1998 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 1998
These records cover every 1998 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 1998 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.
On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 V6 (L36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. a leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. if the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can…
Risk and remedy
Risk
The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. the rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. phase 1 began on june 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on september 30, 2004. owners should contact buick at 1-866-608-8080, oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Owner complaints
277 complaints9 involved a crash28 involved a fire7 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine
Engine compartment fire approximately 30 mins after shutdown. incident 2015-00001363
- Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Service brakes · Steering · Structure
The back two cradle mounts on both sides rusted out and mounts pulled through the cradle causing the steering to become loose filling and causing steering to be out of alignment and when hit brakes front would dart one way or the other and lots of noise coming from under vehicle from cradle bouncing when hitting bumps tried the find one in junk yards and all are that way. *tr
- Equipment adaptive/mobility · Structure › Body · Suspension
My car has been stolen from sioux falls residents home july 10 th but have a police report [xxx] been spotted in mitchell off interstate 90 first parking lot right after exit 90 into mitchell tanish color trunk has bunngie cord on trunk silver small spot on passenger side pontiac 1998. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Vehicle speed control
I was driving on the new york thruway and all of a sudden, my car shut off. I had to power steer, no power brakes, the fuel gauge read no fuel and the bells went off. I had to try to get to a safe place and restart my car. this has happened many more times. I can be going 25mph or 70mph; I can…
I was driving on the new york thruway and all of a sudden, my car shut off. I had to power steer, no power brakes, the fuel gauge read no fuel and the bells went off. I had to try to get to a safe place and restart my car. this has happened many more times. I can be going 25mph or 70mph; I can have the cruise on or off; I can have the heat or a/c on or off, it does not matter; in all cases, the engine shuts off when I am not expecting it. *js
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel system, gasoline
On multiple occasions I have pulled to a dead stop at a light and during the idling time the engine shuts off and it will not start again. Very embarrassing set of trips to nearby grocer. .. *tr
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the power steering suddenly failed causing the steering wheel very difficult to turn. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete road divider. The contact sustained a…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph, the power steering suddenly failed causing the steering wheel very difficult to turn. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a concrete road divider. The contact sustained a back injury that required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000. Dr
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
As I was driving along the engine, power steering, and brakes failed. I had to restart the car and hopefully resume driving so the car coming behind me did not crash into me. this has happened numerous times since including times while on I-95, I-81, rural mountainous roads (which resulted in my…
As I was driving along the engine, power steering, and brakes failed. I had to restart the car and hopefully resume driving so the car coming behind me did not crash into me. this has happened numerous times since including times while on I-95, I-81, rural mountainous roads (which resulted in my car rolling backwards), and city traffic. I have taken it in numerous times to my mechanic and he has not come up with a reason as to why this IS happening. I am given no warning by my car that this IS about to happen. the warning bell chimes and the car fails at the same time. this happened last evening and the car behind me had to swerve to avoid a crash. please add my car to your recall or give me some kind of answer to take to my mechanic. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and it was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 53,506.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle overheated. The contact then attempted to park the vehicle however, the vehicle then stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle overheated. The contact then attempted to park the vehicle however, the vehicle then stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed that the intake manifold was melted and the head gasket was blown. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 62,000.
