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. …
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix powertrain problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Crashes
2
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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*LJ
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 …
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.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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