2003 Pontiac Bonneville

Routine

Owners filed 54 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

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

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
78,029 milesMedian miles at failure

40 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.

Most common 2003 Pontiac Bonneville problems

13 of the 54 complaints (24%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine8
020
Steering7
000
Electrical System5
010
Unknown or Other4
000
Power Train · transmission3
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine · engine2
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine2
000
Electrical System › Ignition2
000
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element1
010

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
Engine
Filed Jul 14, 2026CA

Look at the car the car is located [XXX] 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 trying to sell it I work clean the electrical Transit system to get a car doesn't work just take it just get it out of it I'm going to be blunt with you just get this XXX car off the property please thank you the XXX had no gas now it shows a full tank of gas just trying to blow me up at this XXX or what just get the XXX out my property man thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 16, 2020101,000 milesIL

PASSENGER CONTROL ARM IS BAD

EngineFire
Filed Feb 12, 2018113,600 milesWI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, SMOKE EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (WHEELERS CHEVROLET OF MEDFORD, 704 N 8TH ST, MEDFORD, WI 54461) AND WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,600.

Power Train
Filed Apr 10, 2017130,000 milesPA

WITH THE KEY TURNED TO ACC YOU CAN PULL THE CAR OUT OF PARK WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. WITH THE KEY TURNED TO RUN YOU MUST DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PULL IT OUT OF PARK. CAR IS NOT RUNNING. ALSO CHECKED 3 OTHER PONTIAC BONNEVILLE'S. ONE IS A 2002 VIN # [XXX]. THEY ALL SHOWED THE SAME OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Unknown or Other
Filed May 5, 2016OH

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON SINCE 2003, HAVE HAD 5 DIFFERENT SERVICE TECHS, INCLUDING DEALER LOOK FOR THE PROBLEM, NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO FIX OR FIND THE PROBLEM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 20, 201630,000 milesOH

BURNT SMELL AFTER RUNNING CAR. SERVICEMAN CHECKED AND OIL WAS LEAKING. NEED NEW VALVE COVER GASKETS AS LEAKING ON MANIFOLD WILL CAUSE A FIRE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 12, 201675,000 milesIL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE MOVING THE VEHICLE FROM ITS PARKED LOCATION, THE CONTACT NOTICED ENGINE OIL LEAKING ON THE GROUND UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN EXPERIENCING DIMINISHED ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V701000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000. UPDATED 03/16/16*JB

Engine
Filed Dec 10, 201570,000 milesIL

LEAKING OIL, SAME ENGINE AS OTHER CARS IN RECENT RECALL.

Engine
Filed Oct 28, 2015100,000 milesAZ

THE CAR I DRIVE (3.8 LITER SIX CYLINDER) HAS AN OIL LEAK COMING FROM THE LEFT VALVE COVER. AFTER I COME TO A STOP OR MAKE A LEFT TURN, I SMELL OIL FUMES AND CAN SEE A LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I'VE BEEN READING ABOUT THE CURRENT RECALL FOR CARS MADE BEFORE AND AFTER MY CAR. HOW DO I GET MY CAR ON LIST OF RECALLS FOR REPAIR?

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 25, 2015160,000 milesNY

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

Electrical System
Filed Aug 13, 201581,000 milesWI

MY CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I NOTICE IT BECAUSE POWER STEERING IS HARD TO USE AND RPM'S GO DOWN TO ZERO AND CAR HAS SHUT OFF. IT STARTED UP AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN A REAL PROBLEM. DEALER TESTED CAR AND SAID IT WAS A CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. I REPLACED THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES. CAM SENSOR REPLACED TOO. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. NO ONE KNOWS WHY THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHEN IT WANTS TO. NOW THE CAR STILL SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, BUT ALSO IT TAKES 2 TO 3 TIMES TO RESTART. STILL TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT. IT IS AUGUST 2015 AND I NEED THIS CAR. IS THIS A RECALL ISSUE?

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Oct 21, 2014NJ

PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 2003, CAR WOULD JUST TURN OFF WHILE WE WERE DRIVING. WE DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS TURNING OFF AT FIRST, WE JUST THOUGHT THE STEERING AND BRAKES WERE BECOMING HARD TO WORK. WE WOULD HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR BACK ON. *JS *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 9, 201497,000 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FUEL FUMES EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF FAILED TO OPERATE, BOTH SIDE MIRRORS WOULD OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY AND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED A WHISTLING NOISE ACTIVATED THAT WOULD LAST FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED UNKNOWN PARTS. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000.