- Electrical system
About a week prior to incident, I got a whiff of a burning smell, 2 days in a row, short quick scent. next 4 days, smelled nothing (even drove car 80 miles one way and back). day of incident, I was traveling about 10 mph when white smoke came from the heater vent. I increased speed to about 30…
About a week prior to incident, I got a whiff of a burning smell, 2 days in a row, short quick scent. next 4 days, smelled nothing (even drove car 80 miles one way and back). day of incident, I was traveling about 10 mph when white smoke came from the heater vent. I increased speed to about 30 mph to get to a safe spot, and black smoke billowed out of heat vent on top of dashboard, and front of dashboard. turned corner to get out of traffic, came to a stop and flames shot out of cigarette lighter, and air vent in front of dash. heater was off, radio was off, and cigarette lighter was not being used. car fully engulfed in approximately 2-3 minutes. car totaled. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but it hesitated to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the plastic gasket from…
TL* the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 mph the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but it hesitated to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who stated that the plastic gasket from the intake manifold failed and caused engine coolant to leak into the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for diagnostics.the vehicle was towed to the dealer where the technicians replaced the intake manifold and the intake manifold gasket. After the repairs, the contact heard a knocking noise coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer for diagnostics, but was not repaired a second time. The approximate failure mileage was 80,433.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
98 pontiac 86,000 miles intake manifold failed for the second time... Parts replaced...spark plugs (fouled)..starter assembly.. motor was waterlocked broke starter...intake manifold gasket replaced.....oil changed due to coolant contamination...replace antifreeze...total bill labor and parts... $1387.99..gm has numerous service bulletins on this issue...why has a recall not be issued for this problem ?? *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
The air intake gasket has failed for 2 reasons. 1 factory tightly put the bolts on to tight. 2 plastic gasket and plastic manifold parts do not meet government safety standards for, failure avoidance, because of materials used to connect the plastic to mettle creating a dangerous situation. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling
My upper intake manifold leaks engine coolant into the combustion chambers and into the crankcase. The egr tube melts the upper plastic manifold I have had the upper and lower intake replaced for this issue once before with gm parts and it happening again. if it not fixed the coolant can…
My upper intake manifold leaks engine coolant into the combustion chambers and into the crankcase. The egr tube melts the upper plastic manifold I have had the upper and lower intake replaced for this issue once before with gm parts and it happening again. if it not fixed the coolant can contaminate my oil and lock up my engine when traveling down the road and possibly cause me to crash. If the engine locks up I will lose power steering and braking ability. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
I own a 1998 pontiac bonneville SE. I saw recently that gm was recalling 1.5 million vehicles with the 3800 3.8 ltr V6. Was wondering how they could recall those vehicles and not mine, my car IS in the same year range "1998" and has the exact motor "3800 3.8 V6" and oil drips on manifold on my car as well. What kind of info can I get on this? Thank you *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
98 bonneville with 3800 series engine. noticed coolant was low so I added coolant, then replaced thermostat because heater was putting out cold air. saw big cloud of white smoke. took to the dealer and they said that due to a known defect involving a plastic manifold and egr valve that the…
98 bonneville with 3800 series engine. noticed coolant was low so I added coolant, then replaced thermostat because heater was putting out cold air. saw big cloud of white smoke. took to the dealer and they said that due to a known defect involving a plastic manifold and egr valve that the coolant had mixed with the oil due to holes caused by the defect in the upper and lower manifolds. called pontiac directly and they said sorry about your situation but no recall. contacted previous owner and he said the same thing happened 3 years ago and he had the same thing fixed. long story short, I'm spending $1400 for a problem that the engineers of this engine knew was a problem from the beginning of production. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
6 months after purchasing this professional cared for car (gm garage 8YRS) from my mother with only 62,000 miles on it I began seeing coolant on the engine which led me to have my mechanic at precision tune auto care take a look. He said it IS likely a leak from either the plenum or the gasket.…
6 months after purchasing this professional cared for car (gm garage 8YRS) from my mother with only 62,000 miles on it I began seeing coolant on the engine which led me to have my mechanic at precision tune auto care take a look. He said it IS likely a leak from either the plenum or the gasket. After digging into it they ended up replacing upper plenum and lower intake gasket and coolant and oil. Cost was 739.71. Mileage on car at that time was 78540. I have receipt from precision. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Foundation components › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. the contact stated that the rear brake line, from left to right, failed in the rear passenger side wheel and leaked brake fluid. subsequently, the failure caused brake failure. while driving 15 mph, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. the contact stated that the rear brake line, from left to right, failed in the rear passenger side wheel and leaked brake fluid. subsequently, the failure caused brake failure. while driving 15 mph, the brake pedal extended to the floor when it was depressed. the sales dealer advised the contact to consult the manufacturer. the manufacturer stated that if he only had 100,000 miles on the vehicle, they would have replaced the brake line. the current mileage was 111,526 and failure mileage was 111,520. Updated 10/14/08. *lj the consumer stated the brake lines were rusted and pitted. Updated 10/16/08. *Jb
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. when the engine was turned off, fluid leaked onto the ground from beneath the engine compartment. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or a mechanic. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the manufacturer stated that the vin…
Tl*the contact owns a 1998 pontiac bonneville. when the engine was turned off, fluid leaked onto the ground from beneath the engine compartment. the vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or a mechanic. there were no warning indicators prior to the failure. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number 04v090000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). the failure mileage was 154,000 and current mileage was 154,735. updated
- Air bags
Drivers side and passengers side airbags did not deploy in auto accident. Front drivers side impact then rolled 3 times.*cn
- Engine and engine cooling · Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
1998 pontiac bonneville poor production manifold/gaskets. customer states that the manifold/gaskets and dex. Cool were in poor production on her vehicle. *kb the upper intake manifold needed to be replaced. The thermostat and gasket had coolant in them. the mass air flow sensor was bad. Metal…
1998 pontiac bonneville poor production manifold/gaskets. customer states that the manifold/gaskets and dex. Cool were in poor production on her vehicle. *kb the upper intake manifold needed to be replaced. The thermostat and gasket had coolant in them. the mass air flow sensor was bad. Metal fragments were found in the oil which was coming from, the rod bearing that failed due to the vehicle over heating and coolant in the oil. the catalytic converter needed to be replaced because the vehicle was riding rough and the engine was shaking. The consumer stated there was a recall on the vehicle to prevent the manifold from cracking. After the recall was performed in july 2004, the manifold cracked one month later. The consumer stated ever since the recall was performed she has engine problems. The consumer stated when the upper intake manifold was replaced in august 2004 the lower manifold should have been replaced as well to prevent future damage, however since it was not replaced, stop leak pellets mixed with the dex-cool and the lower intake manifold leaked.
