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Pontiac Bonneville recall history and complaint patterns

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the Pontiac Bonneville, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

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At a Glance

Total Recalls 47
Total Complaints 2576
Years Covered 1965–2005

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

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Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the Pontiac Bonneville. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

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Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the Pontiac Bonneville, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Other

7 campaigns · Years: 1971, 1975, 1978, 1984, 1987, 1999

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 4 more notices in this theme

Fuel and emissions

5 campaigns · Years: 1982, 1989, 1996, 1998–2000, 2002–2003

These campaigns relate to fuel delivery or emissions components where leaks or failures can raise safety risk.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 2 more notices in this theme

Visibility and lighting

5 campaigns · Years: 1975, 1977, 1986, 1995

These campaigns relate to lighting, glass, or visibility components (lamps, wipers, and related systems).

Official notices (evidence):
+ 2 more notices in this theme

Brakes

4 campaigns · Years: 1965–1966, 1976, 1992, 2000

These campaigns relate to braking system components that can affect stopping performance or warning behavior.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 00V114000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components
  • 91V167000 · Parking brake: Mechanical
  • 75V214000 · Service brakes, hydraulic: Differential proportional valve
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Powertrain

4 campaigns · Years: 1991–1993, 1999

These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Steering and suspension

4 campaigns · Years: 1966, 1974, 1977

These campaigns relate to steering or suspension components that can affect vehicle control or stability.

Official notices (evidence):
+ 1 more notice in this theme

Electrical

3 campaigns · Years: 1987, 1996

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):
  • 95V204000 · Electrical system: Control module
  • 87V103000 · Electrical system: Fuses and circuit breakers
  • 87V135000 · Electrical system: Fuses and circuit breakers

Seats and restraints

3 campaigns · Years: 1972, 1979, 1997

These campaigns relate to seats, belts, airbags restraint integration, or child restraint anchoring components.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the Pontiac Bonneville in NHTSA complaint data are Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2005 0 37 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Electrical system, Steering.
2004 0 38 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Electrical system, Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel.
2003 2 64 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine, Steering, Electrical system.
2002 2 112 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering, Visibility:power window devices and controls, Electrical system.
2001 0 179 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Power train:automatic transmission, Steering.
2000 2 301 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Visibility:power window devices and controls, Steering, Engine and engine cooling.
1999 3 176 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:engine, Engine and engine cooling.
1998 1 359 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Engine and engine cooling.
1997 1 188 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Power train:automatic transmission, Engine and engine cooling:engine.
1996 2 181 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, Air bags.
1995 1 330 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Air bags, Air bags:frontal.
1994 0 123 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags:frontal, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip.
1993 1 183 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator.
1992 3 139 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:drum.
1991 1 26 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Power train:automatic transmission, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components, Seat belts:front:webbing.
1990 0 45 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch, Seat belts:front.
1989 1 35 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1988 0 20 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:alternator/generator/regulator, Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump, Electrical system:ignition:module.
1987 3 24 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:rack and pinion, Electrical system:ignition:module, Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline.
1986 1 3 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Structure:body, Exterior lighting:headlights:switch, Power train:automatic transmission.
1985 0 2 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seat belts:front:anchorage, Seat belts:front:buckle assembly.
1984 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Wheels.
1982 1 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:radiator assembly.
1981 0 2 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:gas recirculation valve (egr valve), Equipment:electrical.
1979 1 2 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Electrical system:horn, Service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:disc.
1978 2 4 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Tires:tread/belt, Power train, Vehicle speed control.
1977 4 1 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Steering:linkages.
1976 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1975 3 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1974 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1972 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1971 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1969 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1966 2 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.
1965 1 0 Recall campaign(s) issued; no grouped complaints in summary.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Fuel system , Wheels and Power train

Show recall evidence by year

2003

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V222000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V238000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 f

2002

  • Air bags: Frontal: Safety recall involving the air bags area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (02V222000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Tank assembly: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (03V238000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 f

2000

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Foundation components: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (00V114000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Some of these vehicles have internal fluid leaks in the brake hydraulic control unit.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (04V090000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

1999

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (04V090000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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
  • Wheels: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V072000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.
  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V089000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 beco

1998

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (04V090000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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

1997

  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V196000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The seat cover trim material does not meet the flammability requirements of fmvss no. 302, "Flammability of interior materials."

