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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 1995–2005

Pontiac Bonneville recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns and 1,502 owner complaints for the Pontiac Bonneville, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The 1998 model year drew the most complaints (277), and Engine and Engine Cooling is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Pontiac Bonneville VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 10 recall campaigns on file
  • 1,502 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 11 model years with data (1995–2005)
  • most complaints: 1998 (277 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine and Engine Cooling (479 complaints)
  • latest recall 04V090000 (reported Feb 24, 2004)
  • 55 complaints reporting a crash (3.7%)
  • 115 complaints reporting a fire (7.7%)
  • 66 complaints reporting an injury (4.4%)
  • 0 complaints reporting a death (0.0%)

Pontiac Bonneville complaints by model year

11 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 1998 model year has the most complaints: 277 of 1,502, or 18.4%. Next come 1995 (244) and 2000 (214). The fewest are for 2005, with 27 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Pontiac Bonneville owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 1995–2005Column chart of 1,502 complaints across 11 model years. The highest is 1998 with 277. The full figures are in the table below the chart.1995: 244 complaints24419951996: 150 complaints15019961997: 147 complaints14719971998: 277 complaints27719981999: 143 complaints14319992000: 214 complaints21420002001: 129 complaints12920012002: 89 complaints8920022003: 54 complaints5420032004: 28 complaints2820042005: 27 complaints272005
Pontiac Bonneville complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Pontiac Bonneville complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
1995244124140
199615067140
199714731670
199827792860
19991435960
200021442130
200112962070
2002895330
2003543520
2004280120
2005272120
All model years1,50255115660

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Pontiac Bonneville components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often, in 479 complaints (31.9% of all 1,502), followed by Electrical System (226) and Steering (178).

Components named most often in Pontiac Bonneville complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Pontiac Bonneville complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine and Engine Cooling47931.9%
Electrical System22615.0%
Steering17811.9%
Visibility1187.9%
Air Bags1177.8%
Power Train1167.7%
Fuel System, Gasoline1137.5%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic825.5%
Structure583.9%
Exterior Lighting463.1%
Unknown or Other422.8%
Engine412.7%
Vehicle Speed Control382.5%
Suspension342.3%
Tires251.7%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Pontiac Bonneville recalls

10 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Bonneville, newest first. The 10 campaigns cover model years 1995 to 2003. The 1999 model year appears in the most campaigns (3).

  • 10 recall campaigns
Pontiac Bonneville recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
1995: 1 campaign1996: 2 campaigns1997: 1 campaign1998: 1 campaign1999: 3 campaigns
2000: 2 campaigns2001: no campaigns2002: 2 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 04V090000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery

    Model years 1998–2000

    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. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.

    Consequence:
    The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
    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. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  2. NHTSA campaign 03V238000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  3. NHTSA campaign 02V222000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2002–2003

    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.

    Consequence:
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  4. NHTSA campaign 00V114000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components

    Model year 2000

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.

    Consequence:
    When the rear brake proportioning, antilock brake, traction control, or stability control feature is activated in some driving situations, the feature may not perform as designed.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the ABS hydraulic modulator unit and if necessary, replace the hydraulic modulator.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  5. NHTSA campaign 99V089000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with 4T65E automatic transmissions. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of FMVSS No. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." A retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.

    Consequence:
    If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated PRNDL state may differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  6. NHTSA campaign 99V072000

    Reported

    Wheels

    Model year 1999

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with chrome plated aluminum wheels. Some of these wheels have a mounting surface that was not machined correctly, causing the wheel studs to break.

    Consequence:
    The tire/wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace all wheels with date codes indicating that they may not have been machined correctly. The wheel mounting studs at any location where a suspect wheel was installed will also be replaced.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  7. NHTSA campaign 96V196000

    Reported

    Seats

    Model year 1997

    The seat cover trim material does not meet the flammability requirements of FMVSS No. 302, "flammability of interior materials."

    Consequence:
    If an ignition source were present, a vehicle interior fire can occur.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the covers on the front seat backs, rear seat cushion and rear seat back assemblies.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  8. NHTSA campaign 96V116000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Fuel Injection System

    Model year 1996

    A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

    Consequence:
    This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
    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.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  9. NHTSA campaign 95V204000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Ignition › Anti-Theft › Control Module

    Model year 1996

    These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp may not work. This does not meet the requirements of FMVSS No. 114, "theft protection" and FMVSS No. 208, "occupant crash protection." In addition, other chime reminder functions, interior lighting controls, and power door locking features are also affected.

    Consequence:
    Consequence of non-compliance; the driver may not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

  10. NHTSA campaign 94V190000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Headlights

    Model year 1995

    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.

    Consequence:
    Sudden loss of headlamps can cause reduced driver visibility which can result in a vehicle accident. Also, the head lamps cannot be turned off, or they may turn on while the vehicle is parked, resulting in loss of battery charge and inability to restart the car.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the headlamp module.

    Filed by General Motors, LLC

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Pontiac Bonneville questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Pontiac Bonneville have?

NHTSA lists 10 vehicle recall campaigns for the Pontiac Bonneville, covering model years 1995 to 2005. The most recent, 04V090000, was reported on February 24, 2004 and is filed under “Fuel system, gasoline”. The 1999 model year is covered by the most campaigns (3).

Which Pontiac Bonneville model year has the most complaints?

The 1998 model year, with 277 of the 1,502 complaints in NHTSA’s file (18.4%). The next are 1995 (244) and 2000 (214). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Pontiac Bonneville complaint?

Engine and Engine Cooling is the component named most often: 479 complaints, or 31.9% of all 1,502. Electrical System (226) and Steering (178) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Pontiac Bonneville?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Pontiac dealer.

How many Pontiac Bonneville complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 1,502 complaints, 55 report a crash, 115 a fire, 66 at least one injury and 0 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Pontiac models

8 models · most complaints first

The Pontiac models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Pontiac VIN decoder with every Pontiac model page, WMI code and VIN note.

All Pontiac models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.