1997 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 1997 Pontiac Bonneville problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the Pontiac Bonneville 1997, several common problems have been reported:
- Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure:
- Owners have experienced engine stalling issues related to the mass air flow or crankshaft position sensor failure. This can lead to the engine cutting out unexpectedly, causing potential safety hazards and inconvenience.
- Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail:
- Another reported issue involves the failure of the mode/temperature door actuators. When these components fail, it can result in problems with the car's heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, affecting the comfort and climate control within the vehicle.
- Car Won't Start:
- Some owners have faced difficulties starting their Pontiac Bonneville 1997. This issue can be frustrating and may be caused by various factors such as battery problems, ignition system issues, or fuel delivery issues, impacting the car's reliability and usability.
- Power Window Mechanism Failure:
- A prevalent complaint among owners is the failure of the power window mechanism. The cheap plastic parts in the power window pulley assembly are prone to breaking, leading to issues with the windows rolling up or down smoothly. This can be a significant inconvenience for drivers and passengers.
- Electrical Problems:
- Electrical issues have been a common concern for Pontiac Bonneville 1997 owners. These problems can manifest in various ways, such as malfunctioning gauges, erratic behavior of electrical components, and draining of the battery due to faults in the alternator or parasitic draws. Addressing these electrical issues promptly is crucial to prevent further complications and ensure the proper functioning of the vehicle.
By addressing these common problems faced by Pontiac Bonneville 1997 owners, it is essential to understand the underlying causes and potential solutions to maintain the vehicle's performance, safety, and reliability.
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 gas mileage on a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville?
Fuel Economy
| City | 17 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 26 mpg |
| Combined | 20 mpg |
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 gas mileage on a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville?
Fuel Economy
| City | 17 mpg |
|---|---|
| Highway | 26 mpg |
| Combined | 20 mpg |
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.
Is a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville front wheel drive?
Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, front-wheel drive.
1997 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
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Fuel system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 175 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1997 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
2015-12-11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-11-23
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K2VH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVING AN SUDDENLY VEHICLE SHUTS DOWN, SPEED MAKES NO DIFFERENCE.STARTS BACK WITH NO PROBLEM. THIS IS A REGULAR PROBLEM, ALSO HAPPENS WHEN IDLING...MAKES FOR A VERY HAZARDOUS SITUATION. HAS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY SURFACE STREETS, TURNING, ACCELERATING, EVEN WHEN BRAKING.THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN IT WOULDN'T START AND NO DOCUMENTATION OR INVOICES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME. WE HAVE TO TUG ON IGNITION WIRES. POSSIBLE REASON-IGNITION SWITCH UNDER THE STEERING WHEEL SECTION IS BAD. THIS VEHICLE HAS A CONSOLE, PLAN ON GETTING NEW IGNITION SWITCH.
2014-04-01
STEERING,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-27
- VIN: 1G2HX52K8VH
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE
- Summary: THE CAR LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. IT WOULD JUST QUIT AND I WOULD HAVE NO BRAKES OR STEERING AND ALL GAUGES WOULD SHUT DOWN. SOMETIMES IT WOULD LOSE POWER AND THEN IT WOULD COME BACK ON WHILE I WAS STILL DRIVING CUTTING IN AND OUT REPEATEDLY. IT HAPPENED A LOT WHEN I WAS IDLING AT A CORNER AND THEN WOULD START THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. IT WOULD QUIT GOING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION. SOMETIMES IT WOULDN'T START AFTER DRIVING IT A SHORT DISTANCE. AFTER IT SAT FOR A FEW MINUTES, A FEW HOURS OR SOMETIMES OVERNIGHT IT WOULD JUST START LIKE THERE WASN'T ANY PROBLEM WITH IT. IT DIDN'T SPUTTER OR ACT LIKE IT WASN'T GETTING GAS OR ANYTHING, IT JUST WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING AND HAD A TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWER. WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIR SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY COULD NEVER REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND DIAGNOSTICS DIDN'T SHOW ANY PROBLEMS THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE. I ASKED A COUPLE OF TIMES IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS AND THE SERVICE GARAGE SAID NO. I FINALLY QUIT DRIVING THE CAR BECAUSE I WAS TIRED OF BEING STRANDED AND WITH TAKING MY CHANCES WITH IT LOOSING POWER DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OR THROUGH INTERSECTIONS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME ISSUE THAT THEY ARE CURRENTLY RECALLING SOME GM MODELS FOR BECAUSE OF AN IGNITION SWITCH SPRING BUT BONNEVILLE AREN'T ON THE RECALL LIST. *TR
2012-03-02
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-02-10
- VIN: 1G2HX52K6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE BATTERY AND CHECK OIL SENSORS. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,000.
