2002 Pontiac Bonneville

Routine

Owners filed 89 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the steering. It has been recalled 2 times.

Not among the Pontiac Bonneville years to avoid. Which Pontiac Bonneville years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
51,000 milesMedian miles at failure

54 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 20,000–30,000 miles.

Most common 2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems

17 of the 89 complaints (19%) are about the steering.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls9
000
Steering9
000
Electrical System7
010
Steering › Column6
000
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission4
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Air Bags · airbags4
100
Tires3
102
Suspension › Front3
000
Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint3
202

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly03V238000
Filed Jul 1, 2003102,212 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. 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 UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Risk. FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

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.

Air Bags › Frontal02V222000
Filed Aug 9, 2002133,221 vehiclesGeneral Motors Corp.

Defect. CERTAIN PASSENGER, MINI VANS, AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES HAVE AN AIR BAG INFLATOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT COULD FRACTURE AT A WELD DURING A DEPLOYMENT.

Risk. PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE, IF NECESSARY, THE AIR BAG MODULE ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 15, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 9, 2026ID

The airbags did not deploy all the way my [XXX] is in the car as well and the driver side and passenger airbags did not deploy 100% it did cause me to end up having a cut on my face and abruzz eye I have pictures but I did not go to the ER but my [XXX] did cuz she had two cuts on her head it also shattered my windshield and something was leaking INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air Bags
Filed Feb 22, 2019187,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 187,000. .*BF CONSUMER OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR AN AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON.*JB

Electrical System
Filed May 13, 201696,000 milesMA

CAR WILL RE-START ON ITS OWN AFTER KEY IS REMOVED. AFTER PARKING AND SHUTTING OFF THE CAR, THEN REMOVING THE KEY AND OPENING THE DRIVER'S DOOR TO EXIT: IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY PRESS THE UPPER PART OF THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE DOOR (THE UNLOCK FUNCTION) INSTEAD OF PRESSING THE LOWER PART OF THE LOCK BUTTON (THE LOCK FUNCTION), THE CAR WILL RE-START ITSELF. IT THEN CANNOT BE TURNED OFF BECAUSE THE IGNITION SWITCH IS ALREADY IN THE OFF POSITION. THE ONLY WAY TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE IS TO JIGGLE THE SHIFTER.

EngineFire
Filed Apr 14, 2016100,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKETS AND VALVE COVER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 18, 201580,529 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STARTED, BUT IT TOOK SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,529.

Electrical System
Filed Nov 18, 201448,502 milesOR

IGNITION SWITCH, ENGINE CONTROL MODULE & SECURITY/THEFT MODULE WERE ALL REPLACED BECAUSE AUTO WAS INOPERABLE DUE TO THEIR FAILURE. THE MOBILE MECHANIC CHARGED $616.22 FOR PARTS, $1215.00 FOR LABOR & $13.08 FOR A HAZARDOUS WASTE FEE, TOTAL REPAIR WAS $1844.30. PLEASE SEND EMAIL SO I CAN SCAN DETAILED INVOICE OF REPAIR.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 23, 2014160,000 milesCA

I HAVE HAD A AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON MY DASH FOR SOME TIME NOW (NOT SURE HOW LONG BUT A COUPLE OF YEARS OR MORE) AND WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DASH INDICATOR WITH THE RECENT AIRBAG RECALLS. MY VIN DOESN'T MATCH ANY SUCH RECALL NOTICES, HOWEVER SOME NEWS WEBSITES (LIKE CBS) INITIALLY INDICTED 2002 -2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE'S WERE INCLUDED IN THIS AIRBAG RECALL? THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT VEHICLES NEAR HIGHER HUMIDITY AREAS WERE THE VEHICLES BEING RECALLED, SO THAT CONCERNED ME TOO, SINCE I LIVE ABOUT 8 MILES FROM THE PACIFIC OCEAN. I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING INHERENTLY WRONG WITH MY AIRBAGS AND I'D LIKE THE GM/THE DEALER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DEFECT REPAIR, BEFORE ANY HARMFUL INCIDENTS OCCUR IN MY VEHICLE! *TR

