Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Pontiac Bonneville owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. While driving 25 MPH making a right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
On December 30, 2002 I took my 2001 Pontiac bonnevelle sle in under warranty to peoria Pontiac GMC to investigate vibration and a clunk noise in the steering column. The steering column was lubed by peoria Pontiac GMC per GM's steering shaft bulletin. Mileage was 19,814. In December of 2004, the noise returned at approximately 50,000 miles. I took the vehicle in to peoria Pontiac GMC on 12/04/2004 and was advised to have the steering shaft for greased for approximately $125.00 by my service advisor. On 12/6/2004 I phoned Pontiac. They advised me to contact my dealer to order a new steering shaft. The Pontiac service representative promised to reimburse me after the repair was made. On 2/8/2005 I contacted Pontiac because the part is still not in at the dealer. I was advised GM has redesigned the part and that they do not have a delivery date. …
Oct. 6,2002 was first trip to dealer reporting clunk in steering when turning, mileage 22,346. Diag. Noise from steering shaft r & r and lubbed shaft. Nov. 14, 2003 second trip to dealer for noise in steering, mileage 35,423. Noisey slip joint r&r intermediate shaft and lube as per bulletin #1-02-32-001c e7700a 1.2. These were both covered under warranty. June 2, 2005 returned for a third time to the dealer because of clunking in the steering when turning. Warranty has now expired at 57,632 miles. I was told when I set the appt. This would be at no cost to lube again, because of my two other occurrences. After spending an hour at the dealer, I was told I could either have the shaft lubed again at a cost to me of $120.00 or I could have it replaced at a cost to me of $260.00. They would not cover the expense because they said it had been so long since the last occurrence. …
I have had repeated trouble with my 2001 Bonneville,,have had 3 window motors go out,,,3 batteries go bad,,,air compressor go bak,,,moon roof worked on 3 times,,,3rd time,,,had 3 inches of water in floor,,,,,the problem now is the steering,,,you turn wheel,,it makes popping, clucking noise,,& feels like the front end is going to fall off.. The dealer said all it needed was grease,,which they did last year,,,now its doing it again,,& now they say its a steering shaft problem...I have been waiting for over 3 weeks for the part to come in,,,repeated calls,,& I am told they have no idea when the part will come in,,,they said drive it,,,it won't fall out????? They also said the reason for the delay is its a country wide back log???? What does that mead,,,,I am afraid to drive this car...& GM service does not know either...
I have a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville ssei. I have had this car in and out of the shop numerous times for the "check stability system" warning and a "clunking" noise in the left front area. It makes noise primarily in a turn or going over a bump. I have had the front left wheel bearing/assembly replaced as well. The last mechanic was puzzled and frustrated at the fact that he cannot figure our what is making the noise. I believe that this is a defect and GM should issue a recall and fix the problem for the consumer. GM wonders why their sales a slacking....maybe they should take better care of their customers. Makes me think I should have bought a Toyota.....
Recurring issue with the intermediate steering shaft on my 2001 Bonneville: just wanted to provide my experience with the dealer where I bought my Bonneville from with this issue. I have a 2001 bonnie and this issue showed up in 2005 at only 28000 miles ( repaired under extended warranty ). This issue appeared again at 41,500 miles. I had just purchased an extended warranty from the dealer and was told this problem is not covered under it. They said they would only remove the shaft and regrease it . I asked if this was a safety issue and was told that is was not. My question is why this is not a recall issue and am I in any danger driving this car?
After the power steering rack was replaced in feb 2003, the intermittent clicking noise when turning resumed in April, 2003. Dealer unable to verify until September, 2003. Dealer replaced left outer tie rod (part 26067288 - rod kit 6.233). This did not solve the clicking noise when turning and on oct 7, 2003 the dealer replaced the intermediate shaft (part 26100571 - shaft 6.526). As of oct 7, 2003, the dealer has replaced the intermediate shaft twice and the power steering rack twice in an attempt to solve the clicking noise when turning.
Tl contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. While driving 15 MPH, the steering column began making a grinding noise at 52,000 miles. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they pulled out and lubricated the steering column, which temporarily corrected the failure. At 67,000 miles, the grinding noise recurred. The dealer replaced the steering column. At 78,000 miles, the failure recurred. Currently, the dealer is refusing to make any more repairs to the vehicle. The current mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 52,000.
Dt*: the contact stated two years ago the steering began to make a grinding noise while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the intermediate shaft had failed which interfered with the steering. The mechanic replaced the shaft, and explained it was unusual for this part to fail. The manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. Two years after the replacement the same part needed to be replaced again. Updated 05/30/2006.
Vehicle taken to dealer for oil change November 21,2004. Requested steering check because of popping noise in column. Vehicle had been checked and repairs made on jan. 25, 2002 for similar condition pursuant to factory TSB. Manner of repair has been updated, TSB 04-02-35-004, issued mar.,04. This is the third TSB issued regarding steering system. We feel "repair" is still under warranty and think recall be issued by simple nature of system involed.
Steering complaints in other Bonneville years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, 24% of the model year's 129 complaints. The component named most often is column (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Pontiac Bonneville steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. 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 2001 Pontiac Bonneville steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 31,000 miles, and 42% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering 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.