1998 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 1998 Pontiac Bonneville problems
The 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is known to have several engine problems, with the most common issue being a cracked intake manifold causing engine failure. This problem has been reported by six owners, indicating a potential design flaw or manufacturing defect in the intake manifold. A cracked intake manifold can lead to engine failure, which is a significant concern for Bonneville owners.
Another common engine problem in the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is an intake manifold leak, which has also been reported by six owners. An intake manifold leak can result in various symptoms, such as rough idle, loss of power, and a blinking check engine light. This issue can be caused by several factors, including wear and tear, damage, or a manufacturing defect.
The engine performance of the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is also a concern for some owners, with engine performance being one of the top problems reported for this model. This issue can manifest as a loss of power, poor fuel efficiency, or difficulty starting the engine. Engine performance problems can be caused by various factors, including vacuum leaks, faulty sensors, or issues with the fuel system.
The 1998 Pontiac Bonneville has also been reported to have problems with the engine running lean due to a vacuum leak in the EGR tube. This issue can result in poor engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions. A vacuum leak in the EGR tube can be caused by wear and tear, damage, or a manufacturing defect.
The steering system of the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is another area where problems have been reported. Specifically, some owners have reported a loss of power steering fluid due to steering rack failure. This issue can result in difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds. Steering rack failure can be caused by various factors, including wear and tear, damage, or a manufacturing defect.
In addition to these specific problems, the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville has also been reported to have various other issues, including bad ground issues and fuel issues. These problems can result in various symptoms, such as non-starting, shutting off, and poor fuel efficiency.
In summary, the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville has several common problems, with engine issues being the most prevalent. These problems include a cracked intake manifold causing engine failure, intake manifold leaks, engine performance issues, and engine running lean due to a vacuum leak in the EGR tube. Steering system problems, such as steering rack failure, have also been reported. Additionally, the Bonneville has been reported to have various other issues, including bad ground issues and fuel issues. These problems can result in various symptoms, such as non-starting, shutting off, poor fuel efficiency, and difficulty steering.
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 engine is in a 1998 Pontiac Bonneville?
3.8 L V61998 Pontiac Bonneville / Engine
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 long can a Pontiac Bonneville last?
The bigger car ride, smaller car handling, full instrumentation and adult styling made the Bonnies an all-American car. The 3800 engine is very hard to fault and this car can easily last 200,000 miles with modest attention.
Was the Pontiac Bonneville a luxury car?
It entered the production lineup as a high-performance, fuel-injected luxury convertible version of the Star Chief in 1957, and was loaded with every available option as standard equipment to include leather upholstery, power adjustable front seat, power windows, power steering, power brakes and power convertible top ...
What kind of engine does a Pontiac Bonneville have?
A 3.8-litre with 205 ponies is standard on the Bonneville; a supercharged version of the same engine is optional.
