1997 Pontiac Bonneville Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 8%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 41,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the brakes of the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 8% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 41,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“Consumer stated while driving vehicle at 25 MPH suddenly all electrical components died. No brakes/ no power steering. Took vehicle to dealer, dealer popped hood, and noticed battery acid all over the engine compartment, and battery cables were loose. Dealer replaced cables, and put jelly around them. Five days later, cables were loose again. Cause unknown. The cable has loosen again and vehicle stalled and lost all power. Consumer was left stranded.”
NHTSA complaint #10033603, filed 2003-09, 39,000 miles“The problem started with a thumping sound coming from the front/brake area of the vehicle. After attempting to pull out of the shopping center I realized my brakes were gone. My husband was able to get it to rapid motors the next day and we were told that the master cylinder would have to be replaced. Just over 1 year later the same problems started again and again the brakes went out and we were told again a new master cylinder would need replacing. Each replacement has cost us a little over $300.00. …”
NHTSA complaint #718770, filed 2000-02“I was driving home from when work when my car caught on fire. My brakes stopped working and I was unable to stop the car. The car was engulfed in flames in the matter of a few minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #736443, filed 2000-11“The contact stated the hydraulic brake lines were corroded at every connection. The vehicle was taken to the dealership who determined the brake fluid was leaking due to the corrosion. The dealership informed the contact there were 10-15 other vehicles with the same problem. Updated 9/5/2006 -”
NHTSA complaint #10165772, filed 2006-08, 44,000 miles“When applying brakes at highway speeds vehicle and steering wheel vibrate, causing driver to have minimal control over vehicle. Dealer has seen 4 or 5 times vehicle, but problem still exists.”
NHTSA complaint #8008574, filed 2002-04Related service bulletins
- 10208027Jan 14, 2022This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 2 | 4% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 16 | 7% |
| 1999 | 9 | 6% |
| 1998 | 7 | 3% |
| 1997 | 12 | 8% |
| 1996 | 7 | 5% |
| 1995 | 25 | 10% |
| 1994 | 10 | 11% |
| 1993 | 45 | 33% |
| 1992 | 46 | 41% |
| 1991 | 6 | 27% |
| 1990 | 17 | 44% |
| 1989 | 9 | 32% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 1 | 5% |
Other parts of the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
50 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsFuel system
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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