1996 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 1996 Pontiac Bonneville problems
The 1996 Pontiac Bonneville is generally regarded as a reliable and fast car, with many owners praising its smooth ride, durability, and fuel efficiency. However, there are a few common problems that have been reported by some owners of this vehicle.
One common issue with the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville is engine stalling, which can be caused by a variety of factors. According to RepairPal, the most common problem reported by owners of this car is engine stalling due to issues with the mass air flow or crankshaft position sensor. This issue can cause the engine to stall while driving, which can be a serious safety concern.
Another common problem reported by some owners of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville is starting and stalling issues. According to a post on Edmunds, some owners have reported that their car will not start or will only start intermittently, even with spark and fuel pressure present. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including damage to the vibration damper, timing chain and/or sprocket damage, failed crankshaft or camshaft sensors, or a failed ECM.
Some owners of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville have also reported issues with the car bogging upon acceleration. According to a post on the Pontiac Bonneville Club forum, some owners have reported that their car will bog down when starting or accelerating, causing it to almost cut out before returning to normal operation. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the fuel system, ignition system, or engine sensors.
Finally, some owners of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville have reported issues with the car not responding to throttle input while driving. According to a post on the Pontiac Bonneville Club forum, some owners have reported that their car will not respond to throttle input, even though the RPMs increase and the boost gauge responds. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including issues with the throttle position sensor, fuel system, or engine sensors.
In summary, while the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville is generally regarded as a reliable and fast car, there are a few common problems that have been reported by some owners. These include engine stalling, starting and stalling issues, bogging upon acceleration, and issues with throttle response. These issues can be caused by a variety of factors, and may require professional diagnosis and repair.
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 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 is the value of a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville?
The value of a used 1996 Pontiac Bonneville ranges from $203 to $1,031, 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.
What is the value of a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville?
The value of a used 1996 Pontiac Bonneville ranges from $203 to $1,031, 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 ( ...
Is a Pontiac Bonneville a sports car?
The Pontiac Bonneville Special is a concept car unveiled at the General Motors Motorama in 1954, the first 2-seat sports car prototype the division had ever produced. Conceived by renowned designer Harley J. Earl and hand built by Homer C.
1996 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
- Air bags problems
- Fuel system problems
- Electrical system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 153 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1996 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-28
- VIN: 1G2HX52K3T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A CRASH. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE WINDSHIELD SHATTERED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,474.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-02
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7TH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE ANTI-THEFT AND AN UNKNOWN SECURITY WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE REQUIRED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE IGNITION LOCK CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND A NEW KEY MADE BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HORN AND CHIME SOUNDED UNCONTROLLABLY. IN ADDITION, THE RADIO FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS AND THE POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES FAILED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52KXT4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE IMPACT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. UPDATED 1/28/15*CN UPDATED 9/6/2017*CN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-10-08
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: INTERIOR LIGHTING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. LIGHT'S STAYING ON WHEN CAR IS RUNNING AND SENORS CHIMMING FOR DOORS. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-03-07
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE CHIMED BEFORE STALLING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 118,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-01
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K0T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SEVERAL ATTEMPTS HAD TO BE MADE BEFORE SUCCEEDING IN STARTING VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHERE THE FAILURE WAS LOCATED AT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND OXYGEN SENSOR. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAP WAS MELTING AND CAUSING OIL TO SPILL. IN ADDITION, THE FAILURE WAS PRODUCING WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE AS TO THE EXACT REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM FAILED AND WOULD ALERT THE CONTACT THAT THE DOORS WERE OPENED, AND THE SEAT BELTS WERE NOT SECURED ERRONEOUSLY. THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM WAS ALSO DEFECTIVE AND WAS REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE FUEL INJECTOR, AND ADDING FUEL CLEANER. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS: 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) AND 95V204000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER) HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL CAMPAIGN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-02-17
