1979 Pontiac Bonneville problems

Common 1979 Pontiac Bonneville problems

The 1979 Pontiac Bonneville, a full-size car from the American automaker, is known for its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and powerful engine. However, like any other car, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported over the years.

One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the car's braking system. The master cylinder, an essential component of the braking system, tends to fail at around 140,000 miles. This can lead to a loss of braking power, making it difficult to stop the car safely. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the fuel pump, which may need to be replaced with an electric one.

Another common problem with the 1979 Pontiac Bonneville is related to the gas gauge. Some owners have reported that their gas gauge does not work properly, making it difficult to determine the amount of fuel left in the tank. This can be a significant inconvenience, especially during long trips.

The headliner, a fabric-covered panel that covers the interior ceiling of the car, is another component that tends to fail in the 1979 Pontiac Bonneville. Some owners have reported that their headliner has started to sag, which can affect the car's overall appearance and aesthetics.

Despite these issues, the 1979 Pontiac Bonneville remains a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and powerful engine make it a desirable car for those who appreciate full-size American sedans. However, potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor them into their decision-making process. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure that the car remains in good condition and provides a comfortable and reliable driving experience.

What cars did Pontiac make in 1979?

Select a 1979 Pontiac Model

• 1979 Bonneville.
• 1979 Bonneville Brougham.
• 1979 Bonneville Safari.
• 1979 Catalina.
• 1979 Catalina Safari.
• 1979 Firebird.
• 1979 Grand Am.
• 1979 Grand Lemans.

Was the Pontiac Bonneville a luxury car?

It entered the production lineup as a high-performance, fuel-injected luxury convertible version of the Star Chief in 1957, and was loaded with every available option as standard equipment to include leather upholstery, power adjustable front seat, power windows, power steering, power brakes and power convertible top ...

What was the last year they made the Pontiac Bonneville?

2005

The Bonneville made its last stand in 2005 before being resigned to the history books. Pontiac itself lasted not much longer. But it was a great name, and Bonnevilles are great cars. There are still plenty of Pontiac lovers out there today—I'm one of them.

What was the first year of the Pontiac Bonneville?

The Bonneville nameplate appeared on the Star Chief lineup as a trim level, but in 1958 Pontiac introduced it as a separate, personal luxury coupe model.

How reliable are Pontiac Bonneville?

Bonneville owners have made 494 complaints over 16 model years. It ranks 10th in reliability out of 17 eligible Pontiac models. Our reliability rank is based on our PainRank™ system. A higher number means you can expect more significant problems.

How long can a Pontiac Bonneville last?

The bigger car ride, smaller car handling, full instrumentation and adult styling made the Bonnies an all-American car. The 3800 engine is very hard to fault and this car can easily last 200,000 miles with modest attention.

Was the Pontiac Bonneville a luxury car?

It entered the production lineup as a high-performance, fuel-injected luxury convertible version of the Star Chief in 1957, and was loaded with every available option as standard equipment to include leather upholstery, power adjustable front seat, power windows, power steering, power brakes and power convertible top ...

What kind of engine does a Pontiac Bonneville have?

A 3.8-litre with 205 ponies is standard on the Bonneville; a supercharged version of the same engine is optional.

1979 Pontiac Bonneville car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Bonneville problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

• Electrical system problems
• Service brakes problems
• Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1979 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.