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Sep 16, 2014188,000 milesVA

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. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 201482,000 milesKY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000. UPDATED 10/02/14*LJ UPDATED 3/6/2015 *JS

Engine
Filed Jul 17, 2014AL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD DRIVE EXTREMELY ROUGH AS IF IT COULD HAVE STALLED WHEN THERE WAS A QUARTER TANK OF FUEL OR LESS. IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V238000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jul 2, 2014145,000 milesNJ

WHILE TRAVELING ON THE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 295 IN NJ MY VEHICLE STALLED. THE STALLED AND ALMOST CAUSED A NEAR FATAL ACCIDENT WITH A SEMI. THE VEHICLE AFTER 20 MINUTES AND NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS THE VEHICLE STARTED BACK UP AND I DECIDED TO TRY AND MAKE IT HOME BY TAKING BACK ROADS AWAY FROM THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE STALLED 4 MORE TIMES BEFORE I COULD GET IT HOME. I WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN UPSET AND SCARED OUT OF MY MIND. *TR

Power Train
Filed Jun 12, 2014138,000 milesMI

I PUT MY CAR INTO PARK AND MY KEY WOULD NOT GO TO OFF OR START. IT WAS STUCK ON ACC AND ON. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 13, 2014113,019 milesNC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH OUT WARNINGS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,019 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,119.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 17, 2013215,000 milesGA

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. *TR

Steering
Filed Nov 14, 2011109,000 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.

Steering
Filed May 2, 201125,000 milesNJ

2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SE 2 DEFECTS 1) "CLUNKING" OF STEERING SHAFT - HAS BEEN REPLACED MORE THAN ONCE 2) GAS GAUGE STOP WORKING AFTER 4 YEAR (2006). *TR

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 21, 201085,000 milesMI

I HAVE TWO GM VEHICLES THAT EXHIBIT THE SAME DANGEROUS CONDITION OF SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THIS CONDITION OCCURS EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AFTER BEING TURNED OFF. UPON RE-START OF THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL (AND /OR THROTTLE ASSEMBLY) IS STUCK AND IT REQUIRES A LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL, CAUSING A RAPID CHANGE IN VEHICLE SPEED FROM A STOPPED CONDITION TO A VERY QUICKLY ACCELERATING VEHICLE. AFTER YOU "BREAK THROUGH" THIS FIRST "STICKING" OF THE PEDAL, THE THROTTLE ASSEMBLY FUNCTIONS FINE, UNTIL YOU TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTART AGAIN. VEHICLES AFFECTED ARE 1999 CHEVROLET ASTRO VAN AND 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. *TR

Suspension › Front
Filed Apr 30, 2010OH

BOUGHT A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 3 MONTHS AGO. WITHIN THE MONTH HAD TO REPLACE THE LEFT & RIGHT REAR TRAILING ARMS AT 700.00. CAR SEEMS TO HAVE A FUEL PUMP PROBLEM BECAUSE IT DOESN'T ALWAYS START-UP FEELS LIKE IT IS CHOCKING. LASTLY THIS PAST WEEK AS I TURN LEFT AND SOMETIMES RIGHT THERE IS A POPPING NOISE LIKE FRONT BEARINGS OR TIE RODS. IS THERE A RECALL ON ANY INFORMATION STATED ABOVE I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. *TR

Steering
Filed Feb 16, 201019,964 milesTX

STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT NOISE. LOCATED ON STEERING COLUMN. THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BE ADDRESSED. IT A FAILURE ON MORE THAN ONE MODEL OF GM CARS. ITS BEEN OCCURRING SINCE 2001 UP TO THIS DATE. SEEMS NHTSA HAS NOT NOTICED OR DONE ANYTHING TO MAKE GM CORRECT PROBLEM. GM HAS GONE ON ITS MERRY WAY COLLECTING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS PROBABLY MILLIONS IN REPAIR FEES. LOOKS AS IF GM OR NHTSA TURN AWAY FROM HELPING THE CUSTOMERS WHO FOOT THE BILL. *TR

Steering
Filed Sep 1, 2009FL

MY 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE HAS A BANGING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE CAR. I AM TOLD THERE IS A SAFETY DEFECT BULLETIN ON THIS ISSUE BUT I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Apr 14, 200938,290 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING MOTOR OIL COMING FROM THE ENGINE. A REPORT WAS FILED WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE DEALER DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. HE WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THEIR DECISION ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V118000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,290 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 38,300.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 17, 2009OH

