Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl contact owns a 2004 Pontiac Bonneville. While backing out of the driveway at 5 MPH, the brake pedal extended to the floor and dangled when it was depressed. There was no resistance in the brakes. The vehicle continued moving, jumped a curb, and landed in her neighbor's yard. The vehicle was towed to a private mechanic. The cause of the failure was a failed pedal assembly retainer clip, which was replaced. The current mileage was 40,078 and failure mileage was 40,023. Updated 11/29/07.
Component failure-gauge cluster panel-2004 Pontiac Bonneville se 1. Failure - temp gauge failures prompted a computer check engine reading that stated the temp sending unit was probable cause. Dealer "ewing Buick-Pontiac" did not have part, referred to reliable Chevrolet who sold us the part as specified in tech pub but was not the correct sending unit. Compared the old one to another year model and located an identical sending unit within 48 hours but this did not fix the temp gauge. The car never has overheated but the gauge would read a different temp daily until it finally rarely ever read a degree. Dealer said would need to pull cluster panel and send out. Only the warranty had just expired 5,000 miles and dealer quoted $650.00 to pull the unit out and send out to have diagnosed and would take about a week. Service writer suggested I wait until warning lights indicate a problem. …
Warning lights for anti-lock brakes, brakes, and traction control come on and off randomly. Anti-lock brake feature is disabled when light is on. Brake performance is greatly reduced sometimes while warning lights are on. Traction control does not function when light is on. Dealer said GM had issued a service bulletin for corrosion in a wiring harness plug leading to the wheel rotation sensor. Dealer stated replacement wiring harness was $500. Dealer tried cleaning contacts on plug and applying conductive corrosion preventing. Did not fix problem. Severe safety issue when anti-lock feature is deactivated, traction control deactivated, and brake performance is reduced. Developed problem in December 2006.
Complete brake failure in 2002 Pontiac Bonneville,no accident occurred but could have been serious. GMC dealer says due to break fluid contamination with petroleum and will not repair under warranty. It is unclear to us as to how it could have been contaminated. In the event this has happened to others we are reporting it here.
I purchased this car used 1 year ago. At that time the dealer agreed to fix a shaking in the front end of the car when the brakes were applied. The rotors were replaced because they were warped. In the last week I have noticed that I am again getting that shaking in the front end of the car. At 35 miles per hour the steering wheel about jumps out of your hand when the brakes are applied at a reasonable pressure when slowing. If I were to have an emergency where fast braking were needed I do not know if I could hold the car on the road the shaking is that bad. I can't understand what is wrong and why the rotors are not holding up. Can you help me.
I bought a new Bonneville ssei last year and have had constant brake problems since the day I bought the car with the front end which included the steering and the brakes. I've had three steering sensors and one power steering box replaced and it is still clunking. I have had all four rotors cut, all four rotors replaced and two complete sets of brakes put on the car and I had my car inspected today and I was told I need another set of new brakes. All in less than 30,000 miles. If you look at the service record on this car I have had nothing but problems from the day I bought the car. Ts
Intermittently ABS traction stability warning light illuminated on the dashboard. When this occurred the cruise control mode was inoperative. Dealership performed a diagnostic test the failure code indicated, don't drive the vehicle and service immediately ABS stability control failure. Dealership serviced the vehicle 4 times, only temporary fixes had been done, problem still exists.
ABS brake light came on while driving. Dealer installed a new brake module because of corrosion and a new connector because of corrosion. This is the same complaint that has come out with the GM suvs and trucks. It could be the same for the bonnevilles. Part numbers for brake module 12226953 $438.66, connector part # 12084595 cost $.63.
Related recalls (1)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Bonneville years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (25), 2000 (16), 1997 (12), 1999 (9) and 2001 (9) model years. Brake complaints make up 10% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Bonneville brake problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 00V-114 (foundation components, Apr 17, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Bonneville brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 40% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (36 mentions), followed by the foundation components (9).
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.