1998 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 3%of 277 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 100,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, 3% of the 277 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 100,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“As I was driving along the engine, power steering, and brakes failed. I had to restart the car and hopefully resume driving so the car coming behind me did not crash into me. This has happened numerous times since including times while on I-95, I-81, rural mountainous roads (which resulted in my car rolling backwards), and city traffic. I have taken it in numerous times to my mechanic and he has not come up with a reason as to why this is happening. I am given no warning by my car that this is about to happen. The warning bell chimes and the car fails at the same time. …”
NHTSA complaint #10574017, filed 2014-03, 52,000 miles“The back two cradle mounts on both sides rusted out and mounts pulled through the cradle causing the steering to become loose filling and causing steering to be out of alignment and when hit brakes front would dart one way or the other and lots of noise coming from under vehicle from cradle bouncing when hitting bumps tried the find one in junk yards and all are that way.”
NHTSA complaint #10713247, filed 2015-04, 105,673 miles“While driving at 40 MPH vehicle was pulling to one side or the other side. The ability to steer was gone, and consumer lost control of the vehicle, an did nearly collide with the curb. Dealer determined that a bolt sheared off in the power steering unit, and dealer replaced the bolt and a sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #10059451, filed 2004-02, 100,000 miles“Horn is worthless. Was hit by a party who ran a red light. Applied horn to get their attention, but it would not work. I have tried to use the horn on numerous occassions when about to be hit in a parking lot or on the street, but it never seems to work. Very hard to get to work. Airbag did not deploy even though damage required replacement of front bumper. When getting car repaired also advised that steering column bolts were stripped on one side and sheared off on the other, but not caused by accident. Estimate to fix steering another $500+”
NHTSA complaint #10073141, filed 2004-05, 100,000 miles“Consumer was driving at approximately 15 MPH under clear/dry weather conditions when power steering pump fell out of vehicle. Consumer lost control. Consumer was able to direct vehicle to her driveway. Please provide any additional information/attachments.”
NHTSA complaint #886235, filed 2001-04Related service bulletins
- 10012577Aug 1, 2003Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure.
Steering: 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 1998 Pontiac Bonneville
194 complaintsFuel system
36 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsOther or unknown
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1998 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