Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
As I was driving, smelled wire burning and smoke coming from the front driver at the headliner then the interior lights shut off, trunk release switch inop. I pulled over on the highway and turned key off. Then noticed two weeks ago that there is no power to the OBD-ii. Have able to repair the damages.
Consumer states that the design of the headlights results in a shadow being cast at a 45 degree angle in the dark while driving. Consequently, the consumer can not see the white lines on the road when driving around bends and turns at night. The headlights shine straight ahead when turning bends and corners. Dealer "adjusted" headlights, but problem still exists. Mr
Driver side headlight socket has shorted out and burned two times since I bought my vehicle. It seems the electrical load going to the headlight is too great, therefore overloading the wires and causing a fire hazard. Plastic socket has melted along with the base of the headlamp( part# 9005).
The brake rotors were replaced three times for excessive warping which caused vibrations and a soft brake pedal. Each time the pads were replaced the rotors had to be replaced. The engine belt cracked once and was glazed once, both failures caused noise. The steering wheel makes noise when turning, the dealer replaced the steering shaft. The right rear brake light bulb was blown.
Traveling @65 MPH engine just shut off. Would not start until 3 hours later then it was hard to start. Problem was determined to be ground under passenger seat. Car still was hard to start now the deal claims it is the fuel pump regulator. Very upset with this experience. Other problems seem to have cropped up due to this ground problem such as alternator failure, headlights failing to the on positon, power windows would not work and of course the failure of the fuel regulator. This ground seems to be a major problem and I am surprised there has not yet been a recall. The common thread can be seen in the complaints lodged on your internet site.
From the night we drove the car home we had problems with the headlights/ dash lights and interior lights not working properly. Then we had trouble with the windshield wipers not working , horn. Upon repair work in March of 1999 we were showed and told that the dash had been broken out before and wires had been cut into. We have also had a problem with lack of power upon pressing accelerator.
While vehicle was going 65mph, the acclerator pedal dropped to the floor. Engine was running hot, and the oil was sizzling. Dealer informed. Consumer says that 6 out of 6 bearings were worn out , and 4 out 6 rods needed replacement. Also, oil pressure sensor malfunctioned. Consumer states that the vehicle was well maintained, and that the engine & oil pressure indicator should be recalled to prevent injury or fatality.
Turn signals do not work properly, consumer states that sometimes right signal blinks when left signal is turned on and left signal blinks when right signal is turned on, also sometimes the signals will blink together regardless of the position of the turn signal lever, dealer has attempted to fix the problem several times, however has not remedied the problem.
Related recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Headlights
These vehicles were assembled with lighting control modules which can experience excessive current leakage due to damaged surface mounting capacitors. This can cause loss of head lamps and parking lamps.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the headlamp module.
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Bonneville years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1995 (33) and 1997 (5) model years. Headlight complaints make up 14% of all complaints for the 1995.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Bonneville headlight problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 94V-190 (headlights, Oct 4, 1994). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Pontiac Bonneville headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 137,000 miles; 0% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (20 mentions), followed by the tail lights (6).
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.