2010-01-04
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K3VH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: IN EARLY NOVEMBER MY CAR (97 BONNEVILLE SSE) BEGAN EXPERIENCING TROUBLE STARTING. IT RARELY STARTED RIGHT UP BUT REQUIRED SEVERAL TRIES TO START. OCCASIONALLY I COULD SMELL GAS AFTER IT WAS STARTED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE IAC VALVE WAS REPLACED BUT THAT CHANGED NOTHING. AFTER SEVERAL MORE WEEKS OF THE ISSUE GETTING WORSE I SCHEDULED IT FOR SERVICE ON DEC 22. THE SERPENTINE BELT FELL OFF DEC 18; THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE GARAGE DEC 21. ON DEC 22 THE CAR WAS "FIXED". WITHIN 24 HRS I KNEW THE STARTING ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED. I HAD TO START IT MULTIPLE TIMES EVERY TIME & COULD OFTEN SMELL GAS. I DON'T BELIEVE THAT THE GARAGE PAID ATTENTION TO THE REASON THE CAR WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE & INSTEAD FIXED THE IMMEDIATE ISSUE. I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE GARAGE DEC 26 BUT HAD TO LEAVE A MESSAGE WITH THE GAS ATTENDANT AS THE SERVICE DEPT WAS CLOSED. ON MON DEC 28 I WENT OUT TO START MY CAR FOR WORK. THE ENGINE CRANKED 1-2 TIMES THEN I HEARD A VERY LOUD "BANG" UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE STEERING WHEEL. SMOKE POURED FROM UNDER THE HOOD ALMOST INSTANTLY. THE SMOKE RAPIDLY INTENSIFIED AND CHANGED COLOR. FIRE COULD THEN BE SEEN BENEATH THE ENGINE & ENGULFED A MAJOR PART OF IT WITHIN 2-3 MINUTES. ALTHOUGH THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED LESS THAN 4 MIN AFTER THE FIRE STARTED, THE ENTIRE ENGINE WAS DESTROYED. *TR
2009-11-14
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-11-07
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K9VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I HAD A 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY IN MICHIGAN, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WAS NOT SPEEDING, AND MY CAR WAS PERFECTLY SERVICED AND MAINTAINED. BY THE TIME THE FIRE SERVICE GOT THERE, THE WHOLE CAR BURNT DOWN. IT TOOK LESS THAN 20 MINUTES FOR THE WHOLE CAR TO GET BURNT BEYOND RECOGNITION. *TR
2009-08-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-03-01
- VIN: 1G2HX52K8VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING RADIATOR FLUID. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LEAK. A YEAR AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAN CONNECTED TO THE HEATER AND AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING. THERE WAS A POPPING NOISE INTERMITTENTLY UNDER THE HOOD NEAR THE DEFROST AND SUDDENLY, THE FRONT WINDOW CRACKED. THE DEALER HAS NOT DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT DOES EXIST. THE HEATER FAN ALSO FAILED TO OPERATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 93,000. UPDATED 11/10/09 *BF UPDATED 11/13/09.*JB
2009-02-26
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-01-05
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAS PLASTIC INTAKE PARTS, WHICH INCLUDE THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING A ROUTINE TUNE-UP, SHE NOTICED ANTIFREEZE ON THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE VEHICLE MADE A LOUD BOOMING NOISE SIMILAR TO A BACKFIRE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT COULD SMELL FUEL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT AFTER PLACING FUEL INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURES DESCRIBED ON THIS YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL VEHICLE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
2008-04-16
CHILD SEAT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-15
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ521XVH
- Components: CHILD SEAT
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 EVENFLO INFANT CARRIER, MODEL NUMBER 25800402 (NA). THE SEAT WAS MANUFACTURED IN MAY OF 2006. THE CONTACT FOLLOWED THE DIRECTIONS ON INSTALLING THE CHILD SEAT IN HER 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CHILD SEAT FELL OVER WITH THE CHILD STRAPPED IN THE SEAT. THE CHILD SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED , BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE. THE FAILURE TYPE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
2008-04-11
