2005 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 2005 Pontiac Bonneville problems
The 2005 Pontiac Bonneville, particularly the GXP trim, is known for several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another issue that owners have reported is with the charging system. A brand new battery can drain over a week or two, causing the car to click when attempting to start it. This issue can be particularly frustrating for owners, as it can leave them stranded without warning.
The engine is also a source of problems for some 2005 Bonneville owners. Some have reported issues with the engine stalling or hesitating, which can be dangerous when driving. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty sensors or issues with the fuel system.
The interior of the 2005 Bonneville has also been a source of complaints for some owners. Some have reported issues with the gauges, which can fluctuate between working and not working. This can make it difficult to monitor the car's performance and can be a safety hazard.
Finally, some owners have reported issues with the transmission. Some have reported that the transmission can slip or hesitate, which can be particularly noticeable when accelerating. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, including low transmission fluid or issues with the transmission itself.
In general, the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville has a reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting that the car has provided them with trouble-free service for many years. However, like any car, the Bonneville is not immune to problems, and some owners have reported issues with the power windows, charging system, engine, interior, and transmission.
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.
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.
What was the last year they made the Pontiac Bonneville?
2005
The Bonneville made its last stand in 2005 before being resigned to the history books. Pontiac itself lasted not much longer. But it was a great name, and Bonnevilles are great cars. There are still plenty of Pontiac lovers out there today—I'm one of them.
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.
2005 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:
- Air bags problems
- Electrical system problems
- Steering problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Pontiac Bonneville vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2005 Pontiac Bonneville
The NHTSA has received 27 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Pontiac Bonneville. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2005 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: 1g2hy52k45u
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: My gas gage and tempature gage don't work
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-12
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y75U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" UNUSUAL ENGINE NOISE CAR WON'T BRAKE FUMES COMING INSIDE THE CAR. CAR SHAKING AND VIBRATING LOW OIL PRESSURE EVEN WHEN I GOT A OIL CHANGE. AFTER OIL CHANGE CAR WOULDN'T GO NO MORE THAN 16 MILES PER HOUR. CAR WILL NOT CRANK IF IT'S 47 DEGREES OR LOWER TEMPERATURE. IN MOTION IN CITY STREET AND HIGHWAY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-07-16
- VIN: 1G2HX52K85U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING; REPAIR SHOP SAYS SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-09-10
- VIN: 1G2HX52K45U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS TOLD THE AIRBAG WILL NOW ONLY WORK IF THE STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT. IF IT IS TURNED AND I GET HIT, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-05-06
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y35U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY PANEL MALFUNCTIONING MY FUEL GAUGE IS MALFUNCTIONING THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CHECK TIRE PRESSURE CHECK OIL ALL THE LIGHTS STAY ON AND I CAN'T RESET THE PANEL I'M ALSO HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE CAR STOPPING WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE IT TURNS OFF
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON AND WILL NOT GO OUT. INSTRUMENT PANEL MALFUNCTIONING SPEEDOMETER , TEMPERATURE AND VOLTAGE ALL NOT WORKING. HEADLINER FALLING.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-01
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y25U
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT OIL WAS LEAKING UNTO THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING WHITE SMOKE TO EMIT OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-11
- VIN: 1G2HY54K05U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT IS ON.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-11-10
- VIN: 1G2HY54K05U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL GAUGE QUIT WORKING
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-08-01
- VIN: 1G2HX54K05U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: STARTED UP MY CAR AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND WON'T GO OFF. ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH ELECTRICAL LIGHTS IN THE DASH. PART OF THE LIGHTS FOR THE SPEEDOMETER/AIR-CONDITIONER BUTTONS ARE ONLY 1/2 WORKING AND PART OF THE LIGHTS ON THE RADIO DON'T LIGHT UP EITHER. AFTER READING SEVERAL OF THESE IT SOUNDS LIKE THIS IS A BIG ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL OF CAR.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-06-13
- VIN: 1G2HX52K45U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: STARTED THE CAR ONE MORNING AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF. DON'T KNOW IF THIS IS SERIOUS OR NOT . CAN'T AFFORD TO HAVE IT CHECKED RIGHT NOW. THERE IS A BIG AIRBAG RECALL RIGHT NOW, JUST WONDERING IF MY CAR COULD BE A DANGER. ALSO OUR TEMP GAUGE HAS STOPPED WORKING AND OUR RADIO DASH LIGHT HAS WENT OUT ..MAYBE A DASH BOARD PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-08-09
