Owners have filed 330 complaints
about the 1995 Pontiac Bonneville with NHTSA between 1995 and 2021.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 94
Against the median year of the Pontiac Bonneville. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 61
11.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 7
4% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1995 compares with every other Pontiac Bonneville
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
44.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
22.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1616.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1515.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4242.0%
150,000+ miles
2121.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
1995 Pontiac Bonneville SSE 4-DR.
—
—
—
—
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.
Feb 1995peak 16Mar 2021
Recalls on the 1995 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
94V190000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 19941545 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Bonneville SE and SSE vehicles, the Lighting control modules may experience excessive current leakage due to damaged surface mounting capacitors. This could result in loss of head lamps and park lamps. Sudden loss of head lamp lighting could reduce driver visibility, which could result in a crash without prior warning. Correction: Headlamp control module will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
ENGINE
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesPleasant Plains, AR1 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT CRASH, VIOLENT EXPLOSION, DASH CAME APART, BREAKING AND BOWING OUT PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. PREGNANT PASSENGER WAS INJURED BY AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10502358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGranite City, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY AIR BAGS BLEW UP ON ME DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE RAIN AND PONTIAC SAID ITS A BAD SPOT ON THEE CAR AND THEY WANT TO BUY IT BACK FOR 600 FROM ME PLUS I HAVE 2500 IN CHIROPRACTOR BILLS AND A WINDOW TO REIMBURSE MY PARENTS THAT HELP ME I HAVE NO AIR BAGS AND I FILL SAFE WITH OUT THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10344509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesPellston, MI2 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, NOT EVEN IN GEAR, A MINUTE OR SO LATER THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. I CONTACTED GM TO FIND OUT WHY. GM HAD ME AT MY EXPENSE TOW THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEIR INSPECTOR INVESTIGATE. THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT WATER HAD DAMAGED THE WIRING IN THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE AIR BAGS. GM CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND OFFERED TO ASSIST BY REPURCHASING MY VEHICLE AT APROX 1/3 ITS CURRANT MARKET VALUE! THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY OF THE PAPERWORK AND I AM VERY ANGRY!!! MY CAR IS A COMPLETE LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10266581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
ENGINE
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 168,445 milesNewberg, ORCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS GOING ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME STOPPED. I HIT THE BRAKE PEDAL HARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED HARD AS IF IT WASN'T MOVING AND MY CAR JUST KEPT MOVING FORWARD RESULTING IN REAR ENDING THE TRUCK AHEAD OF ME. I CHECKED THE BRAKE FLUID LEVEL AFTER THE CAR WAS TOWED HOME AND THE FLUID LEVEL LOOKED OKAY MAYBE DOWN A LITTLE. HAVE NEVER CHANGED OUT THE BRAKE FLUID AND HAD THE BRAKES RECENTLY CHECKED BY LEW SCWAB TIRES BRAKES NEW BRAKE SHOES FRONT AND REAR BRAKES OKAY
NHTSA complaint #11398467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 187,000 milesDES Moines, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE HOOD RELEASE CABLE BROKE INTERNALLY IN THE CABLE GUIDE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NO WAY TO OPEN THE HOOD. NOT JUST FOR REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, BUT EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. THE CABLE IS ROUTED BETWEEN THE RADIATOR AND THE CORE SUPPORT. TYE ONLY WAY TO OPEN THE HOOD IS TO PRY IT UP DAMAGING THE HOOD, THE UPPER CORE SUPPORT, AND POSSIBLY THE CONDENSOR.
NHTSA complaint #11032225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 152,000 milesDanvers, MA
STEERING
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE MY STSERING WHEEL WAS MAKING A CLUNKING NOISE THEN WHEN DRIVING HOME I TURNED THE CORNER GOING RIGHT MY LOWER SUB FRAME DROPPED OUT FROM RUSTED BOLTS AND LOST ALL CONTROL! NO STEERING AT ALL. STILL SHAKING.CAN'T BELIEVE THERES A RECALL FOR HEADLIGHTS RECALL BUT NO STEERING URECALL .I CALLED PONTIAC AND REGISTERED A COMPLAINT . FOR NOW I HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS BUT WHAT IF WAS MY LIFE AND NOT MONEY I LOST.THESE CARS SHOULD BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. THE POLICE HAD TO COME AND DIRECT TRAFFIC AROUND MY CAR WHILE I SAT THERE SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10896899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentzville, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE OR REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 03/30/15*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN STALLING IN OCTOBER OF 2005. MANY ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BUT, NONE WERE SUCCESSFUL. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL MORE FREQUENTLY. UPDATED 10/21/2015
NHTSA complaint #10691586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,700 milesArlington, MA
AIR BAGS
CRUISING ON THE MASS. TURNPIKE AT 68MPH ON A RAINY NIGHT, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG EXPLODED FOR NO REASON. THE BAG SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD, BLEW THE MOONROOF UP AND BENT THE RAILS. WHEN SHRAPNEL AND DUST SETTLED, THE DRIVER BAG WENT OFF. I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR 17 YEARS AND WAS NEVER MADE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN KNOWN ABOUT FOR SOME TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10644151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesArlington, MA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME CRACKED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. UPDATED 12/17/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CORRODED SWITCH IN THE FLOOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER CONSIDERED THE FAILURE POOR MAINTENANCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RUG WAS WET BECAUSE THE MOONROOF MALFUNCTIONED. UPDATED 9/29/2015
NHTSA complaint #10643126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,000 milesArlington, MA
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE WINDSHIELD BECAME CRACKED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. UPDATED 12/17/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A CORRODED SWITCH IN THE FLOOR UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE MANUFACTURER CONSIDERED THE FAILURE POOR MAINTENANCE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE RUG WAS WET BECAUSE THE MOONROOF MALFUNCTIONED. UPDATED 9/29/2015
NHTSA complaint #10643126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 137,845 milesBridgeport, CT
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING WITH MY CHILDREN AND WENT TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK THEN REVERSE TO MAKE THE TURN WENT DOWN A WAYS CAME TO A STOP SIGN AS I PROCEEDED IT SOUNDED A S THOUGH I HIT SOMETHING AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME FLIMSY I COULDN'T STEER AT ALL IT JUST KEPT GOING AROUND IN CIRCLES SO I STOPPED THE CAR A POLICE OFFICER CAME I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK LONG STORY SHORT THE BUSHING MUST HAVE FELL OFF BECAUSE IT WAS SO ROTTED WHICH IN TURN THE K FRAME BROKE AND THE MOTOR DROPPED DOWN.
NHTSA complaint #10511229 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesPleasant Plains, AR1 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVING 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT CRASH, VIOLENT EXPLOSION, DASH CAME APART, BREAKING AND BOWING OUT PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDSHIELD. PREGNANT PASSENGER WAS INJURED BY AIR BAG.
NHTSA complaint #10502358 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,705 milesWest Bloomfield, MI
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE WHEN MAKING RIGHT TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE BOLTS WERE SEVERELY CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 143,705.
NHTSA complaint #10402986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesNeola, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, AT ANY SPEED, USUALLY DURING WARMER WEATHER, LEAVING THE DRIVER WITH NO POWER BRAKES NOR POWER STEERING. THE CAR USUALLY WOULD NOT START FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, STRANDING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. AFTER SPENDING ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, WE REPLACED A "FUNCTIONING" YET DEFECTIVE TPS (THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR) THAT DID NOT MALFUNCTION TO THE POINT OF REGISTERING A CODE ON THE COMPUTER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10394113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesNeola, UT
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, AT ANY SPEED, USUALLY DURING WARMER WEATHER, LEAVING THE DRIVER WITH NO POWER BRAKES NOR POWER STEERING. THE CAR USUALLY WOULD NOT START FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, STRANDING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. AFTER SPENDING ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, WE REPLACED A "FUNCTIONING" YET DEFECTIVE TPS (THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR) THAT DID NOT MALFUNCTION TO THE POINT OF REGISTERING A CODE ON THE COMPUTER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10394113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesNeola, UT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE ENGINE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, AT ANY SPEED, USUALLY DURING WARMER WEATHER, LEAVING THE DRIVER WITH NO POWER BRAKES NOR POWER STEERING. THE CAR USUALLY WOULD NOT START FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES, STRANDING THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. AFTER SPENDING ALOT OF TIME AND MONEY TRYING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, WE REPLACED A "FUNCTIONING" YET DEFECTIVE TPS (THROTTLE POSITIONING SENSOR) THAT DID NOT MALFUNCTION TO THE POINT OF REGISTERING A CODE ON THE COMPUTER. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT RECURRED.
NHTSA complaint #10394113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,600 milesEphrata, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
IN FEBRUARY 2010, DRIVING AT 5 MPH WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURN ON BUMPY BLACKTOP, THE ENGINE FELL OUT FROM UNDER CAR CAUSING STEERING TO BECOME INOPERABLE. CAR WAS TOWED FROM SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT 4 (REAR) OF 6 BOLTS HOLDING ENGINE CRADLE TO UNI-BODY FRAME PULLED THROUGH RUSTED RETAINERS. ALL (6) BOLTS, RETAINERS, SPACERS AND INSULATORS WERE REPLACED. THE STEERING LINKAGE WAS REATTACHED AND THE CLOCK SPRING COIL KIT WAS REPLACED (CLOCK SPRING WAS TORN WHEN STEERING LINKAGE SEPARATED). THIS INCIDENT CAUSED A LOT OF CONCERN BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED. TOWING, REPAIRS AND PARTS COST $805.14. 4 MONTHS LATER THE STEERING RACK WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING AND WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $450. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN RETAINED BUT PHOTOS OF THE BOLTS IN THE FRAME WITH THE ENGINE SUB FRAME HANGING ARE AVAILABLE. NATURALLY THE RETAINERS THAT FAILED ARE GONE BECAUSE THEY FELL OFF WHEN THEY FAILED. THE ENGINE DID NOT FALL ENTIRELY FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE 2 FRONT BOLTS WERE STILL INTACT AND THE UPPER ENGINE MOUNT HELD THE ENGINE SUB FRAME 2" ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
NHTSA complaint #10352248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 139,600 milesEphrata, PA
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
IN FEBRUARY 2010, DRIVING AT 5 MPH WHILE MAKING RIGHT TURN ON BUMPY BLACKTOP, THE ENGINE FELL OUT FROM UNDER CAR CAUSING STEERING TO BECOME INOPERABLE. CAR WAS TOWED FROM SCENE. UPON INVESTIGATION IT WAS FOUND THAT 4 (REAR) OF 6 BOLTS HOLDING ENGINE CRADLE TO UNI-BODY FRAME PULLED THROUGH RUSTED RETAINERS. ALL (6) BOLTS, RETAINERS, SPACERS AND INSULATORS WERE REPLACED. THE STEERING LINKAGE WAS REATTACHED AND THE CLOCK SPRING COIL KIT WAS REPLACED (CLOCK SPRING WAS TORN WHEN STEERING LINKAGE SEPARATED). THIS INCIDENT CAUSED A LOT OF CONCERN BECAUSE IT COULD HAVE HAPPENED AT ANY SPEED. TOWING, REPAIRS AND PARTS COST $805.14. 4 MONTHS LATER THE STEERING RACK WAS FOUND TO BE LEAKING AND WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF $450. NO PARTS HAVE BEEN RETAINED BUT PHOTOS OF THE BOLTS IN THE FRAME WITH THE ENGINE SUB FRAME HANGING ARE AVAILABLE. NATURALLY THE RETAINERS THAT FAILED ARE GONE BECAUSE THEY FELL OFF WHEN THEY FAILED. THE ENGINE DID NOT FALL ENTIRELY FROM THE VEHICLE BECAUSE THE 2 FRONT BOLTS WERE STILL INTACT AND THE UPPER ENGINE MOUNT HELD THE ENGINE SUB FRAME 2" ABOVE THE ROAD SURFACE.
NHTSA complaint #10352248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesNorth Brunswick, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS JOINT WELDS BREAK LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE STARTS AND THE AIRBAG MODULE SHORTS OUT AND CAN BLOW ANYTIME THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR LOOKED INTO AFTER I SENT IN COMPLIANT NOW SOME KID RIDING IN RAIN HAD HIS BLOW OUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES AND THEY WANTED TO BUY BACK THE CAR FOR $600 ???? ARE THEY CRAZY MY WHITE PAINT ALSO PEELED BUT THEY WONT FIX IT. SO I HAVE A SHORTED OUT MODULE LEAK IN MY FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS AND A TWO COLORED CAR THEY SHOULD GO BANKRUPT.
NHTSA complaint #10349485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesNorth Brunswick, NJ
STRUCTURE
FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS JOINT WELDS BREAK LEAK INTO THE VEHICLE STARTS AND THE AIRBAG MODULE SHORTS OUT AND CAN BLOW ANYTIME THIS HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED OR LOOKED INTO AFTER I SENT IN COMPLIANT NOW SOME KID RIDING IN RAIN HAD HIS BLOW OUT AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH INJURIES AND THEY WANTED TO BUY BACK THE CAR FOR $600 ???? ARE THEY CRAZY MY WHITE PAINT ALSO PEELED BUT THEY WONT FIX IT. SO I HAVE A SHORTED OUT MODULE LEAK IN MY FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS AND A TWO COLORED CAR THEY SHOULD GO BANKRUPT.
NHTSA complaint #10349485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesGranite City, IL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
MY AIR BAGS BLEW UP ON ME DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD IN THE RAIN AND PONTIAC SAID ITS A BAD SPOT ON THEE CAR AND THEY WANT TO BUY IT BACK FOR 600 FROM ME PLUS I HAVE 2500 IN CHIROPRACTOR BILLS AND A WINDOW TO REIMBURSE MY PARENTS THAT HELP ME I HAVE NO AIR BAGS AND I FILL SAFE WITH OUT THEM.
NHTSA complaint #10344509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,565 milesN. Chelmsford, MA
SUSPENSION:FRONT
I WAS DRIVING MY 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND WAS TAKING A RIGHT ON TO A MAIN STREET, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE REAR BODY FRAME SUSPENSION ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DROP, CAUSING THE STEERING LINKAGE TO DISCONNECT, LEAVING ME WITH 0 STEERING CAPABILITY. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING, THE FRAME HAD RUSTED AROUND THE BUSHING AND BOLTS HOLDING UP THE SUSPENSION. THIS IN TURN, PULLED THE STEERING LINKAGE OUT FROM THE STEERING COMPONENT.
NHTSA complaint #10276842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 217,565 milesN. Chelmsford, MA
STEERING
I WAS DRIVING MY 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE AND WAS TAKING A RIGHT ON TO A MAIN STREET, WHEN I HEARD A LOUD BANG. THE REAR BODY FRAME SUSPENSION ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DROP, CAUSING THE STEERING LINKAGE TO DISCONNECT, LEAVING ME WITH 0 STEERING CAPABILITY. AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING, THE FRAME HAD RUSTED AROUND THE BUSHING AND BOLTS HOLDING UP THE SUSPENSION. THIS IN TURN, PULLED THE STEERING LINKAGE OUT FROM THE STEERING COMPONENT.
NHTSA complaint #10276842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 191,000 milesPellston, MI2 injured
AIR BAGS
DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHEN CAR WAS STARTED, NOT EVEN IN GEAR, A MINUTE OR SO LATER THE PASSENGER BAG DEPLOYED SHATTERING THE WINDSHIELD. I CONTACTED GM TO FIND OUT WHY. GM HAD ME AT MY EXPENSE TOW THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEIR INSPECTOR INVESTIGATE. THE INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT WATER HAD DAMAGED THE WIRING IN THE MODULE THAT CONTROLS THE AIR BAGS. GM CONCLUDED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURE DEFECT AND OFFERED TO ASSIST BY REPURCHASING MY VEHICLE AT APROX 1/3 ITS CURRANT MARKET VALUE! THEY REFUSE TO GIVE ME ANY OF THE PAPERWORK AND I AM VERY ANGRY!!! MY CAR IS A COMPLETE LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #10266581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMascoudo, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. ON APPROXIMATELY FIVE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH. DURING THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND THE SWITCH WAS REPAIRED. DURING THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ALL STOPPED WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V190000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10266238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesMascoudo, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. ON APPROXIMATELY FIVE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT HAS HAD TO CHANGE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH. DURING THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS STOPPED WORKING AND THE SWITCH WAS REPAIRED. DURING THE SECOND OCCURRENCE, THE TAIL LIGHTS, BACKUP LIGHTS, FOG LIGHTS, AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS ALL STOPPED WORKING SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 94V190000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #10266238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.