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1998 Pontiac Bonneville

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

117 reports with mileage · 160 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 194 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 28 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

9 crash reports28 fire reports6 injury reports

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

33 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jun 3, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineFuel System, Gasoline

ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE PULLED TO A DEAD STOP AT A LIGHT AND DURING THE IDLING TIME THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. VERY EMBARRASSING SET OF TRIPS TO NEARBY GROCER. .. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10595871

154,000 miles · Jan 23, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND FROM BENEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAI…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND FROM BENEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,735. UPDATED

NHTSA ODI #10215788

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE POOR PRODUCTION MANIFOLD/GASKETS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE MANIFOLD/GASKETS AND DEX. COOL WERE IN POOR PRODUCTION ON HER VEHICLE. *KB THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET HAD COOLANT IN THEM. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD. METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL …

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1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE POOR PRODUCTION MANIFOLD/GASKETS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE MANIFOLD/GASKETS AND DEX. COOL WERE IN POOR PRODUCTION ON HER VEHICLE. *KB THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET HAD COOLANT IN THEM. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD. METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL WHICH WAS COMING FROM, THE ROD BEARING THAT FAILED DUE TO THE VEHICLE OVER HEATING AND COOLANT IN THE OIL. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE MANIFOLD FROM CRACKING. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2004, THE MANIFOLD CRACKED ONE MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED SHE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2004 THE LOWER MANIFOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE, HOWEVER SINCE IT WAS NOT REPLACED, STOP LEAK PELLETS MIXED WITH THE DEX-COOL AND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED.

NHTSA ODI #10201569

47,000 miles · Jul 18, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

DT: CONTACT STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK, DAMAGING STARTER AND SPARK PLUGS. REMOVED AND REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON 6-17-05 AT A COST OF $900.00: THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS DUE TO A RECALL #04V09000 FUEL SYSTEM/ GASOLINE DELIVERY. SHE WAS REFUN…

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DT: CONTACT STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK, DAMAGING STARTER AND SPARK PLUGS. REMOVED AND REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON 6-17-05 AT A COST OF $900.00: THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS DUE TO A RECALL #04V09000 FUEL SYSTEM/ GASOLINE DELIVERY. SHE WAS REFUNDED MONEY BY PONTIAC. NOW SHE WAS REQUESTING MONEY BACK FOT THE SECOND TIME. ALSO, RECEIVED AN INVESTIGATION# PEO2050; CONCERNING ENGINE, BUT SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER . *AK

NHTSA ODI #10129188

Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2005
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED WITH REIMBURSEMENT FOR 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: 04V090000. THE RECALL IS RELATED TO THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAK. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. TH…

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CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED WITH REIMBURSEMENT FOR 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR WAS REPLACED. *BF RECALL CAMPAIGN: 04V090000. THE RECALL IS RELATED TO THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR LEAK. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS FLUCTUATING WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT COME ON. THE CONSUMER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND ALLOWED IT TO COOL OFF. THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND HEARD A LOUD BACK FIRE WITH A LOUD BANG. THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESTART. THE CONSUMER SMELLED FUEL SHORTLY AFTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALER. THE INTAKE PLENUM AND THE INTAKE PLENUM GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT BLEW OUT AGAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE FEELS THAT THE FAILURES ARE A RESULT OF THE RECALL ISSUE THEREFORE THE REIMBURSEMENT CHECK WAS NOT SUFFICIENT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE BRAKES HAD A TICKING NOISE. *TC

NHTSA ODI #10111695

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2005
Fuel System, GasolineFire

'RECALL CAMPAIGN' CONCERNING 19998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *BF THE CONSUMER HAD THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING ISSUED BECAUSE THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED THE REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER HE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING…

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'RECALL CAMPAIGN' CONCERNING 19998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. *BF THE CONSUMER HAD THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR REPLACED PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING ISSUED BECAUSE THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONSUMER SUBMITTED THE REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT, HOWEVER HE HAS NOT RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATING WHAT THE DECISION WAS. THE CONSUMER HAS SINCE DONATED THE VEHICLE. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10113442

Mileage unknown · Oct 22, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V09000. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OFF. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BLEW UP APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE YEARS AGO. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER DAYS AGO, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO. CONTACTED PONTIAC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PLENUM WAS …

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CONSUMER'S VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL 04V09000. HE WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OFF. CONSUMER'S VEHICLE BLEW UP APPROXIMATELY TWO TO THREE YEARS AGO. HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER DAYS AGO, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE 2 OR 3 YEARS AGO. CONTACTED PONTIAC, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE PLENUM WAS THE DEFECTIVE PART ON THE VEHICLE. WHICH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR. HOWEVER, HIS CLAIM WAS DENIED. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10097500

Mileage unknown · Oct 20, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

INTAKE MANIFOLD AND FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR FAILURE. *BF THE RECALLED COMPONENT FAILED PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUEMR PAID TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL THE CONSUMER REQUESTED REIMBURSEMENT BUT WAS ONLY OFFERED A PARTIAL REFUND. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10097459

48,777 miles · Oct 16, 2004
Fuel System, GasolineFire

1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. EXPLOSION UNDER HOOD. $900.00 DAMAGE. SUMMER 2004 WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. IF ALREADY OCCURRED, SEND BILLS FOR REIMBURSEMENT. WE RECEIVED A CHECK FOR ONLY $82! GENERAL MOTORS IS AT FAULT FOR A DEFECTIVE PART. YET THEY ONLY PAID FOR THE PART, NOT THE DAMAGE IT CAUSED.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10095867

Mileage unknown · Oct 5, 2004
Fuel System, Gasoline

INTAKE MANIFOLD PROBLEMS. *BF THERE WAS AN EGR PASSAGE THROUGH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. OVER TIME, HOT GASES FROM THE EGR SYSTEM PASSED BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE PASSAGE WAY WALLS INTO THE SURROUNDING WATER JACKET. RECALL# 04V090000. *SC *JB

NHTSA ODI #10095358

Official recalls

1

04V090000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Feb 24, 2004

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 & remedy

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.

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

2

EA02030 · 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.