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-04-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K5VH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING AND MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. THE LIGHT STAYED ON FOR AWHILE THEN OUT OF NO WHERE MY AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND FILLED MY WHOLE CAR WITH SMOKE AND POWDER. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE AIR BAG EXPLODING NOR AFTER. I SUFFER FROM CUTS AND BURNS ON MY RIGHT ARM AND STOMACH. I HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BECAUSE I AM NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED IT. I HAVE NOT DROVE THE CAR SINCE THEN BECAUSE I CANNOT DISCONNECT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE CAR WILL NOT START WITHOUT THE FUSE. *TR
2007-04-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-04-13
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2WP12K2VF
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I ARRIVED AT WORK, PARKED THE 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX. 10 MINUTES LATER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE.*AK
2007-04-10
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-19
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7VH
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK AND THE VEHICLE SPED INTO FULL THROTTLE. THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD TO SHIFT THE GEAR INTO REVERSE IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE CONTAINED NO WARNING INDICATORS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND WHEN THE MECHANIC STARTED THE VEHICLE, IT WAS STILL AT FULL THROTTLE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. *AK
2006-10-10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-10-06
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: CAR COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WHILE DECELERATING AT ANYWHERE FROM 30-55 MPH. SOMETIMES CAN RESTART, SOMETIMES NOT FOR A HALF HOUR OR SO. THE CAR'S ENGINE COOLANT HAS LEAKED OUT ONTO ENGINE. CAR SHUT DOWN, NO POWER, NO STEERING, NO BRAKES, THEN THE COOLANT SPILLED OUT EVERYWHERE, ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND NOW THE ENGINE HAS STOPPED WORKING EVEN AFTER REPLACING HEAD GASKET. CAR HAD BEEN INTO DEALERS NUMEROUS TIMES TO NO AVAIL. NO ONE COULD IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. NOW HAVE A CAR THAT HAD TO BE TOWED AND IS NO LONGER FUNCTIONING. NUMEROUS FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED IN HOPES OF STOPPING THE STALLING OUT AND SHUTDOWNS, BUT NOTHING HAS WORKED. WAITING FOR A COUPLE OF QUOTES ON WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO TRY AND FIX THE ENGINE OR MOST LIKELY NEED REPLACED. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE THE CAR WAS FAIRLY NEW.
2006-08-17
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-17
- VIN: 1G2HX52KXVH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINES WERE CORRODED AT EVERY CONNECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO DETERMINED THE BRAKE FLUID WAS LEAKING DUE TO THE CORROSION. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WERE 10-15 OTHER VEHICLES WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. UPDATED 9/5/2006 - *NM
2006-08-12
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-07-05
- VIN: 1G2HX52K9VH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: HEARD A "POPPING" NOISE, THEN LOST POWER STEERING WHEN TURNING LEFT. RIGHT TURNS WORK FINE, BUT NO POWER STEERING TO THE LEFT. *JB
2006-05-03
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-04-27
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K9VH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING, WOULD NOT ALLOW A LEFT TURN. RIGHT TURNING CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED WITH ONE FINGER, HOWEVER LEFT TURNS REQUIRE TREMENDOUS STRENGTH. RECALL ISSUED FOR GRAND PRIX AND SIMILAR 97 PONTIAC'S, BUT NOT THE BONNEVILLE. *NM
2005-08-01
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-23
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT: CALLER SAID THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD BROKE . THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING. CALLER'S WIFE HAD TO GET HELP TO PUSH THE CAR OFF THE ROAD, AND CAR WAS TOWED TO A DEALER. CALLER SAID THERE WAS A RECALL # 04V090000. MANUFACTURER SAID THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE RECALL AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. *AK *NM
2005-06-21
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-05-09
- VIN: 1G2HX52K3VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE PROBLEM WITH CRACKING INTAKE MANIFOLD. MANIFOLD LEAKED COOLANT INTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK UP. ONLY OFFERED REMEDY WAS TO COMPLETLY REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $6,000.00.