Engine
Filed Oct 7, 2014110,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER A BUMP, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Oct 6, 2014GA

THE FUEL INJECTOR STARTED HAVING ISSUES, AND THE CAR HAS A WHISTLING SOUND WHEN THE IGNITION IS TURNED ON. THE SMELL OF GAS IS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE CAR. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN OFF SINCE WE GOT THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER OF 2013, THE MIRRORS MOVE BY THEMSELVES AND THE SUNROOF NEVER WORKED CORRECTLY. *TR

Electrical System › Ignition
Filed Jul 29, 2014143,875 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IGNITION LOCKED AND PREVENTED THE KEY FROM TURNING TO START THE VEHICLE. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE KEY WAS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE KEY, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE SECURITY SENSOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS IN SECURITY MODE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,875.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2014210,000 milesMS

THE CAR WILL FROM TIME TO TIME ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. ON ONE OCCASION I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP AFTER IT HAD BEEN DOING FOR ABOUT A WEEK, HOWEVER ON THE DAY I TOOK IT TO THE SHOP IT WAS NOT DOING IT AND THE SHOP COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. RECENTLY IT HAD BEEN DOING IT FOR A COUPLE DAYS AND THE MORNING I WAS TAKING IT TO THE SHOP, IT WOULD NOT DO IT SO I DID NOT TAKE IT BECAUSE, AS BEFORE, AT THE TIME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. IT SEEMS TO BE AN ELECTRONIC OR VACUUM CONTROL PROBLEM. WHEN IT STARTS ACCELERATING, I CAN PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL AND IT WILL INCREASE RPM'S BRIEFLY THEN IDLE DOWN. IT IS UNPREDICTABLE WHEN IT WILL START DOING. ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, IT WILL GET UP TO ABOUT 55 MPH WITH MY FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATOR AND CRUISE CONTROL OFF. IF IT STARTS DOING AGAIN, I WILL TAKE IT TO A SHOP RIGHT AWAY. *TR

Engine
Filed Mar 17, 2014MI

WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE LOST POWER. I SHIFTED VEHICLE TO NEUTRAL AND ATTEMPTED RESTART. ENGINE RESTARTED. CONTINUED DRIVING WHEN DRIVE OVER BUMPS, BUCKLES IN PAYMENT ENGINE LOOSES POWER. ALL NEEDLE INDICATORS DROP TO OFF POSITION, CAR STARTS TO SLOW DOWN, STEERING LOOSES POWER, ALL LIGHTS GO OUT AS WELL. THIS IS A CONDITION THAT HAS BECOME INCREASING MORE DANGEROUS AS SPEEDS INCREASES. I HAD VEHICLE CHECKED OUT AND MECHANICS ARE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSIS. I PREVIOUSLY OWNED 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AS WELL WHICH DID THE SAME WHEN DRIVEN OVER BUMPS, OR IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD. THIS IS MY SECOND COMPLAINT, AND I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING. I PREVIOUSLY STATED I BELIEVE THIS PROBLEM IS RELATED TO RECALL GM HAS RECENTLY ACKNOWLEDGED FOR SOME CARS. I DON'T BELIEVE THEY HAVE INCLUDED ALL VEHICLES THAT CONTAIN THIS PROBLEM. MY PREVIOUS ODI (YOUR CONFIRMATION NUMBER (ODI NUMBER) IS: 10564622 )THIS PROBLEM SHOULD BE NOTED, AND INCLUDED WITH SAFETY RECALL BY GM AND NHTSA. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 17, 2014130,000 milesMI

