1985 Pontiac Bonneville problems

General information about Pontiac-Bonneville
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Pontiac Bonneville is a model line of full-size or mid-size front-engine rear drive cars manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from 1957 until 2005, with a hiatus for model years 1982-1986.

The Bonneville (marketed as the Parisienne in Canada until 1981), and its platform partner, the Grand Ville, are some of the largest Pontiacs ever built; in station wagon body styles they reached just over 230 inches (5.8 m) long, and at 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) and more were also some of the heaviest cars produced at the time.

The Bonneville nameplate was introduced as a limited production performance convertible during the 1957 model year, its name taken from the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah — an early site of US auto racing and numerous world's land speed record records, itself named after U.S. Army officer Benjamin Bonneville.

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Common 1985 Pontiac Bonneville problems

The 1985 Pontiac Bonneville is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine and power windows.

Ignition and Engine Misfire Issues: The 1985 Pontiac Bonneville is also known for ignition and engine misfire issues. These problems are often caused by faulty spark plugs, ignition coils, or distributor caps. These issues can lead to decreased performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions.

Fluid Leaks: Fluid leaks are another common problem with the 1985 Pontiac Bonneville. These leaks can be caused by various parts of the car, including the engine, transmission, or power steering system. Fluid leaks can lead to decreased performance and increased wear on the affected components.

Power Window Problems: The 1985 Pontiac Bonneville is known for power window problems, particularly with the driver's side window. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty window regulators, broken window motors, or worn-out window switches. Power window problems can be frustrating for drivers and passengers, as they can make it difficult to open or close the windows.

Windshield Issues: The 1985 Pontiac Bonneville is also known for windshield issues, particularly with the windshield wipers. These problems can be caused by faulty wiper motors, worn-out wiper blades, or damaged wiper arms. Windshield issues can make it difficult for drivers to see the road, which can be a serious safety hazard.

In conclusion, the 1985 Pontiac Bonneville is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine and power windows. These issues can be expensive to repair and can lead to decreased performance and safety hazards. If you own a 1985 Pontiac Bonneville, it is important to keep up with regular maintenance and address any issues as soon as they arise.

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 kind of engine does a Pontiac Bonneville have?

The Bonneville also had more powerful standard V8 engines than other full-sized Pontiacs, including the 389 cu in (6.4 L) or 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8s with four-barrel carburetors (power ratings of 303 to 340 hp (226 to 254 kW) depending on year) with many optional V8 offerings, such as the availability of the Tri-Power ( ...

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.

Why won't my Pontiac Bonneville turn over?

The most common reasons a Pontiac Bonneville won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.

How reliable are Pontiac Bonneville?

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.

1985 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:

Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Pontiac Bonneville complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Pontiac Bonneville.

1995-11-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-07-14
Number Of Injuries: 1
VIN: 2G2GR69H4F2
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SHOULDER BELT LOCKING MECHANISM FAILED TO HOLD DRIVER IN PLACE DURING ACCIDENT, RESULTING IN INJURY. *DSH

Add Complaint

1995-11-28

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 1995-01-30
VIN: 2G2GR69H4F2
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: DRIVERS SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE, RENDERING IT INOPERABLE.

Add Complaint

1985 Pontiac Bonneville recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1985 Pontiac Bonneville.

2007-10-24

Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Components: EQUIPMENT
Summary: CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.
Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Pontiac Bonneville problems:

Code 41 problems : 1987-1991

https://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/1987/topic34768.html

It is a pretty common problem on 1988-91 3800 engines. 1993 Bonneville SLE 1988 Olds Toronado Trofeo 1985 ... Year and Trim: 1991 Pontiac ...

COAL: 1981 Pontiac Bonneville Diesel - Smoke 'em If You Got 'em ...

https://www.curbsideclassic.com/cars-of-a-lifetime/coal-1981-pontiac-bonneville-diesel-smoke-em-if-you-got-em/

Jan 8, 2017 ... There's an argument to be made that it would have made no difference as GM was notorious for failing to fix known problems over a multi-year ...