1989 Pontiac Bonneville problems
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 1989 Pontiac Bonneville problems
The 1989 Pontiac Bonneville, as a member of the eighth generation of the model line, was produced in a time of transition for General Motors (GM) and the automotive industry as a whole. This generation of the Bonneville saw the shift from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, which was met with mixed reactions from consumers. While the car's downsizing and new platform were intended to improve fuel efficiency and modernize the vehicle, some owners found that these changes led to a number of common problems and issues.
One of the most frequently reported problems with the 1989 Pontiac Bonneville is engine stalling due to mass air flow/crankshaft position sensor failure. The mass air flow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine, while the crankshaft position sensor determines the engine's speed and position. If either of these sensors fails, it can cause the engine to stall, as the car's computer may not be able to properly adjust the fuel mixture and ignition timing.
Another common problem with the 1989 Bonneville is mode/temperature door actuator failure. The mode door actuator controls the blend of hot and cold air entering the vehicle's cabin, while the temperature door actuator regulates the temperature of the air. If either of these actuators fails, it can result in the car's heating and cooling system not functioning properly, or not at all.
A third issue that has been reported by owners of the 1989 Bonneville is starting and stalling problems related to the ignition system. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty spark plugs, wires, or ignition coils, as well as issues with the car's computer or security system. In some cases, these problems can be resolved by replacing the faulty components, while in others, a more extensive diagnosis and repair may be required.
In addition to these specific issues, the 1989 Bonneville has also been known to experience general electrical problems, such as blown fuses or faulty relays, which can affect various systems throughout the car. These issues can be particularly frustrating for owners, as they can be difficult to diagnose and may require a significant amount of time and effort to resolve.
While the 1989 Pontiac Bonneville was designed to be a modern, fuel-efficient alternative to its rear-wheel drive predecessors, the car's front-wheel drive platform and new technology introduced a number of common problems and issues that have been reported by owners. By understanding these issues and their potential causes, current and prospective Bonneville owners can take steps to maintain their vehicles and address any problems that may 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.
How many miles can a Pontiac Bonneville last?
The Bonnevilles are the GM car I will miss the most with their restructuring. 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.
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.
How much is a 1990 Pontiac Bonneville worth?
The value of a used 1990 Pontiac Bonneville ranges from $1,220 to $7,048, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 many miles can a Pontiac Bonneville last?
The Bonnevilles are the GM car I will miss the most with their restructuring. 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.
1989 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1989 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 31 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1989 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-03-10
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: READING ABOUT THE RECENT GM RECALL FOR AUTOMOBILES STALLING OUT WHEN DRIVING, TRIGGERED MY MEMORY OF MY FORMER PONTIAC. ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS, THIS PONTIAC HAD STALLED OUT IN A SIMILAR FASHION. THE FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 TO 70 MPH, AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN. I WAS IN THE PASSING LANE AND SCARED TO DEATH. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER, WAITED AND RESTARTED. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER (FRASIER PONTIAC IN AMESBURY MASS), AND THEY COULD NOT SIMULATE THE PROBLEM; THEY FOUND NOTHING. WHEN IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME, I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM TO KEEP THE CAR; DRIVE IT AND SEE FOR THEMSELVES. FORTUNATELY, THIS PROBLEM DID HAPPEN TO ONE OF THEIR MECHANICS (HE WAS GOING AROUND A CURVE AT 35 MPH) AND HE LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT. THEY THEN PROCEEDED TO REPAIR/REPLACE THE PART, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS A FAULTY ELECTRONIC IGNITION CIRCUIT BOARD. I ALSO BELIEVE THEY FOUND A GM SERVICE BULLETIN ABOUT THIS ISSUE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER I SOLD THE CAR, NEVER TO BUY A GM PRODUCT AGAIN. (BEFORE THIS PURCHASE, I OWNED A GM DIESEL; ENOUGH SAID). MY HEART GOES OUT TO ANY DRIVER THAT HAS EXPERIENCED THE SAME SCARE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-01-28
- VIN: 1G2HY54C1KW
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: I HAVE AN 1989 PONTIAC- BONNIVILLE. THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS STARTED DRAINING MY BATTERY & THEN RUINED MY ALTERNATOR. I REMOVED THE FUSE TO KEEP IT FROM RUINING MY NEW ALTERNATOR & BATTERY,. I WAS MANUALLY OPENING & CLOSING MY DOORS. NOW 3 OF MY 4 DOORS WILL NOT OPEN. THEY WON'T OPEN WITH THE KEY OR BY PUSHING THE DOOR LOCK BUTTON. I AM NOW HAVING TO CLIMB IN AND OUT OF MY CAR BY THE BACK DRIVERS SIDE DOOR. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO HAD A 1988 BONNEVILLE, THAT DID THE EXACT THING. I AM HAVING A TERRIBLE TIME TRYING TO DRIVE MY CAR IN THIS CONDITION. I ALSO CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY A LARGE REPAIR BILL, THIS CAR WAS CHECKED FOR DOOR LOCK PROBLEMS WHEN IT WAS NEW, I STILL HAVE THE PAPER WORK WHEN IT WAS TAKEN IN. THE PAPER WORK SAID THAT IT WAS CHECKED, AND THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. YES THERE WAS A PROBLEM AND IT'S STILL HAVING THEM. *TR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-21
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. AS A RESULT THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL, AND THE TAIL LIGHTS BUSTED OUT. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-12-09