WHILE DRIVING MY ENGINE LOST POWER COMPLETELY. I HAD WENT OVER BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. I PLACE THE CAR IN NEUTRAL, AND ABLE TO RESTART AND CONTINUE DRIVING. HIT BUMP IN ROAD AGAIN AND ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN. I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ABLE TO PULL OVER. RESTARTED ENGINE AND RETURNED HOME. HAD REPAIR SHOP CHECK VEHICLE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE ISSUE. NEITHER WAS GM DEALER. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN EVERYTIME I GO OVER BUMP IN ROAD, USUALLY AT SPEEDS OVER 40 MILES PER HOUR. I HAD SAME PROBLEM WITH 2001 BONNEVILLE. I SAW GM RECALLING 2005 G5 WITH SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE MY PROBLEM IS RELATED ISSUE AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE HANDLED SIMILARLY BY GM. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE PROBLEM IS LIMITED TO G5 AND COBALT. AS I STATED 2001 AND 2003 BONNEVILLES HAVE SAME ISSUE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 21, 20147,300 milesAZ

ON 8/1/11 WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE I HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT MY LEFT REAR WINDOW HAD DROPPED DOWN BY ITSELF AND I COULD NOT RAISE IT BY ACTIVATING THE SWITCH. GM REPLACED THE OPERATOR. ON 12/13/13 MY RIGHT FRONT WINDOW OPERATOR FAILED AND I SHARED THE COST OF THE REPAIR WITH GM. NOW ON 1/19/14 MY RIGHT REAR WINDOW OPERATOR HAS FAILED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND HAVE FOUND THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 7300 MILES ON IT AND IN MY ESTIMATION SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE PROBLEMS. GM SHOULD HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

EngineFire
Filed Sep 6, 2012229,000 milesMN

ACTED LIKE IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS, LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED. ONLY 50MPH WHEN A BOOM IN THE ENGINE, PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD LATCH, SAW SMOKE, EXITED CAR AS FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE HOOD. CALLED 911.. CAR BURNT TO THE GROUND. WITNESS STOPPED AND TOLD ME THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH FAULTY FUEL LINES . *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 24, 2012108,231 milesGA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE UNDER BODY CARRIAGE WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE UNDER CARRIAGE WAS WELDED TOGETHER INSTEAD OF REPLACED, WHICH HE ADVISED WAS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,231.

Steering
Filed Sep 29, 2011182,000 milesIN

WHEN I KICKED IT DOWN. MY SERVICE LIGHT STARED TO BLINK. NOISE IN MY STEERING WHEEL AND FRONT OF CAR. *TT

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 14, 20116,500 milesAZ

WHILE DRIVING MY 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH 6500 MILES ON IT I HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHICH STARTLED MY TO THE POINT THAT I THOUGHT I HAD BEEN HIT BY ANOTHER CAR. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I DISCOVERED THAT MY REAR WINDOW HAD DROPPED AND WOULD NOT OPERATE. I UNDERSTAND MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM GM SHOULD HAVE HAD A RECALL WITH THIS PROBLEM AS IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE FIX. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly
Filed Sep 24, 201090,000 milesLA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE NOTICED AN OVERPOWERING FUEL ODOR AS THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL TANK AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO EXPLAINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 03V238000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Seat BeltsCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 13, 201072,000 milesAR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC STOP AT 25 MPH, THE CONTACT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S SEAT BELT FAILED TO PROPERLY RESTRAIN HER AND DID NOT RETRACT. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE CHEST, HEAD, AND BACK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE A REASON FOR THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 72,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling SystemFire
Filed Feb 10, 201098,000 milesVA

LOUD POP, SMOKE, CAR ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE DESTROYED CAR. *TR

Visibility
Filed Dec 2, 200978,029 milesMI

WIPERS ARE OPERATING ERRATICALLY WHEN IN THE OFF POSITION. WIPERS START ON THEIR OWN AND GO AS THEY PLEASE, ALL WHILE IN THE OFF POSITION. WIPERS STOP IN EYE-LINE SIGHT AND CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF THE ABOVE ACTIVITY THE WIPERS STOP FUNCTIONING ALL TOGETHER MAKING VISIBILITY NULL IN RAIN AND SNOW. IN THE LAST 3 YEARS THE WIPER PROBLEM HAS BEEN FIXED ONLY TO HAPPEN A YEAR LATER. THE WIPER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE, 2007 AND 2009. I BELIEVE THE CIRCUIT BOARD ONLY WAS REPLACED IN 2008. THE PROBLEM USUALLY OCCURS OCT-JAN. THEY START ACTING UP BEFORE WINTER AND THAT IS WHEN I BRING THE CAR IN BECAUSE I WILL NEED RELIABLE WIPERS FOR THE WINTER SEASON IN MICHIGAN. WHEN REPAIRED THE WIPER MOTOR SHOWS SIGNS OF CORROSION AND THE CIRCUIT BOARD IS SHORTED OUT. ONE MECHANIC STATED IT LOOKS LIKE WATER IS GETTING IN THERE AND IS SHORTING IT OUT. OLD PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE, BUT I AM SURE I WILL HAVE ONE NEXT YEAR, 2010. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 21, 200957,996 milesWV

