2003 Pontiac Bonneville
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Bonneville › 2003
These records cover every 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. Newest first.
On certain cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a V8 (4.6L) engine, oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a V8 (4.0L ) engine, and pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged V6 (3.8L) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are unusually susceptible to…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel system components can be damaged and fuel can leak from the vehicle when it IS refueled. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. owner notification began on october 17, 2003. owners should contact cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Certain passenger, MINI vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. owner notification began august 15, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact buick at 1-800-521-7300, cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, GMC at 1-800-462-8782, oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537, or pontiac at 1-800-762-2737.
Owner complaints
54 complaints3 involved a crash5 involved a fire2 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Look at the car the car is located [XXX] first of all you start off as a passcode 2 system and then it says passcode 3 system on the thing and I just don't want to deal with this because you have the cut off switch you have the fuel cut off switch but you still have current going through the switch…
Look at the car the car is located [XXX] first of all you start off as a passcode 2 system and then it says passcode 3 system on the thing and I just don't want to deal with this because you have the cut off switch you have the fuel cut off switch but you still have current going through the switch or the fuel they fuel I'll probably leaking into the tank it doesn't start but still sending fuel the oil has excessive amount of liquid in it so does transmission I bought it used the guy goes you know I lost the key go in and remove it I started without the key you know or something like that and I said well here's I got the chamber and I will get it anyway I don't want to deal with this take your car around it took that he sold a mindful but it took the Kelly converter around he didn't tell me about it he asked who did it well he was the city I guess a city bought this car now they're trying to sell it I work clean the electrical Transit system to get a car doesn't work just take it just get it out of it I'm going to be blunt with you just get this XXX car off the property please thank you the XXX had no gas now it shows a full tank of gas just trying to blow me up at this XXX or what just get the XXX out my property man thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Unknown or other
Passenger control arm IS bad
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. While the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign, smoke emerged from underneath the hood without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact called a local dealer (wheelers chevrolet of medford, 704 n 8TH st, medford, wi 54461)…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. While the vehicle was stopped at a stop sign, smoke emerged from underneath the hood without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The contact called a local dealer (wheelers chevrolet of medford, 704 n 8TH st, medford, wi 54461) and was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to nhtsa. The failure mileage was approximately 113,600.
- Power train
With the key turned to acc you can pull the car out of park without depressing the brake pedal. with the key turned to run you must depress the brake pedal to pull it out of park. car IS not running. also checked 3 other pontiac bonneville's. one IS a 2002 vin # [xxx]. they all showed…
With the key turned to acc you can pull the car out of park without depressing the brake pedal. with the key turned to run you must depress the brake pedal to pull it out of park. car IS not running. also checked 3 other pontiac bonneville's. one IS a 2002 vin # [xxx]. they all showed the same operating characteristics. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Unknown or other
Check engine light has been on since 2003, have had 5 different service techs, including dealer look for the problem, no one seems to be able to fix or find the problem.
- Unknown or other
Burnt smell after running car. Serviceman checked and oil was leaking. Need new valve cover gaskets as leaking on manifold will cause a fire.
- Engine and engine cooling
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while moving the vehicle from its parked location, the contact noticed engine oil leaking on the ground under the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been experiencing diminished engine power. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while moving the vehicle from its parked location, the contact noticed engine oil leaking on the ground under the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been experiencing diminished engine power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. updated 03/16/16*jb
- Engine
Leaking oil, same engine as other cars in recent recall.
- Engine
The car I drive (3.8 liter six cylinder) has an oil leak coming from the left valve cover. after I come to a stop or make a left turn, I smell oil fumes and can see a light smoke coming from the front of the car. I've been reading about the current recall for cars made before and after my car. how do I get my car on list of recalls for repair?
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was leaking and the…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was leaking and the fuel tank pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 03v238000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 160,000. update 01/15/16 ma
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
My car shuts off while driving. I notice it because power steering IS hard to use and rpm's go down to zero and car has shut off. it started up again. this has been a real problem. dealer tested car and said it was a crankshaft sensor. I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the problem…
My car shuts off while driving. I notice it because power steering IS hard to use and rpm's go down to zero and car has shut off. it started up again. this has been a real problem. dealer tested car and said it was a crankshaft sensor. I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the problem continues. Cam sensor replaced too. This IS a safety issue. no one knows why the car shuts off when it wants to. now the car still shuts off while driving, but also it takes 2 to 3 times to restart. Still trying to figure this out. it IS august 2015 and I need this car. IS this a recall issue?
- Electrical system › Ignition
Pontiac bonneville 2003, car would just turn off while we were driving. We didn't realize it was turning off at first, we just thought the steering and brakes were becoming hard to work. we would have to pull over and turn the car back on. *js *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle and all the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that fuel fumes emitted into the vehicle and all the warning lights on the instrument panel illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that the sunroof failed to operate, both side mirrors would operate independently and when the vehicle was started a whistling noise activated that would last for several minutes. The independent mechanic replaced unknown parts. However, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving over a bump, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Fuel/propulsion system
The fuel injector started having issues, and the car has a whistling sound when the ignition IS turned on. The smell of gas IS coming from under the hood of the car. The electrical system has been off since we got the vehicle in november of 2013, the mirrors move by themselves and the sunroof never worked correctly. *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the ignition locked and prevented the key from turning to start the vehicle. On several occasions, the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The dealer replaced the key, but the failure persisted. the security sensor…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the ignition locked and prevented the key from turning to start the vehicle. On several occasions, the key was unable to be removed from the ignition. The dealer replaced the key, but the failure persisted. the security sensor illuminated and the vehicle was in security mode. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, but was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 143,875.
