2001 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Owner complaints
129 complaints6 involved a crash20 involved a fire9 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
My car caught on fire back in january 2020 under the hood on my way to work the fire started behind the vale cover gaskets and now oil IS leaking on the manifold gaskets and gas IS mixing with the oil and I can't drive my car anymore help me please.
- Engine · Fuel system, gasoline · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil out of the valve cover gasket and the spark plug wire retainer causing a misfire. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle leaked oil out of the valve cover gasket and the spark plug wire retainer causing a misfire. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was restarted but failed to properly accelerate while driving. The contact stated that there were fumes inside of the vehicle which caused eye irritation. The contact stated that the TPMS, check engine, service engine, seat belt, and air bags warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, after refueling, the fuel gauge failed to provide an accurate fuel reading. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed that the spark plug retainer and valve cover gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v238000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 264,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2001 pontiac bonneville. While driving out of the driveway, the engine made an abnormal banging sound and the vehicle caught fire. The engine blew up and produced a thick cloud of smoke. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed and there were…
TL* the contact owned a 2001 pontiac bonneville. While driving out of the driveway, the engine made an abnormal banging sound and the vehicle caught fire. The engine blew up and produced a thick cloud of smoke. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was totaled. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Air bags
My son was in a car accident and his airbags didn't deploy.
- Engine
Valve cover gaskets leaking oil can get on exhaust manifold causing an engine fire.
- Service brakes
Steel brake lines have corroded to the point of failure. Vehicle will not stop. brake fluid leaks
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle caught fire and exploded when the ignition key was inserted. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Engine
I had left my lights on and battery went dead. Went to jump the vehicle and charge the battery. Cables connected correctly. When I went to start the vehicle, I heard a loud explosion noise like a back fire but saw a flame then smoke out of engine. The engine hood was closed since the battery IS…
I had left my lights on and battery went dead. Went to jump the vehicle and charge the battery. Cables connected correctly. When I went to start the vehicle, I heard a loud explosion noise like a back fire but saw a flame then smoke out of engine. The engine hood was closed since the battery IS located under the back seat or this could have been fatal or a serious injury. The flame must have been extinguished by the fluids? When we opened the hood after a short period, we found that their was some type of explosion in the engine. The vehicle was stationary and in my driveway
- Unknown or other
I just currently bought this vehicle in march when I got no lights or anything was on a couple days later my engine light came on and the brake lights came on saying that my track IS off also when I try to go over 50 miles per hour the car shakes really bad I took it back to the dealership and they told me they did not have a mechanic to look at it and it happen to me 3 times when I took it there.
- Steering
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. While driving 25 mph making a right turn, the steering wheel made an abnormal noise. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
- Air bags
My son was the passenger in a head on collision with airbag deployment and his eyeball was severed by the airbag. My son received his prosthetic eye for his 18TH birthday. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact attempted to engage the brakes and the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and repaired. The type of…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. While driving approximately 45 mph, the contact attempted to engage the brakes and the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and repaired. The type of repairs were unknown and the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was unavailable. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. updated 11/12/14*lj
- Electrical system
Car just shuts off when sitting at a stoplight and will not restart. Have had the car towed to dealer only to find after sitting it fires right up and the computer shows no problem. It has on 1 occasion shut off while driving on the road, but after pulling in neutral it did restart. It IS still…
Car just shuts off when sitting at a stoplight and will not restart. Have had the car towed to dealer only to find after sitting it fires right up and the computer shows no problem. It has on 1 occasion shut off while driving on the road, but after pulling in neutral it did restart. It IS still sitting at the dealership because they drive it shuts off they get it back to dealership and it restarts and IS fine per computer. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise when first started and caught on fire. The fire department was called and assisted with extinguishing the fire. There were no injuries. After the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise when first started and caught on fire. The fire department was called and assisted with extinguishing the fire. There were no injuries. After the fire was extinguished, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the fuel pressure regulator, upper intake manifold, fuel injectors, fuel line, master cylinder, alternator, engine wiring harness, coolant reservoir, accelerator cable, and several other components would need to be replaced. The cause of the fire was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 86,700.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
We had a lot of snow and I live on a slight hill. went to start the car that was covered in snow to move the car on the other side of the street facing down hill. I turned the key to start the car and heard it pop or backfire which it had never done before. I tried again to start the car and now…
We had a lot of snow and I live on a slight hill. went to start the car that was covered in snow to move the car on the other side of the street facing down hill. I turned the key to start the car and heard it pop or backfire which it had never done before. I tried again to start the car and now it sounded like the battery was dead (which I knew it could not have been). the next thing I knew, a neighbor ripped open my driver door and was pulling me out of the car saying "your car IS on fire". my neighbors called 911 for the fire department who came and put the fire out but the car was totaled! I am fortunate that the neighbors heard the pop, came outside, saw the flames under the car, and I was not hurt. this happened with the car parked right in front of my house! still unbelievable and very frightening! *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle but when the key was turned in the ignition, there was an explosion from under to hood. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that a fire had erupted from under the hood. The contact was…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that he attempted to start the vehicle but when the key was turned in the ignition, there was an explosion from under to hood. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed that a fire had erupted from under the hood. The contact was not injured. The contact stated that the fire department extinguished the fire but was unable to determine the origin of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
- Engine and engine cooling
When I drive my car it shuts down on me while driving and I have to wait at least 20 mins before it starts back up and sometimes it smells like something IS burning. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Gas fumes coming into the car. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the cabin of the vehicle would take in the exhaust fumes from the contact's vehicle and other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to a fire department due to the possibility of carbon monoxide entering the vehicle however, their…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the cabin of the vehicle would take in the exhaust fumes from the contact's vehicle and other vehicles. The vehicle was taken to a fire department due to the possibility of carbon monoxide entering the vehicle however, their machines did not detect any carbon monoxide. The contact stated that the colder the weather, the worse the odor would become. The failure caused the contact and anyone who entered the vehicle to suffer from headaches. The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer or an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and advised her to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for inspection. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000. The current mileage was approximately 126,000.
