The Pontiac Grand Am, a compact car available with a manual or automatic transmission, was introduced in 1973. Edmunds.com contends the Grand Am, although affordable, is "unrefined" and "uncomfortable." Additionally, multiple fifth generation Grand Am models completed from 1999 through 2005, suffer from automatic transmission problems.
Pontiac technical service bulletins (TSBs) report that difficulty shifting is a common problem amongst 1999 to 2005 Grand Am models. Shifting difficulties include harsh shifts, slippage between gears and not being able to shift into drive or reverse. TSBs also report user difficulty in shifting from first to second and third to fourth gears.
The primary culprit for the Grand Am's shifting inadequacies is its transaxle connected to the shifter. A leaking transaxle may result in harsh shifts and slipping, because it can no longer provide the necessary lubrication.
If you regularly drive under harsh conditions, the owner's manual suggests checking and changing the transaxle fluid and filtering every 50,000 miles. Transaxle leakage requires axle seal replacement, which costs approximately $108 per seal to replace as of February 2011, according to MSN Auto.