- Power train
The car will from time to time accelerate on its own. On one occasion I took it to the shop after it had been doing for about a week, however on the day I took it to the shop it was not doing it and the shop couldn't find anything wrong with it. Recently it had been doing it for a couple days and…
The car will from time to time accelerate on its own. On one occasion I took it to the shop after it had been doing for about a week, however on the day I took it to the shop it was not doing it and the shop couldn't find anything wrong with it. Recently it had been doing it for a couple days and the morning I was taking it to the shop, it would not do it so I did not take it because, as before, at the time there was nothing wrong with it. it seems to be an electronic or vacuum control problem. When it starts accelerating, I can put it into neutral and it will increase rpm's briefly then idle down. It IS unpredictable when it will start doing. On a straight road, it will get up to about 55 mph with my foot off the accelerator and cruise control off. If it starts doing again, I will take it to a shop right away. *tr
- Engine · Power train
While driving my vehicle lost power. I shifted vehicle to neutral and attempted restart. Engine restarted. Continued driving when drive over bumps, buckles in payment engine looses power. All needle indicators drop to off position, car starts to slow down, steering looses power, all lights go out…
While driving my vehicle lost power. I shifted vehicle to neutral and attempted restart. Engine restarted. Continued driving when drive over bumps, buckles in payment engine looses power. All needle indicators drop to off position, car starts to slow down, steering looses power, all lights go out as well. This IS a condition that has become increasing more dangerous as speeds increases. I had vehicle checked out and mechanics are unable to diagnosis. I previously owned 2001 pontiac bonneville as well which did the same when driven over bumps, or imperfections in the road. This IS my second complaint, and I have not heard anything. I previously stated I believe this problem IS related to recall gm has recently acknowledged for some cars. I don't believe they have included all vehicles that contain this problem. My previous odi (your confirmation number (odi number) IS: 10564622 )this problem should be noted, and included with safety recall by gm and nhtsa. *tr
- Engine
While driving my engine lost power completely. I had went over bump in the road and the vehicle lost all power. I place the car in neutral, and able to restart and continue driving. Hit bump in road again and engine lost power again. I was fortunate to be able to pull over. Restarted engine and…
While driving my engine lost power completely. I had went over bump in the road and the vehicle lost all power. I place the car in neutral, and able to restart and continue driving. Hit bump in road again and engine lost power again. I was fortunate to be able to pull over. Restarted engine and returned home. Had repair shop check vehicle for diagnosis and they were unable to resolve issue. Neither was gm dealer. I have had this happen everytime I go over bump in road, usually at speeds over 40 miles per hour. I had same problem with 2001 bonneville. I saw gm recalling 2005 G5 with same problem. I believe my problem IS related issue and IS a safety hazard that should be handled similarly by gm. I do not believe the problem IS limited to G5 and cobalt. As I stated 2001 and 2003 bonnevilles have same issue. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
On 8/1/11 while driving I heard a loud noise like I had been hit by something so I pulled off the highway and noticed that my left rear window had dropped down by itself and I could not raise it by activating the switch. Gm replaced the operator. On 12/13/13 my right front window operator failed…
On 8/1/11 while driving I heard a loud noise like I had been hit by something so I pulled off the highway and noticed that my left rear window had dropped down by itself and I could not raise it by activating the switch. Gm replaced the operator. On 12/13/13 my right front window operator failed and I shared the cost of the repair with gm. Now on 1/19/14 my right rear window operator has failed. I searched the internet and have found that many people have had this same problem. This vehicle has only 7300 miles on it and in my estimation should not have these problems. Gm should have a recall for this problem. *tr
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Acted like it was running out of gas, loss of power and speed. Only 50mph when a boom in the engine, pulled over popped the hood latch, saw smoke, exited car as flames came out of the hood. Called 911.. Car burnt to the ground. Witness stopped and told me that there IS a problem with faulty fuel lines . *Tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was notified that the under body carriage was severely damaged. The mechanic stated that the under carriage was welded together instead of replaced, which he…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed on the vehicle, she was notified that the under body carriage was severely damaged. The mechanic stated that the under carriage was welded together instead of replaced, which he advised was an extreme safety hazard. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 108,231.
- Power train · Steering
When I kicked it down. My service light stared to blink. Noise in my steering wheel and front of car. *tt
- Unknown or other
While driving my 2003 pontiac bonneville with 6500 miles on it I heard a loud noise which startled my to the point that I thought I had been hit by another car. When I got to my destination I discovered that my rear window had dropped and would not operate. I understand many people have had this same problem gm should have had a recall with this problem as it IS a very expensive fix. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that she noticed an overpowering fuel odor as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a repair facility where the contact was informed that the fuel tank and catalytic converter would need to be…
TL* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that she noticed an overpowering fuel odor as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a repair facility where the contact was informed that the fuel tank and catalytic converter would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the manufacturer who explained that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign ID number: 03v238000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly). The current and failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
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.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
- 10234141This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
Every Pontiac Bonneville model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.