1993 Pontiac Bonneville: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 138 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints); the 1991 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jan 1996
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 138 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 pontiac bonneville. While the contact was driving approximately 30 mph, encountering a speed bump, he heard a loud popping noise outside of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road to inspect the vehicle. He observed that the front frame and engine both detached and were positioned on the ground. The contact was able to drive the vehicle a short distance to the residence at an extremely low speed; and upon reaching the destination the steering column fractured completely. The dealer was notified. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2010
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that his vehicle is leaking transmission fluid. The manufacturer made a report; however, they informed the contact that they were not completely sure if his VIN was included in NHTSA campaign id number 96v015000 (power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines). They stated that they will investigate and provide him with an answer. The current mileage was 56,000 and failure mileage was 55,000. Updated 4/21/08 *cn”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2008
“Tl*the contact owns a 1993 pontiac bonneville. The contact took her vehicle to midas for a routine oil change. A few hours later, the vehicle shut off while driving. The vehicle was towed and the technician stated that the vehicle's oil was black. The technician stated that the oil change was not the cause of the failure, but could possibly result from engine failure. As a result, midas fails to reimburse the contact. The vehicle would start, but made a loud knocking noise. The contact has the receipt and paperwork from the event. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 233,065.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2007
Show 7 more owner reports
“Went to the store and when I came out my car would not start, the security light was flashing. I read the owners manual and it said to clean the key and checks the fuses. I did both of these and still no start. I called a gm dealer and told him what had happened, he said that the car is not recogoning the key and that is why it wont start. The key has a chip on it, now this is in no way something that was caused by neglect, it is from a defect in the key, yet gm will not pay to get this fix and get the car back on the road.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2005
“Tire defect. Groove developing on sidewall approximately in the middle of the "brand" and "model" lettering. Looks as if the tire has been rubbing against something, but is on outside of tire. This is happening on two tires. One passenger rear, the other, driver front. Possible belt separation?”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2005
“While driving 25 mph front frame dropped. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2004
“Involved in head-on collision, mva. The air bag deployed being a disabled firefighter/paramedic I am an advid wearer of seatbelt's. Post accident as I attempted to remove myself from front of vehicle, I reached down to find the seatbelt had not held during the accident. I am going to inspect the car on 03/05, then release it to my insurance company. How do I proceed if it is found to be faulty? *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Feb 2004
“Had the hood open and tried to start car. Car made loud boom and blew off plastic intake manifold and ball of flame shot up. My children were nearby and plastic parts went shooting all around nearby area. *cb”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jan 2004
“While driving transmission cooling line separated, blowing transmission fluid onto exhaust manifold causing vehicle to catch on fire. Dealer contacted. *ak *tt”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2002
“Vehicle experienced problems with the rear wheel cylinder, and the master cylinder after only 24,000 miles. Consumer took vehicle to the dealer, and had the vehicle serviced for these repairs. However, after 35,000 miles the wheel cylinders were replaced again. Also, when applying the brakes the vehicle would not stop.owner had the vehicle towed to the dealer only to find out that the master cylinder was defective. Provide further details.*ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2002
When filing, owners marked a crash in 13 of these complaints and injuries in 9 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM AUGUST 1991 THROUGH JULY 1995. THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINE CAN SEPARATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS OPERATED IN LOW TEMPERATURES IN COMBINATION WITH HIGH TRANSMISSION LOADS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION OIL COOLER LINES.
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 1993 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
NHTSA has 138 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1993 Pontiac Bonneville. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1993 Pontiac Bonneville problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 147,000 miles or less.
Does the 1993 Pontiac Bonneville have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:automatic transmission:cooling unit and lines. 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.