1991 Pontiac Bonneville: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 22 owner complaints on record; most reports concern service brakes, hydraulic.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2006
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1991 pontiac bonneville. While driving approximately 45 mph in cold weather conditions, the transmission oil cooler line separated and caused transmission fluid to leak excessively. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v015000 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines); therefore, they would not assume responsibility for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 190,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2008
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 30 mph on the highway, the rod bearing fractured along the engine without warning. This caused oil to leak onto the hot catalytic converter causing a fire to erupt within the engine compartment and spread through the air conditioning blower motor and into the cab of the vehicle. The driver exited the vehicle without injuries. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was totaled due to the extensive fire damage. The police were on the scene and a report was taken. The dealer was alerted. Updated 10/17/2006 - *nm”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 2006
“Metal holding the catch pin on the underside of the hood is prone to stress cracks while driving the vehicle 55 mph, this problem caused the hood to fly open. Problem has been reported to the dealership. *ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Oct 1999
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving on freeway I was struck by a drunk driver going approx. 70-75mph. I was hit in the left rear of the car and I was immediately thrown back.after pulling over I found out that the seat back had broken and was in the fully reclined position. I was unable to pull the sear back to it's upright position, it only went half of that distance.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 1999
“The fuel line from the gas tank to the engine rusted through, causing the gasoline to leak. The fuel lines are being replaced.ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · May 1998
“While driving 50-60 mph vehicle cuts off, does not move. In five minutes it will sometimes start again. Dealer contacted, and cannot remedy the problem. Problem still exists. Provide further information. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Feb 1998
“When driving the brakes are making loud noise and consumer had front brakes put on today, and rear brakes put on last week. Has been in the shop four times for repairs, and the dealer can't determine the problem. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Nov 1997
“Consumer tuned vehicle after fast idle, feels like vibration; car stalls; bumping noises underneath. Also, backfiring. All of which happens when going up hill or sitting still at red light, vehicle always stalls. *ak”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Feb 1997
“Power door locks had corrored, passengers cannot get out of vehicle, the release button will not open, have to open the door from the outside. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Nov 1996
“When outside temperature reaches 85 degrees temperature inside vehicle rises to 70 degrees due to defective climate control module. *aw”Owner report · Equipment · Mar 1995
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THE CONSOLE MOUNTED SHIFT LEVER MAY DISENGAGE FROM THE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE BRACKET CAUSING LOSS OF GEAR INDICATOR REFERENCE AND SHIFT SELECTOR OPERATION.
Remedy: INSTALL TWO TRANSAXLE SHIFT CONTROL CABLE RETAINING CLIPS.
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
How other years compare
Check your exact Bonneville by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic.
Does the 1991 Pontiac Bonneville have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.