1998 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
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 299 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1998 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-03-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4W4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINS AFTER SHUTDOWN. INCIDENT 2015-00001363
STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-03
- Components: STEERING,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-10
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7W4
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
- Summary: MY CAR HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM SIOUX FALLS RESIDENTS HOME JULY 10 TH BUT HAVE A POLICE REPORT [XXX] BEEN SPOTTED IN MITCHELL OFF INTERSTATE 90 FIRST PARKING LOT RIGHT AFTER EXIT 90 INTO MITCHELL TANISH COLOR TRUNK HAS BUNNGIE CORD ON TRUNK SILVER SMALL SPOT ON PASSENGER SIDE PONTIAC 1998. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-04-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K2WH
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING ON THE NEW YORK THRUWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I HAD TO POWER STEER, NO POWER BRAKES, THE FUEL GAUGE READ NO FUEL AND THE BELLS WENT OFF. I HAD TO TRY TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND RESTART MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MORE TIMES. I CAN BE GOING 25MPH OR 70MPH; I CAN HAVE THE CRUISE ON OR OFF; I CAN HAVE THE HEAT OR A/C ON OR OFF, IT DOES NOT MATTER; IN ALL CASES, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN I AM NOT EXPECTING IT. *JS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-24
- VIN: 1G2HX52K8W4
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE PULLED TO A DEAD STOP AT A LIGHT AND DURING THE IDLING TIME THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. VERY EMBARRASSING SET OF TRIPS TO NEARBY GROCER. .. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-04-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K5WH
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE ROAD DIVIDER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. DR
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-23
- VIN: 1G2HX52K2WH
- Components: STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND HOPEFULLY RESUME DRIVING SO THE CAR COMING BEHIND ME DID NOT CRASH INTO ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE INCLUDING TIMES WHILE ON I-95, I-81, RURAL MOUNTAINOUS ROADS (WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS), AND CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO MY MECHANIC AND HE HAS NOT COME UP WITH A REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I AM GIVEN NO WARNING BY MY CAR THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE WARNING BELL CHIMES AND THE CAR FAILS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED LAST EVENING AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID A CRASH. PLEASE ADD MY CAR TO YOUR RECALL OR GIVE ME SOME KIND OF ANSWER TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC. *TR
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-08-08
- VIN: 1G2HX52K2WH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,506.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-30
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K9W4
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS MELTED AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-08
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K0W4
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT, I GOT A WHIFF OF A BURNING SMELL, 2 DAYS IN A ROW, SHORT QUICK SCENT. NEXT 4 DAYS, SMELLED NOTHING (EVEN DROVE CAR 80 MILES ONE WAY AND BACK). DAY OF INCIDENT, I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATER VENT. I INCREASED SPEED TO ABOUT 30 MPH TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT, AND BLACK SMOKE BILLOWED OUT OF HEAT VENT ON TOP OF DASHBOARD, AND FRONT OF DASHBOARD. TURNED CORNER TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC, CAME TO A STOP AND FLAMES SHOT OUT OF CIGARETTE LIGHTER, AND AIR VENT IN FRONT OF DASH. HEATER WAS OFF, RADIO WAS OFF, AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS NOT BEING USED. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES. CAR TOTALED. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-22
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT HESITATED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE PLASTIC GASKET FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND CAUSED ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,433.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-02-01
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: 98 PONTIAC 86,000 MILES INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME... PARTS REPLACED...SPARK PLUGS (FOULED)..STARTER ASSEMBLY.. MOTOR WAS WATERLOCKED BROKE STARTER...INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED.....OIL CHANGED DUE TO COOLANT CONTAMINATION...REPLACE ANTIFREEZE...TOTAL BILL LABOR AND PARTS... $1387.99..GM HAS NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE...WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM ?? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2011-06-23