2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY ACCUMULATES MOISTURE, FOGS UP OVER TIME. GM KNOWS THIS PROBLEM BUT NO RECALL AS OF YET. GM INFORMED ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THEM OVER TIME, SORRY! THE PLASTIC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS A SAFETY CONCERN FOR EVERY GM OWNER. WHEN THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY ACCUMULATES MOISTURE AND FOGS THE LENS THE LIGHTS ARE DIM. NIGHT TIME DRIVING IS AFFECTED GREATLY BY THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS NO WAY TO CLEAN THEM INSIDE. THE PROBLEM OCCURS FROM THE INTENSE HEAT FROM THE HALOGEN BULBS. OVER TIME THE HEAT DRAWS IN MOISTURE, CAUSING THE LENS TO BAKE THE MOISTURE TO THE INSIDE OF LENS TURNING YELLOW OVER TIME. EVERY GM VEHICLE, IN ADDITION TO MY BONNEVEILLE, HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. IF I CAN'T SEE AT NIGHT WHILE DRIVING, AN ACCIDENT CAN OCCUR TO ME AND/OR ANOTHER DRIVER. GM KNOWS THE PROBLEM AND NEEDS TO FIX THIS WITH GLASS-HEADLAMPS LIKE ON PREVIOUS YEARS MODELS. UNTIL THIS GETS FIXED, ACCIDENTS WILL OCCUR DUE TO FAILED HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY. I, ALONG WITH OTHER AMERICANS REFUSE TO PAY $275 FOR EACH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY WHEN GM KNOWS THE PROBLEM EXISTS. PLEASE HELP GM OWNERS, THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF GM VEHICLES WITH PLASTIC HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES TURNING YELLOW INSIDE, CAUSING LOSS OF NIGHT TIME VISIBILITY. IF I CAN'T SEE AT NIGHT, HOW CAN I DRIVE? GM KNOWS THE ISSUE, LETS FIX THIS NOW BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT FROM DIM HEADLAMPS. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 200957,420 milesWV

2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI ACDELCO BATTERY LEAKING ACID ONTO FLOOR PAN, EATING THROUGH THE FLOOR OF VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED ON 8/7/2009. LOOKED FOR THE BATTERY ON 8/12/2009 AND NOTICED A SMELL IN THE BACK SEAT. THE BATTERY IS UNDER THE REAR SEAT. THE BATTERY WAS LEAKING ACID ALL OVER THE FLOORS, SHEET METAL AND SEAT CUSHION. THE ACID OPENED A 4" DIA HOLE SO FAR WHILE THE RUST AND ACID ARE CONSUMING THE ENTIRE WIDTH OF THE BATTERY. I HAVE READ OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN FOR A FEW REASONS. 1) ACID EATS THE FLOOR AND ALLOWS THE BACK, SEAT PASSENGER VULNERABLE TO ROAD DEBRIS, POTENTIALLY FALLING THROUGH THE FLOOR, ETC. 2) THE ACID EATS THE FLOOR CAUSING THE BATTERY TO FALL THROUGH THE VEHICLE, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT TO ANOTHER VEHICLE FROM BEHIND, INCLUDING DAMAGE TO THE CURRENT VEHICLE. 3) AS THE BATTERY FALLS THROUGH THE FLOOR, DANGLING FROM THE CAR, SCRAPPING ON THE ROAD COULD POTENTIALLY BE A FIRE RISK TO FUEL TANK, PASSENGER AND/OR VEHICLE ITSELF. A RECALL IS NEEDED BEFORE SERIOUS INJURIES HAPPEN. *TR

Steering
Filed Aug 21, 200957,000 milesWV

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? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jun 1, 2009TX

I HAVE A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE BLOWER MOTOR HAD INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS BEFORE GOING OUT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS CONNECTED TO THE BLOWER MOTOR FOR THE HEAT/AC HAD MELTED AND REQUIRED REPLACING. I WAS LUCKY THE CAR DIDN'T CATCH ON FIRE! THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. A VERY QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET REVEALED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM NOT ONLY WITH PONTIAC BUT MANY GM CARS AND TRUCKS. SOUNDS LIKE GM HAS INSTALLED INADEQUATE WIRING AND ALL VEHICLES WITH THIS SUBSTANDARD WIRING SHOULD BE RECALLED AND WIRING REPLACED. THOSE WHO HAVE SUFFERED LOSS DUE TO THIS SUBSTANDARD WIRING SHOULD BE REIMBURSED FOR GM'S FAILURE TO INSTALL WIRE OF SUFFICIENT GAUGE TO HANDLE THE LOAD OF THE BLOWER MOTOR. I AM GOING TO ASK FOR THE OLD WIRING HARNESS. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 19, 200980,000 milesMN

AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES THE STEERING COLUMN BEGAN MAKING CLUNKING NOISES WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED REGARDLESS OF WHICH DIRECTION. THE NOISE/VIBRATION IS CONTINUOUS AND VERY ANNOYING. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 15, 200930,000 milesCA

CLUNKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL, WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE 2003 BONNEVILLE SSEI AND THERE IS NO CORRECTION. ALSO SERVICE STABILITY SYSTEM KEEPS COMING UP ON THE SCREEN. *TR

Steering
Filed Apr 2, 200935,000 milesNY

TL*THE 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 *BF UPDATED 05/18/09.*JB

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 15, 200818,000 milesOH

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK AT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD THROTTLE BODY. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HE WOULD HAVE TO INSTALL A KIT IN THE ENGINE AT HIS EXPENSE BECAUSE THE MANUFACTURER STOPPED ASSUMING FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN 2005. HE WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

Air BagsCrash
Filed Feb 11, 200891,512 milesTX

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE FRONT END WAS DAMAGED, BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 91,512.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Jan 31, 200890,000 milesMI

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE REPAIR SHOP STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A SPUN BEARING AND A BLOWN ROD. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 90,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF THE VEHICLE HAD A COOLANT LEAK FROM THE INTAKE. AFTER THE REPAIR WAS MADE, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT A ROD.

Steering › Column
Filed Oct 30, 200732,000 milesMA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE NOISE OCCURRED IN ANY GEAR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS LOOSE. THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT WAS REPLACED AT 32,340 AND 37,000 MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000.

Steering
Filed Mar 6, 200745,000 milesMI

STEERING KNUCKLE U-JOINT WAS CLUNKING. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED AND I PAID $275. ONE YEAR LATER, IT STARTED CLUNKING AGAIN ON TURNS - DEALERSHIP ADDED IN GREASE KIT AT NO CHARGE. ONE YEAR LATER, STEERING STARTS CLUNKING AGAIN AND THEY SAY IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. WHY IS THIS THING DESIGNED TO LAST ONLY ONE YEAR? THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT IS NOT A SAFETY HAZARD, BUT IF THE STEERING IS CLUNKING LIKE SOMETHING IS LOOSE, HOW DO I KNOW IT IS SAFE? *JB

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
Filed Mar 1, 200735,900 milesID

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL SOMETIMES GOES ALMOST TO THE FLOOR. SOMETIMES IT FEELS MUSHY WITH A FLUID FEELING PEDAL PUSH BACK. A CLICK NOISE HAS ALSO BEEN OBSERVED. IT IS POSSIBLE TO STOP THE CAR BUT THE STOP FEELS UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS THE CAR HAS 36,600 MILES. WHILE STILL UNDER WARRANTY IN 2006 THE DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. IT SEEMED TO GO AWAY FOR A WHILE BUT HAS RETURNED (WORSE THAN BEFORE) IN LATE JANUARY 2007. *JB

Steering › Rack and Pinion › Pinion Shaft
Filed Oct 22, 2006CO

WHEN TURNING FROM A STOP SIGN OR SIDE STREET THE CAR MAKES A CLUNKING SOUND. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD IT WAS NORMAL THE SECOND TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN I WAS TOLD THEY WILL LOOK AT IT. THEY REPLACED A PART BECAUSE THERE WAS MORE PLAY THEN THERE SHOULD BE. BUT THEN TOLD ME IT WAS STILL NORMAL. *NM

Air Bags › Frontal
Filed Oct 17, 200647,000 milesIA

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS AN AUDIBLE WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP, WHO FOUND A RECALL HAD BEEN ISSUED ON THE AIRBAGS, #02V222000. THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALERTED, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.

Steering
Filed Jul 25, 2006WI

2003 BONNEVILLE MADE A CLUNKING NOISE IN THE STEERING. MECHANIC REPLACED THE INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT. PROBLEM HAS RECURRED. *KB THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WAS A NORMAL FIX, THAT WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUR.*JB

Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jan 3, 200610,000 milesMI

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING SLOWLY ON A SIDE STREET THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO STEER AND A NOISE CAME FROM THE RACK AND PINION AREA. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE DIFFICULT STEERING OR NOISE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, AND DETERMINED POWER STEERING FLUID SEEPING FROM THE RACK AND PINION. THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY TAKEN TO THE SERVICE DEALER FOR INSPECTIONS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THE SEEPAGE WAS NORMAL. *AK

Tires › Sidewall
Filed Aug 15, 2004MO

FIRESTONE TIRE AFFINITY TOURING T2 P225/60R16 97 T M +S DD4100 T04L DOT W2X0 AAC 3402--THE SIDEWALL OF THIS TIRE COMPLETELY BLEW OUT AT SPEED OF APPROX. 60-65 MPR. THE VEHICLE IS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, APPOX. 32,000. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASE USED BY US 3 MONTHS AGO...ASSUME THE TIRE WAS PUT ON THE VEHICLE WHEN IT WAS NEW. WE HAD THE TIRES ROTATED AT APPOX. 31,250 MILES WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THIS TIRE WAS ON THE BACK WHEN IT BLEW; LUCKILY, NO ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT IF WE HAD LEFT THIS TIRE ON THE FRONT IT COULD HAVE CREATED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *JB

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Aug 12, 2004NV

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE CONSUMER WAS UNABLE TO STOP AT A TIMELY MANNER. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ACCELERATED. THE CONSUMER WAS TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE CONSUMER INFORMED THE MECHANIC THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED MORE THAN ONCE AND THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

Seats › Mid/Rear AssemblyCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 29, 200429,000 milesMN

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH ON AN ICY ROAD. UPON IMPACT THE CHILD IN THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT WITH SEAT BELT ON FLEW FORWARD AND HIT THE PLASTIC CONSOLE BETWEEN BOTH FRONT SEATS AND SPLIT OPEN THE FOREHEAD. CONSUMER FELT THAT DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE CONSOLE IT POSED A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD TO THE OCCUPANT IN THE MIDDLE REAR SEAT IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Oct 26, 200372,000 milesMI

PLENUM INTAKE VALVE & GASKET REPLACED IN APRIL 2003 AND AGAIN IN SEPTEMBER 2003. NOW ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. SERVICE DEPT. TOLD ME THEY STOCK THESE PARTS DUE TO FREQUENT DEMAND FOR THEM. THIS IS MY 2ND PONTIAC AND I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE BONNEVILLE. MY 2 PREVIOUS REPAIRS WERE OVER $900 AND NOW I MAY HAVE TO REPLACE AN ENGINE. I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU COULD PROVIDE TO RECTIFY THIS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE IS AWAITING REPAIR AT DEAN ARBOUR CHEVROLET IN EAST TAWAS, MI. *LA

Power Train › Automatic Transmission
Filed Aug 15, 2003300 milesNH

WHEN THE SHIFTER WAS IN THE PARK POSITION AND THE KEY WAS TURNED TO THE ACC POSITION, THE SHIFTER COULD BE MOVED OUT OF PARK ALTHOUGH THE DRIVERS FOOT WAS NOT PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED THIS WAY.*AK *SCC *NLM

Complaints 1-50 of 54, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 1998
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
200527010Routine
200428010Routine
2003 — this page54250Routine
200289230Routine
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.