WATER PROBLEMS: 1) WATER DRAINING FROM WINDOWS INTO INTERIOR SOAKING FLOORBOARDS. THIS IS DUE TO THE RUBBER CAULKING THAT ATTACHES A PLASTIC SHEET ON THE INSIDE OF THE DOORS THAT DIVERTS THE WATER DOWN THE DOOR PANEL. THE CAULKING ULTIMATELY FAILS. OUT OF WARRANTY, I TOOK OFF THE INTERIOR DOOR PANEL AND RE-CAULKED THE PLASTIC SHEETING WITH SILICONE. IT HAS SOLVED THIS PROBLEM, AT LEAST FOR NOW. 2) TRUNK. STILL LEAKS. HAVE UNPLUGGED THE WEEP HOLES IN THE TRUNK LID, WHICH HAS LESSENED THE PROBLEM. *TR

Visibility
Filed Sep 30, 200840,000 milesOH

2002 BONNEVILLE: ALL 4 DOORS/WINDOWS HAVE BEEN RE-SEALED MULTIPLE TIMES BECAUSE RAIN WATER FLOWS DOWN THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDOWS, THEN FLOWS INSIDE THE DOOR, AND THEN FLOWS INTO THE CAR AT THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR DOOR, CAUSING SOAKED CARPETING (PUDDLES) AND MOLD. SUN-ROOF MECHANICAL LINKAGE HAS CRACKED AND BROKEN OFF IN PLACES. I BET I USED THE SUN-ROOF ONLY 10 TIMES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. SUNROOF NOW CLOSES CROOKED. DEALER COST ESTIMATE TO FIX = $1200. ALL 4 POWER WINDOW UNITS HAVE BEEN REPLACED AND NOW DOORS RATTLE; RIGHT PASSENGER DOOR TRIM FALLS OFF ROUTINELY. WIPER FLUID MOTOR WOULD NOT SHUT OFF. CRUNCHING SOUND WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. ALL OF THESE ISSUES STARTED OCCURRING SHORTLY AFTER WARRANTY EXPIRED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Jun 13, 200892,000 milesNY

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING DOWNHILL AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, OIL LEAKS ONTO THE VALVE COVER MANIFOLD. SMOKE APPEARS UNDER THE HOOD AND THE CONTACT SMELLS BURNING OIL. WHEN THE HOOD IS LIFTED, HE CAN SEE THE OIL ON THE VALVE COVER MANIFOLD. THE CONTACT MUST CHECK THE OIL LEVEL MONTHLY. HIS NEIGHBOR INFORMED HIM THAT THERE MAY BE A RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO COLANDREA PONTIAC IN NEW YORK AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER A RECALL, AND WILL COST APPROXIMATELY $300- $500 TO REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,895.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jun 4, 200867,000 milesTN

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. *TR

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft
Filed Dec 4, 200740,000 milesOH

THIS IS THE THIRD STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT ON THIS VEHICLE IN 110,000 MILES AND IS DUE TO BE REPLACED AGAIN. CLUNK NOISE CONTINUALLY RETURNS ALONG WITH NOTICEABLE PLAY IN STEERING CONTROL SHORTLY AFTER EACH REPLACEMENT. DEALER SAYS THERE IS NO DANGER OF STEERING FAILURE, BUT I'M NOT CONVINCED. THESE PARTS ARE OBVIOUSLY WEARING WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A FAILURE ON SOME LEVEL IF NOT FATAL. LET'S GET SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THESE POORLY ENGINEERED STEERING COMPONENTS, PLEASE! *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 22, 200765,600 milesOH

3/13/2007 COOLANT LEAK IN LOWER AND UPPER GASKETS AT 65,600 MILES. REQUIRED REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF LOWER AND UPPER GASKETS AND UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. EVIDENTLY A GM PROBLEM WITH GASKETS. $700 REPAIR ON CAR THAT HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF BY ORIGINAL OWNER AND ONLY DRIVER OF VEHICLE. *TR