- VIN: 1G2HX52K4W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE AIR INTAKE GASKET HAS FAILED FOR 2 REASONS. 1 FACTORY TIGHTLY PUT THE BOLTS ON TO TIGHT. 2 PLASTIC GASKET AND PLASTIC MANIFOLD PARTS DO NOT MEET GOVERNMENT SAFETY STANDARDS FOR, FAILURE AVOIDANCE, BECAUSE OF MATERIALS USED TO CONNECT THE PLASTIC TO METTLE CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-22
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: MY UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS ENGINE COOLANT INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS AND INTO THE CRANKCASE. THE EGR TUBE MELTS THE UPPER PLASTIC MANIFOLD I HAVE HAD THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE REPLACED FOR THIS ISSUE ONCE BEFORE WITH GM PARTS AND IT HAPPENING AGAIN. IF IT NOT FIXED THE COOLANT CAN CONTAMINATE MY OIL AND LOCK UP MY ENGINE WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AND POSSIBLY CAUSE ME TO CRASH. IF THE ENGINE LOCKS UP I WILL LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I OWN A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SE. I SAW RECENTLY THAT GM WAS RECALLING 1.5 MILLION VEHICLES WITH THE 3800 3.8 LTR V6. WAS WONDERING HOW THEY COULD RECALL THOSE VEHICLES AND NOT MINE, MY CAR IS IN THE SAME YEAR RANGE "1998" AND HAS THE EXACT MOTOR "3800 3.8 V6" AND OIL DRIPS ON MANIFOLD ON MY CAR AS WELL. WHAT KIND OF INFO CAN I GET ON THIS? THANK YOU *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-12-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K0WH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 98 BONNEVILLE WITH 3800 SERIES ENGINE. NOTICED COOLANT WAS LOW SO I ADDED COOLANT, THEN REPLACED THERMOSTAT BECAUSE HEATER WAS PUTTING OUT COLD AIR. SAW BIG CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT INVOLVING A PLASTIC MANIFOLD AND EGR VALVE THAT THE COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH THE OIL DUE TO HOLES CAUSED BY THE DEFECT IN THE UPPER AND LOWER MANIFOLDS. CALLED PONTIAC DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID SORRY ABOUT YOUR SITUATION BUT NO RECALL. CONTACTED PREVIOUS OWNER AND HE SAID THE SAME THING HAPPENED 3 YEARS AGO AND HE HAD THE SAME THING FIXED. LONG STORY SHORT, I'M SPENDING $1400 FOR A PROBLEM THAT THE ENGINEERS OF THIS ENGINE KNEW WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING OF PRODUCTION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-27
- VIN: 1G2HX52K7W4
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: 6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS PROFESSIONAL CARED FOR CAR (GM GARAGE 8YRS) FROM MY MOTHER WITH ONLY 62,000 MILES ON IT I BEGAN SEEING COOLANT ON THE ENGINE WHICH LED ME TO HAVE MY MECHANIC AT PRECISION TUNE AUTO CARE TAKE A LOOK. HE SAID IT IS LIKELY A LEAK FROM EITHER THE PLENUM OR THE GASKET. AFTER DIGGING INTO IT THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER PLENUM AND LOWER INTAKE GASKET AND COOLANT AND OIL. COST WAS 739.71. MILEAGE ON CAR AT THAT TIME WAS 78540. I HAVE RECEIPT FROM PRECISION. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-06-28
- VIN: 1G2HX52K8WH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, FAILED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE FAILURE CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE SALES DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONSULT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF HE ONLY HAD 100,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,526 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,520. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND PITTED. UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-20
- VIN: 1G2HX52KXWH
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND FROM BENEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,735. UPDATED
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-12-31
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HX52K6W4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUTO ACCIDENT. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE IMPACT THEN ROLLED 3 TIMES.*CN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-27
- VIN: 1G2HZ52K8WH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE POOR PRODUCTION MANIFOLD/GASKETS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE MANIFOLD/GASKETS AND DEX. COOL WERE IN POOR PRODUCTION ON HER VEHICLE. *KB THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET HAD COOLANT IN THEM. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD. METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL WHICH WAS COMING FROM, THE ROD BEARING THAT FAILED DUE TO THE VEHICLE OVER HEATING AND COOLANT IN THE OIL. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE MANIFOLD FROM CRACKING. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2004, THE MANIFOLD CRACKED ONE MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED SHE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2004 THE LOWER MANIFOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE, HOWEVER SINCE IT WAS NOT REPLACED, STOP LEAK PELLETS MIXED WITH THE DEX-COOL AND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-06-03
