1997 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 1997
These records cover every 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 1997 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.
The seat cover trim material does not meet the flammability requirements of fmvss no. 302, "flammability of interior materials."
Risk and remedy
Risk
If an ignition source were present, a vehicle interior fire can occur.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the covers on the front seat backs, rear seat cushion and rear seat back assemblies.
Owner complaints
147 complaints3 involved a crash16 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
Driving an suddenly vehicle shuts down, speed makes no difference.starts back with no problem. This IS a regular problem, also happens when idling...makes for a very hazardous situation. Has happened on the freeway surface streets, turning, accelerating, even when braking.there have been times when…
Driving an suddenly vehicle shuts down, speed makes no difference.starts back with no problem. This IS a regular problem, also happens when idling...makes for a very hazardous situation. Has happened on the freeway surface streets, turning, accelerating, even when braking.there have been times when it wouldn't start and no documentation or invoices available at this time. we have to tug on ignition wires. Possible reason-ignition switch under the steering wheel section IS bad. This vehicle has a console, plan on getting new ignition switch.
- Engine · Steering
The car lost all power while driving on several occasions. it would just quit and I would have no brakes or steering and all gauges would shut down. sometimes it would lose power and then it would come back on while I was still driving cutting in and out repeatedly. it happened a lot when I was…
The car lost all power while driving on several occasions. it would just quit and I would have no brakes or steering and all gauges would shut down. sometimes it would lose power and then it would come back on while I was still driving cutting in and out repeatedly. it happened a lot when I was idling at a corner and then would start through the intersection. It would quit going through the intersection. sometimes it wouldn't start after driving it a short distance. after it sat for a few minutes, a few hours or sometimes overnight it would just start like there wasn't any problem with it. it didn't sputter or act like it wasn't getting gas or anything, it just wouldn't do anything and had a total loss of all power. we took it in for repair several times and they could never replicate the problem and diagnostics didn't show any problems that would cause this issue. I asked a couple of times if there were any recalls and the service garage said no. I finally quit driving the car because I was tired of being stranded and with taking my chances with it loosing power driving down the highway or through intersections in heavy traffic. it sounds like the same issue that they are currently recalling some gm models for because of an ignition switch spring but bonneville aren't on the recall list. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The mechanic replaced the battery and…
TL* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. While driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle stalled. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The mechanic replaced the battery and check oil sensors. The failure continued after the repair. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
In early november my car (97 bonneville sse) began experiencing trouble starting. it rarely started right up but required several tries to start. occasionally I could smell gas after it was started multiple times. the iac valve was replaced but that changed nothing. after several more weeks of…
In early november my car (97 bonneville sse) began experiencing trouble starting. it rarely started right up but required several tries to start. occasionally I could smell gas after it was started multiple times. the iac valve was replaced but that changed nothing. after several more weeks of the issue getting worse I scheduled it for service on dec 22. the serpentine belt fell off dec 18; the car was towed to the garage dec 21. on dec 22 the car was "fixed". within 24 hrs I knew the starting issue was not fixed. I had to start it multiple times every time & could often smell gas. I don't believe that the garage paid attention to the reason the car was originally scheduled for service & instead fixed the immediate issue. I brought it back to the garage dec 26 but had to leave a message with the gas attendant as the service dept was closed. on mon dec 28 I went out to start my car for work. the engine cranked 1-2 times then I heard a very loud "bang" under the hood near the steering wheel. smoke poured from under the hood almost instantly. the smoke rapidly intensified and changed color. fire could then be seen beneath the engine & engulfed a major part of it within 2-3 minutes. although the fire dept arrived less than 4 min after the fire started, the entire engine was destroyed. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I had a 1997 pontiac bonneville. While I was driving down a highway in michigan, the engine compartment suddenly caught on fire. I was not speeding, and my car was perfectly serviced and maintained. By the time the fire service got there, the whole car burnt down. It took less than 20 minutes for the whole car to get burnt beyond recognition. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. The vehicle was leaking radiator fluid. The dealer repaired the leak. A year after the repair, the fan connected to the heater and air conditioner stopped working. There was a popping noise intermittently under the hood near the defrost and suddenly…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. The vehicle was leaking radiator fluid. The dealer repaired the leak. A year after the repair, the fan connected to the heater and air conditioner stopped working. There was a popping noise intermittently under the hood near the defrost and suddenly, the front window cracked. The dealer has not diagnosed the failure; however, a manufacturers defect does exist. The heater fan also failed to operate intermittently. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 93,000. updated 11/10/09 *bf updated 11/13/09.*jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. the contact stated that the vehicle has plastic intake parts, which include the upper and lower intake manifold. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine tune-up, she noticed antifreeze on the intake manifold. the vehicle made a loud booming noise…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. the contact stated that the vehicle has plastic intake parts, which include the upper and lower intake manifold. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine tune-up, she noticed antifreeze on the intake manifold. the vehicle made a loud booming noise similar to a backfire when the engine was started. the contact could smell fuel in the passenger compartment after placing fuel into the vehicle. there were no recalls for the failures described on this year, make, and model vehicle. the vin and failure mileage were unknown. the current mileage was 134,000.
