The vehicle jerked violently, accelerated, and decelerated independently. The contact heard a loud abnormal noise coming from the engine. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Saratoga, UT, USA

problem #17

Oct 072008

Grand Prix

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The contact mentioned that when attempting to start the vehicle, the key was difficult to turn and difficult to shift into another gear. In addition, the contact stated that when driving, the key would release from the ignition and the vehicle would decelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000 and the current mileage was 119,300.

- Lorenzo, CA, USA

problem #16

Sep 062012

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Vehicle started disengaging cruise control and traction control, vehicle then started jerking/shifting hard and overheating, followed by vehicle shifting from one set position of drive to neutral, took into shop to look at transmission was told just a dirty sensor, had sensor cleaned, about a month later same thing, had it cleaned again and then Dec 2013 the traction control auto disengaged again and then one day it turned itself on again, no there's a coolant leak issue and oil leak and check engine light on for the catalytic converter...[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Maplewood, MN, USA

problem #15

Sep 242008

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • 68,300 miles
I leased my 05 Grand Prix GT new in 2005 and purchased it in 2008 after I purchased the vehicle I too noticed the change in shifting gears loss of power or no movement then all of a sudden the transmission would pop into gear when the vehicle had approx 68K miles. I had taken the vehicle to several dealers, and they told me either they could not replicate the problem or they sold me on something else including transmission flushes. One mechanic informed me quit as few vehicles been in for complaining about the same thing. There seems to be a problem in the design of these transmission.

- Rochester, MI, USA

problem #14

May 012013

Grand Prix

  • 79,000 miles
I bought this car from an older man who rarely drove this Grand Prix kept it in great shape after a year when I bought it I noticed the transmission would go up to 212 degrees and it would shift very hard out of first and out of second then it started doing it at 180 degrees I took it to a GM dealer to get a transmission flush and they said I would be doing more harm then good because of all the broken down gears in the transmission. It slips a lot now and they want me to buy a new transmission after a year of owning it when their was absolutely nothing wrong with it when I purchased the car.

- Chardon, OH, USA

problem #13

Aug 122013

Grand Prix

  • 130,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

- Ferndale, MI, USA

problem #12

Aug 092013

Grand Prix 8-cyl

  • 78,600 miles
The car was about to enter the mass pike when all forward motion stopped. The transmission was in 'drive' but it acted as though it had slipped into neutral. The car was dead in the middle of the road and there were a number a near miss collisions before the emergency vehicle arrived. The car is now at a GM dealership awaiting a transmission rebuild. We bought this car new and have had a number of transmission issues starting at 12,456 miles. Within the first year of ownership we reported a 'clunking' noise to the dealership - they said they could not recreate the problem. We had additional issues where the car would 1) not move when starting from a traffic light or 2) would act as though it was in neutral when coasting and then 'bang' into gear several seconds after stepping on the gas pedal. These issues were reported to the dealer at 33657, 45381, 51284, 56446, 61543 and 72552 miles. In each case, except for the one at 56446 miles the dealer said they could not replicate the issue - but they charged for the time. At 56446 miles we tried another dealership and they spent over an hour testing the car. Finally, they did experience the problem. They replaced several transmission parts but we experienced a shuddering problem less than a year later. They detected a possible torque converter problem at that point but said it the could be driven and no other parts of the transmission would be affected. There is a common issue with the transmission in GM V8 cars - there are many reports of failures and expensive repairs. It appears to be a design issue. The symptoms started early on, and despite our multiple reports of problems and exact adherence to the maintenance schedule there was almost a serious accident.

- Salem, NH, USA

problem #11

Oct 122007

Grand Prix 8-cyl

  • 36,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, there was a sudden loss of acceleration power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle was taken to a dealer for the same failure on three occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The approximate failure mileage was 36,000 and the current mileage was 86,000.

- Clemmions, NC, USA

problem #10

Feb 232013

Grand Prix 8-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
I had my transmission rebuilt on 8/17/12 after it blow on me with 128,900 miles. I had it rebuilt by aamco. I took it back to aamco after it seen like I was having problems on 12/28/12. Got it back on 1/5/13 after they said there was no problems it was the oil in my car. So I said ok but still didn't believe them. So a month went by and my transmission just blow again 2/23/13.

- State College, PA, USA

problem #9

Sep 042012

Grand Prix 6-cyl

  • 75,000 miles
While trying to cross an intersection my car would not take off from stop, transmission then grabbed and jerked into first gear. This has been a problem for a while, it also jerks into second and third gear. Seems to only do it when transmission is hot. This seems to be a common problem with this transmission and when I brought the car to GM dealership they told me that I had to have my transmission rebuilt for around $3,000, my car had the extended warranty run out at 72,000 miles and I now have 80,000 miles. I did purchase the extended warranty.

- Metairie, LA, USA

problem #8

Mar 152012

Grand Prix

  • miles
My 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix gxp would often lose speed in curves, climbing hills, or at high rates of speed. I took it to a GM dealer and was diagnosed with transmission problems. I was quoted one price for transmission, labor, and radiator replacements, but ended up paying over $4000. Gwatney in North little rock, ar has a horrible service staff. They were not willing to work out a deal even after informing them I was quoted a different price. They threatened to charge me additional storage fees if I didn't pick up my car. I eventually paid, but I wrote in dispute of price on the receipt. Here I am 9 months later with the same problem! go figure.

- North Little Rock, AR, USA

problem #7

Oct 092012

Grand Prix 8-cyl

  • 80,000 miles
My 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix gxp transmission just stopped while I was driving. I have read how about 225 people have documented on a website of their transmission issues with this same make and model vehicle here www.gmls4.com/index.php/topic,33.0.html with my car only having around 80,000 miles and has not been driven hard I am really disappointed in GM for making a vehicle like this. The transmission is now whining and I can drive it about ten yards and there will be lose of power and it will not drive in any gear on the vehicle. I am very disappointed and need this corrected and will ultimately need a new transmission which will ultimately have the same problem down the road.

- Cross Lanes, WV, USA

problem #6

Jun 162012

Grand Prix

  • miles
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix gxp transmission failed on the freeway and this is the third time the transmission has been replaced there is obviously something defective on the car for this to happen.

- Acampo, CA, USA

problem #5

Mar 032011

Grand Prix 8-cyl

  • 64,000 miles
Torque converter failed causing abrupt stop in acceleration while merging on expressway. The damage to the torque converter also caused damage to the transmission as well.

- Shepherdsville, KY, USA

problem #4

Nov 192011

Grand Prix 6-cyl Diesel

  • 98,000 miles
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. If I have to walk with my children, how will I do that, I need a car to go to college, and get to work. Please I am begging you to help me. I have this car financied on a loan. Please please help me get a new safe vehicle. I owned a 77 firebird formula from 1989 to 1997. That car was the best, that is why I thought I could trust another Pontiac. I am so desperate for your help. I can not at all afford the repairs this car would take. Please replace this vehicle and help a middle class working mother keep trying to live the dream in this world.... sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Arvada, CO, USA

Read the next 3 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?