1996

  • Electrical system: Control module: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (95V204000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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 mee
  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V116000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

1995

  • Exterior lighting: Headlights: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (94V190000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: 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.

1993

  • Power train: Cooling unit and lines: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V015000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.

1992

  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Transaxle shift control cable may disengage from shift control cable bracket, causing loss of gear indicator reference, and shift selector operation.
  • Parking brake: Mechanical: Safety recall involving the parking brake area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V167000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: When applied, the parking brake lever assembly may release one or more teeth, reducing the cable load to the rear brakes.
  • Power train: Cooling unit and lines: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (96V015000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles manufactured from august 1991 through july 1995. The transmission oil cooler line can separate when the vehicle is operated in low temperatures in combination with high transmission loads.

1991

  • Power train: Automatic transmission: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (91V198000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The console mounted shift lever may disengage from the shift control cable bracket causing loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation.

1989

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Storage: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V143000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Fuel rollover valve assembly may not have been installed.

1987

  • Electrical system: Fuses and circuit breakers: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V103000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The headlamp circuit breaker may overheat at low beam causing an intermittent headlamp circuit.
  • Electrical system: Fuses and circuit breakers: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (87V135000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: An in line fusible link may melt down and cause a fire.
  • Vehicle speed control: Accelerator pedal: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (88V080000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Excessive accelerator cable friction may restrict the cables free movement between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.

1986

  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (86V056000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The push-pull headlight switch may have electrical contacts which allow an intermittent headlight circuit causing headlight to flicker or suddenly go out. Consequence of defect: sudden loss of the headlights under severe weather or nighttime driving conditions could reduce driver visibility which

1984

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (89V102000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: A small nylon bushing in the cruise control servo bail may slip out of place, causing intermittent and unexpected increases in engine speed or dieseling (engine run on with ignition off).

1982

  • Fuel system, gasoline: Fuel injection system: Safety recall involving the fuel system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (82V012000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Under certain vehicle operating conditions, the governor weight retainer in the injection pump may fail. The throttle valve could stick, preventing return to idle and shut down of the engine by the driver.

1979

  • Seat belts: Anchorage: Safety recall involving the seat belts area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (79V247000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The heads may break off the front outboard seat belt anchor bolts during normal vehicle operation even under no load conditions. This is due to the combination of bolts used, high installation torque and arrangement of the body anchorage.

1978

  • Wheels: Lugs/nuts/bolts/studs: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (77V200000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The rear wheel mounting bolts on the affected vehicles, are brittle and therefore may fracture. This brittleness is due to improper heat treatment during manufacture. If the bolts break, the tire and wheel assembly may separate from the vehicle.
  • Engine and engine cooling: Fan: Safety recall involving the engine and engine cooling area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (78V139000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The hub portion of the fan blade assembly could crack due to high stress levels generated during engine operating conditions. Eventually, the blade could break apart at the hub and blade pieces could be propelled into the engine. If the hood is open while the engine is running, the fragments woul

1977

  • Steering: Steering wheel/handle bar: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Exterior lighting: Switch: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Exterior lighting: Safety recall involving the exterior lighting area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Steering: Idler and attachment: Safety recall involving the steering area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (77V025000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: On the involved vehicles, the incorrect steering linkage assembly may have been installed. As a result, the right-hand steering tie rod might interfere with the intermediate rod. This could cause the connection to fail due to excessive stress at that point.

1976

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Differential proportional valve: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.

1975

1974

1972

  • Seats: Safety recall involving the seats area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Structure: Underbody shields: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (73V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown int

1971

  • Wheels: Safety recall involving the wheels area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
  • Structure: Underbody shields: Safety recall involving the structure area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (73V013000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The possibility exists that driving on unpaved road surfaces, particularly roads which are heavily graveled and which are extremely wavy or filled with chuckholes, at speeds which cause the car to pitch excessively, the front crossmember may scoop up loose stones or gravel and could be thrown int

1969

1966

1965

  • Service brakes, hydraulic: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings: Safety recall involving the service brakes area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.

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⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

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