Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1991 Pontiac Bonneville
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Brakes
623.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Electrical System
311.5%
Transmission & Drivetrain
311.5%
Median failure at 190,000 miles
Engine & Cooling
311.5%
0 crashes, 1 fires · median 38,000 mi
Doors, Latches & Locks
27.7%
Seat Belts
27.7%
2 crashes, 0 fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control
27.7%
Equipment & Accessories
13.8%
Seats
13.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
13.8%
Lights
13.8%
Body & Structure
13.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 1995peak 3Dec 2008
Recalls on the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
06E043000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
91V198000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Risk: THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARKPOSITION WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT ACTUALLY BEIN PARK, RESULTING IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ON AGRADE. ALSO, THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUTTURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT BE IN THE POSITION INDICATED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. BOTH CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19911501,525 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles with console shift, the transaxle shift control cable may disengage from the shift control cable bracket resulting in loss of gear indicator reference and shift selector operation. Under certain conditions this could result in unexpected vehicle movement and an accident without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will install a transaxle shift control cable retaining clip on suspect vehicles.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 38,000 milesSanta Rosa, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ROD BEARING FRACTURED ALONG THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING A FIRE TO ERUPT WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SPREAD THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR AND INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 10/17/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10165522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edina, MNCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY I WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER GOING APPROX. 70-75MPH. I WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY THROWN BACK.AFTER PULLING OVER I FOUND OUT THAT THE SEAT BACK HAD BROKEN AND WAS IN THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION. I WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE SEAR BACK TO IT'S UPRIGHT POSITION, IT ONLY WENT HALF OF THAT DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #704252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #979406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #979406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottdale, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING-PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR-CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #970444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 190,000 milesOsceola, WI
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE SEPARATED AND CAUSED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V015000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.
NHTSA complaint #10250651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,000 milesSanta Rosa, CAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ROD BEARING FRACTURED ALONG THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING A FIRE TO ERUPT WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SPREAD THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR AND INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 10/17/2006 -
NHTSA complaint #10165522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER MARKET MASTER CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE PLUNGER PIN KEPT BREAKING. THIS CAUSED BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. UNABLE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER, FENCO / FENWICK AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS.*AK CONSUMER HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED FOUR TIMES AND THEY HAVE ALL FAILED. THE FIRST FAILED 79 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION. THE SECOND ONE FAILED IMMEDIATELY WHILE BEING BLEED. THE THIRD ON FAILED WITH LESS THAN 1 MILE AND THE FOURTH ONE FAILED 150 MILES LATER. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THEIR POSITION IS TO TEST THE MASTER CYLINDER FIRST AND THEN THE PIN IF NECESSARY. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *PH *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10041965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Union, ME
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
I HAVE CHANGED THE DASH AND HAD ALL WIRING CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS FINE EXCEPT THAT I HAVE NO DASH LIGHTS COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE.
NHTSA complaint #757637 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miamiville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miamiville, OH
INTERIOR LIGHTING
THE INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS ARE CONTINUALLY GOING ON AND OFF CONTINUALLY, DEALERSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM WITHOUT TAKING THE UNIT OUT FOR $500 TO $600. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miamiville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE. *MJS
NHTSA complaint #558113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Laurelville, OH
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
METAL HOLDING THE CATCH PIN ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD IS PRONE TO STRESS CRACKS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 55 MPH, THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP.
NHTSA complaint #852084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edina, MNCrash1 injured
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY I WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER GOING APPROX. 70-75MPH. I WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY THROWN BACK.AFTER PULLING OVER I FOUND OUT THAT THE SEAT BACK HAD BROKEN AND WAS IN THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION. I WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE SEAR BACK TO IT'S UPRIGHT POSITION, IT ONLY WENT HALF OF THAT DISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #704252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lakewood, NJ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH VEHICLE CUTS OFF, DOES NOT MOVE. IN FIVE MINUTES IT WILL SOMETIMES START AGAIN. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.
NHTSA complaint #835064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Epsom, NH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKES ARE MAKING LOUD NOISE AND CONSUMER HAD FRONT BRAKES PUT ON TODAY, AND REAR BRAKES PUT ON LAST WEEK. HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR REPAIRS, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #829782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Santa Rita, GU
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
THE FUEL LINE FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE ENGINE RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK. THE FUEL LINES ARE BEING REPLACED.AK
NHTSA complaint #823861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
VEHICLE STALLED AND CAUSED ACCIDENT, PRIOR TO RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #514455 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kingston, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CONSUMER TUNED VEHICLE AFTER FAST IDLE, FEELS LIKE VIBRATION; CAR STALLS; BUMPING NOISES UNDERNEATH. ALSO, BACKFIRING. ALL OF WHICH HAPPENS WHEN GOING UP HILL OR SITTING STILL AT RED LIGHT, VEHICLE ALWAYS STALLS.
NHTSA complaint #809593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Argos, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSORS BECAME INOPERATIVE THROUGH NORMAL USE.
NHTSA complaint #808359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flint, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
POWER DOOR LOCKS HAD CORRORED, PASSENGERS CANNOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE, THE RELEASE BUTTON WILL NOT OPEN, HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #805030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Racine, WI
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOOR LOCKS STICK NOT ALLOWING DRIVER TO EXIT.
NHTSA complaint #507196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #979406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mesa, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #979406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shrewsbury, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
SOMETIMES THE ABS BRAKES GET HARD AND THE AUTO DOES NOT STOP RIGHT. TT
NHTSA complaint #976494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
EAU Claire, WI
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE REACHES 85 DEGREES TEMPERATURE INSIDE VEHICLE RISES TO 70 DEGREES DUE TO DEFECTIVE CLIMATE CONTROL MODULE.
NHTSA complaint #482017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frankfurt, KY
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, GEAR WILL NOT ENGAGE. TT
NHTSA complaint #971688 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottdale, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING-PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR-CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #970444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wethersfield, CT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED;65 MPH;WOULD NOT RELEASE;ENGINE ACCELERATED;EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STOP VEHICLE;VERY CAREFULLY BRAKED; RODE BRAKES 6 TO 7 MILES; NO WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #959098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wethersfield, CT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CRUISE CONTROL LOCKED 65 MPH; WOULD NOT RELEASE;ENGINE ACCELERATED;EXCESSIVE EFFORT TO STOP VEHICLE;VERY CAREFULLY BRAKED; RODE BRAKES 6 TO 7 MILES; NO WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #959098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.