2002 Pontiac Bonneville Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 8%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,352miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville, 8% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,352 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“For a short 2-3 wk period I noticed my transmission not performing normally. I observed 4-5 occurences of slow gear shifting in this 3 wk period and promptly scheduled a test of the transmission. The computer test identified an error that was explained as inaccurate gear ratio , which means the computer told the transmission that car was traveling at inaccurate speeds. Therefore causing the gears to shift inaccurately. I scheduled a follow-up for the next week to leave the car with the repair shop for further, more comprehensive testing. …”
NHTSA complaint #10081046, filed 2004-07, 49,352 miles“1. The transmission on our 2002 Pontiac Bonneville has had problems since purchase new. The dealer eventually sent the car to a local transmission shop but the problem has persisted intermittantly even after many complaints. The transmission slips, shudders on acceleration and shifts erratically. It will slip and then sometimes shift hard. 2. It is very dangerous to drive. The transmission will slip and then shudder as we are pulling into traffic. We have almost been t-boned several times. It has been getting worse lately and I fear that one of these times we will be killed by this proplem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10192769, filed 2007-06, 10,000 miles“I am concerned with the problem GM is having with the 4t65e transmission. The issue dealing with slippage due to a possible failure of an internal component. I have a 2002 Pontiac Bonneville that is driven by my wife. I have been a loyal GM customer and worked through several TSB concerning both our vehicles. I am concerned they fix these as they occur, however when I am at 37,000 miles and out of warranty who pays then? Safety is my forst priority! If this were to occur (and GM knows it might) when my wife is passing, pulling into traffice, etc... Who knows the outcome. …”
NHTSA complaint #10064172, filed 2004-03“Car was brought into otto oldsmobile dealership with 64k for a warranty replacement of a waterpump and for a squealing noise. Was told the intake manifold was leaking and the estimated repair was 600, with the serpentine belt and the waterpump labor total repair was 1100. Car was driven twice after repair, less than 200 miles when squealing returned and engine seized from coolant entering cylinder number four as a result of the manifold leak. Car sat in dealership for three months while we haggled with them and GM for replacement costs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10069787, filed 2004-01“The vehicle was shifted from reverse to drive. When the consumer pressed the accelerator the vehicle was still in reverse. The dealer has been contacted.”
NHTSA complaint #10032312, filed 2003-09Related 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…
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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
19 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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