1991 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 1991 Pontiac Bonneville problems
The 1991 Pontiac Bonneville, a luxury sedan produced by General Motors, has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues span across various components of the car, including the electrical system, engine, transmission, and body.
One of the most frequently reported issues is related to the electrical system. Some owners have experienced problems with the instrument cluster gauges, which may stop working or behave erratically. This is often due to a faulty stepper motor, responsible for moving the gauge needles. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's headlights, which may either stop working altogether or flicker intermittently. This is often due to a faulty headlight switch or wiring issue. Furthermore, some Bonneville owners have experienced issues with their car's electrical system draining the battery. This is often caused by a faulty alternator or a parasitic draw, which is when something in the car's electrical system continues to draw power even when the car is turned off.
The engine of the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville has also been reported to have several issues. One of the most common problems is engine stalling, which can be caused by a faulty mass air flow sensor or crankshaft position sensor. This issue can lead to the engine stalling while driving, which can be dangerous and inconvenient. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's engine misfiring, which can cause a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency. This issue is often caused by faulty spark plugs or ignition coils.
The transmission of the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville has also been reported to have several issues. Some owners have experienced problems with the car's transmission slipping, which can cause a loss of power and reduced fuel efficiency. This issue is often caused by worn out transmission bands or a low transmission fluid level. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's transmission shifting roughly or harshly, which can be uncomfortable and reduce the car's drivability. This issue is often caused by a worn out transmission clutch or a malfunctioning shift solenoid.
The body of the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville has also been reported to have several issues. Some owners have experienced problems with the car's power windows, which may become stuck in the open or closed position, or fail to move at all. This issue is often caused by issues with the window regulator. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the car's paint, which may fade, peel, or chip over time. This issue is often caused by exposure to the elements, such as sunlight and rain, as well as poor quality paint.
In summary, the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. These issues span across various components of the car, including the electrical system, engine, transmission, and body. It is important for owners to be aware of these issues and to address them promptly to avoid further problems down the road.
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 much is a 1991 Pontiac Bonneville?
The value of a used 1991 Pontiac Bonneville ranges from $1,099 to $7,388, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 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 much is a 1991 Pontiac Bonneville?
The value of a used 1991 Pontiac Bonneville ranges from $1,099 to $7,388, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
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 ( ...
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.
1991 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
- Seat belts problems
- Power train problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1991 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 29 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1991 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-03
- VIN: 1G2HX53L2N1
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1991 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH IN COLD WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE SEPARATED AND CAUSED TRANSMISSION FLUID TO LEAK EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V015000 (POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES); THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 190,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX54CXM1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ROD BEARING FRACTURED ALONG THE ENGINE WITHOUT WARNING. THIS CAUSED OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE HOT CATALYTIC CONVERTER CAUSING A FIRE TO ERUPT WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND SPREAD THROUGH THE AIR CONDITIONING BLOWER MOTOR AND INTO THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE FIRE DAMAGE. THE POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE DEALER WAS ALERTED. UPDATED 10/17/2006 - *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-07-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: CONSUMER STATED THAT AFTER MARKET MASTER CYLINDER HAD TO BE REPLACED ON THREE OCCASIONS BECAUSE THE PLUNGER PIN KEPT BREAKING. THIS CAUSED BRAKE PEDAL TO GO TO THE FLOOR WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED. UNABLE TO GET IN CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER, FENCO / FENWICK AUTOMOTIVE PRODUCTS.*AK CONSUMER HAD THE MASTER CYLINDER REPLACED FOUR TIMES AND THEY HAVE ALL FAILED. THE FIRST FAILED 79 DAYS AFTER INSTALLATION. THE SECOND ONE FAILED IMMEDIATELY WHILE BEING BLEED. THE THIRD ON FAILED WITH LESS THAN 1 MILE AND THE FOURTH ONE FAILED 150 MILES LATER. THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THEIR POSITION IS TO TEST THE MASTER CYLINDER FIRST AND THEN THE PIN IF NECESSARY. CONSUMER FEELS THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IS A SAFETY HAZARD. *PH *NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I HAVE CHANGED THE DASH AND HAD ALL WIRING CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS FINE EXCEPT THAT I HAVE NO DASH LIGHTS COULD SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 1G2HX54C4M1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THE BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE REPLACED DUE TO FAILURE. *MJS
INTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-06-01
- VIN: 1G2HX54C4M1
- Components: INTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS ARE CONTINUALLY GOING ON AND OFF CONTINUALLY, DEALERSHIP IS NOT ABLE TO DETERMINE PROBLEM WITHOUT TAKING THE UNIT OUT FOR $500 TO $600. *MJS
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-10-27
- VIN: 1G2HX54C8M1
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: METAL HOLDING THE CATCH PIN ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HOOD IS PRONE TO STRESS CRACKS WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE 55 MPH, THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE HOOD TO FLY OPEN. PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-02-21
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON FREEWAY I WAS STRUCK BY A DRUNK DRIVER GOING APPROX. 70-75MPH. I WAS HIT IN THE LEFT REAR OF THE CAR AND I WAS IMMEDIATELY THROWN BACK.AFTER PULLING OVER I FOUND OUT THAT THE SEAT BACK HAD BROKEN AND WAS IN THE FULLY RECLINED POSITION. I WAS UNABLE TO PULL THE SEAR BACK TO IT'S UPRIGHT POSITION, IT ONLY WENT HALF OF THAT DISTANCE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-02-01
- VIN: 1G2HX54COM1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING 50-60 MPH VEHICLE CUTS OFF, DOES NOT MOVE. IN FIVE MINUTES IT WILL SOMETIMES START AGAIN. DEALER CONTACTED, AND CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-11-12
- VIN: 1G2HZ54C0M1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WHEN DRIVING THE BRAKES ARE MAKING LOUD NOISE AND CONSUMER HAD FRONT BRAKES PUT ON TODAY, AND REAR BRAKES PUT ON LAST WEEK. HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP FOUR TIMES FOR REPAIRS, AND THE DEALER CAN'T DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-05-15
- VIN: 1G2HX54C4M1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: THE FUEL LINE FROM THE GAS TANK TO THE ENGINE RUSTED THROUGH, CAUSING THE GASOLINE TO LEAK. THE FUEL LINES ARE BEING REPLACED.AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-02-24
- VIN: 1G2HZ54C9M1
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CONSUMER TUNED VEHICLE AFTER FAST IDLE, FEELS LIKE VIBRATION; CAR STALLS; BUMPING NOISES UNDERNEATH. ALSO, BACKFIRING. ALL OF WHICH HAPPENS WHEN GOING UP HILL OR SITTING STILL AT RED LIGHT, VEHICLE ALWAYS STALLS. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-01
- VIN: 1G2HZ54C7M1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SENSORS BECAME INOPERATIVE THROUGH NORMAL USE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLED AND CAUSED ACCIDENT, PRIOR TO RECALL.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: 1G2HY54C3M1
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER DOOR LOCKS HAD CORRORED, PASSENGERS CANNOT GET OUT OF VEHICLE, THE RELEASE BUTTON WILL NOT OPEN, HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-10-01
- VIN: 1G2HY54C5M1
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: DOOR LOCKS STICK NOT ALLOWING DRIVER TO EXIT. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX54C6M1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX54C6M1
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: FAILURE OF THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT, BELT DID NOT LOCK WHEN THE CONSUMER WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. TT
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G2JB54K6M7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED DUE TO DOOR NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G2JB54K6M7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP CRACKED. *SD
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G2JB54K6M7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: LEFT FRONT DOOR HINGE REPLACED DUE TO DOOR NOT CLOSING PROPERLY. *SD
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-01-16
- VIN: 1G2JB54K6M7
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOP CRACKED. *SD
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: SOMETIMES THE ABS BRAKES GET HARD AND THE AUTO DOES NOT STOP RIGHT. TT
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-09-07
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, GEAR WILL NOT ENGAGE. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Crash: 1
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKES FAILED WHILE DRIVING-PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR-CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
1991 Pontiac Bonneville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1991 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: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
- Summary: THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
- Consequence: THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SHIFTER IN THE PARKPOSITION WITHOUT SETTING THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT ACTUALLY BEIN PARK, RESULTING IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT IF THE VEHICLE IS STOPPED ON AGRADE. ALSO, THE DRIVER CAN PLACE THE GEAR SELECTOR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE WITHOUTTURNING THE ENGINE OFF AND THE TRANSAXLE MAY NOT BE IN THE POSITION INDICATED,CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO MOVE IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. BOTH CONDITIONS CANRESULT IN A VEHICLE ACCIDENT WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
- Remedy: INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.
Negative 1991 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
Positive 1991 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
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Great car! It was given to me by my parents who purchased a new car. I absolutely love it and it's saving me about $400 a month that I was paying on leasing an '03 Toyota 4Runner. I wouldn't trade it for the world!
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This car drives very nicely. The take off is very smooth. When idling it is very quiet. It excels very nicely on the open highway. In town it is very dependable. This car starts on the first try with no hesitations. I bought this car from an elderly couple that bought the car new. This car is in exceptional shape.
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share a little bit about my car. I bought it back in 1997 for $3500 and it's been an absolute tank ever since! It gets an impressive 27 mpg and, believe it or not, it still has the same brake shoes from the factory. I haven't had any troubles with it at all - it's just a great car!
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I bought my 1990 LE in 1994 with 40k miles on it. Now, in 2010, it has 173k miles and it has always been dependable. It's a sharp-looking car and I wish I could post pictures to show it off. The car looks as good as it did when it came off the showroom floor. I have put money into it for a repaint and sound system, but mechanically it is very sound. The car has plenty of get up and go, is very smooth and quiet, and has a sexy design - one of the best. I swear by this car. It is old enough that most repairs and maintenance can be done yourself and the mileage is fantastic. With some simple modifications, I'm getting 35 miles per gallon on the highway. It's hard to beat that. The only issue I've had is that it seems to eat up power antennas for some reason. With the sound system and new paint, I won't let it go for under $5K.
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I bought this car used in August of 1991 with 32k on the odometer and I still own the Bonneville with a current odometer reading of 196,000. Since I purchased this car, I have had no complaints. I have had to replace some parts such as the A/C blower, A/C components (complete overhaul), gauge cluster, alternator, harmonic balancer, right front wheel bearing, and the transmission. The most expensive repair was the transmission at an average cost of $750 around 106k miles. I really wish they still made the Series 1 3800 V-6.
Additional sources
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1991 Pontiac Bonneville Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
Get 1991 Pontiac Bonneville repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified Pontiac mechanics near you.
Other years of Pontiac Bonneville
Are you having problems with your 1991 Pontiac Bonneville?
Joshua Schiller 2024-09-26
Based on my extensive experience with the Bonneville, I strongly advise against purchasing this car. The amount of money I have spent on repairs is more than triple the initial cost. The underside of the car was so corroded that even replacing a flat tire was impossible. The muffler and many other parts under the car were also rusty. The rear doors are completely inoperable, and the alternator has required multiple replacements. Additionally, the battery cables were corroded, and the engine required significant work. It is my professional opinion that this car is not a wise investment.
Ezra Swaniawski 2024-01-15
It sounds like you've had a lot of issues with your vehicle, including electronic problems with the power locks and mirrors, a bad transmission, and even the entire exhaust system falling off. That must have been frustrating to deal with.