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 22, 200733,212 milesOH

PROBLEMS WITH WINDOW REGULATOR DESIGN. 3/30/2005 33,212 MILES, DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHUDDERS AND STOPPED WORKING, WOULD NOT OPEN. WINDOW REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3/13/2007 65,600 MILES, RT FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW, WOULD NOT OPEN, REQUIRED REPLACEMENT, COST TO REPAIR $500 8/20/2007 DRIVERS WINDOW AGAIN BARELY WORKING, AND WILL NEED REPLACEMENT FOR $500. OBVIOUSLY A FLAW IF DESIGN OF WINDOW REGULATORS. POSING DANGER IF CAN NOT OPEN WINDOW. *TR

Suspension
Filed Aug 22, 200724,414 milesOH

12/10/2002 1,840 MILES KNOCKING SOUND FROM LT FRONT WHEEL; REPLACED BEARING STRUT 7/22/2004 24,414 MILES CLUNKING NOISE FROM STEERING SHAFT; LUBRICATED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT 10/25/2004 28,000 MILES COMPLAINED OF STEERING NOISE, DEALET DID NOTHING 2/7/2005 31,584 MILES CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURING CAR LEFT OR RIGHT; REPLACED RT ANDLT STRUT BEARINGS 9/23/2005 39,704 NOISES IN STEERING COLUMN WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL RELACED STEERING SHAFT AS GOODWILL,SINCE PROBLEM STARTED BEFORE WARRANTY ENDED. 12/20/2006 60,699 STEERING NOISES IN STEERING NOISES AGAIN, RELACED INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AGAIN OBVIOUSLY A BIG TIME PROBLEM WITH INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. MUST ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BEARING STRUTS. *TR

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Jun 8, 200710,000 milesOH

1. THE TRANSMISSION ON OUR 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE HAS HAD PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASE NEW. THE DEALER EVENTUALLY SENT THE CAR TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION SHOP BUT THE PROBLEM HAS PERSISTED INTERMITTANTLY EVEN AFTER MANY COMPLAINTS. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS, SHUDDERS ON ACCELERATION AND SHIFTS ERRATICALLY. IT WILL SLIP AND THEN SOMETIMES SHIFT HARD. 2. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. THE TRANSMISSION WILL SLIP AND THEN SHUDDER AS WE ARE PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WE HAVE ALMOST BEEN T-BONED SEVERAL TIMES. IT HAS BEEN GETTING WORSE LATELY AND I FEAR THAT ONE OF THESE TIMES WE WILL BE KILLED BY THIS PROPLEM. I RECENTLY LEARNED THAT GENERAL MOTORS KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM AND ACTUALLY ISSUED A BULLETIN #0O-07-30-002B IN JULY OF 2002. THE DEALER SHOULD HAVE BEEN AWARE OF THIS AS WE REPORTED THE EXACT SYMPTOMS TO THE DEALER SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE. 3. THE DEALER SENT THE CAR TO A LOCAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP THAT FLUSHED THE TRANSMISSION AND CHANGED THE FILTER. IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM AND ANY CAR WITH THE 4T65E TRANSMISSION POSE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT TO THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES AND TO HIGHWAY SAFETY AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN FAILURE WILL OCCUR. EACH OF THE DOZEN OR MORE TIMES WE COMPLAINED TO THE DEALER THEY CLAIMED THAT THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM CODES. GM'S INTERNAL BULLETIN SUGGESTS THAT THEY REPLACE THE PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID, CHECK LINE PRESSURE TO SPECIFICATIONS, CHECK TO SEE IF CORRECT ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM PCM IS BEING TRANSMITTED AND RECEIVED, ACCESS PC SOLENOID VALVE CONTROL TEST ON TH

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed May 15, 200762,000 milesKY

LATE MARCH 2007 REAR DRIVER WINDOW WOULD NOT WORK. ELECTRIC MOTOR CABLE TWISTED. COST $400. AT THIS TIME BACK PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. FELL OFF TRACK , POSSIBLE MOTOR CABLE PROBLEM . FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW WILL NOT WORK. FROZE IN POSITION. *AK

