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1996 Pontiac Bonneville: complete transmission failure

5 of the 150 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville describe complete transmission failure.

owner complaints
5
of this car's complaints
3%
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 9 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Complete transmission failure by model year

  • 2001
    1
  • 2000
    5
  • 1999
    1
  • 1998
    3
  • 1997
    2
  • 1996
    5
  • 1995
    3
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    1
  • 1992
    1
  • 1991
    1

What owners say

Filed Jan 24, 2004 · Transmission · 144,000 miles · MD

I bought my 1996 bonneville new in that year. Around 20,000 miles the transmission failed and was replaced by the dealer under warranty. At 145,000 miles I noticed the transmission slipping and a smell of burnt fluid. Took the car into the dealer. They flushed and replaced the trans fluid stating the fluid was burnt (meaning not useful any more). I had the fluid changed a couple of times during the life of the car as I also insure all maintenance is done. That flushing lasted about 1,000 miles before the trans began slipping again and this time the check engine light came on. The result was my 3rd transmission at a cost to me of $2,500. I realize I have a lot of miles on the car/engine/trans but with proper maintenance, as I've done, I would expect a longer life from the transmission!

Filed Sep 6, 1999 · Transmission · MI

Transmission failed completely while driving. Car made loud whining/grinding noises, jerked and was difficult to control. Other cars swerved to avoid hitting me. Once stopped and in park I tried to proceed. The dash showed the car in gear, the engine would rev but car would not engage any drive or reverse gears. Had car brought home and towed to dealer the next day. It has twice previously gone into neutral briefly while driving but there was never a "check engine" light.

Filed Jan 12, 1999 · Transmission · NC

There is a "drum" inside of this transmission that was originally made from a poor quality steel (soft)that started to disintegrate and sent small particles of metal throughout the transmission, that in turn, locked the 2,3 solenoids, resulting in transmission failure. Gm has since changed the drum material to a case hardened one to eliminate the problems this is causing.however, at this present time both gm and the dealership refuse to even assist in the expense of this repair, even though the transmission was serviced at the authorized dealership and 800 miles before required.

Filed Aug 10, 1998 · Transmission · WA

Automatic transmission malfunctioned, causing the transmission to slip and the vehicle to die, almost causing an accident. Dealer replaced transmission 4 times. Dealer cannot determine pborlem.

Filed Oct 22, 1997 · Transmission · CA

Transmission failed.

Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville transmission failure

Is complete transmission failure a common problem on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville?

5 of 150 owner complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville (3%) mention complete transmission failure. The model year with the most reports is 1996.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville?

There are 0 recalls and 9 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville

Check engine light 9Airbag light 8Overheating 6Fire or smoke 5

All model years of the Pontiac Bonneville

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