Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1997 Pontiac Bonneville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Driving an suddenly vehicle shuts down, speed makes no difference.starts back with no problem. This is a regular problem, also happens when idling...makes for a very hazardous situation. Has happened on the freeway surface streets, turning, accelerating, even when braking.there have been times when it wouldn't start and no documentation or invoices available at this time. We have to tug on ignition wires. Possible reason-ignition switch under the steering wheel section is bad. This vehicle has a console, plan on getting new ignition switch.
On date mentioned the cars firewall and engine compartment caught fire which cause the lose of the use of the brakes and power steering. I was decending a steep hill at the time . I was lucky to keep control of the vehicle and managed to get the fire out before the fire department got there. This could have been a fatal accident if I had not keep my head. We also had to replace the alternator in this vehicle which should have not worn out as the car only had 3500 mile on it at that time. The police report stated that it was a manufacturer defect that caused the fire. I have called the place of purchase to inform them of this and they gave me a phone number of the Pontiac co. To call and the number will not go threw. I have searched the web to see if there was a place in their web site to send them an email about the fire and no luck there either. …
My car wouldn't start and there were no electrical components functioning. I called the car dealership where I purchased the warranty and was told to make sure I didn't have a dead battery because that was not covered under the warranty. I called the towing company and they attempted to charge the battery. Battery would not charge; the car went "puff" and caught on fire. When the wrecker driver attempte to start the car, he heard a loud "pop" and smoke was rolling out from under the hood. He opened the hood, battery was intact, however the engine was on fire. After fire was extinquished, he found the plenum(?sp) blown off the top f the engine and the oil filtler tube was blown out of he top of te manifold. Warranty company would not cover due to the fact the car caught on fire. They said my car ins should cover it. …
Consumer stated while driving vehicle at 25 MPH suddenly all electrical components died. No brakes/ no power steering. Took vehicle to dealer, dealer popped hood, and noticed battery acid all over the engine compartment, and battery cables were loose. Dealer replaced cables, and put jelly around them. Five days later, cables were loose again. Cause unknown. The cable has loosen again and vehicle stalled and lost all power. Consumer was left stranded.
While drivng vehicle filled up with smoke and a fire started in the dash behind the radio. Mechanic stated that there was a loose wire in the dash. Car was towed to a body shop. Still not fixed.
This appears to be a common problem with this make/model or similarly configured battery cable system. The post breaks off inside the battery as a result of vibrations and the weight of the cable. The consumer must buy a new battery as a result. Furthermore, the battery bolt freezes inside the cable requiring it to be cut out due to the excessive heat generated aththe connection. This is a common problem with this vehicle according to the technician I spoke with at bentley Pontiac at the time I took it in. I had to have the vehicle towed to get it repaired. When I picked my vehicle up, I noticed another Bonneville getting it's battery replaced for the exact same problem - the positive terminal post had broken off and the bolt was frozen to the positive cable connection. …
When driving or idling vehicle will suddenly die ,and will not restart until after 10-15 minutes later . Dealer has replaced alternator, but defect has reocurred, dealer claimed they could not determine cause without duplicating defect. After multiple attempt to repair the vehicle, the dealer idenfified the problem to be a failed fuel pump and was replaced. The consumer wants reimbersment for the cost of replacing the alternator that was not the cause.
While my wife was driving home with our children the vehicle suddenly shut off. My wife was able to safely pull off the highway and contacted me. When I arrived I found the positive battery terminal fell off the delco battery, causing acid to leak into the battery tray and front frame section. I replaced battery and had to repair the cable end because the end was seized.
Vehicle parked in driveway with fluid dripping in front of passenger side front tire. Found positive battery post (side) separated from battery case with battery acid leaking out. Battery terminal was very difficult to remove from cables and there was slight corrosion damage to battery tray area.
Headlights are working intermittently, and the fuse keeps blowing out. Consumer had the vehicle into the shop 6 times, and dealer can't determine the cause of the problem. Dealer keeps replacing different parts, and the vehicle is about to go back into the shop for the 7th time.
Electrical complaints in other Bonneville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the electrical system of the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 19% of the model year's 147 complaints. The component named most often is horn (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, though it has 1 recall for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 5 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.