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed May 3, 2007GA

WINDOW ON 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE FALL DOWN , WHEN PROBLEM WAS LOCATED THE WINDOW REGULATOR GUIDE WIRE WAS TWISTED. REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND THE WIRE TWISTED ON IT ALSO. CAR SEAMS TO HAVE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SEAT WARMERS WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN TURNED ON. WINDOWS ALSO WILL NOT LET DOWN AT TIMES. *JB

Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash
Filed Apr 17, 200776,560 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER HAS REPLACED THE FUSES FOR THE TRUNK AND INNER DOME LIGHTS FIVE TIMES, AND THREE TIMES BY THE OWNER. THE FUSES FOR THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE TRUNK AJAR INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE TRUNK WAS CLOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE ELECTRIC SYSTEM, BUT WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 78,000, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,560. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Apr 5, 200792,123 milesGA

THE TIP OF A SPARK PLUG BROKE OFF INTO THE PISTON CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. GM HAS REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR MY REPLACEMENT ENGINE. *JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
Filed Mar 29, 200751,000 milesOH

COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE PLENIUM GASKET, CRACKED MANIFOLD. *AK

Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module
Filed Jan 31, 200756,000 milesMA

AFTER STARTING MY PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 2002 THE 'AIR BAG' LIGHT LIT AND STAYED ON. DRIVING NORMALLY DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT NORMAL SPEEDS, SUDDENLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITH NO WARNING. CAR CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY. DEALER HAS NEVER ENCOUNTERED SUCH A PROBLEM WHERE AIR BAG WOULD SUDDENLY DEPLOY UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. LONG PONTIAC OF FRAMINGHAM, MA REPLACED THE SDM MODULES AND AIR BAG.

Steering › Column
Filed Jan 16, 200735,398 milesNC

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. THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN HAS BEEN A REDESIGNED INTERMEDIATE AND A REPLACEMENT THAT WOULD COST THE CONTACT $ 274.00. *NM

Steering › Column
Filed Jan 16, 200713,140 milesAZ

HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING 9/02. THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLEANED AND LUBED THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. THE SAME CLUNKING NOISE CAME BACK IN MARCH 2005 THIS TIME THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS WORN AND NOISY. THEY REPLACE THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT UNDER GOODWILL, BUT I HAD TO PAY $181.86 FOR LABOR. NOW JANUARY 2007 THE SAME CLUNKING NOISE IS BACK. I ALSO HAVE A 2003 GMC PICKUP THAT IS DOING THE SAME THING. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ON GM INTERMEDIATE SHAFT. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE PONTIAC SERVICE DEPARTMENT PAPER WORK SAID "DIAGNOSTICS REVEALED STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT JOINT WORN CAUSING NOISE HEARD". *NM

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 21, 200660,000 milesVA

TL*- THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT IS LEAKING AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE CONTACT STATES THAT THERE WAS A SAFETY CAMPAIGN REGARDING THE SAME ISSUE HE HAS WITH HIS VEHICLE AND THAT HE WASN'T AWARE ABOUT THE ISSUE UNTIL HE WAS DOING RESEARCH ONLINE. BY THE TIME THE CONTACT FOUND OUT ABOUT THE SAFETY CAMPAIGN THE TIME FOR THE CAMPAIGN HAD EXPIRED. THE CONTACT IS CONCERNED BECAUSE WHEN HE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM WITH HIS VEHICLE IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING WITH VARIOUS 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Oct 12, 200625,000 milesTX

I HAVE OWNED A 2000 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX AND A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE WINDOW MOTOR ON BOTH VEHICLES SEEM DEFECTIVE. ON MY GRAND PRIX, 3 OF THE FOUR WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED WORKING. ON MY BONNEVILLE, ALL 4 WINDOW MOTORS STOPPED. THE WINDOW WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. VERY OFTEN IT HAS BEEN STUCK DOWN (WINDOW OPEN) AND I COULD NOT "ROLL" IT BACK UP. EACH TIME I GOT IT FIXED, THEY SAID IT WAS THE MOTOR. I HAVE DISCUSSED THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER PONTIAC OWNERS AND THEY HAVE ALL EXPERIENCED. 8JB

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 200640,600 milesVA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND MAKING TURNS A CLUNKING NOISE WAS HEARD. A HESITATION WAS ALSO FELT IN THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE STEERING NEED TO BE LUBRICATED AND THE STEERING FLUID WAS CHECK, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM PERSISTED.

