IllustrationWINDSHIELD SEEMS WATERY! SEEMS AS THOUGH THE PLASTIC INSIDE IS DEFECTIVE. *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
Structure complaints
10 reportsPROBLEMS REGARDING 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.*MR THE OVERHEAD HAND STRAP BROKE WHILE AN ELDERLY PASSENGER WAS USING IT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER INDICATED THAT THE STRAP WAS SECURE TO THE ROOF OF THE VEHICLE WITH PLASTIC NOT METAL. *NM
I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN DECEMBER OF 1999, I BELEIVE THAT THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE THE LABELS ON THE DOOR FOR THE WEIGHT OR TIRE PRESSURE, ALL IT HAS IS A PARTS NUMBER STICKER A WHITE LABLE. I HAVE ASKED THE PONTIAC DEALER ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THAT SOME COME WITH JUS…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN DECEMBER OF 1999, I BELEIVE THAT THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE I BOUGHT IT, BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT HAVE THE LABELS ON THE DOOR FOR THE WEIGHT OR TIRE PRESSURE, ALL IT HAS IS A PARTS NUMBER STICKER A WHITE LABLE. I HAVE ASKED THE PONTIAC DEALER ABOUT IT AND THEY SAID THAT SOME COME WITH JUST THAT LABEL. I PAYED $16.000 FOR THE CAR AND BELEIVE THAT THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT PRIOR TO PURCHASED DATE. I HAVE HAD THE PAINT PEEL OFF THE HOOD SHORTLY AFTER BUYING IT AND NOW PEELING ON THE ROOF OVER WINDSHEILD. BUT WITH THE STICKER OFF THE DOOR I BELIVE THAT I WAS TAKEN. I STILL OWE $9.000 IN PAYMENTS. I ALSO THINK THAT IT WAS A LEMON, BECAUSE ON THE WINSHEILD IS A STICKER THAT SAYS SUNSET PONTIAC SATISFACTION, A ROUND STICKER ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF WINDSHEILD. I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANOTHER STICKER LIKE THIS ON ANY OTHER VECHICLE.
THE PAINT IS FLAKING OFF THE BODY OF THE CAR EVERY TIME I WASH IT. THIS STARTED ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGE, THERE ARE NOW LARGE SECTIONS OF THE CAR WITHOUT PAINT. THE CAR HAS ABOUT 74,000 MILES ON IT. *LA
WATER IS COMING INTO THE VEHICLE FROM THE FIREWALL, DUE TO ITS UNSEALING PER DEALERSHIP.*AK
AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK DOOR WHEN ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. ONLY WAY TO EXIT VEHICLE WAS WITH ASSISTANCE FROM SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE OR TURNING ENGINE ON. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT EXAMINED VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ATTACHMENTS.*AK
HOOD IS UP, AND WHEN THERES A STRONG WIND HOOD WILL SLAM DOWN ON SOMEONE'S HEAD. ALSO, TRUNK IS VERY HEAVY, AND CONSUMER IS AFRAID OF CHILDRENS HANDS BEING INJURED. *AK *JB
GAS PEDAL LOCKED UP AS CONSUMER WAS DRIVING. SHE SAID WHEN DRIVING THERE WAS A HESITATION IN THE CAR . ALSO, REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE HAS ELECTRICAL DOORS AND LOCKS . ALARM SYSTEM GOES OFF ALL THE TIME. *AK
TRUNK LID OPENS ON ITS OWN AND SYSTEM MONITOR DOES NOT INDICATE IT IS OPEN, OR IF DOORS ARE AJAR. *AK
THERE IS NO DOOR AJAR WARNING SYSTEM ON THE VEHICLE, BUT IT IS ON MANUFACTURER'S MANUAL.
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.