2005-04-28
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-04-25
- VIN: 1G2HX52K6VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET ON MY 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE 3800 SERIES ENGINE FAILED CAUSING COOLANT TO GAIN ACCESS TO INTERNAL ENGINE PARTS. THIS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND BECOME TOTALLY INOPERABLE REQUIRING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $2200.00. THIS FAILURE ALSO HAPPEND IN A PONTIAC GRAND PRIX, THAT I ALSO OWNED, WITH THE SAME SERIES OF ENGINE. THE COST OF THE REPAIR TO THE GRAND PRIX WAS APPROX. $650.00. THE ENGINE IN THE GRAND PRIX DID NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED. LOOKING AT AND READING THE VARIOUS GM MESSAGE BOARDS ON THE INTERNET, THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE FAIRLY PREVALENT WITH THE 3800 SERIES OF ENGINE. GM CONTINUES TO IGNORE THIS WITH NO REGARD TO THE CONSUMER.
2005-04-13
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-20
- VIN: 1G2WP52K2VF
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE SEALS FOR THE PLASTIC "LENSES" ON THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS OF MY 1997 GRAND PRIX FAILED. WHEN THE SEALS BROKE, DIRT AND WATER ENTERED THE REFLECTIVE AREAS OF MY HEADLIGHTS. ONE OF MY HEADLIGHTS BURNED OUT SHORTLY AFTER THE SEAL WAS COMPROMISED. THE ORIGINAL SEAL ON EACH OF THE LIGHTS HAD DEGRADED SO FAR THAT I WAS ABLE TO PULL THE LENSES OFF BY HAND WITHOUT MUCH DIFFICULTY. I HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM BY PULLING OFF THE CLEAR "LENS" OF EACH HEADLIGHT AND RESEALING THEM WITH AQUARIUM SEALANT. I'VE NOTICED THE SAME PROBLEM ON OTHER CARS THAT APPEAR TO BE THE SAME STYLE AS MINE. IF OTHER HEADLIGHTS ARE DEFECTIVE AS MINE WERE, I WORRY THAT WATER LEAKING INTO THE LIGHTS WILL CAUSE THE BULBS TO BURN OUT UNEXPECTEDLY, ESPECIALLY IN BAD WEATHER. AS WATER AND DIRT ENTER THE REFLECTIVE AREA OF THE LIGHT, IT WILL PROBABLY ALSO CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT'S TO BECOME DIMMER AND DIMMER.*AK
2005-02-08
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-20
- VIN: 1G2HX52K5VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD ON MY 1997 BONNEVILLE WARPED CAUSING COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE WHICH THEN SEIZED THE ENGINE. REPLACED INTAKE MANIFOLD AND REBUILT BOTH ENGINE HEADS. TOTAL COST WAS $1,525. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE GM 3800 SERIES ENGINES BECAUSE THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD IS PLASTIC. ABOUT 2 WEEKS LATER, A ROD BEARING FAILED. I WAS TOLD IT FAILED PREMATURELY BECAUSE COOLANT HAD ENTERED THE ENGINE. I DO NOT HAVE A REPAIR ESTIMATE YET. I BELIEVE ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS ARE RELATED TO THE DEFECTIVE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *AK
2005-02-05
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-05
- VIN: 1G2WP12K3VF
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: CRUISING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN UNCONTROLLABLE EXCESSIVE IDLE SPEED OVER 4000 RPM OCCURRED. CRUISING SPEED COULD ONLY BE CONTROLLED WITH APPLICATION OF THE BRAKES. CONSEQUENCES WERE OVER HEATED BRAKE LININGS. FORTUNATELY EVENT OCCURRED CLOSE TO HOME AND VEHICLE WAS SAFETY PARKED IN DRIVEWAY WITH BRAKES SMOKING. *JB
2005-01-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-01-23