Steering › Gear Box › Shaft Sector
Filed Sep 19, 200620,000 milesIN

THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A CLUNKING SOUND & FEEL AS YOU TURN THE CAR. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS REPLACED THE SHAFT 3 OR 4 TIME IN 58,000 MILES, AND IT IS VERY BAD AGAIN. IN THE PAST THEY DID NOT CHARGE TO REPAIR, BUT NOW WANT TO. THIS IS LIKE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS IN THE SYSTEM FOR THIS PROBLEM. *NM

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler
Filed Jul 12, 200627,000 milesOH

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH FACTORY HEATED CLOTH SEATS. FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS ALL WAS WELL THEN THE DRIVERS SEAT STOPPED HEATING. DEALER REPLACED ELEMENTS. SINCE THEN, REPEATED ELEMENTS AND FABRIC HAVE BEEN CHANGED. ELEMENT IMPRESSION HAS BEEN IN THE FABRIC EVER SINCE. SEAT RUNS EXTREMELY HOT AND HAS BEEN SERVICED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE NEW. GM/PONTIAC DEEMED THIS NORMAL OPERATION AND SENT THE CUSTOMER HOME. THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SERVICED AT LEAST THREE OR FOUR TIMES FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM AND GM HAS NO ANSWERS. OBVIOUSLY THERE IS A TEMPERATURE ISSUE IF YOU CAN SEE THE HEAT ELEMENT IMPRESSION IN THE CLOTH UPHOLSTERY. AT THIS POINT WE DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE USING THIS OPTION DUE TO EXCESSIVE HIGH TEMPERATURE. CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE A FIRE ISSUE IF WE CONTINUE TO USE IT. *JB

Steering
Filed May 15, 200655,000 milesMI

I HAVE A 2002 BONNEVILLE. TWICE DURING THE EXTENDED WARRANTY PERIOD, THE DEALER REPAIRED AND REPLACED BEARINGS IN THE STEERING MECHANISM BECAUSE OF CLUNKING, BANGING, RUBBING NOISES AND PLAY IN THE STEERING. AT 87,000 MILES, IT BEGAN HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS TIME THEY SAID IT WAS A DEFECT THAT THEY DIDN'T HAVE REPLACEMENT PARTS ON AND NOW THE FIX WAS TO CHANGE THE OIL IN THE MECHANISM WITH A HEAVY DUTY OIL AT $160. IT LASTED 3 WEEKS. THEY HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN I CONTACTED GM CUSTOMER SERVICE THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING MORE THAT COULD BE DONE. THIS HAS BECOME A SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO THE SLOPPY STEERING THAT INCREASES AS THE NOISES INCREASE . *NM

Electronic Stability Control › Automatic (asc)
Filed Nov 21, 200564,000 milesGA

DT: THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE STABILITY SYSTEM. THE STABILITY SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED PERIODICALLY, STATING STABILITY SYSTEM ACTIVE. WHEN THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND DECELERATED TEMPORARILY. ALSO, IF THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE ABS WILL ACTIVATE. A LOCAL MECHANIC PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST , AND SAID IT WAS THE STABILITY SYSTEM SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN. TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE THEY WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THIS SENSOR. *AK

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Nov 14, 2005FL

I HAVE HAD BOTH REAR WINDOW GO DOWN AND WON'T COME BACK UP. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF READING OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ,BUT WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS REALLY A SHAME FOR SUCH A NICE LOOKING CAR TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHY WON'T THE MANUFACTURER STAND BEHIND THERE WORK. AND FIX THE PROBLEMS??*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2005MN

