The Pontiac Bonneville spans 1995–2026 with 21 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1998, 1995, 2000 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2006, 2007, 2008. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
Is the Pontiac Bonneville a good car?
Short answer: yes, with the usual caveat about model years. Our score for the Pontiac Bonneville is 4.0 out of 5, built from NHTSA crash-test results, how often it gets recalled and what owners actually complain about — not from reviews.
The complaint that comes up most is the engine and engine cooling — 516 of the 1,633 reports owners filed with NHTSA. If you're choosing a year, 2006, 2007, 2008 score best in our data, and 1998, 1995 worst.
This page describes the model. It can't tell you whether that car has an open recall, a rolled-back odometer or a branded title — for that, run its number through our free VIN check.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Pontiac Bonneville is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1995 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Pontiac Bonneville VIN — every digit explained
Every Pontiac Bonneville carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Pontiac and the country it was built in.
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Bonneville.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. The whole position-by-position breakdown — year codes 2001–2026, country codes, stamping locations — lives in our VIN decoder tool.
How many recalls does the Pontiac Bonneville have?
The Pontiac Bonneville has 21 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2003 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
2002 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
2000 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components
What's wrong. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME OF THESE VEHICLES HAVE INTERNAL FLUID LEAKS IN THE BRAKE HYDRAULIC CONTROL UNIT.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE ABS HYDRAULIC MODULATOR UNIT AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE HYDRAULIC MODULATOR.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1999 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 4
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE MANUAL VALVE/LINK ASSEMBLY WITH A REPLACEMENT MANUAL VALVE/LINK KIT, FEATURING A SPRING-TYPE FASTENER.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
Wheels
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. THE TIRE/WHEEL ASSEMBLY COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix. 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.
1998 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 2
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. 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.
1997 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 2
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Seats
What's wrong. THE SEAT COVER TRIM MATERIAL DOES NOT MEET THE FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 302, "FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR MATERIALS."
Risk. IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE CAN OCCUR.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COVERS ON THE FRONT SEAT BACKS, REAR SEAT CUSHION AND REAR SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES.
1996 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 3
Exterior Lighting
What's wrong. SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk. DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix. SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
What's wrong. A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
Risk. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
Fix. 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.
1995 Pontiac Bonneville recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. 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.
Fix. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HEADLAMP MODULE.
Best and worst years for the Pontiac Bonneville
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 32 tracked years, the worst years are 1998, 1995, 2000 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2006, 2007, 2008.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Bonneville | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1996 Bonneville | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1997 Bonneville | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 1998 Bonneville | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1999 Bonneville | Engine And Engine Cooling | Average | |
| 2000 Bonneville | Visibility | Avoid | |
| 2001 Bonneville | Steering | Average | |
| 2002 Bonneville | Steering | Average | |
| 2003 Bonneville | Steering | Average | |
| 2004 Bonneville | Electrical System | Average | |
| 2005 Bonneville | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2006 Bonneville | — | Best | |
| 2007 Bonneville | — | Best | |
| 2008 Bonneville | — | Best | |
| 2009 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2010 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2011 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2012 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2013 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2014 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2015 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2016 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2017 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2018 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2019 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2020 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2021 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2022 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2023 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2024 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2025 Bonneville | — | Average | |
| 2026 Bonneville | — | Average |
What are the most common Pontiac Bonneville problems?
The most-reported Pontiac Bonneville problems are Air (6 reports), Other (23 reports) and Seats (24 reports) — out of 1,633 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Pontiac Bonneville specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Pontiac Bonneville. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Pontiac Bonneville window sticker.
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Pontiac Bonneville cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Bonneville holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 110 cu ft of passenger volume and 18 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Pontiac Bonneville tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Pontiac Bonneville get?
The Pontiac Bonneville returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $2,850/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2005 Pontiac Bonneville (3.8L 6-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $2,950/yr to fuel, emitting 423 g/mi CO₂ (smog 5/10) — about $3,750 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Bonneville | 18 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | 5/10 | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2004 Bonneville | 18 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | 5/10 | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2003 Bonneville | 17 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2002 Bonneville | 17 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2001 Bonneville | 17 | 27 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 2000 Bonneville | 17 | 27 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1999 Bonneville | 17 | 25 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1998 Bonneville | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1997 Bonneville | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1996 Bonneville | 17 | 27 | $2,950 | 423 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl | |
| 1995 Bonneville | 17 | 26 | $3,100 | 444 | — | 3.8L 6-cyl |
The 2005 Pontiac Bonneville (4.6L 8-cyl) gets 18 mpg combined and costs about $3,450/yr to fuel, emitting 494 g/mi CO₂ — about $6,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Bonneville | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.6L 8-cyl | |
| 2004 Bonneville | 15 | 22 | $3,450 | 494 | — | 4.6L 8-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Bonneville stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this Bonneville's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Pontiac Bonneville have? Power & range
The Pontiac Bonneville is offered with 2 powertrains — 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.8L · 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
| V8 | 4.6L · 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | FWD | Regular |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Pontiac Bonneville cost to own?
A used Pontiac Bonneville sells for a median of about $7,950 for a 2005 — most listed between $1,700 and $10,995, from 20 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 Bonneville | $1,700–$10,995 | 14 | |
| 2001 Bonneville | $1,400–$3,500 | 6 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Bonneville is worth today, or browse used-market prices for sedans.
A Pontiac Bonneville depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Bonneville loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $14,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Bonneville ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Pontiac Bonneville safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the Bonneville yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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- …and much more
How many miles does a Pontiac Bonneville last?
A well-maintained Pontiac Bonneville typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Pontiac Bonneville’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Bonneville’s VIN free →All Pontiac Bonneville model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Pontiac Bonneville — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2025 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2024 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2023 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2022 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2021 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2020 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2018 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2017 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2016 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2015 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2014 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2013 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2012 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2011 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2010 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2009 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2008 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2007 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2006 Bonneville | 0 | — | |
| 2005 Bonneville | 1 recall | — | |
| 2004 Bonneville | 1 recall | — | |
| 2003 Bonneville | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2002 Bonneville | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2001 Bonneville | 1 recall | — | |
| 2000 Bonneville | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1999 Bonneville | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1998 Bonneville | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1997 Bonneville | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1996 Bonneville | 3 recalls | — | |
| 1995 Bonneville | 1 recall | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Bonneville?
By owner-complaint volume, 1998, 1995, 2000 drew the most reports. 2006, 2007, 2008 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Bonneville have?
21 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1995–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Pontiac recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Bonneville get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a Bonneville last?
A well-maintained Bonneville typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Bonneville reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Bonneville is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Pontiac Bonneville warranty?
New Pontiac models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Pontiac dealer.
Where is the Pontiac Bonneville made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Bonneville's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Pontiac may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Bonneville have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.