- VIN: 1G2HX52K5VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: G.M. 3800 SERIESII V-6 ENGINE PLASTIC UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM & GASKETS. FAILURE OF INFERIOR PARTS IN CONJUCTION WITH DEX COOL (G.M. ANTI-FREEZE/COOLANT). CAUSING DETERIORATION AND FAILURE OF PLENUM FORCING COOLANT INTO ENGINE. ENGINE IMMEDIATELY SEIZES,TRYING TO RESTART WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO STARTER,FLYWHEEL,BATT.,AND ENGINE. REMEDY? TOW TO G.M. SERVICE CENTER REPLACE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD PLENUM,MANIFOLD GSKTS,SPARK PLUGS & WIRES,STARTER,PWR-FLUSH ENG.& COOLING SYS.,REPLACE ALL FLUIDS. G.M. IS AWARE OF PROBLEM THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. SERVICE MNGR. TOLD ME DAMAGES TO VEH.WAS NOT DUE LACK OF MAINTENANCE BUT USE OF PLASTIC PARTS AND COOLANT BY G.M. THIS A MAJOR DEFECT & PROBLEM. COST OF REPAIRS? $1,300.00. *AK
2005-01-24
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-03-13
- VIN: 1G2NE52M2VM
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: (1)POWER WINDOWS-INTERMITTENT TO COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE (2)DEALERSHIP LOOKED AT THE WINDOWS TWICE AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED THEY FOUND THE PROBLEM. (3)NOTHING WAS DONE DO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME I NEED 3 MOTORS FOR THE WINDOWS AND TO REPAIR EACH WINDOW WITH A PROBLEM WOULD BE $425. *NM
2005-01-18
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-11-20
- VIN: 1G2WJ52M4VF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: FOR THE PAST COUPLE OF MONTHS MY 1997 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX HAS BEEN "CHUGGING" WHILE IDLING IN PARK, AND WHILE IN DRIVE. I WATCH THE RPMS FLUCTUATING WHILE IN IDLE-PARK, AND STOPPED-DRIVE. WHAT COULD THE PROBLEM BE? IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR WILL KILL ON ME IF I AM NOT IN A CONTINUOUS MOTION. *NM
2005-01-11
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-08-21
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4VH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING DOWN A BUSY ROAD AT 45 MPH AND GOING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, I HEARD A POP/BACK FIRE AND THE 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH AN 3800 ENGINE LOST ALL POWER. WE WERE STUCK IN THE INTERSECTION. WE WERE LUCKY WE WERE NOT KILLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BY AAA. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD FAILED, AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT CAN ANYONE DESIGN A PLASTIC MANIFOLD?THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD, AND VEHICLES SHOULD BE RECALLED. WE COULD OF BEEN INJURED. THE 1997 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH A 3800 ENGINE IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE TO THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD.*AK
1997 Pontiac Bonneville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville.
2009-04-07
- 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.
1996-10-08
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: THE SEAT COVER TRIM MATERIAL DOES NOT MEET THE FLAMMABILITY REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 302, "FLAMMABILITY OF INTERIOR MATERIALS."
- Consequence: IF AN IGNITION SOURCE WERE PRESENT, A VEHICLE INTERIOR FIRE CAN OCCUR.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE COVERS ON THE FRONT SEAT BACKS, REAR SEAT CUSHION AND REAR SEAT BACK ASSEMBLIES.