- Child seat
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 evenflo infant carrier, model number 25800402 (na). the seat was manufactured in may of 2006. the contact followed the directions on installing the child seat in her 1997 pontiac bonneville. while making a left turn at approximately 20 mph, the child seat fell over…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 evenflo infant carrier, model number 25800402 (na). the seat was manufactured in may of 2006. the contact followed the directions on installing the child seat in her 1997 pontiac bonneville. while making a left turn at approximately 20 mph, the child seat fell over with the child strapped in the seat. the child sustained minor bruising. the manufacturer was notified , but the contact was unable to speak with someone. the failure type was unavailable.
- Air bags
I was driving and my air bag light came on. The light stayed on for awhile then out of no where my air bag deployed and filled my whole car with smoke and powder. I did not hit anything prior to the air bag exploding nor after. I suffer from cuts and burns on my right arm and stomach. I have not…
I was driving and my air bag light came on. The light stayed on for awhile then out of no where my air bag deployed and filled my whole car with smoke and powder. I did not hit anything prior to the air bag exploding nor after. I suffer from cuts and burns on my right arm and stomach. I have not done anything to fix the problem because I am not sure what caused it. I have not drove the car since then because I cannot disconnect the passenger air bag and the car will not start without the fuse. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. while driving at 55 mph the accelerator pedal became stuck and the vehicle sped into full throttle. the contact depressed the brake pedal, but was unable to stop the vehicle. the contact had to shift the gear into reverse in order to stop the…
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac bonneville. while driving at 55 mph the accelerator pedal became stuck and the vehicle sped into full throttle. the contact depressed the brake pedal, but was unable to stop the vehicle. the contact had to shift the gear into reverse in order to stop the vehicle. the failure contained no warning indicators. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and when the mechanic started the vehicle, it was still at full throttle. the mechanic replaced the transmission. the passenger sustained minor injuries. the current and failure mileage was 110,000. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling
Car completely shuts down while decelerating at anywhere from 30-55 mph. sometimes can restart, sometimes not for a half hour or so. the car's engine coolant has leaked out onto engine. car shut down, no power, no steering, no brakes, then the coolant spilled out everywhere, engine started…
Car completely shuts down while decelerating at anywhere from 30-55 mph. sometimes can restart, sometimes not for a half hour or so. the car's engine coolant has leaked out onto engine. car shut down, no power, no steering, no brakes, then the coolant spilled out everywhere, engine started smoking and now the engine has stopped working even after replacing head gasket. car had been into dealers numerous times to no avail. no one could identify the problem. now have a car that had to be towed and IS no longer functioning. numerous fuel injectors were replaced in hopes of stopping the stalling out and shutdowns, but nothing has worked. waiting for a couple of quotes on what it will take to try and fix the engine or most likely need replaced. this has been happening since the car was fairly new.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Dt*: the contact stated the hydraulic brake lines were corroded at every connection. the vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the brake fluid was leaking due to the corrosion. the dealership informed the contact there were 10-15 other vehicles with the same problem. updated 9/5/2006 - *nm
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Heard a "popping" noise, then lost power steering when turning left. Right turns work fine, but no power steering to the left. *Jb
- Steering › Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion steering failed while driving, would not allow a left turn. right turning can be accomplished with one finger, however left turns require tremendous strength. recall issued for grand prix and similar 97 pontiac's, but not the bonneville. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Dt: caller said the plastic intake manifold broke . This happened without warning. Caller's wife had to get help to push the car off the road, and car was towed to a dealer. Caller said there was a recall # 04v090000. Manufacturer said this vehicle was not covered under the recall and would not offer any assistance. *ak *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
The intake manifold gasket on my 1997 pontiac bonneville 3800 series engine failed causing coolant to gain access to internal engine parts. This caused the engine to seize and become totally inoperable requiring the engine to be replaced at a cost of $2200.00. this failure also happend in a…
The intake manifold gasket on my 1997 pontiac bonneville 3800 series engine failed causing coolant to gain access to internal engine parts. This caused the engine to seize and become totally inoperable requiring the engine to be replaced at a cost of $2200.00. this failure also happend in a pontiac grand prix, that I also owned, with the same series of engine. The cost of the repair to the grand prix was approx. $650.00. The engine in the grand prix did not have to be replaced. looking at and reading the various gm message boards on the internet, this problem seems to be fairly prevalent with the 3800 series of engine. Gm continues to ignore this with no regard to the consumer.
