2001 Pontiac Bonneville Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 13%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 48,400miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, 13% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 48,400 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The failure occurred without warning. While turning the key to start the engine, the car lurched forward. The vehicle was in park at the time. There was nothing in front of the vehicle so there was no collision. The car stopped and though the engine ran, the car would not move forward or reverse. The transmission input failed. The transmission was rebuilt by GM for a substantial fee.”
NHTSA complaint #10086499, filed 2004-08, 86,500 miles“Transmission abruptly failed after making a loud bang while driving at 70 MPH on the interstate. This car had only 10,100 miles when this occurred. The transmission had to be replaced because the truss bearings broke apart causing the transmission to fail. The parts are available for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10142916, filed 2005-11, 10,100 miles“Consumer states while traveling at highway speed and without any indication engine started slipping and jerking. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed transmission needed to be replaced. First the transmission was reconditioned then the dealer replaced the shift solenoids. Breaks squeaked and made a rubbing and moaning noise. The joint on the steering shaft was binding. The steering shaft was replaced. .”
NHTSA complaint #10038483, filed 2003-10, 23,456 miles“Transmission does not shift properly when the engine is cold. When you press the accelerator, the engine RPM rise rapidly, but the car barely moves. As the car warms up, the transmission finally engages, very roughly, and shifts roughly until the car is warm.”
NHTSA complaint #10043003, filed 2003-10, 68,000 miles“Transmission abruptly failed after making a loud bang while driving at 55 MPH on the expressway. This car had only 24,000 miles when this occurred. The transmission had to be replaced because the trust bearings broke apart.”
NHTSA complaint #10123906, filed 2005-06, 24,000 milesRelated 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…
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 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
31 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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