- VIN: 1G2HY54K05U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAGS LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND HAD THE IGNITION KEY CHANGED IN 2010 AT A CHEVROLET DEALERSHIP. *TR
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K65U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF AND I WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THERE AIR BAGS AND IF IT WILL STILL WORK IF I AM IN A CRASH. *JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K65U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF AND I WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THERE AIR BAGS AND IF IT WILL STILL WORK IF I AM IN A CRASH. *JS
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-14
- VIN: 1G2HX52K65U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: MY AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WON'T GO OFF AND I WAS WANTING TO KNOW IF ANYONE ELSE IS HAVING TROUBLE WITH THERE AIR BAGS AND IF IT WILL STILL WORK IF I AM IN A CRASH. *JS
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-25
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 162HZ54Y85U
- Components: AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
- Summary: CAR SHUT OFF WHILE SITTING AT YIELD SIGN ,WAS REAR ENDED BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC. *TR
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-25
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y85U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOSS POWER AND STALLED. THE CONTACT STATED ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED MINOR INJURIES AND WAS HOSPITALIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-12-12
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TRYING TO MAKE HARD TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT MOSTLY WHILE PARKING THE POWER STEERING LOCKS OR GETS REALLY TIGHT. PUT POWER STEERING FLUID IN. DOES NOTHING AT ALL. WHAT CAN I DO. LOOKING AT OTHER POST...OBVIOUSLY NOTHING. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-09-29
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE ENGINE STARTED TO LOSE POWER. WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED IT WOULD NOT RESTART AND SMOKE STARTED WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE DUE TO THE SENSORS MELTING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,635.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-01
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y15U
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER (DIC) ON THE 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE HAS A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW. I HAD IT REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT BECAME IMPOSSIBLE TO RESET IT. NOW 4 YEARS LATER, I'M EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM AND DON'T WANT TO PAY OVER $100 FOR WHAT THE MANUFACTURER OUGHT TO COVER. *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2010-07-23
- VIN: 1G2HX52K65U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: VIBRATION AT ABOUT 60 MPH TRIED SEVERAL TIME TO HAVE THIS PROBLEM SOLVED ,NO SOLUTION. I'VE ALSO CALLED GM SEVERAL TIME THEY SENT ME TO A GM DEALER NO SOLUTION.CALLED GM BACK AND WAS TOLD THIS CAR WAS PROBABLY DESIGN TO DO THIS ,YOU CAN BELIEVE OR NOT THIS IS THE TRUTH. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-12-16
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y85U
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: 2005 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE, CLUNKING NOISE IN STEERING. PER DEALER, INTERMEDIATE SHAFT IS MANUFACTURER KNOWN PROBLEM, WHILE UNDER WARRANTY SHAFT WAS LUBED, THEN REPLACED, THEN LUBED AGAIN. PROBLEM PERSISTS AND IS WORSE IN COLD WEATHER. STEERING BECOMES LESS THAN ACCURATE PROVIDING IMPROPER ROAD FEEDBACK AND IMPROPER RESPONSE TO DRIVER INPUT. MY CONCERN IS THAT SHAFT WILL FAIL OR WILL CAUSE OTHER STEERING FAILURE. THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM SINCE OWNERSHIP TAKEN 4 SEPT 2004. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2009-05-12
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DRIVER INFORMATION CENTER SHOWS LOW BRAKE FLUID AND LOW TIRE PRESSURE, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES OF THE TIRES. I CAN'T CHANGE ANY SETTINGS FOR THE DIC. THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED IN COMBINATION OR ANOTHER. I AM CONSTANTLY CHECKING THESE SYSTEMS EVERY TIME I USE THE CAR. *TR
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-10-02
- VIN: 1G2HX52K55U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THERE IS HARD SHIFTING AND SLIPPING IN TRANSMISSION. *TR
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2008-07-22
- VIN: 1G2HZ54Y25U
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHEN THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL PASSES THROUGH STANDING WATER MOISTURE IS DEFLECTED ONTO THE SERPENTINE BELT. THE SERPENTINE BELT SLIPS CAUSING A LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHICH RENDERS THE VEHICLE NOT ABLE STEER UNTIL THE SERPENTINE BELT STOPS SLIPPING. MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES. *TR
Negative 2005 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
Positive 2005 Pontiac Bonneville car reviews
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I love this car! As a salesperson, I drive it all over and it provides me with all the comfort I need, as well as the power when I need it. About 6 months ago, I almost traded it in for a Cadillac CTS, but I quickly realized that the Cadillac was not as good as my trusty Pontiac. It's just so much fun to drive, and at night the dash looks like an airplane cockpit!