I RECEIVED A RECALL REPAIR FOR MY 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE-CAMPAIGN #03034. IF I HAD REPLACED THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET, THROTTLE BODY NUTS, OR THROTTLE BODY GASKET BEFORE AUGUST 8, 2003, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT. SINCE I ONLY HAD OWNED THE CAR FOR 1 YEAR AT THAT TIME AND HAD NOT REPLACED THESE ITEMS, I HAD A RECALL REPAIR DONE ON 11-10-03. I MENTIONED AT THE TIME THAT WHEN I COME INTO MY GARAGE, I COULD SMELL HOT COOLANT. THE SHOP FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS OF THE RECALL REPAIR TO REPLACE THE THROTTLE BODY NUTS AND ADDED SOMETHING SIMILAR TO A "STOP LEAK". WE TRIED AT THAT TIME TO GET A BETTER "FIX" TO PROPERLY REPAIR POSSIBLE PROBLEM, BUT THIS IS ALL SHOP WOULD DO. NOW, AFTER MY WARRANTY IS OVER, I WAS TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE MY UPPER INTAKE GASKET KIT SINCE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET IS LEAKING COOLANT EXTERNALLY. *JB

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Oct 6, 2005AR

DT: THE CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT A BATTERY PROBLEM. THE POSITIVE TERMINAL CAME OUT OF THE BATTERY. THIS HAPPENED ON AUGUST 25, 2005. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED THE DEALER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. BATTERY ACID WAS SLIPPING OUT OF IT, AND THE BATTERY WAS IN THE BACK FLOOR BOARD. THEY NEUTRALIZED THE BATTERY ACID AND PUT IN A NEW BATTERY. *AK THE CONSUMER BELIEVES THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE AC DELCO SIDE TERMINAL BATTERIES. THE CONSUMER'S WIFE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE IN HER VEHICLE. *NM

Suspension › Front › Wheel Bearing
Filed Sep 14, 2005MI

EARLY WEAR AND REPLACEMENT OF FRONT LEFT HUB AND BEARING ASSEMBLY. 2002 BONNIVILLE 41273 MILES. I CONSIDER THIS A SAFETY CONCERN. *JB

Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
Filed Aug 23, 2005MS

ON 08/03/05 FOR NO APPARENT REASON, THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW ON MY 2002 BONNEVILLE SSEI FAILED TO GO UP. THE BUTTON DIDN'T WORK ON THAT DOOR NOR ON DRIVER'S DOOR. I TOOK MY CAR INTO THE PONTIAC DEALERSHIP AND IT COST ME $458.25 FOR A REGULATOR AND MOTOR ASSEMBLY TO FIX IT. THEN ON 08/23/05, LESS THAN 3 WEEKS LATER, AGAIN FOR NO APPARENT REASON AND WHILE SITTING ON THE CARPORT NOT RUNNING, THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW CAME DOWN ALL BY ITSELF AND WOULD NOT MOVE UP OR DOWN. THAT WINDOW COST ME ANOTHER $440.51 AT THE DEALERSHIP. PLEASE NOTE THAT I AM FEMALE (NOT THAT GENDER MAKES A DIFFERENCE), THE SOLE DRIVER OF THIS CAR, AND ALL WINDOWS OTHER THAN THE DRIVER'S WINDOW, HAVE RARELY BEEN USED. IT'S QUITE EVIDENT THAT THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THESE WINDOWS. NOW I AM OUT NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO FIX SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PONTIAC. NOW I'M WONDERING HOW LONG IT'LL BE BEFORE THE OTHER TWO GO OUT. ALSO NOTE THAT EVEN THOUGH THE 36 MONTH WARRANTY EXPIRED IN MARCH 2005, MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 32,000 MILES. OUT OF CURIOSITY, I HAVE CONDUCTED AN INTERNET RESEARCH TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEMS AS I HAVE WITH THE WINDOW FAILURES AND HAVE FOUND THAT MY CASE IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISOLATED ONE. QUITE A FEW OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE. THE NHTSA NEEDS TO CONDUCT AN INVESTIGATION. MY LOYALTY TO AND CONFIDENCE IN PONTIAC IS NOW SOMEWHAT COMPROMISED AND I HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE ABOUT THIS SITUATION SOON.

Complaints 1-50 of 89, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1998
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200527010Routine
200428010Routine
200354250Routine
2002 — this page89230Routine
20011290200High concern
20002142210High concern
1999143490Routine
19982772280High concern
19971472160Routine
1996150370Routine
1995244140Above average
199488090Routine
19931381110Routine
1992113350Routine
199122210Routine
199039110Routine

Compare every Bonneville year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 1, 2003. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.