1997 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 10%of 147 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 118,515miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, 10% of the 147 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 118,515 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.
“The car lost all power while driving on several occasions. It would just quit and I would have no brakes or steering and all gauges would shut down. Sometimes it would lose power and then it would come back on while I was still driving cutting in and out repeatedly. It happened a lot when I was idling at a corner and then would start through the intersection. It would quit going through the intersection. Sometimes it wouldn't start after driving it a short distance. After it sat for a few minutes, a few hours or sometimes overnight it would just start like there wasn't any problem with it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10576488, filed 2014-04, 118,515 miles“1997 Pontiac Bonneville rack& pinion steering the power steering suddenly failed when turning to the left only. Turning right was still functioning with power assist. The problem increased over a short period of time to where the car wouldn't turn left at all (even manually). Complaint was made to dealership as well as manufacturer with absolutlely no resolution.”
NHTSA complaint #10065876, filed 2004-04, 69,845 miles“Rack and pinion steering failed while driving, would not allow a left turn. Right turning can be accomplished with one finger, however left turns require tremendous strength. Recall issued for grand prix and similar 97 Pontiac's, but not the Bonneville.”
NHTSA complaint #10156711, filed 2006-05, 130,000 miles“While making a left hand turn vehicle lost power steering. Consumer had to use force to turn steering wheel. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The consumer notified the manufacturer who stated that there was no recall on the vehicle but there were recalls on other models with the same rack and pinion. The consumer was told that his vehicle was not produced at the plant of the recalled cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10081638, filed 2004-08, 100,000 miles“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 milesSteering: 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 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
50 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsBrakes
12 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