1994 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 1994
These records cover every 1994 Pontiac Bonneville. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
88 complaints11 involved a crash9 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Power train · Structure › Frame and members
1994 pontiac bonneville. due to corrosion the engine cradle bolts / mounting failed and engine fell out of car. luckily it was while turning around in the driveway, if it had happened on / at road speeds there could easily have been loss of steering control, multi car involvement, injuries, or…
1994 pontiac bonneville. due to corrosion the engine cradle bolts / mounting failed and engine fell out of car. luckily it was while turning around in the driveway, if it had happened on / at road speeds there could easily have been loss of steering control, multi car involvement, injuries, or loss of life. gm service offered zero help on recall or service bulletin information and denied any responsibility for defect or repair. *tr
- Structure › Frame and members
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 25 mph, the rear engine cradle bolt and retainer pulled through the cradle. The rear cradle dropped to the ground and the steering separated. This resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. It was pushed out of the road, and towed to the residence. the…
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 25 mph, the rear engine cradle bolt and retainer pulled through the cradle. The rear cradle dropped to the ground and the steering separated. This resulted in a loss of control of the vehicle. It was pushed out of the road, and towed to the residence. the contact verbally spoke with an independent repair mechanic about the problem who suggested the vehicle be brought in for inspection. *jb
- Electrical system
Dt: the contact stated while stopping at a red light he detected the odor of something burning. he saw gray smoke coming from the heating and air conditioning vents, and a yellow flame close to the cigarette lighter area. he immediately pulled over and called 911. the fire department arrived…
Dt: the contact stated while stopping at a red light he detected the odor of something burning. he saw gray smoke coming from the heating and air conditioning vents, and a yellow flame close to the cigarette lighter area. he immediately pulled over and called 911. the fire department arrived and distinguished the fire. the fire department determined the fire was electrical in nature. the vehicle was towed to a salvage yard. no repairs could be made due to the fire damage. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 pontiac bonneville. The engine fell out of the vehicle in june of 2005 while slowly pulling out from a stop light. he heard a loud clunk and lost steering control and the car drifted to the curb and stopped. The gm manufacturer wanted to know how the vehicle was…
Dt: the contact owns a 1994 pontiac bonneville. The engine fell out of the vehicle in june of 2005 while slowly pulling out from a stop light. he heard a loud clunk and lost steering control and the car drifted to the curb and stopped. The gm manufacturer wanted to know how the vehicle was maintained. When the manufacturer found out that they done almost all the maintenance they told her that the vehicle was ten years old. She understood this, but she still felt that an engine should not just fall out of a vehicle. her primary concern was to make nhtsa and the manufacturer aware of this problem because if driving at a high speed and this happened then you would lose all steering capabilities . this was a safety issue. The vehicle was repaired at a repair shop and the repair shop told her that they had a ford taurus that had the same problem. also, another dealership told her that they had a dodge intrepid with the same problem . there IS a frame that holds the engine and transmission to the body of the car. There IS a large three inch diameter washer that IS under a metric .5 inch diameter bolt. The bolt did not fail, but the washer did fail. There are four bolts in the rear and two bolts in the front, and the two in the front were okay, but the four in the rear broke away and failed. The gm bushing part number IS 25536051 for the front two bolts.*ak updated 01/19/06. *Jb
- Structure › Frame and members
Turning into street when the engine cradle fell out in the rear. loss of all steering. had a cutlass supreme that did that also except there was a recall. Huge safety hazard, a vehicle going down the road no steering??? what would have happened if I was not familiar with this in the first place. gm needs a recall on this. *jb
- Electrical system
Dt: while the consumer was driving the vehicle it will completely shut down. this occurred because of it overheated. before this occurred the battery light came on. the problem happened multiple times. There almost hast been an accident. the consumer took vehicle to the dealership…
Dt: while the consumer was driving the vehicle it will completely shut down. this occurred because of it overheated. before this occurred the battery light came on. the problem happened multiple times. There almost hast been an accident. the consumer took vehicle to the dealership multiple times before they finally discovered the problem. the have done other things to the vehicle trying to fix the problem, but it did not work. they have found it to be an electrical problem. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Dt: contact states: the cradle fell off the vehicle which held the suspension up in the front. There were four bolts holding it up, and the washers rusted, causing this failure. Dealer said they had not seen that happen. They have agreed to fix it all at consumer's cost. Contact complained to gm, and was told the car was too old.*ak
- Structure › Frame and members
Frame has rusted out where the a-frame attaches. *ak
- Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
1. noise from front end of vehicle 2. bolts holding motor to k frame snapped dropping motor to the ground - lost control of steering - car has never had serious problems.*ak 3. towed for service - course of action pending.
- Structure › Frame and members · Structure › Frame and members › Underbody shields
I was exiting off route 82 and heading east on rt. 422 going about 30 mph. Est. when I heard a loud bang sound. The steering and the brakes went out and the car was out of control. The car came to rest about 50 ft. After the car hit a concrete barrier. ohio highway state patrol made a crash…
I was exiting off route 82 and heading east on rt. 422 going about 30 mph. Est. when I heard a loud bang sound. The steering and the brakes went out and the car was out of control. The car came to rest about 50 ft. After the car hit a concrete barrier. ohio highway state patrol made a crash report and the car was towed to greenwood autobody dealership. They said the engine cradle bolts broke out the frame. Allowing the engine and drive train to drop on the road. damage IS being estimated by the autobody shop and insurance company. Car has not been repaired yet.
- Unknown or other
I have not sought any information on this problem as of yet because I thought there was nothing I could do since my car was already six years old when the problem first started. now I have peeling paint in several spots on my car and it looks terrible. The rest of the car IS in mint condition. I…
I have not sought any information on this problem as of yet because I thought there was nothing I could do since my car was already six years old when the problem first started. now I have peeling paint in several spots on my car and it looks terrible. The rest of the car IS in mint condition. I still believe gm should pay for re-painting because they knew of their defect years ago. IS there anything I can do to get this done?
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Fuel gauge system IS not working at all. vehicle was bought used.
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Consumer states while driving the vehicle at any speed and with no warning vehicle got shut off, causing consumer to pull off the road. Dealer has inspected vehicle several times, and could not duplicate or correct the problem. *Ak
- Unknown or other
The consumer purchased a vehicle with a paint defect. the dealer knew about this defect and stated that the paint never adhered to the primer. *scc *nlm
- Air bags › Frontal
Driver air bag deployed while vehicle was parked. Driver suffered facial injuries. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time. mr
- Air bags
Consumer states while the vehicle was parking at home the passeger air bag deploy. Dealer has been notified. Please provide further infromation:: mr
- Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Bent and twisted fingers. while in florida visiting my uncle and aunt (before he died) I had noticed his fingers were bent as my are. he also had a persistent problem with left shoulder pain. when in florida this past january, I drove his 1994 bonneville. the steering was tight like to 2000…
Bent and twisted fingers. while in florida visiting my uncle and aunt (before he died) I had noticed his fingers were bent as my are. he also had a persistent problem with left shoulder pain. when in florida this past january, I drove his 1994 bonneville. the steering was tight like to 2000 impala. this accounted for his going to the doctor for shots in his shoulder and at one time a visit to the hospital room because of the shooting pain which he believed was from a heart attack. submitted by mike tomich 989-665-2311 but didn't make the connectiion with the hard steering. dt
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Consumer states that while driving at any speed and no warning the vehicle will shut off. Consumer also states that it IS hard to restart the vehicle when this occurs. Dealer notified. nlm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
I purchased this vehicle new. Within 6MO the first alternator problem occurred. In the past 8years I have had 10 alternators and 4 batteries put in the vehicle. Everytime the battery guage would go low when checked I was told that the problem was the alternator. On one occassion I took my car due…
I purchased this vehicle new. Within 6MO the first alternator problem occurred. In the past 8years I have had 10 alternators and 4 batteries put in the vehicle. Everytime the battery guage would go low when checked I was told that the problem was the alternator. On one occassion I took my car due to the fact the dealer was closed, to another car repair shop who replaced the battery but stated there IS an electrical problem and until that IS fixed I will still have alternator/ battery problems. I have discussed the situation with the dealerto no satisfaction. Initially the car was under warranty so the dealer replaced parts. Then the extended warranty I purchased kicked in, again paying for parts. When the warrantyexpired I had great expense paying for parts and labor. I also lost use of my vehicle and had to find alternate transportation. I called gm customer service and they never got back to me . After several calls and phone conversations with several people gm stated I should go back to the dealer it was a dealer problem. When I talked to the dealer and service manager they said it wasn't their problem. That it IS a design problem and that the car draws a lot of electric al power. They could only recomend putting in a new wiring system rough cost 3,000 but could not tell me this would resolve the problem. I know my car IS now 8 years old. I have all the repair bills showing nine going on ten alternators. The problem IS on going and I was told yesterday I need another alternator. the dealer's only suggestion to me as a consumer IS that they could sell me another car. Why would I buy another car from them if they sold me a previous car with all these problems and won't help me fix them. I am at a loss. My car doesn't fall under lemon law although 9 soon to be 10 alternators to me qualifies as a lemon. Because the car IS older that IS the excuse I am given. Can you help me please!!!!!
- Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
I was driving up my driveway at a speed of about 3 miles per hour when the steering wheel literally fell into my lap. The car was unsteerable. I had just moved to nh and called th elocal dealer.....fairfield in keene. They came out and flatbedded the car to the shop. 4 weeks later after they…
I was driving up my driveway at a speed of about 3 miles per hour when the steering wheel literally fell into my lap. The car was unsteerable. I had just moved to nh and called th elocal dealer.....fairfield in keene. They came out and flatbedded the car to the shop. 4 weeks later after they located the parts I was told that the collar that holds the steering column had broke and that this should never had happened unless I was in a head on collision and the airbags deployed. This could have been a very dangerous situation if I had been driving down the highway at a higher speed. Gm said it was the responibility of me to prove it was a defective part. I believe that they should investigate it. I spoke to the esis ..greg thrasher.. On 7/24/2002. Phone 1-800-888-0164. Who told me it would be impossible to tell if the part was ever defective. Please look into this matter. Thank you.*ak
- Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
Right rear seat belt buckle ripped out of belt during head on impact resulting in internal injuries to the rear passenger. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
Am reporting failed engine on 1994 bonneville for no apparent reason. Have talked to other people who have had rods go out on their engines also and thought maybe someone ought to look into manufacturers liability for producing inferior motor and selling to consumers. had car in shop 3 or 4 times…
Am reporting failed engine on 1994 bonneville for no apparent reason. Have talked to other people who have had rods go out on their engines also and thought maybe someone ought to look into manufacturers liability for producing inferior motor and selling to consumers. had car in shop 3 or 4 times for a clicking sound and they found nothing up until this last time. please help on this matter if you can. Don't know who else to contact.*ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
This IS the second bonneville with the same problems listed owned. seems pontiac would investigate these problems a little more. Never buy another. After one engine replacement, will just replace the "heap" of a car next time. No safety defect mentioned. *ak
- Tires
I had just purchased these tires december of 1999 from montgomery wards in san antonio tx (they have gone out of business, therefore I do not know where to ask) the tires still have good tread on them and I had a tire blow out on june 21, 2001 on my way home from work, no injurys involved just…
I had just purchased these tires december of 1999 from montgomery wards in san antonio tx (they have gone out of business, therefore I do not know where to ask) the tires still have good tread on them and I had a tire blow out on june 21, 2001 on my way home from work, no injurys involved just damage to my car valued at $1300.00. my only concern IS if these tires may also be defective?? I still drive my car with the other 3 bridgestone tires, could you please find out for me? thank you, elena lopez. *Ak (dot number: enkw tiresize: p215/65r15)
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline · Steering › Hydraulic power assist system
Steering failed, engine stalled, car caught on fire and was destroyed. same thing happened to a 1992 bonneville two years ago. *Ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable. E version update is to add administrative details.
- 10165876This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code. The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.
- 6089996Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4t60-e transxales may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when in park on incline.
- 4050700Unknown
- 619370Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4t60-e or 4t65-e transaxles may comment on a grinding and / or growling noise that IS noticeable when standing in park on a hill or slope with the engine running and the parking brake not applied.
- 603085Some customers may comment that there IS corrosion ( rust ) appearing on the left and /or right rocker panel(s).
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 445802ABS adn traction off indicator lamps come on.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 53021Information based on engine idle surge, or mil (malfunction indicator lamp) illuminated with dtc (diagnostic trouble code) p0131, p0171 or 44 set.
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52567Driveline vibration over 37 mph (replace prom).
- 52564Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror.
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
- 50571Cold start rattle noise.
- 50563Some vehicles may display a condition at 70 mph where the speedometer reads about 4 mph faster or slower than hud.
- 45881Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline.*sd
- 45811Low illumination of console prndl indicator in lower or all gear positions.
- 43039Unknown
- 43036Unknown
- 39814Dim headlamps, slow windshield wipers, etc resulting from low/no generator output.
- 39308Cold start rattle noise.
- 39277Windshield wiper blade chatter.
- 39079Heads up display and instrument cluster speed differences.
- 37848Faint buzzing noise from front of dash area.
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.