Negative 1997 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
Positive 1997 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
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Hi there! I just wanted to let you know that the car rides really well and gets great mileage!
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Fuel gauge needed replacing. It always showed full until it was finally empty. Performance is outstanding and fuel economy is fantastic for the power ratio. I am very satisfied.
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The first time you sit in it, those bucket seats give you a hug. It's the best car you have owned. Despite a small oil leak, the power, size, and feel of a real car make it a joy to drive.
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Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with this car. I've only had it for a couple of months, but it's been amazing so far! I've already put almost 2000 miles on it, including two trips to Virginia, and it's been performing beautifully. This is actually my first car, and I decided to go with a used one, but this car is in such great shape that you'd never know it was used. I'm really happy with my purchase!
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I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I bought the 1997 40th Anniversary Edition Bonneville SE back in 1997 and it has been such a reliable car for me. It's loaded with options and gets great gas mileage too! The only thing I would suggest for improvement is to reduce the amount of rattle noise. Thanks for listening!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Pontiac Bonneville problems:
1997 Pontiac Bonneville Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1997-pontiac-bonneville/problems
Top 1997 Pontiac Bonneville Problems · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure · Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail · Car ...
1997 Bonneville SE AC problems : 1992-1999
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/1992/topic20208.html
1997 Bonneville SE AC problems ... Year and Trim: 1997 Pontiac Bonneville SE. My ... Has this happened before, is it a common problem and is the fix ...
Q&A: Troubleshooting a 1997 Pontiac Bonneville that Won't Turn ...
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/1s2rx-1997-pontiac-bonneville-will-not-turn-over-tested-battery.html
Feb 1, 2009 ... Some other possible problems would be the starter, security system or possibly a wiring problem. If you can do some testing I would start by ...
1997 Bonneville won't start. Windows and locks don't work : 1992 ...
http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/1992/topic35540.html
They get wet & corrode - common problem. ... 1999 Pontiac Bonneville SE- Stored -All stock, Sony ... 1997 Pontiac Firebird - DD - 3800 Series II ...
Common Issues & Solutions : 2000-2005 (other than GXP)
https://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com/forum/2000-2005-other-than-gxp/topic88.html
1997 Pontiac Bonneville SSE (TOTALLED! gone, but not forgotten!) ... 2001 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi 106K (I'm back in black....YAAAAAY!!!!)
Other years of Pontiac Bonneville
Are you having problems with your 1997 Pontiac Bonneville?
Eli Nolan 2024-10-28
Great car! It rides and drives great, with good power and comfort. Although I had an issue with the engine throwing a rod at 75000 miles, I replaced it and have been driving it ever since. I didn't have much of a choice since I had just purchased it a few months ago. Despite the engine issue, I still enjoy the drive and ride. Recently, the engine developed an antifreeze leak, but my mechanic assured me that it's a common issue that he has seen more frequently. Overall, I still think it's a great car!
Finn Morar 2024-09-23
At 68,000 miles, the transmission began to slip, and we confidently replaced it. While there have been reports of transmission issues that required flushing or rebuilding for a two-year period, we stand behind the quality of our car. Thank you for choosing our brand.
Cyrus Muller 2024-09-17
The exterior is still in fair condition.
Leonard Zieme 2024-06-22
Well hello there! I had a bit of trouble with my GM car - the radiator fluid ended up in the oilpan and I had to replace the water pump. I've had to tow this American-built car home with my 1993 Nissan Pu with 130,000 miles more than once. It has the potential to be a great car, but I think it would be even better if it was designed and built in Japan. Thanks for reading and have a great day!
Moises Breitenberg 2024-05-19
The Bonneville has the most comfortable seats of any car I ever owned. It has been a perfect car for me, but unfortunately, I have had some issues with it. I had two major repairs under warranty, and after it was out of warranty, I had some substantial repair bills. Now they tell me the transmission is on the way out, which is a shame. Repairing this car is too expensive for me at the moment. Despite these issues, I still think it's a great car. The mechanical integrity could be improved, but overall, I'm happy with it.