Pontiac Bonneville Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
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).
- 113fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
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.
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
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Bonneville | 3 | 6% | 97,000 |
| 2002 Bonneville | 3 | 3% | 43,500 |
| 2001 Bonneville | 11 | 9% | 103,000 |
| 2000 Bonneville | 9 | 4% | 74,000 |
| 1999 Bonneville | 19 | 13% | 91,129 |
| 1998 Bonneville | 33 | 12% | 60,789 |
| 1997 Bonneville | 9 | 6% | 64,303 |
| 1996 Bonneville | 19 | 13% | 127,000 |
| 1995 Bonneville | 7 | 3% | 103,725 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
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 assembly
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 system
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…
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 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…
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
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…

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
- Engine and Engine Cooling problems (479)
- Electrical System problems (226)
- Steering problems (178)
- Visibility problems (118)
- Air Bags problems (117)
- Power Train problems (116)
See all Pontiac Bonneville problems.