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system
I am the owner of a 1998 pontiac bonneville with a 3800 engine. I am the original owner and the car has less then 42,000 miles on it. The upper intake (plenum) and seals have failed resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. I phoned an acquaintance who worked as a technician at the gm power…
I am the owner of a 1998 pontiac bonneville with a 3800 engine. I am the original owner and the car has less then 42,000 miles on it. The upper intake (plenum) and seals have failed resulting in coolant leaking into the engine. I phoned an acquaintance who worked as a technician at the gm power train engineering facility in flint, michigan where the 3800 engine was engineered. He said it was common knowledge by the engineering skilled trades employees that the upper intake design was flawed. There were many intake failures observed during dynamometer testing. Some even exploded. I was told that the engineers and management was well aware of the defective design, but for some reason, changes were not made. I can direct investigators to employees who witnessed intake design failures in the testing facilities. *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline
The 3800 engine in my pontiac has in the past two years for some reason has had to have the intake manifold replaced twice because it has cracked. I am trying to out if there IS a recall or some sort of reimbursement for this problem on the 1998 pontiac bonneville or other 3800 series engines? *nm
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was stopped at an idle, the engine rpms elevated, and the oil gauge indicated low pressure, followed by engine hesitation. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined no oil leak was present, but a plug wire to the engine cylinder needed to be replaced. the problem persisted after the repairs were performed. the manufacturer was contacted.
- Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated, there was an intermittent problem starting the vehicle, a severe hesitation when accelerating from a stop, as well as backfiring of the engine. An independent service mechanic discovered low fluid levels in the radiator, wet and rusted spark plugs, cracked head gaskets and…
Dt*: the contact stated, there was an intermittent problem starting the vehicle, a severe hesitation when accelerating from a stop, as well as backfiring of the engine. An independent service mechanic discovered low fluid levels in the radiator, wet and rusted spark plugs, cracked head gaskets and the piston had torn through the oil pan. The manufacturer the recalled (04v090000) item was replaced in july of 2004 by the previous owner of the vehicle and the recall was closed out. The vehicle was taken to the dealer service mechanic for computer diagnostics.*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.
- 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.
- 10116612This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 10116564This informational bulletin provides information on wheel bearing P/N 13582664 being received new with visible rust and no action is needed as this does not affect the part performance.
- 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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10017568Intermittent chuggle or fishbite on light acceleration or a highway speeds with no diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs).
- 10016464Wire harness may be stretched, or the pcs may not be oriented in the same position, after installing a service replacement valve body assembly. Gm tech link.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
- 10012148New rear main seal and special tool for installation.
- 10008471New upper intake manifold and gasket kits.
- 10007859Upcoming product safety recall fuel pressure regulator.
- 6092333Some customers may comment that the black plastic housing around the outside rear view mirror turns chalky or IS dull in color.
- 6088955Subject regarding low power / stumble when accelerating in turns or straight line.
- 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
- 608390Subject on on-board diagnostic (obd) system improvements. *Mjs
- 607351Vehicles with hydra-matic transaxle may exhibit vehicle shudder when reapplying throttle (greater than 50%) after stopping.
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.