1997 Pontiac Grand Prix Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 4%of 810 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 4% of the 810 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The engine shuts off while driving down the road. When the engine quit running, the oil light and alternator light didn't come on just the anti-lock brake light, also the tachometer stayed at 2000 RPM. I put the car in neutral and tried, but couldn't get the engine to start. Pulled over to the side of the road and tried several times before finally starting. I had to put transmission in the park position, and the key all the way off, then start the engine. I had the crankshaft sensor replaced, but made no difference. Its happened 6 times in the last 5 months and 300 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10569192, filed 2014-03, 171,750 miles“I put a $1,000 on a car the tranmisson is defected they claim the fixed it but did not and the air do not work/ today the car cut off on me and did not start so I left it beside the road so the dealership can pick it up this is a used car”
NHTSA complaint #10070474, filed 2004-01, 140,758 miles“97 Grand Prix, 3.8l high output engine,4t65e 4 speed automatic transmission, se model 4 door. Transmission was at first hesitant to go into reverse at 100,000 miles. Around 125,000 miles the transmission has no reverse or neutral movement while pushing the car in reverse. In other words you cannot move the car in reverse at all, even with the engine off and in neutral. Shop told me I had a broken reverse shift fork. Transmission service center advised that the car's used value does not warrant the repair cost or purchase of new equipment.”
NHTSA complaint #10227391, filed 2008-05, 125,000 miles“This is the worst automobile I have ever owned. It is nickel and diming me to death. Both back windows are being held up in place by sticks that I have proped under them. The front passenger window I paid $300 to have repaired. The steering locked up on me and I had to dish out $500 to get that repaired, GM recalled it a couple of weeks after that, thank god I got some of my money back for that repair. The passengers side head light lens cover fell off $75 to replace that. …”
NHTSA complaint #10070584, filed 2004-01, 80,000 miles“Transmission exploded for the second time and GM says they can't help me. I have done some research on this and it seems to be a common problem in these vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #10080574, filed 2004-07, 100,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 18 | 13% |
| 2007 | 29 | 13% |
| 2006 | 61 | 26% |
| 2005 | 40 | 27% |
| 2004 | 19 | 4% |
| 2003 | 4 | 4% |
| 2002 | 18 | 5% |
| 2001 | 22 | 7% |
| 2000 | 43 | 9% |
| 1999 | 24 | 6% |
| 1998 | 21 | 4% |
| 1997 | 32 | 4% |
| 1996 | 5 | 6% |
| 1995 | 31 | 18% |
| 1994 | 10 | 5% |
| 1993 | 7 | 5% |
| 1992 | 9 | 8% |
| 1991 | 2 | 1% |
| 1990 | 5 | 3% |
| 1989 | 4 | 3% |
| 1988 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
216 complaintsExterior lighting
149 complaintsEngine cooling
136 complaintsElectrical system
88 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
78 complaintsAir bags
56 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsEngine
45 complaintsSuspension
26 complaintsOther or unknown
19 complaintsBody and structure
19 complaintsFuel system
18 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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