1982 Pontiac Bonneville problems

Common 1982 Pontiac Bonneville problems

The Pontiac Bonneville, produced in 1982, faced several common problems based on complaints from owners. These issues primarily affected the car's engine, suspension, and electrical systems.

One of the most frequent engine problems was related to the ignition coil, which could cause a misfire or no-start condition due to failure from heat and vibration. The fuel injectors were also prone to becoming clogged or failing, leading to poor engine performance, rough idling, and even stalling. Some models experienced issues with the engine's crankshaft position sensor, which could cause the car to stall unexpectedly. Lastly, the engine's timing chain could stretch, causing the engine to run poorly or not at all, potentially leading to serious engine damage if not addressed.

In the first generation of the Pontiac Bonneville (1957-1960), several issues were prevalent. Valve train noise, often caused by worn or damaged rocker arms, was a common complaint, resulting in a ticking or rattling noise from the engine and a loss of power. Overheating was another problem, particularly in hot weather or during heavy use, due to factors such as a malfunctioning thermostat, a clogged radiator, or a failing water pump. Oil leaks, often caused by a damaged or worn valve cover gasket, were also common, leading to low oil pressure, reduced engine performance, and increased oil consumption. Carburetor issues, including poor idling and acceleration and difficulty starting the engine, were attributed to a dirty carburetor or a failing choke mechanism. Ignition problems, such as difficulty starting the engine and intermittent misfires, were caused by faulty distributor caps, worn spark plugs, or a malfunctioning ignition coil.

The fifth generation of the Pontiac Bonneville (1977-1981) suffered from various electrical issues. A faulty alternator caused the battery to drain and the car to lose power, particularly in the 1977 and 1978 models. Faulty wiring in the ignition system could lead to the car stalling or failing to start, and in some cases, result in a fire. Power windows often malfunctioned due to issues with the window regulator, causing windows to become stuck in the open or closed position or fail to move at all. The electronic dashboard display could fail, causing gauges and warning lights to stop working, often due to a faulty printed circuit board. Lastly, issues with the car's electrical system grounding out could cause a range of problems, from flickering headlights to radio interference.

In summary, the Pontiac Bonneville, particularly the 1982 model, faced several common problems, primarily affecting the engine, suspension, and electrical systems. While these issues could be frustrating and expensive to repair, regular maintenance and proper care could address most of them.

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.

What year was the last Pontiac Bonneville made?

2005

2005 Bonneville

A full-size sports sedan with seating for five, the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville has entered its final year of production.

What engine was in a 1981 Pontiac Bonneville?

Pontiac Bonneville 5.0 V8 6th Generation 157ps, (1977 - 1981)

Did Pontiac make a 2 door Bonneville?

The Bonneville had new "Monocoque" styling and was offered in three body styles, a pillared four-door sedan, four-door hardtop sedan and two-door hardtop coupe.

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 ...

How rare is Pontiac Bonneville?

Just 630 production examples of these cars were ever made – one per dealer in the United States, plus two prototypes.

1982 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:

• Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1982 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.