- Fire: 1
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CAR WAS DRIVEN TO A FRIENDS HOUSE. AFTER BEING IN THE HOUSE FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 MIN. WE WERE NOTIFIED THAT OUR CAR'S ENGINE COMPARTMENT WAS ON FIRE. EVERYTHING IN THE COMPARTMENT WAS MELTED OR DISTORTED. INSURANCE COMPANY TOTALED THE CAR.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-03-11
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2WP52K5WF
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
- Summary: I OWN A 98 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX,BLACK,FOUR DOOR AUTOMATIC.I HAVE BEEN PAYING FOR THIS CAR FOR ABOUT TWO YEARS.I WENT TO START MY CAR AND IT WAS DEAD SO WE HOOKED IT UP TO A POWER SAVE JUMPER CABLE BOX(THE ONE THAT DOESNT NEED ANOTHER CAR TO CHARGE THE BATTERY) IT STILL WOULDNT START SO MY STEP FATHER (WHO IS A MECHANIC) CAME OVER TO HELP, WE HOOKED IT BACK UP TO THE JUMPER CABLES AND HE TRYED TO TURN IT OVER, NOTHING.... I LEANED IN TO TRY AND TURN IT OVER AND MY FUEL INJECTOR MANIFOLD EXPLODED. THE PLASTIC CASING BLEW ABOUT 20 FT DOWN THE ROAD AND THE WHOLE TOP OF MY ENGINE WAS ON FIRE.THE FIRE BLEW MY MANIFOLD APART,MY FUEL INJECTOR IS COMPLETELY MISSING THE WHOLE PART WHERE MY SPARK PLUGS ARE IS BURNED AND SO ON THERE IS ALOT OF DAMAGE!!!I HEARD FROM MY INSURANCE COMPANY THAT THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO THE PONTIAC GRAND PRIX.I HAVE TRYED TO RECEIVE ANY INFORMATION THAT WOULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHY THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE CONTACTED GM PERSONALLY AND AM HAVING IT LOOKED AT BY A GM SPECIALIST(SUPPOSEDLY).IM JUST VERY THANKFUL THAT MINE NOR MY STEPFATHERS FACE WAS UNDER THAT HOOD OR ONE OF US WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY BADLY INJURED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2007-02-05
- VIN: 1G2HX52K9WH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH A 3800 ENGINE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS LESS THEN 42,000 MILES ON IT. THE UPPER INTAKE (PLENUM) AND SEALS HAVE FAILED RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. I PHONED AN ACQUAINTANCE WHO WORKED AS A TECHNICIAN AT THE GM POWER TRAIN ENGINEERING FACILITY IN FLINT, MICHIGAN WHERE THE 3800 ENGINE WAS ENGINEERED. HE SAID IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE BY THE ENGINEERING SKILLED TRADES EMPLOYEES THAT THE UPPER INTAKE DESIGN WAS FLAWED. THERE WERE MANY INTAKE FAILURES OBSERVED DURING DYNAMOMETER TESTING. SOME EVEN EXPLODED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINEERS AND MANAGEMENT WAS WELL AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN, BUT FOR SOME REASON, CHANGES WERE NOT MADE. I CAN DIRECT INVESTIGATORS TO EMPLOYEES WHO WITNESSED INTAKE DESIGN FAILURES IN THE TESTING FACILITIES. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-09-27
- VIN: 1G2HX52KXWH
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE 3800 ENGINE IN MY PONTIAC HAS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS FOR SOME REASON HAS HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT HAS CRACKED. I AM TRYING TO OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL OR SOME SORT OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE OR OTHER 3800 SERIES ENGINES? *NM
1998 Pontiac Bonneville recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1998 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:DELIVERY
- Summary: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.
- Consequence: THE BACKFIRE CAN RUPTURE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE RUPTURE OF THE INTAKE MANIFOLD CAN DISPLACE A FUEL LINE, PULLING AN INJECTOR OUT OF PLACE, AND CAUSING A FUEL LEAK AND POSSIBLE FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
Negative 1998 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
Positive 1998 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
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Hi there! I'm glad to hear that you had a positive experience with your last Bonneville and that your current car has held up well with only routine maintenance. I totally understand your desire for more cup-holders and a better trunk-spoiler design, but overall it sounds like you have a great-looking and roomy 4 door car that doesn't look like an old lady's car. It's awesome that you use your car like it's your living room and that it's holding up well. I hope it continues to do so!
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This car is really easy to drive and it provides a lot of safety due to its size.
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I bought this car about a year ago from a private seller with 70k miles on it. Now, I have over 90K miles. I always liked the style but never owned a Pontiac before. I wanted a large car for golf with a somewhat sporty look. The inside leather is luxurious and the response and handling is great with the 3.8 V6. It's just a great car. On trips, the mileage has never been less than 30 mpg at 70 mph. I also have a 95 Lexus ES 300 and a 2006 Corolla S, but both my wife and I enjoy this car as much as either of them. I can only say that this vehicle is very well built and an overall great value.
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This vehicle has been one of the better cars I have owned. I have only had one problem, which was a rear oil seal, but it was covered by the warranty. It also has very good gas mileage, getting 29mpg on trips. It is comfortable and still looks good.
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I'm so glad to hear that you found a comfortable and reliable used car! It sounds like you've got a great vehicle on your hands. Adding aftermarket items like a high performance air filter and a better exhaust is a great way to soup up the performance a little bit. I hope you enjoy driving your car even more with these upgrades!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Pontiac Bonneville problems:
1998 Pontiac Bonneville Problems and Complaints - 21 Issues
Problem with your 1998 Pontiac Bonneville? Our list of 21 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1998 Pontiac Bonneville.
1990-91 Bonneville Information. : 1987-1991
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Pontiac Bonneville Problems and Complaints - 42 Issues
Top Pontiac Bonneville Problems · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure · Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail · Car Won't ...
Issue With 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE Transmission : 2000-2005 ...
Issue With 2002 Pontiac Bonneville SE Transmission ... 1998 SE 2001 SSEI 2002 SSEI. Most likely the ... Read here for common problems that occur ...
Pontiac Bonneville Starting/Stallling/Ignition Problems — Car ...
May 25, 2006 ... Pontiac Bonneville Starting/Stallling/Ignition Problems ... Seems to be a common problem with the Bonnies. ... I replaced starter on 98 and it had ...
Other years of Pontiac Bonneville
Are you having problems with your 1998 Pontiac Bonneville?
Karson Murazik 2024-11-24
I purchased this car from my Dad a year ago, but unfortunately, I have had some issues with it. At first, it would shut off randomly, and then in October, the water pump blew out, which cost me $300 to repair. One month later, the Upper Intake Manifold cracked for the second time in three years, causing the engine to flood with coolant and the starter to blow when I tried to restart it. I have learned that the Upper Intake Manifolds on these cars are made of cheap plastic and tend to crack around 100k to 130k. Unfortunately, the repair bill for this issue is around $1200. As someone who has happily owned a 95 Grand Prix, 94 Trans Am, and an 02 Grand Am, I was disappointed by the Bonneville. However, I am hopeful that I can resolve these issues and enjoy the car again soon.
Lexus McCullough 2024-11-05
Although we initially enjoyed the vehicle and had no issues for the first 40,000 miles, we unfortunately encountered a number of problems thereafter. These included a failed intake manifold (which required an engine rebuild) at 60K, an ABS pump at 70K, a transmission at 52K, two radio replacements, three computer module replacements, and now, at 105K, another failed manifold which cost us $1200 to repair. Despite GM having issued tech bulletins on these issues, they refused to cover the repair costs. Given the price we paid for the car, I cannot recommend this model with confidence.
Eliezer Donnelly 2024-10-03
The vehicle is quite roomy, just as expected for its size. It also boasts good mileage. However, it may not score more than average for handling at speeds over 60. I should also mention that the rock and pinion was replaced at 43,000. While the traction control may not be of much benefit, the large moon/sun roof is definitely a plus. Personally, I'm considering switching to an import for better price value.
Remington Ferry 2024-04-09
I think my '98 has held up better than most cars half its age. I work at a car dealership and I find that the Bonneville has a much roomier interior than any '06 Impala. Although less wind noise would be preferable, the interior is quiet. However, the interior tends to creak and rattle in colder conditions. Overall, I believe this is a good car and I wish more cars were built like this.