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: WHILE APPLYING HIS BRAKES THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM LIGHT APPEAR ON THE DASHBOARD. THE CONSUMER HAD NO BRAKES WHEN HE APPLY HIS BRAKE PEDAL. PLEASE PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-07-15
- VIN: 1G2HX54C4KW
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: AT 65 MPH THE TREAD PEELED AWAY FROM TIRE CAUSING A LOSS OF CONTROL.THEY TIRE KEPT ITS AIR AND I DROVE ON THE BELTS FOR AID.THERE WAS 50000 MILES ON THE TIRE BUT THEY (THE OTHER REAR WAS THE SAME TYPE)HAD GOOD TREAD ON THEM.I BOUGHT TWO NEW TIRESTHE NEXT DAY.THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT DUE TO THE SPARCE TRAFFIC ON THE ROAD. *AK (TIRESIZE: P20570R15)
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-04
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: I HAVE HAD TWO BONNEVILLES' AN 1988' AND A 1989' AND HAVE HAD MAJOR BRAKE TROUBLES WITH BOTH VEHICLES. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-03-07
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE BRAKES WENT OUT ON THIS CAR CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE CAR THE SECOND TIME OCCURRED ONLY THREE MONTHS AFTER THE BRAKES WERE FIXED. *AK (TIRESIZE: 215/65/15)
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-10-15
- VIN: 1G2HX54C3KW
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WAS GOING AROUND A CORNER AT 45MPH WHEN SUBFRAME SEPARATED. DRIVER HEARD A LOUD NOISE. MANAGED TO PULL OVER. STEERING WHEEL WAS VERY DIFFICULT. HAD VEHICLE TOWED HOME. *AK
STEERING,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-04-06
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HY54C5KW
- Components: STEERING,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: LEFT FRONT TIE ROD BROKE CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL AT ABOUT 70 MPH. DURING RESULTANT CRASH, SHOULDER HARNESS FAILED TO RESTRAIN DRIVER. INJURY SUSTAINED WAS A BURST FRACTURE OF THE L-1 VERTEBRAE RESULTING IN AN INCOMPLETE SPINAL CORD INJURY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-15
- VIN: 1G2HY54C6KW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,STRUCTURE
- Summary: BEFORE THE DOORS JAMMED/THE AUTOMATIC LOCKS BEGAN TO MOVE BY THEMSELVES - NOT ONE OF THE DOORS JAMMED, BUT ALL FOUR- ALSO THE ABS HAS NEVER WORKED PROPERLY SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE CAR- I COULD UNDERSTAND IF IT WAS THE MOTOR THAT CAUSE THE PROBLEM, BUT EACH OF MY DOORS, AND THE UNHEARD OF PRICES THE DEALER WAS CHARGING, BEFORE FINALLY SAYING THEY CAN NOT OPEN THE DOORS AT ALL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER LOCKS ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY LOCK ON THEIR OWN WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED, AND SOMETIMES CANNOT BE UNLOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE WITH THE KEY, THIS CAUSED A CHILD TO BE LOCKED IN THE VEHICLE FOR HOURS. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- VIN: 1G2HY54C5KW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN STORAGE FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, FIRST DRIVE ON THE ROAD THE BRAKES FAILED, WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE ANIT-LOCK SYSTEM ENGAGED RETURNING A ROCK HARD PEDAL BUT DID NOT ENGAGE THE BRAKES, AFTER SEVERAL PUMPS, THE PEDAL RELEASED AND THE BRAKES ENGAGED. NLM
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-05-06
- VIN: 1G2HX54CXKW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER PUT VEHICLE INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. CONSUMER HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE DIDN'T STOP. KNOCKED OVER A SIGN. MOTOR WAS RACING VERY HIGH, AND FINALLY VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND CAME TO A STOP. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2HY54CXKW
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SPEEDOMETER FAILED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1992-01-24
- VIN: 1G2HY54C5KW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TEVES ABS KICKS IN UNDER ALL BRAKING CONDITIONS.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: 1G2HX54C2KW
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR HANDLE ASSEMBLY FAILED, CAUSING DOOR LOCK TO FAIL.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: 1G2HZ51C8KW
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: LEFT REAR BALL JOINT GAVE WAY, ALLOWING LEFT REAR FORK TO COLLAPSE. FORK THEN JAMMED ITSELF AGAINST THE INSIDE LEFT REAR WHEEL RIM, PREVENTING THE WHEEL FROM ROTATING IN EITHER DIRECTION. PROBLEM--REAR INDEPENDENT STRUT SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENT.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-07-16
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- VIN: 1G2HX54C4KW
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISE CONTROL SELF ACTIVATED INTO SUDDEN ACCELERATION, CAUSING A COLLISION .
SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1993-07-01
- VIN: 1G2HY54C6K1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BRACKETS SPLIT CAUSING SEAT TO TILT BACK, SEAT BELTS GET STUCK WITH DIFFICULTY IN RELEASING.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ALTERNATOR FAILED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: STRUTS FAILED..
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-20
- VIN: 1G2HY54C6KW
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING EXPERIENCED ABS FAILURE; WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SLOW/STOP PEDAL BECOMES HARD, THEN GOES TO FLOOR, ABS WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON CONTINUOUSLY. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: OWNER HAS ABS BRAKES SHE STATES THAT HER BRAKE PEDAL GOES TO THE FLOOR AND THAT SHE HAD WORK DONE ON ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM AND BRAKES STILL MALFUNTIONS
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-15
- VIN: 1G2HY54C3KW
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND THE CAR RAN VERY HOT AND THE HEATER CORE HAD TO BE REPLACED. HAD TO BE REPLACED AGAIN IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR.*AK
1989 Pontiac Bonneville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1989 Pontiac Bonneville.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE
- Summary: FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
- Consequence: IN EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH VEHICLE BECOMES INVERTEDMISSING VALVE COULD ALLOW FUEL SPILLAGE IN EXCESS OF AMOUNT ALLOWED BY FMVSS 301WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
- Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1989 Pontiac Bonneville problems:
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