Owners have filed 181 complaints
about the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville with NHTSA between 1996 and 2016.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 52
Against the median year of the Pontiac Bonneville. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 88
17.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 8
5% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1996 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.
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
1220.3%
Frontal
1220.3%
Engine
813.6%
Fuel Injection System
711.9%
Gasoline
711.9%
Automatic Transmission
58.5%
Hoses, Lines/Piping, AND Fittings
46.8%
Cooling System
46.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
22.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
11.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
33.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1012.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1619.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3340.7%
150,000+ miles
1619.8%
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.
Mar 1996peak 10Feb 2016
NHTSA investigations into the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA02030Opened 22 Oct 2002Closed 9 Mar 2004FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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 VEHICL...
PE02050Opened 13 Jun 2002Closed 22 Oct 2002ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
Recalls on the 1996 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
09E012000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
96V116000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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.
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 199609914,365 units in Canada
Engine
THESE VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING THAT CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. THIS CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. ALSO, IF A PERSON WAS IN THE VICINITY OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WHEN THE HOOD WAS OPEN, AND THIS BACKFIRE CONDITION OCCURRED, IT COULD RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY. CORRECTION: THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) WILL BE REFLASHED WITH NEW PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFranklin, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 15 MPH WHEN THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INVOLUNTARILY. ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE AIR BAG MODULE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE, THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10403842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,999 milesBlackstone, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY SON WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN HIS 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, JUST AS HIS WAS GETTING READY TO PROCEED, BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HE HADN'T EVEN PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS, INSURANCE APPRAISER, APPRAISED THE DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $2000 AND COME TO FIND OUT THEY WON'T COVER IT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT, THEY SAY IT'S A MANUFACTURERS ISSUE, HE RECEIVED A MINOR BURN ON HIS ARM FROM THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10372273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesMadisonville, KYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN I PURCHASED MY 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSE USED I SEARCHED FOR ANY RECALLS ON IT I FOUND 2 ONE FOR THE INTAKE BREAKING AND ONE FOR THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM I TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE NOW I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH BACKFIRING CONSTANTLY AND HAVE EVEN CALLED PONTIAC HELP LINE WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT VALID AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE FAST FORWARD A FEW MONTHS AND MY WIFE THIS MORNING WENT TO THE STORE WHERE THE CAR BACKFIRED AND THE INTAKE EXPLODED INTO SEVERAL PIECES AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE ISSUED FROM UNDER THE HOOD NOW THIS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY COST ME A SMALL FORTUNE TO REPAIR WHAT AM I TO DO NOW?
NHTSA complaint #10250975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 151,474 milesDelray, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,474.
NHTSA complaint #10823959 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesArnold, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE ANTI-THEFT AND AN UNKNOWN SECURITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE REQUIRED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND A NEW KEY MADE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HORN AND CHIME SOUNDED UNCONTROLLABLY. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10810090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesYardly, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE IMPACT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 1/28/15*CN UPDATED 9/6/2017
NHTSA complaint #10658926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 233,000 milesDallas, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. LIGHT'S STAYING ON WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND SENORS CHIMMING FOR DOORS.
NHTSA complaint #10643829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 233,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. LIGHT'S STAYING ON WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND SENORS CHIMMING FOR DOORS.
NHTSA complaint #10643829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEaton, OH
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE CHIMED BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10577244 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesKalamazoo, MIFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #10463433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesIola, TX
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
THIS CAR BELONGS TO MY ELDERLY MOTHER WHICH SHE BOUGHT USED AND HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM! OCCASIONALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL BACKFIRE, AFTER STARTING IT WOULD RUN OK. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT RUN AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BROKEN FROM THE BACKFIRING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE THE LAST TIME IT WAS ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTOR! ACCORDING TO PONTIAC THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR BY THE VIN NUMBER!!
NHTSA complaint #10458548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesIola, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THIS CAR BELONGS TO MY ELDERLY MOTHER WHICH SHE BOUGHT USED AND HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM! OCCASIONALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL BACKFIRE, AFTER STARTING IT WOULD RUN OK. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT RUN AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BROKEN FROM THE BACKFIRING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE THE LAST TIME IT WAS ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTOR! ACCORDING TO PONTIAC THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR BY THE VIN NUMBER!!
NHTSA complaint #10458548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,000 milesIola, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS CAR BELONGS TO MY ELDERLY MOTHER WHICH SHE BOUGHT USED AND HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM! OCCASIONALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL BACKFIRE, AFTER STARTING IT WOULD RUN OK. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT RUN AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BROKEN FROM THE BACKFIRING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE THE LAST TIME IT WAS ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTOR! ACCORDING TO PONTIAC THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR BY THE VIN NUMBER!!
NHTSA complaint #10458548 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,500 milesHarrisburg, PA
AIR BAGS
I LEFT MY HOUSE ON 9/10/2011 AND WENT TO GAS STATION. AFTER FUELING UP I NOTICED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I DID NOT PULL OVER BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A SENSOR PROBLEM AND I HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE HAVING TO PULL OVER FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. I PROCEEDED TO THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I REACHED 57 MPH I PUT ON MY CRUISE CONTROL. IN ABOUT 2 MINUTES BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY VISIBILITY WAS 0%. IF I HAD NOT HAD BOTH OF MY FRONT WINDOWS DOWN, THE POWDER THAT ENGULFED MY CAR COULD HAVE SUFFOCATED ME. I AM ON BREATHING MEDICINE FOR COPD. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS UP THERE IN YEARS IT IS NOT UP THERE IN MILEAGE. I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM SOMEONE 4 YEARS AGO, WHO ONLY USED THE CAR ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAD 58,000 MILES ON IT AND ONLY HAS 91,500 TODAY. THIS WHOLE PROCESS TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FROM START TO FINISH.
NHTSA complaint #10426111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,500 milesHarrisburg, PA
AIR BAGS
I LEFT MY HOUSE & STOPPED FOR GAS. AFTER GETTING GAS I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I DID NOT PULL OVER THINKING IT WAS A SENSOR PROBLEM. I PROCEEDED TO THE HIGHWAY & WHEN I REACHED 57MPH I PUT ON MY CRUISE CONTROL. IN ABOUT 2 MINUTES MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED & MY ABILITY TO SEE WAS 0%. THE ENTIRE INCIDENT TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FROM HOUSE TO DEPLOYMENT. THE POWDER/SMOKE ENGULFED MY CAR. IF I HAD NOT HAD BOTH MY FRONT WINDOWS DOWN I THINK I COULD HAVE SUFFOCATED. I AM CURRENTLY ON BREATHING MEDS FOR COPD. THE VEHICLE IS OLD IN YEARS BUT NOT IN MILEAGE. I BOUGHT IT FROM SOMEONE THAT ONLY USED THE CAR FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, 4 YRS AGO, IT HAD 58,000 MILES ON IT. IT RUNS GREAT BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #10425167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesFranklin, OH1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 15 MPH WHEN THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INVOLUNTARILY. ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE AIR BAG MODULE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE, THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10403842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,999 milesBlackstone, MA1 injured
AIR BAGS
MY SON WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN HIS 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, JUST AS HIS WAS GETTING READY TO PROCEED, BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HE HADN'T EVEN PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS, INSURANCE APPRAISER, APPRAISED THE DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $2000 AND COME TO FIND OUT THEY WON'T COVER IT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT, THEY SAY IT'S A MANUFACTURERS ISSUE, HE RECEIVED A MINOR BURN ON HIS ARM FROM THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING.
NHTSA complaint #10372273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesEmporia, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
96 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.WHILE PARKED AT RESIDENCE VEHICLE WENT INTO SECURITY LOCK MODE AND WONT ALLOW VEHICLE TO START. ALL ADVICE FROM INDIVIDUALS TO "RESET" SECURITY FAILED. ONLY OPTION LEFT IS TO TOW TO LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE.
NHTSA complaint #10362953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBatavia, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 10 MPH OR WHILE SITTING IDLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER WINDOWS, SEATS AND FUEL PUMP WOULD BECOME INOPERABLE AS WELL. THE CONTACT WOULD RECHARGE THE BATTERY AND ONCE FULLY CHARGED, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE STALLING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE IGNITION ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER WAS FAULTY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95V204000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER), HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 98,000.
NHTSA complaint #10318873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,097 milesMemphis, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE PLASTIC MANIFOLD IN ENGINE FROM MANUFACTURE BROKE CAUSING DEX COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE DESTROYING SEALS/HEAD GASKETS. REPLACE AT DEALER GASKET,GASKET KIT,VALVE,VALVE KIT,UPPER MANIFOLD, LOWER MANIFOLD RESEAL,COOLANT. DEALER DOES NOT HONOR RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10318090 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edinburg, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
NO INCIDENTS BUT THERE IS DAMAGE DONE TO THE FUEL , EMISSION AND BRAKE LINE THE FUEL AND EMISSION LINES FROM THE FUEL TANK USE A PLASTIC QUICK CONNECT COUPLING JUST UNDERNEATH NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE . THE COUPLING BECOMES LOSE AND SPRAYS THE FUEL LINES AND BRAKE HOSES WITH FUEL THIS WASHES OFF THE PROTECTIVE LAYER OF THE HOSES WHICH THEN CORRODE AND LEAK FUEL AND BRAKE FLUID , THIS HAPPENED ON MY 1996 BONNEVILLE CAN ANYONE EMAIL ME IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON THIS CAR FOR THAT REASON OR IF I AM ENTITLED TO REPAIRS BY THE MANUFACTURER.
NHTSA complaint #10282441 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesSouth Fallsburg, NY
AIR BAGS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE AIR BAG EXPLODED AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THEY DECLARED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10268518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 269,400 milesGlencoe, MN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I PUT GAS INTO MY 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WENT TO START IT AND IT BACKFIRED AND STARTED RUNNING RAGGED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10256047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 166,000 milesMadisonville, KYFire
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN I PURCHASED MY 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSE USED I SEARCHED FOR ANY RECALLS ON IT I FOUND 2 ONE FOR THE INTAKE BREAKING AND ONE FOR THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM I TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE NOW I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH BACKFIRING CONSTANTLY AND HAVE EVEN CALLED PONTIAC HELP LINE WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT VALID AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE FAST FORWARD A FEW MONTHS AND MY WIFE THIS MORNING WENT TO THE STORE WHERE THE CAR BACKFIRED AND THE INTAKE EXPLODED INTO SEVERAL PIECES AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE ISSUED FROM UNDER THE HOOD NOW THIS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY COST ME A SMALL FORTUNE TO REPAIR WHAT AM I TO DO NOW?
NHTSA complaint #10250975 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,495 milesEldorado, KS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE BACKFIRED SEVERELY. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE PLASTIC COVER WAS SHATTERED. HE REMOVED THE COVER AND FOUND THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) PERTAINING TO THE SAME FAILURE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE RECALL. THE DEALER REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OLDER THAN TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,495. UPDATED 1/26/09 *CN UPDATED 01/26/09.
NHTSA complaint #10250857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesValdosta, GA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
AROUND JAN 2008 WHILE DRIVING A PLASTIC WATER HOSE BURST. I REPLACED IT AND HAD NO OTHER PROBLEM UNTIL AROUND AUG 2008. THIS TIME THE WATER PUMP STARTED LEAKING. I REPLACED THAT AND THE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR CAP, BUT I STILL KEPT LOOSING COOLANT. THEN I FOUND A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH I REPLACE AROUND THE END OF AUG 2008. I STILL KEPT HAVING TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT RESERVOIR EVER TWO DAYS. ABOUT JUNE 2008 I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE VEH STARTING, IT WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR FLOODING. IT WOULD BE RUNNING BUT BARLEY AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. FINALLY IT WOULD START. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT IT'S DOING IT MORE OFTEN NOW. I'VE FUEL SYSTEM AND INJECTION CLEANERS WITH NO CHANGE. THEN I WENT TO NHTSA AND FOUND A RECALL 96V-116 THAT SEEMS TO BE THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY DO. I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD BRING BACK TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST.
NHTSA complaint #10244906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.