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
The plastic intake manifold on my 1997 bonneville warped causing coolant to leak into the engine which then seized the engine. Replaced intake manifold and rebuilt both engine heads. Total cost was $1,525. My mechanic told me this IS a common problem on the gm 3800 series engines because the upper…
The plastic intake manifold on my 1997 bonneville warped causing coolant to leak into the engine which then seized the engine. Replaced intake manifold and rebuilt both engine heads. Total cost was $1,525. My mechanic told me this IS a common problem on the gm 3800 series engines because the upper intake manifold IS plastic. About 2 weeks later, a rod bearing failed. I was told it failed prematurely because coolant had entered the engine. I do not have a repair estimate yet. I believe all of these problems are related to the defective upper intake manifold. *Ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
G.m. 3800 seriesii V-6 engine plastic upper intake manifold plenum & gaskets. failure of inferior parts in conjuction with dex cool (g.m. Anti-freeze/coolant). Causing deterioration and failure of plenum forcing coolant into engine. Engine immediately seizes,trying to restart will cause damage to…
G.m. 3800 seriesii V-6 engine plastic upper intake manifold plenum & gaskets. failure of inferior parts in conjuction with dex cool (g.m. Anti-freeze/coolant). Causing deterioration and failure of plenum forcing coolant into engine. Engine immediately seizes,trying to restart will cause damage to starter,flywheel,batt.,and engine. Remedy? Tow to g.m. Service center replace upper intake manifold plenum,manifold gskts,spark plugs & wires,starter,pwr-flush eng.& cooling sys.,replace all fluids. G.m. IS aware of problem they should be held accountable. Service mngr. Told me damages to veh.was not due lack of maintenance but use of plastic parts and coolant by g.m. This a major defect & problem. Cost of repairs? $1,300.00. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Vehicle back fired while driving,then stalled without warning. Driver tried to restart vehicle, but was unable to do so. Driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and mechanic determined that the intake manifold needed to be replaced. *ak
- Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Gas recirculation valve (egr valve) · Power train › Automatic transmission · Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Pump
Nar 1/29/2003. the vehicle was delivered to the consumer with a bent water pump and a bent wheel. The alternator, power steering pump, transmission and egr valve were replaced. *Jb
- Seats › Front assembly › Recliner
While leaning back in the front driver's seat, the reclining part of the seat fails to hold me.*ak
- Seat belts › Rear/other
The rear seat belts do not work. the latches are mixed, they do not go together. they have gm on the belts.*ak
- Steering › Column locking › Anti-theft device
When turning the steering wheel towards the left, the steering wheel would lock-up, causing the consumer to lose control of the vehicle. The owner took the vehicle to the dealership to be inspected. please provide any further details. *la
- Steering › Rack and pinion
While making a left hand turn vehicle lost power steering. Consumer had to use force to turn steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak the consumer notified the manufacturer who stated that there was no recall on the vehicle but there were recalls on other…
While making a left hand turn vehicle lost power steering. Consumer had to use force to turn steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *Ak the consumer notified the manufacturer who stated that there was no recall on the vehicle but there were recalls on other models with the same rack and pinion. the consumer was told that his vehicle was not produced at the plant of the recalled cars. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling
I paid the stated amount to replace a component referred to me as a "plennum". The symptom my car was having was, it was overheating. It IS made of plastic and IS mounted on the top of the 3800 engine. Little did I know, that the damage had already been done. The failed part had leaked…
I paid the stated amount to replace a component referred to me as a "plennum". The symptom my car was having was, it was overheating. It IS made of plastic and IS mounted on the top of the 3800 engine. Little did I know, that the damage had already been done. The failed part had leaked coolant into the engine. A week and a half after having the plennum replaced, my car broke down. I have been advised that the leaking coolant into the engine from the plennum had caused premature failure of a "rod bearing" in the engine. The coolant I'm told ate away the bearing lubricant. I am told my only option at this point IS an engine replacement. I am not a car mechanic by any means and suspected nothing, and was told nothing. I understand and accept the fact that man made products wear out and need replacing. This to me seems to be a poor engineering flaw that costs a lot of money to fix. I did not include the $2000.00 engine replacement in my total repair cost above. The plastic plennum part, by the way, was replaced with another plastic part. I told the driver that was returning me home while the plennum was being replaced, that I was intending to trade my bonneville in on a montana minivan this summer. His reply to me was that they are experiencing the same problem with the montana, as well as other vehicles with the 3800 engine. It sems clear to me that there IS obviously a problem here that needs to be recalled.
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.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 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.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10135203This preliminary bulletin provides a way to aid the technician in diagnosing transmission fluid leaking from the trans breather vent.
- 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.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 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.
- 635006Information on servicing 4t65-e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets for various models from 1997 through 2002.
- 634997Information on servicing 4t65e transaxle spacer plate and gaskets.
- 634985Concerns with slips, harsh upshift or garage shifts, launch shudders, flares, erratic shifts and intermittent concerns, diagnostic trouble code p1811 or p0748 set.
- 634813Some owners may comment on a repeat engine oil pan leak.
- 628928Some owners may comment on a transmission oil leak. Updated
- 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).
- 602997Some vehicles may experience vehicle surging at 72 to 89 km/h ( 45 to 55 mph ).
- 602983Concerns of door handles on white painted vehicles truning yellow.
- 602979Some comments on vehicle surge.
- 602759Rear compartment lid difficult to close.
- 602751Some customers may comment that the vehicle
- 601905Comment that the vehicle's compass display IS too dim, has an uneven display or no display.
- 601052Experiencing a transaxle gear whine noise on coast down or light acceleration between 20 and 40 mph.
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.