IllustrationTHE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD HAD TO BE REPLACED AND THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. *SC THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS THE CONSUMER HAD WERE WITH THE DOORS, THE BATTERY, SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS BAD. *JB
1996 Pontiac Bonneville
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Bonneville years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
20–25K
325–50K
750–75K
1175–100K
26100–150K
14150K+
63 reports with mileage · 87 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 27 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 21 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
6 crash reports7 fire reports14 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
21 reportsLAST WEEKEND WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY PONTIAC BONNEVILLE REGISTRATION TAG [XXX], NJ LICENSE PLATE HAS A [XXX] BACK DOOR POPS OPEN ACCIDENTALLY. SURPRISINGLY I CALL THE GM DEALER AND FOUND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH DOOR OPEN WARNING. THIS FEATURE IS VERY COMMON IN VERY CHEAP BASIC CARS, WHERE AS LARGE BIG CAR IS MISSING. …
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LAST WEEKEND WHEN I WAS DRIVING MY PONTIAC BONNEVILLE REGISTRATION TAG [XXX], NJ LICENSE PLATE HAS A [XXX] BACK DOOR POPS OPEN ACCIDENTALLY. SURPRISINGLY I CALL THE GM DEALER AND FOUND THIS VEHICLE IS NOT EQUIPPED WITH DOOR OPEN WARNING. THIS FEATURE IS VERY COMMON IN VERY CHEAP BASIC CARS, WHERE AS LARGE BIG CAR IS MISSING. BEING A FULL SIZE FAMILY SEDAN, I WAS EXPECTING TO SEE THIS TYPE OF BASIC SAFETY WARNING SYSTEM WHEN THIS CAR HAS SUNROOF, ANTILOCK BRAKES, LEATHER SEATS, TRACTION CONTROL AND CLIMATE CONTROL ETC. IT WAS GOOD THAT MY ELEVEN-YEAR KID HAD A SAFETY BELT ON AT TIME IT HAD OCCURRED. I DO NOT WANT TO SAME THING HAPPEN TO OTHER DRIVERS AND LIVE IN FEAR WEATHER OR NOT CAR IS REALLY LOCKED OR NOT. I AM REALLY NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH WHOLE FAMILY. I APPRECIATE YOUR IMMEDIATE HELP. THANKS, [XXX] UPDATED 07/27/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
WHILE DRIVING AT APRX 40MPH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 3 WEEKS. THE BRAKES STILL WORKED ,AND IT WAS A STRAIGHT ROAD SO WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT CAUSING ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURY.*AK STEARING WHEEL AND PEDALS SHAKE BETWEEN 65 AND 75MPH. MECHANIC FOUND THAT SMALLE…
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WHILE DRIVING AT APRX 40MPH THE CAR LOST ALL POWER, AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. THIS HAPPENED TWICE WITHIN 3 WEEKS. THE BRAKES STILL WORKED ,AND IT WAS A STRAIGHT ROAD SO WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR WITHOUT CAUSING ANY ACCIDENTS OR INJURY.*AK STEARING WHEEL AND PEDALS SHAKE BETWEEN 65 AND 75MPH. MECHANIC FOUND THAT SMALLER BRACKET OF THE DRIVE WHEEL HAS BECOME LOOSE. REPLACED THE BRACKET. WORKED FINE FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS...THEN SHAKING STARTED TO COME BACK...WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN..
