1996 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 5%of 150 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, 5% of the 150 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“When turning vehicle towards the right and when entering into a parking lot steering wheel locked. Consumer had the vehicle towed to the dealership, and mechanic determined that the steering pump failed.”
NHTSA complaint #10080107, filed 2004-06“Gas pedal locked up as consumer was driving. She said when driving there was a hesitation in the car . Also, rear door will not open intermittently. Vehicle has electrical doors and locks . Alarm system goes off all the time.”
NHTSA complaint #876453, filed 2000-12Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 19% |
| 2004 | 8 | 29% |
| 2003 | 10 | 19% |
| 2002 | 19 | 21% |
| 2001 | 31 | 24% |
| 2000 | 47 | 22% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 14 | 10% |
| 1996 | 7 | 5% |
| 1995 | 27 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 5% |
| 1993 | 6 | 4% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 5 | 26% |
Other parts of the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
43 complaintsAir bags
27 complaintsFuel system
25 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
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