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THIS CAR BELONGS TO MY ELDERLY MOTHER WHICH SHE BOUGHT USED AND HAS BEEN AN ON GOING PROBLEM! OCCASIONALLY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE ENGINE WILL BACKFIRE, AFTER STARTING IT WOULD RUN OK. THE CAR NOW DOES NOT RUN AS THE INTAKE MANIFOLD IS BROKEN FROM THE BACKFIRING AND ALMOST CAUGHT ON FIRE THE LAST TIME IT WAS ATTEMPTED TO START THE MOTOR! ACCORDING TO PONTIAC THERE IS NO RECALL ON THIS CAR BY THE VIN NUMBER!! *JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-10
- VIN: 1G2HX52KXT4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I LEFT MY HOUSE ON 9/10/2011 AND WENT TO GAS STATION. AFTER FUELING UP I NOTICED THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I DID NOT PULL OVER BECAUSE I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST A SENSOR PROBLEM AND I HAD NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE HAVING TO PULL OVER FOR THE AIRBAG LIGHT. I PROCEEDED TO THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I REACHED 57 MPH I PUT ON MY CRUISE CONTROL. IN ABOUT 2 MINUTES BOTH OF MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND MY VISIBILITY WAS 0%. IF I HAD NOT HAD BOTH OF MY FRONT WINDOWS DOWN, THE POWDER THAT ENGULFED MY CAR COULD HAVE SUFFOCATED ME. I AM ON BREATHING MEDICINE FOR COPD. ALTHOUGH MY CAR IS UP THERE IN YEARS IT IS NOT UP THERE IN MILEAGE. I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM SOMEONE 4 YEARS AGO, WHO ONLY USED THE CAR ON SPECIAL OCCASIONS. WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT HAD 58,000 MILES ON IT AND ONLY HAS 91,500 TODAY. THIS WHOLE PROCESS TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FROM START TO FINISH.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-09-10
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I LEFT MY HOUSE & STOPPED FOR GAS. AFTER GETTING GAS I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. I DID NOT PULL OVER THINKING IT WAS A SENSOR PROBLEM. I PROCEEDED TO THE HIGHWAY & WHEN I REACHED 57MPH I PUT ON MY CRUISE CONTROL. IN ABOUT 2 MINUTES MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED & MY ABILITY TO SEE WAS 0%. THE ENTIRE INCIDENT TOOK ABOUT 15 MINUTES FROM HOUSE TO DEPLOYMENT. THE POWDER/SMOKE ENGULFED MY CAR. IF I HAD NOT HAD BOTH MY FRONT WINDOWS DOWN I THINK I COULD HAVE SUFFOCATED. I AM CURRENTLY ON BREATHING MEDS FOR COPD. THE VEHICLE IS OLD IN YEARS BUT NOT IN MILEAGE. I BOUGHT IT FROM SOMEONE THAT ONLY USED THE CAR FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS, 4 YRS AGO, IT HAD 58,000 MILES ON IT. IT RUNS GREAT BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-04-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K8T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN 15 MPH WHEN THE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INVOLUNTARILY. ONE OF THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AS A RESULT OF THE DEPLOYMENT. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN INSPECTOR TO EXAMINE THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED THE AIR BAG MODULE AND CAUSED THE FAILURE. DUE TO THE WATER DAMAGE, THE AIR BAG MODULE WAS CORRODED AND CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-16
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ5211TH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY SON WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN HIS 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, JUST AS HIS WAS GETTING READY TO PROCEED, BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HE HADN'T EVEN PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS, INSURANCE APPRAISER, APPRAISED THE DAMAGE IN EXCESS OF $2000 AND COME TO FIND OUT THEY WON'T COVER IT DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT, THEY SAY IT'S A MANUFACTURERS ISSUE, HE RECEIVED A MINOR BURN ON HIS ARM FROM THE AIRBAG DEPLOYING. *LN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-10-28
- VIN: 1G2HX52K3T4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 96 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE.WHILE PARKED AT RESIDENCE VEHICLE WENT INTO SECURITY LOCK MODE AND WONT ALLOW VEHICLE TO START. ALL ADVICE FROM INDIVIDUALS TO "RESET" SECURITY FAILED. ONLY OPTION LEFT IS TO TOW TO LOCAL DEALER FOR SERVICE. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-01-01
- VIN: 1G2HX52K5T4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF AT LEAST 10 MPH OR WHILE SITTING IDLE, THE VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. THE POWER WINDOWS, SEATS AND FUEL PUMP WOULD BECOME INOPERABLE AS WELL. THE CONTACT WOULD RECHARGE THE BATTERY AND ONCE FULLY CHARGED, THE VEHICLE WOULD OPERATE NORMALLY FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE STALLING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT IT WOULD TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION WHEN SHUTTING OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE ADDITIONAL FAILURES. THE MECHANIC SUGGESTED THAT THE IGNITION ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER WAS FAULTY AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FAILURE, (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 95V204000: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER), HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 97,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 98,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-02