CAR WAS AT APROXIMATELY 87000. TURNED THE CAR ON, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DIDNT SEE ANY FLAMES, POPPED OPEN THE HOOD, AND SMOKE JUST CONTINUED TO PILE OUT. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THE ENGINE WAS ON ITS LAST BREATH. HAD ENGINE RELACED FOR A USED ENGINE WITH 4500 MI…
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CAR WAS AT APROXIMATELY 87000. TURNED THE CAR ON, THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION AND SMOKE CAME OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD, DIDNT SEE ANY FLAMES, POPPED OPEN THE HOOD, AND SMOKE JUST CONTINUED TO PILE OUT. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THE ENGINE WAS ON ITS LAST BREATH. HAD ENGINE RELACED FOR A USED ENGINE WITH 4500 MILES ON IT FOR $1500. SOON AFTER THE ENGINE THE ALTERNATOR STARTED TO DIE, WHERE JUST BY STANDING NEXT TO THE CAR YOU CAN HEAR METAL TO METAL GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM IT. PAID $100 TO GET NEW ALTERNATOR. RIGHT AFTER ALTERNATOR THE EG R VALVE DIED, HAD IT REPLACED, ANOTHER $300 SPENT. NOW COME SPEDOMETER SAYING 99000 BUT THE SECOND ENGINE ONLY HAVING 60000 THE SERPENTINE BELT CRACKED AND WORN OUT BEYONG BELIEVE. ANOTHER $75 SPEND. WHILE HAVING THAT REPLACED THE MECHANIC POINTED OUT PUDDLES OF OIL ON THE ENGINE, THUS THE MANIFOLDS/GASKET ON ENGINE#2 WILL SOON NEED TO HAVE WORK DONE.SHOULD I CONTACT THE LOCAL DEALER ABOUT THE GASKETS LEAKING...DOES IT RELATE TO THE RECALL THAT WAS MADE ON THE MANIFOLDS. *AK
WHEN THE KEY WAS PLACED IN THE IGNITION, IT DID NOT TURN OVER. *JB
WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST ALL POWER, CONSUMER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED, HOWEVER CONSUMER COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN, SHE COULD SLIDE THE DOOR LATCH, BUT THE LOCK WOULD RELEASE, NONE OF THE POWER WINDOWS WORKED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE…
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WHILE DRIVING AND WITHOUT WARNING, VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST ALL POWER, CONSUMER COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOPPED, HOWEVER CONSUMER COULD NOT GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN, SHE COULD SLIDE THE DOOR LATCH, BUT THE LOCK WOULD RELEASE, NONE OF THE POWER WINDOWS WORKED, CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THAT THE DOORS WERE REPROGRAMMED SO THEY ALL OPEN MANUALLY FROM THE INSIDE. DEALER FOUND BATTERY CABLES DIRTY AND CORRODED. *JB
BATTERY LEAKED ACID, AND POSITIVE TERMINAL FELL OFF FROM SIDE OF BATTERY, BATTERY ACID COVERED BATTERY CASE, COVERED DISTRIBUTOR AND POSSIBLE BRAKE LINES. OPENED FILE WITH PONTIAC #00775631*AK
THE SECURITY SYSTEM WHICH CAME WITH VEHICLE PREVENTED DRIVER FROM STARTING OR RESTARTING VEHICLE AFTER BEING PARKED FOR SOME TIME. WOULD FINALLY START VEHICLE. TOOK VEHICLE TO DEALERSHIP TWICE FOR SECURITY PROBLEMS. MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. *AK
VEHICLE EXPERIENCES ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON AND STAY ON. ALSO RADIO OPERATES ERRATICALLY. *MJS
THE HORN IS VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE. EXCESSIVE EFFORT IS NEEDED TO GET THE HORN TO WORK. *AK
Official recalls
296V116000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
Jul 1, 1996
A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Consequence & remedy
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.
95V204000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module
Oct 23, 1995
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA02030 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Oct 22, 2002 · Closed Mar 9, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
Fuel System, Gasoline
EA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GMEA02-030 IS CLOSED WITH GM?S ACTIONS IN 03V-473 AND 04V-090 RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 529,000 MY 1998-99 C- AND H-BODY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS.THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLDS THAT ARE UNABLE TO CONTAIN PRESSURES THAT OCCUR IN SOME BACKFIRE EVENTS AND DEFECTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH LEAKING DIAPHRAGMS THAT CAN PROVIDE A SOURCE OF FUEL TO PRODUCE A COMBUSTIBLE AIR-FUEL MIXTURE IN THE MANIFOLD.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY ODI THAT NO SAFETY DEFECT EXISTS IN THE VEHICLES THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN GM?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE INCIDENCE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURES AND RELATED FIRES IN OTHER MY 1995-2002 GM PASSENGER CARS EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT INTAKE MANIFOLD.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
PE02050 · Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Jun 13, 2002 · Closed Oct 22, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling
No summary supplied.