Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2005 Pontiac Bonneville, clunking noise in steering. Per dealer, intermediate shaft is manufacturer known problem, while under warranty shaft was lubed, then replaced, then lubed again. Problem persists and is worse in cold weather. Steering becomes less than accurate providing improper road feedback and improper response to driver input. My concern is that shaft will fail or will cause other steering failure. This has been a persistent problem since ownership taken 4 sept 2004.
Magnasteer issue: extremely difficult steering at low speeds (below 15 MPH) when vehicle is at operating temperature. Summer time conditions enhance this problem. When the steering fluid heats up, the steering becomes more difficult or impossible. The magnasteer rack has been replaced 1 time. This cured the problem temporarily (1000 miles). The dealership has worked feverishly and extremely well to correct the problem. Problem unresolved so far.
Have a 2004 Bonneville gxp around the 24,000 mile mark the car seemed to fall apart. The passenger window sticks, the trunk stays full of water, the passenger side floor pan fills up with water once every 4 months, the coolant temperature gauge stopped working, the tachometer stopped working, the speedometer stopped working, and most concerning the steering joint in the steering column is bad. We contacted the local dealer at the time and they said there were no recalls. I do not feel safe driving my three children around in this car. A forty thousand dollar car should not have these many problems with so little mileage. I just find it hard to believe they have not recalled this vehicle. I am disgusted with general motors.
Popping in steering - the steering gets hard to turn and there is a popping noise when turning. I was told by the first dealership that it was a faulty part but would not be covered under any recalls. Was replaced under warranty after days of arguments. Was told it is now a maintenance problem that will cost about $175.00 each time it is repaired with a greasing kit - no replaced as defective - about twice a year so far. I feel it should state it in the owners manual as a maintenance issue ig that is what it is.
Tl contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. While driving 15 MPH or turning the vehicle left or right, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the steering column. He can also felt the steering wheel vibrate once the noise began. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who stated that other consumers with the same type of vehicle experienced identical failures in the past. The contact believes that a recall should be issued because it appears to be a manufacturer defect. The failure has been occurring for quite some time. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 35,000. Updated 05/15/09 updated 05/18/09.
2003 Pontiac Bonneville ssei when turning the steering wheel, left or right from a stopping position a loud clunking noise appears. It is felt through the steering wheel and column. While driving the noise happens rarely. I have read numerous accounts of this but no recall as of yet. I am worried this is a safety concern while driving on the highways at high speeds especially. Is something loose and/or getting rubbed to cause damage and loss of steering in the future? GM dealer defect?
The consumer lost steering control while driving at 45 MPH. The consumer was able to bring the vehicle under control without being involved in a vehicle crash. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the high pressure hose for the power steering assist erupted. The consumer was concerned since a similar incident occurred before. The intermediate steering shaft was replaced, both front window lift motors were replaced, water leaked in the front passenger door, there was an extreme amount of engine noise as well as heat and exhaust entering the passenger compartment, there was two inches of play in the steering wheel, the steering locked up, there was a lack of power steering fluid in the reservoir, high pressure hose fluid leaked all over the underside of the vehicle and throughout the engine, the upper nut and the bolt that held the intermediate steering …
Tl*- the contact stated that his 2002 Pontiac Bonneville is exhibiting the same failure with his steering column which he previously repaired when the vehicle had an odometer reading of 35,398 miles. The contact stated that his steering column feels loose, and does not respond readily to changes in direction. He did take his vehicle to dealership and was told that this is normal wear and tear on this vehicle. The contact has found several complaints on the NHTSA website for the same reasons. The contact gave several complaint # 1009722 and 10157566. The contact feels this is a safety issue and is afraid the steering column will separate while driving. The contact stated he did file a complaint with the manufacture and gave them a file # 71-467055915 with date of filing 01/10/07. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Pontiac Bonneville years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (47), 2001 (31), 1995 (27), 2002 (19) and 1997 (14) model years. Steering complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Pontiac Bonneville steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Pontiac Bonneville model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Pontiac Bonneville steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 55% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the rack and pinion (24 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (15).
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.