Pontiac Bonneville Fuel System, Gasoline Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jul 14, 2026 · 113 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 113 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Pontiac Bonneville across 9 model years. The 1998 model year has the most (33). The words owners use most often: “intake manifold” (27% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Intake manifold: mentioned in 31 of 113 complaints (27%)
  • Fuel pressure: mentioned in 17 of 113 complaints (15%)
  • Consumer states: mentioned in 9 of 113 complaints (8%)
  • Gasoline delivery: mentioned in 6 of 113 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?

Based on 52 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles1 · 2%
10k–25k miles2 · 4%
25k–50k miles10 · 19%
50k–75k miles9 · 17%
75k–100k miles10 · 19%
100k–150k miles12 · 23%
150k+ miles8 · 15%

How serious are the reports?

Of 113 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 19 a fire, 1 an injury.

Pontiac Bonneville fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year

Peak: 1998, with 33 complaints
1995: 7199571996: 191996191997: 9199791998: 331998331999: 191999192000: 9200092001: 112001112002: 3200232003: 320033

n = 113 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearFuel System, Gasoline complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2003 Bonneville36%97,000
2002 Bonneville33%43,500
2001 Bonneville119%103,000
2000 Bonneville94%74,000
1999 Bonneville1913%91,129
1998 Bonneville3312%60,789
1997 Bonneville96%64,303
1996 Bonneville1913%127,000
1995 Bonneville73%103,725

When owners reported it

Peak: 2002, with 26 complaints
1996: 1199611997: 111998: 2199821999: 112000: 4200042001: 772002: 262002262003: 772004: 252004252005: 882006: 2200622007: 442008: 102008102009: 332010: 4201042011: 332012: 1201212014: 222015: 1201512020: 11

n = 113 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (3)

Fuel system, gasoline:deliveryFeb 24, 2004 · NHTSA campaign 04V090000 · 910,873 vehicles

Model years: 1998, 1999, 2000

Problem: 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 cause a backfire.

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblyJul 1, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V238000 · 102,212 vehicles

Model years: 2002, 2003

Problem: 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 malfunctions. If the sensor malfunctions, excessive vacuum can be applied during self-diagnostic testing.

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel system, gasoline:fuel injection systemJul 1, 1996 · NHTSA campaign 96V116000 · 275,811 vehicles

Model years: 1996

Problem: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.

Risk: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.

Fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

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…

Received Aug 6, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11343664

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…

Received Sep 25, 2015 · NHTSA complaint 10776535

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…

Received Oct 9, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10643528

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

Received Jun 3, 2014 · NHTSA complaint 10595871

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…

Received Mar 27, 2012 · NHTSA complaint 10453204
Pontiac Bonneville
1964 Pontiac Bonneville photographed in Laval , Quebec , Canada at Centropolis Laval.. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Pontiac Bonnevilles have fuel system, gasoline problems?

No. NHTSA has 113 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline for the Pontiac Bonneville. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Pontiac Bonneville fuel system, gasoline?

Yes: 3 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the Pontiac Bonneville?

The most frequent phrase is “intake manifold”, in 31 of 113 complaints, followed by “fuel pressure” (17).

Other Pontiac Bonneville problems

See all Pontiac Bonneville problems.