Fuel System complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Look at the car the car is located [redacted] first of all you start off as a passcode 2 system and then it says passcode 3 system on the thing and I just don't want to deal with this because you have the cut off switch you have the fuel cut off switch but you still have current going through the switch or the fuel they fuel I'll probably leaking into the tank it doesn't start but still sending fuel the oil has excessive amount of liquid in it so does transmission I bought it used the guy goes you know I lost the key go in and remove it I started without the key you know or something like that and I said well here's I got the chamber and I will get it anyway I don't want to deal with this take your car around it took that he sold a mindful but it took the Kelly converter around he didn't tell me about it he asked who did it well he was the city I guess a city bought this car now they're …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was leaking and the fuel tank pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 03V238000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 160,000. Update 01/15/16 ma
When involved in an accident, the fuel safety shut off in my wife's Bonneville didn't work. She was struck just behind the passenger side rear door and then pushed into a traffic light hard enough to set off the air bags. After both impacts the car was still running and had to be shut off by the ignition key. Fortunately there was no fuel leak. No injuries due to the failure.
Mass air flow sensor and o2 sensor failure constant. 10/2013 security light comes on frequently while in motion12/2013 leaks in lower gasket valve...engine is extremely hot most of the time 04/2014 service engine light remains on due to o2 sensor failure even after replacement 7/2014 interior lights caught fire 05/2014.
My car caught on fire back in January 2020 under the hood on my way to work the fire started behind the vale cover gaskets and now oil is leaking on the manifold gaskets and gas is mixing with the oil and I can't drive my car anymore help me please.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil out of the valve cover gasket and the spark plug wire retainer causing a misfire. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted but failed to properly accelerate while driving. The contact stated that there were fumes inside of the vehicle which caused eye irritation. The contact stated that the TPMS, check engine, service engine, seat belt, and air bags warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, after refueling, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate fuel reading. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the spark plug retainer and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. …
Smell of fuel dumping from exhaust. Air filter checks out. Mild smell just outside engine compartment. Headache producing smell inside can. Wasn't their a recall for part tolerances to correct this? Are all GM delphi replacement parts presently sold adequate to address this. Previous owner had new upper and lower intake manifold installed. Hard cold starting can cause and caused my first experience with the excess fuel smell. Yesterday and today driving I am getting the fuel in the passenger cabin smell. I can only hope that this is a fuel regulator issue. And I will put on a fresh air filter to reduce erroneous enrichment. Odd how my code reader can perform a fuel pressure check and remedy the cold hard start condition. These fumes occur from tailpipe when starting, from all over now when driving. After parking the smell remains some at the hood. …
Engine fire occurred during normal start-up due to a faulty fuel regulator . Fire damaged engine and numerous electrical components in the engine compartment . Pontiac claimed responsibility, and agreed to re-purchase vehicle . The amount offered by Pontiac was considerably less than purchase price .
Related recalls (3)
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.
Fuel system, gasoline › Fuel injection system
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Remedy: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
NHTSA investigations
Engine compartment fires
Ea02-030 is closed with gmea02-030 is closed with GM?s actions in 03v-473 and 04v-090 recalling approximately 529,000 my 1998-99 c- and h-body vehicles equipped with defective fuel pressure regulators.these vehicles were equipped with plastic intake manifolds that are unable to contain pressures that occur in some backfire events and defective fuel pressure regulators with leaking diaphragms that can provide a…
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Bonneville years have fuel system problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (36), 1996 (25), 1999 (23), 2001 (14) and 2000 (13) model years. Fuel System complaints make up 13% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Bonneville fuel system problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 04V-090 (delivery, Feb 24, 2004); 03V-238 (tank assembly, Jul 1, 2003); 96V-116 (fuel injection system, Jul 1, 1996). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Bonneville fuel system problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 95,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the delivery (25 mentions), followed by the carburetor system (21).
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.