2000 Pontiac Bonneville Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 8%of 214 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,616miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Pontiac Bonneville, 8% of the 214 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,616 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“1. Right rear window motor failed at 30 months, but 60,233 miles. Window had been raised and lowered less than 25 times. Pontiac agreed to 40% reimbursment. 2. After 60k mi check up, car began shifting very rough. Service engine light came on at 63,266 then off,no problem, again at 66237 in shop now, with two trans diagnotic computer msgs. Will not know cost until problem found. Before dealer did 60k check up was getting 29 mmg on interstate, since check up, getting 23-25mpg on interstates. I believe direct correlation between two, but I know dealer will not agree.”
NHTSA complaint #10070229, filed 2004-01, 60,233 miles“During cold acceleration and deceleration, the transmission in the 3.8l v-6 engine in the 2000 Pontiac Bonneville runs so smoothly that it is almost impossible to feel or hear the transmission shift between gears. However, during hot acceleration and deceleration, the transmission shifts so roughly and violently that it is startling to the driver and it seems that the transmission is failing. The shift is very harsh. It bangs, bumps, shudders, slips, and grinds its way up and down through the gears. It is not healthy for the transmission or the rest of the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080922, filed 2004-07, 40,000 miles“My 2000 Pontiac Bonneville was hesitating slightly when shifting between 1st and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd gears. When it shifted it was jerking slightly. This was not noticeable when car was cold but occurred when warmed up. Transmission shop wanted to rebuild transmission for $2000. 2nd opinion said to take to dealer to have prom relflashed . Dealer said there's a bulletin out to fix problem for $800 due to a design flaw. Gm should put out recall to fix this problem if they know about it. It shouldn't cost me $800 to fix their design flaw!”
NHTSA complaint #10060289, filed 2004-03“2002 Bonneville with 81,284 miles went into service 2/29/00. Transmission failed on 3/15/2007. Always serviced at Pontiac dealer and no prior transmission problems. Pontiac refused any help with the problem, but the service department indicated there was a technical bullentin on this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10185986, filed 2007-03“Transmission drive sprocket support bearing came apart and damaged case and inside transmission; dealer said to drive this from illinois to michigan and if a problem occured someone would handle it, and it was safe to drive. The next day the service engine soon light came on and dealer still needed to be persuaded to look at it. They then saw the problem”
NHTSA complaint #767541, filed 2002-09Related service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10115081Nov 2, 2015This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission…
- 10135203Apr 15, 2014This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 18 | 8% |
| 1999 | 8 | 6% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 16 | 11% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 18 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 9% |
| 1993 | 18 | 13% |
| 1992 | 10 | 9% |
| 1991 | 3 | 14% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
58 complaintsSteering
47 complaintsEngine cooling
37 complaintsElectrical system
32 complaintsBrakes
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSuspension
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsEquipment
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsSeats
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Pontiac Bonneville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology