1996 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 1996
These records cover every 1996 Pontiac Bonneville. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
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.
A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Owner complaints
150 complaints6 involved a crash7 involved a fire15 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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.…
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.
- 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…
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.
- 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*cn
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
Interior lighting system malfunction. Light's staying on when car IS running and senors chimming for doors. *tr
- 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.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · 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…
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.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe · 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…
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!! *js
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *Tr
- 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…
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.
- 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…
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. *ln
- 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. *Tr
- 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…
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.
- 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. *Tr
- 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…
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. *Tr
- 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.
- 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. *Tr
- 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…
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? *Tr
- 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…
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. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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. *Tr
- Air bags › Frontal
I was driving home one night and my airbag light came on, and about ten seconds later the passenger side air bag deployed. I had hit nothing, and was driving on a newly paved road. the airbag deployed and in the process broke the windshield and the dash. pontiac has been called and they said they would get back to me in two days. *tr
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. while driving between 35-40 mph, the vehicle gradually lost power and shut off. when the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, it backfired. the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. while driving between 35-40 mph, the vehicle gradually lost power and shut off. when the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, it backfired. the vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and towed to the dealer. the dealer stated that the upper intake manifold was cracked and would cost $503 to repair. the current mileage was 176,000 and failure mileage was 105,000. Updated 04/08/08. *lj the battery was replaced due to the vehicle not starting.
- Air bags
The airbag light came on and about an hour later we were driving about 10 miles an hour and the driver airbag deployed for no reason, no impact of any kind. The driver broke 2 of her teeth, driver and passenger got out of the car to let the smoke from the airbag clear and assess the damage of the…
The airbag light came on and about an hour later we were driving about 10 miles an hour and the driver airbag deployed for no reason, no impact of any kind. The driver broke 2 of her teeth, driver and passenger got out of the car to let the smoke from the airbag clear and assess the damage of the teeth and about 5 minutes later the passenger airbag deployed while the car was in park and nobody was in even in the car, that deployment destroyed the dash and windshield. We called pontiac on monday oct. 22 they said someone would call back within a day or two and they did call back this morning oct. 24TH but she just asked all the same questions they asked on monday and said it would take 7-10 days to get back to us. *tr
- Air bags
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. while driving 20 mph, the drivers side air bag deployed without warning. the contact sustained a burn on her forearm. the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of failure. approximately an hour and a half later, the passenger side air bag…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. while driving 20 mph, the drivers side air bag deployed without warning. the contact sustained a burn on her forearm. the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of failure. approximately an hour and a half later, the passenger side air bag deployed without warning. the vehicle was towed to a pontiac dealer who stated that the air bag sensors corroded. the dealer has not repaired the vehicle. the manufacturer made an offer to repurchase the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 118,000.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. the vehicle backfired when the ignition was started, and the check engine indicator light illuminated. the intake manifold was damaged. this failure occurred twice before and the manifold was replaced. a local mechanic stated that this vehicle was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac bonneville. the vehicle backfired when the ignition was started, and the check engine indicator light illuminated. the intake manifold was damaged. this failure occurred twice before and the manifold was replaced. a local mechanic stated that this vehicle was included in recall # 96v116000. however, the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was excluded from the recall. the contact possessed the repair invoices. the current and failure mileages were 150,000. *Ak
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- 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…
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 vehicles that are not included in gm?s recalls.odi will continue to monitor the incidence of manifold ruptures and related fires in other my 1995-2002 gm passenger cars equipped with the subject intake manifold.for additional information, see the attached closing report.
- Engine compartment fires
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
- 10208027This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10171318This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10157018This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 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.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 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.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 620835Experiencing excessive engine coolant consumption, or an engine coolant leak near or under the throttle body area of the upper intake manifold.
- 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.
- 619177Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 619176Engine coolant consumption or coolant leak (inspect for material degradation/replace intake manifolds) updated 11/02/07
- 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.
- 602759Rear compartment lid difficult to close.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601052Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration between 20 and 40 mph.
- 54421Experience a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54328Experiencing intermittent steering column snap or click noise when turning.
- 54327Comments of an engine oil leak that appears to originate toward the driver's side of the vehicle; rear of engine.
- 54285Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration.
- 54065Comments on inoperative power door locks (front and/or rear doors).
- 54062Comments on insufficient range of the keyless entry system.
- 53015When brakes are depressed force or engine load may affect and cause various noises.
- 52603Intermittent a/c system thump noise on initial start up from front passenger side floor panel (replace accumulator).
- 52600Cln indicator appears on radio display and does not turn off (reset cln indicator with the eject button on tape).
- 52564Excessive vibration of electrochromic inside rearview mirror.
- 51497Cold start rattle noise (diagnosis/service procedure).
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.