- VIN: 1G2HX52K6T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE PLASTIC MANIFOLD IN ENGINE FROM MANUFACTURE BROKE CAUSING DEX COOLANT TO LEAK INTO ENGINE DESTROYING SEALS/HEAD GASKETS. REPLACE AT DEALER GASKET,GASKET KIT,VALVE,VALVE KIT,UPPER MANIFOLD, LOWER MANIFOLD RESEAL,COOLANT. DEALER DOES NOT HONOR RECALL. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-06-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K2T4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: NO INCIDENTS BUT THERE IS DAMAGE DONE TO THE FUEL , EMISSION AND BRAKE LINE THE FUEL AND EMISSION LINES FROM THE FUEL TANK USE A PLASTIC QUICK CONNECT COUPLING JUST UNDERNEATH NEAR THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE TIRE . THE COUPLING BECOMES LOSE AND SPRAYS THE FUEL LINES AND BRAKE HOSES WITH FUEL THIS WASHES OFF THE PROTECTIVE LAYER OF THE HOSES WHICH THEN CORRODE AND LEAK FUEL AND BRAKE FLUID , THIS HAPPENED ON MY 1996 BONNEVILLE CAN ANYONE EMAIL ME IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS ON THIS CAR FOR THAT REASON OR IF I AM ENTITLED TO REPAIRS BY THE MANUFACTURER. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-04-05
- VIN: 1G2HX52K6T4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE. THE AIR BAG EXPLODED AND SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS CALLED AND THEY DECLARED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-22
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K6TH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: I PUT GAS INTO MY 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WENT TO START IT AND IT BACKFIRED AND STARTED RUNNING RAGGED AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K3TH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: WHEN I PURCHASED MY 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSE USED I SEARCHED FOR ANY RECALLS ON IT I FOUND 2 ONE FOR THE INTAKE BREAKING AND ONE FOR THE ANTI THEFT SYSTEM I TOOK IT TO LOCAL DEALER THEY SAID IT WAS NOT APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE NOW I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH BACKFIRING CONSTANTLY AND HAVE EVEN CALLED PONTIAC HELP LINE WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT VALID AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE FAST FORWARD A FEW MONTHS AND MY WIFE THIS MORNING WENT TO THE STORE WHERE THE CAR BACKFIRED AND THE INTAKE EXPLODED INTO SEVERAL PIECES AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF SMOKE ISSUED FROM UNDER THE HOOD NOW THIS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY COST ME A SMALL FORTUNE TO REPAIR WHAT AM I TO DO NOW? *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-04
- VIN: 1G2HX52K3T4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE BACKFIRED SEVERELY. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE PLASTIC COVER WAS SHATTERED. HE REMOVED THE COVER AND FOUND THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED. THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 96V116000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM) PERTAINING TO THE SAME FAILURE. HE NOTIFIED THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE RECALL. THE DEALER REFERRED HIM TO THE MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY FAILURES BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OLDER THAN TEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 93,495. UPDATED 1/26/09 *CN UPDATED 01/26/09. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-01-01
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: AROUND JAN 2008 WHILE DRIVING A PLASTIC WATER HOSE BURST. I REPLACED IT AND HAD NO OTHER PROBLEM UNTIL AROUND AUG 2008. THIS TIME THE WATER PUMP STARTED LEAKING. I REPLACED THAT AND THE THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR CAP, BUT I STILL KEPT LOOSING COOLANT. THEN I FOUND A CRACK IN THE RADIATOR WHICH I REPLACE AROUND THE END OF AUG 2008. I STILL KEPT HAVING TO TOP OFF THE COOLANT RESERVOIR EVER TWO DAYS. ABOUT JUNE 2008 I STARTED HAVING TROUBLE WITH THE VEH STARTING, IT WOULD SEEM LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING ENOUGH GAS OR FLOODING. IT WOULD BE RUNNING BUT BARLEY AND IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. FINALLY IT WOULD START. IT DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT IT'S DOING IT MORE OFTEN NOW. I'VE FUEL SYSTEM AND INJECTION CLEANERS WITH NO CHANGE. THEN I WENT TO NHTSA AND FOUND A RECALL 96V-116 THAT SEEMS TO BE THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM. I WENT TO THE LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERS AND THEY SAID THAT MY VIN WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY DO. I TOLD THEM THAT I WOULD BRING BACK TO GET A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-05-29
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING HOME ONE NIGHT AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, AND ABOUT TEN SECONDS LATER THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. I HAD HIT NOTHING, AND WAS DRIVING ON A NEWLY PAVED ROAD. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND IN THE PROCESS BROKE THE WINDSHIELD AND THE DASH. PONTIAC HAS BEEN CALLED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD GET BACK TO ME IN TWO DAYS. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-07