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As a car salesman who has driven many different makes and models of cars, I can confidently say that the GXP offers the most value for your money. It's incredibly fun to drive and has exceptional road manners. In my opinion, the so-called 'professional' reviewers have completely missed the mark when it comes to the GXP.
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Only owned for about a month but so far I'm very impressed. It seems like the expert reviewers missed on this one. I traded in my 300C which was a terrible car - nothing worked after 3 months. The GXP, on the other hand, has a great drive train and more than enough power. It also has very good handling for a front driver. The MPG so far is about 17/22, which should only improve with time.
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I compared the prices of other imports, but none of them could match this car in terms of size, performance, and value. I drive approximately 100 miles a day, and I must say that this car is just flat out fun to drive! I have been extremely satisfied with my purchase. The dealer treated me better than any of the import dealers I have dealt with.
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So far, the car has been great! We have 3700 miles on it and it's been a pleasure to drive. I was thrilled to see that they dropped the Northstar motor in it and gave it 18-inch wheels. I'm hoping it lives up to my 98 Grand Prix GTP, which was an amazing car. Unfortunately, my last Bonneville 01 was a nightmare and was always in the dealer for repairs, but I have high hopes for this one!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Pontiac Bonneville problems:
2005 Pontiac Bonneville Problems and Complaints - 25 Issues
Top 2005 Pontiac Bonneville Problems · Engine Stalling Due to Mass Air Flow/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure · Mode/Temperature Door Actuators May Fail · Car ...
Buying a 2005 GXP tomorrow... how scared should I be ...
These changes seem to have eliminated almost all of the earlier head gasket issues. 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP Greystone
Electrical issues : 2000-2005 (other than GXP)
Year and Trim: 2000 Pontiac Bonneville. and i apologize that this is not in the right section... i didnt see it until after the posting was ...
Q&A: 2005 Pontiac Bonneville GXP Problems & Solutions
Apr 13, 2012 ... I have a 2005 bonneville gxp. This car will occasionally jerk when shifting gears but not all the time. It has become more frequent the last ...
2004 bonneville electrical problem : 2000-2005 (other than GXP)
... 2005 (other than GXP). All times ... 2004 Pontiac Bonneville, power door locks and windows will not work. ... As a start, check out the common ...
Other years of Pontiac Bonneville
Are you having problems with your 2005 Pontiac Bonneville?
Edward Wyman 2024-10-28
The transmission should be updated to support engine performance. Otherwise, I hope you are satisfied.
Reyes Lebsack 2024-02-28
I drive a lot, putting over 50,000 miles a year due to work. After putting over 100,000 miles on my 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante, I decided it was time for a new car and went with the Bonneville. While I enjoyed the car for the first week, I've experienced some issues such as creaking in the dash, a weird thunk in the rear every time I go over a bump, a broken horn, and a broken heater. Unfortunately, this car has not met my expectations, despite only having 15,000 miles on it. While the car has good power when needed and looks good, I can't wait to get out of my Bonneville.