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that fuel fumes would seep into the vehicle and the vehicle would emit a loud clicking noise. A local mechanic and dealer were unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 174,000 and the current mileage was 190,000.
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
On october 27,2011 I came on from work around 7:00 pm turn my car of and went into the house. I heard some one bamming on the back door , I open the door and a guy said that your car IS on fire he asked if I had any on else in the house I told him yes so I go inside to get my children out the…
On october 27,2011 I came on from work around 7:00 pm turn my car of and went into the house. I heard some one bamming on the back door , I open the door and a guy said that your car IS on fire he asked if I had any on else in the house I told him yes so I go inside to get my children out the house. That IS when I saw the same guy who was knock on the door use my hose pipe spraying water on the car. At that time I called the sheriff's department they advise me that the plaquemine fire department was on there way. The fire department put the rest of the fire out. One of the fire fighter told me that it was an electrical fire. *tr
- Steering
Steering shaft on my 2001 bonneville ssei making grinding and clunking noise. The sound IS more noticeable at lower speeds below 20 mph. I have head from other bonneville owners this IS an ongoing expensive problem. The design of the steering shaft seems to be flawed. *tr
- Electrical system
My 2001 pontiac bonneville has started shutting off while driving and then when you get in the car sometimes it starts sometimes it doesn't you may have to sit there over five minutes turning key on and off and finally it will start sometimes taking up to 10 tries before it starts other times it…
My 2001 pontiac bonneville has started shutting off while driving and then when you get in the car sometimes it starts sometimes it doesn't you may have to sit there over five minutes turning key on and off and finally it will start sometimes taking up to 10 tries before it starts other times it will start after 2 I will be driving down the road and highways and suddenly the car will just turn off it will eventually start again however doing this at the wrong time and certain disaster will arrive either another car hitting me while I am sitting still or many wrecks being caused by this problem. *Tr
- Visibility
First incident happened when I was just driving to work I went to lower the rear window heard a noise and the window fell down. I tried to shut it, but it would not close, the motor did not work and I only had 52,000 miles on the car. second incident happened last week when I was driving to the…
First incident happened when I was just driving to work I went to lower the rear window heard a noise and the window fell down. I tried to shut it, but it would not close, the motor did not work and I only had 52,000 miles on the car. second incident happened last week when I was driving to the store with my baby granddaughter and the window on the other side did the same thing. difference here it was a cold day in maine and my 16 month old granddaughter was in her car seat in the back. tried to get it closed but it would fall right back down. I had to get the parents to come get the baby because it would have been to cold for me to drive her home with the wind coming through the window I now have 62,331 miles on this car. This IS very unsafe, all 2001 bonnevilles should be recalled, and have the windows fixed.
- Engine and engine cooling
Battery dead, charged the car, started it up...the engine caught fire(plenum). ins agent said it was the plenum and that it IS a common problem with these vehicles. gm IS lucky no one was hurt!!!! *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine compartment fire
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged…
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (Gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by nhtsa recall number 08v-118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal GS and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the L67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series II V6 engine.the recalled regal GS vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it IS possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm IS sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles IS low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation IS closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
- 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.
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004761This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232156This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10230605This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10224309This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The General Motors of Canada Customer Care Centre is the sole authorized provider of a certification confirmation letter which helps our customers identify if their vehicles meets the required USA regulatory standards necessary for importation into the USA.
- 10224273This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10216361This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.