- VIN: 1G2HX52K2T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE VEHICLE GRADUALLY LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, IT BACKFIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS CRACKED AND WOULD COST $503 TO REPAIR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. UPDATED 04/08/08. *LJ THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE VEHICLE NOT STARTING.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-10-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ5216TH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND ABOUT AN HOUR LATER WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES AN HOUR AND THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON, NO IMPACT OF ANY KIND. THE DRIVER BROKE 2 OF HER TEETH, DRIVER AND PASSENGER GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO LET THE SMOKE FROM THE AIRBAG CLEAR AND ASSESS THE DAMAGE OF THE TEETH AND ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WHILE THE CAR WAS IN PARK AND NOBODY WAS IN EVEN IN THE CAR, THAT DEPLOYMENT DESTROYED THE DASH AND WINDSHIELD. WE CALLED PONTIAC ON MONDAY OCT. 22 THEY SAID SOMEONE WOULD CALL BACK WITHIN A DAY OR TWO AND THEY DID CALL BACK THIS MORNING OCT. 24TH BUT SHE JUST ASKED ALL THE SAME QUESTIONS THEY ASKED ON MONDAY AND SAID IT WOULD TAKE 7-10 DAYS TO GET BACK TO US. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-05-09
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HXV2K7TH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BURN ON HER FOREARM. THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR AND A HALF LATER, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A PONTIAC DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE AIR BAG SENSORS CORRODED. THE DEALER HAS NOT REPAIRED THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER MADE AN OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 118,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-03
- VIN: 1G2HX52K9T4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE VEHICLE BACKFIRED WHEN THE IGNITION WAS STARTED, AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS DAMAGED. THIS FAILURE OCCURRED TWICE BEFORE AND THE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED. A LOCAL MECHANIC STATED THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN RECALL # 96V116000. HOWEVER, THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT POSSESSED THE REPAIR INVOICES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 150,000. *AK
1996 Pontiac Bonneville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville.
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
- Summary: A BACKFIRE DURING ENGINE STARTING CAN CAUSE BREAKAGE OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A NO-START CONDITION AND POSSIBLY AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL UPDATE THE POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING. UNTIL THE CAMPAIGN REPAIR IS MADE, THE VEHICLE HOOD SHOULD BE SHUT WHENEVER STARTING THE VEHICLE TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF PERSONAL INJURY.
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE
- Summary: THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH A MALFUNCTION ALARM, LIGHTING AND LOCKING (MALL) MODULE THAT CAN CONTAIN A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THE CAPACITOR IS DAMAGED, THE "KEY IN THE IGNITION" WARNING CHIME AND THE DRIVER SEAT BELT UNBUCKLED WARNING CHIME AND INDICATOR LAMP MAY NOT WORK. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION" AND FMVSS NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." IN ADDITION, OTHER CHIME REMINDER FUNCTIONS, INTERIOR LIGHTING CONTROLS, AND POWER DOOR LOCKING FEATURES ARE ALSO AFFECTED.
- Consequence: CONSEQUENCE OF NON-COMPLIANCE; THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE AWARE THAT THE KEY WAS LEFT IN THE IGNITION OR THAT THE SAFETY BELT WAS NOT BUCKLED.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF REQUIRED, REPLACE THE MALL MODULE.
Positive 1996 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
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Are you having problems with your 1996 Pontiac Bonneville?
Elwin Klocko 2025-02-22
I'm so glad to hear that you love the styling of your car! It's great to know that you've only had one mechanical issue with the water pump at around 60,000 miles. Overall, it sounds like you've had a great experience with your car!
Demario Corwin 2025-02-04
Your car is amazing! It's incredible that it has lasted so long, even after reaching 250,000 miles. With almost 300,000 miles on the odometer, it's still running with very few problems. We did have to replace the starter a while back, but that's to be expected after so many miles. We had a few issues with the oxygen sensor a while back, but they weren't too expensive to fix. We're curious to see how many more miles we can get out of our Bonny. Even though the check engine light has been blinking for about 20,000 miles, we decided to keep driving it until it finally gives up. It's like it has nine lives!
Johnathon Rempel 2025-01-12
I love this car! As someone who is a little taller, I really appreciate the ample room and adjustable seats. And let's not forget about the excellent supercharged motor!
Jovany Bergstrom 2025-01-09
Hello! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to let you know that I came across a GM car with high mileage (111,900) that was purchased from a Chrysler dealer a year ago on 2/5/01 for $4,995. The car is beautifully detailed with minimal wear and looks almost new. It's also very comfortable, and the V6 with 4-speed auto transmission performs very well. I noticed that the check engine light came on recently, so the car had a 100,000 mile tune-up at a GM dealer, which cost $1,015. Let me know if you have any questions!
Caleb Hartmann 2024-11-22
When I bought this car a year ago with only 11,000 miles on it, I was looking for something with size but also wanted a sports car. Since then, I've put 165,000 miles on it and use it every day. I must admit, I haven't always been the best at taking care of it, but it has been incredibly reliable for the past 7 years. I've only had to change the O2 sensor once and the pulleys on the Turbo charger twice. Currently, I only need to give one strut some attention. Overall, I couldn't have asked for a better performing vehicle for the money!