Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 27 | −90% | — | Airbag | Good |
| 2004 | 28 | −81% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2003 | 54 | −72% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2002 | 89 | −39% | 2 | Steering | Average |
| 2001 | 129 | −14% | — | Engine | Average |
| 2000 | 214 | 1.7× | 2 | Window & Wiper | Caution |
| 1999 | 143 | 1.2× | 3 | Engine | Average |
| 1998 | 277 | 2.3× | 1 | Engine | Avoid |
| 1997 | 147 | 1.2× | 1 | Engine | Average |
| 1996 | 150 | typical | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 1995 | 244 | 1.7× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
* Complaints compared with the median Bonneville year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Pontiac Bonneville problems
Latest Pontiac Bonneville recalls
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line.
Remedy: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Air bags › Frontal
Certain passenger, Mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.
Power train › Automatic transmission
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4t65e automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Pontiac Bonneville should you avoid?
1998, 1995 and 2000 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Bonneville years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 1998.
What is the best year for the Pontiac Bonneville?
2005 has the fewest complaints compared with other Bonneville years at the same age, followed by 2004 and 2003. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Pontiac Bonneville problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (520), electrical system (226) and steering (178). Engine complaints peak in the 1998 model year.
How many recalls has the Pontiac Bonneville had?
10 recalls across 1995–2005. The model year with the most is 1999. See all Pontiac Bonneville recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.