I've had plenty of Pontiac in the bay over the years, and the transmission and driveline complaints on these don't surprise me. 575 on the NHTSA record across 28 model-year entries (2005–2010) is not a fluke. The 2007 Pontiac G6 leads the list but the pattern shows up across multiple years and models. Not a one-off. 9 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Across the 383 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 80,361 miles. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
ProblemsByVin PONTIAC / POWERTRAIN
28 model-year entries · 2005–2010
Pontiac powertrain problems
575 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Pontiac vehicles for powertrain issues. See powertrain across all makes →
Complaints
575
Recalls
0
Year-models
28
Avg fix
$2,500
16crashes
9injuries
Worst-affected Pontiac model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
2007 Pontiac G6
79 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Pontiac G6
73 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2006 Pontiac Grand Prix
57 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Pontiac G6
52 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Pontiac G6
37 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix
34 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
27 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Pontiac Solstice
27 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Pontiac Vibe
26 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Pontiac Solstice
24 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2005 Pontiac G6
24 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix
18 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2010 Pontiac G6
10 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Pontiac Vibe
9 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2007 Pontiac Vibe
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2006 Pontiac Vibe
8 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Pontiac G8
7 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Pontiac G8
7 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2008 Pontiac Torrent
7 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Pontiac G5
6 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Pontiac G5
6 complaints · ~$2,500 severe
2008 Pontiac G5
5 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2005 Pontiac GTO
5 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2009 Pontiac G3
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
2007 Pontiac Torrent
4 complaints · ~$2,500 moderate
Common questions
How many Pontiac powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
575 complaints across 28 model-year entries from 2005 to 2010. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Pontiac.
Which Pontiac model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2007 Pontiac G6 leads with 79 complaints in this category. Next: 2008 G6 (73) and 2006 Grand Prix (57).
What does it cost to fix Pontiac powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Pontiac lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Pontiac powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Pontiac vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Mark Driver, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Pontiac.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.