1996 Pontiac Bonneville Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 14%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 105,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, 14% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 105,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 1996 Bonneville started acting up, roughly idling, and hesitating when taking off. There was loss of power, poor gas mileage, car would shut it self off while driving down the highway.check engine light came on and started flashing. Took it to auto zone to get it checked. Scanner idicated that it had multiple misfires, and that my map sensor was bad. Replaced map sensor. Still didnt change on how the vehicle operated. Replaced one of coil packs, still nothing. Put new plug wires and nothing cahned. New oxygen sensor installed, and still nothing. Changes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10118753, filed 2005-04, 121,200 miles“This car belongs to my elderly mother which she bought used and has been an on going problem! Occasionally when starting the car, the engine will backfire, after starting it would run ok. The car now does not run as the intake manifold is broken from the backfiring and almost caught on fire the last time it was attempted to start the motor! According to Pontiac there is no recall on this car by the VIN number!!”
NHTSA complaint #10458548, filed 2012-05, 55,000 miles“96 Pontiac Bonneville.while parked at residence vehicle went into security lock mode and wont allow vehicle to start. All advice from individuals to reset security failed. Only option left is to tow to local dealer for service.”
NHTSA complaint #10362953, filed 2010-10, 43,000 miles“While driving at aprx 40mph the car lost all power, and the steering wheel locked up. This happened twice within 3 weeks. The brakes still worked ,and it was a straight road so was able to stop the car without causing any accidents or injury. Stearing wheel and pedals shake between 65 and 75mph. Mechanic found that smaller bracket of the drive wheel has become loose. Replaced the bracket. Worked fine for about 2 weeks...then shaking started to come back...will be taking it to the mechanic again..”
NHTSA complaint #10030403, filed 2003-07, 85,000 miles“Electrical system problem. Windows quit working, directly related to engine not firing up. Also affects door chimes, security, seat controls, interior lighting. Multiple attempts of trying to fix problem, battery cables, battery, replacing ignition wires to no avail. Problem continues to worsen. Had to have towed to dealer, since local mechanics could not find initial problems. Car does not run at this time. I even put on a fuel pump(which didn't need replacing) due to shut off of motor. When windows quit working it also affects the fuel and spark. …”
NHTSA complaint #10130717, filed 2005-07, 158,000 milesRelated recalls
- 95V204000Oct 23, 1995These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged…Covers: Pontiac Bonneville 1996, Oldsmobile 98 1996, Buick Riviera 1996 +4 more
Related service bulletins
- 10171318Jan 31, 2020This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10170494Dec 2, 2019This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10157018Sep 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
- 10113443Feb 22, 2017This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 8 | 30% |
| 2004 | 11 | 39% |
| 2003 | 10 | 19% |
| 2002 | 10 | 11% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 2000 | 32 | 15% |
| 1999 | 22 | 15% |
| 1998 | 28 | 10% |
| 1997 | 28 | 19% |
| 1996 | 21 | 14% |
| 1995 | 40 | 16% |
| 1994 | 19 | 22% |
| 1993 | 18 | 13% |
| 1992 | 17 | 15% |
| 1991 | 2 | 9% |
| 1990 | 3 | 8% |
| 1989 | 4 | 14% |
| 1988 | 5 | 29% |
| 1987 | 4 | 21% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
43 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology