2001 Pontiac Bonneville Problems
- Complaints
- 129filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 67,500miles, 91 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.8L 6-cyl FWD · 17 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year report a steering column or intermediate-shaft clunk and grinding noise most often, and many describe repeat dealer visits where the shaft was greased or replaced and the noise returned. Engine fires after a jump start or while starting, coolant leaks from the intake area, and transmission failures are also recurring themes; reported mileages range widely, from very low to well past 150,000.
- Steering
Steering column clunk and grinding noise
- 21 complaints (16%)
- median 27,920 mi at 3.2 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- filed 2002–2015
Owners describe popping, clicking or grinding felt or heard when turning, often at low speed and sometimes over bumps. Complaints say dealers lubricated the intermediate shaft or steering column, or replaced the shaft, rack or tie rod, and that the condition came back after a time. Some report being offered only a re-grease once warranty coverage ended. Reported from as little as about 1,000 miles up to roughly 114,000, with many appearing between 20,000 and 80,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive, turn the wheel slowly at low speed and over bumps with the radio off and listen for clicks or grinding. Ask whether the intermediate shaft or column has been greased or replaced and whether the noise came back.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Oct. 6,2002 was first trip to dealer reporting clunk in steering when turning, mileage 22,346. Diag. Noise from steering shaft r & r and lubbed shaft. Nov. 14, 2003 second trip to dealer for noise in steering, mileage 35,423. Noisey slip joint r&r intermediate shaft and lube as per bulletin #1-02-32-001c e7700a 1.2. These were both covered under warranty. June 2, 2005 returned for a third time to the dealer because of clunking in the steering when turning. Warranty has now expired at 57,632 miles. I was told when I set the appt. …”
NHTSA complaint #10124213, filed 2005-06, 22,346 miles“On december 30, 2002 I took my 2001 Pontiac bonnevelle sle in under warranty to peoria Pontiac gmc to investigate vibration and a clunk noise in the steering column. The steering column was lubed by peoria Pontiac gmc per GM's steering shaft bulletin. Mileage was 19,814. In december of 2004, the noise returned at approximately 50,000 miles. I took the vehicle in to peoria Pontiac gmc on 12/04/2004 and was advised to have the steering shaft for greased for approximately $125.00 by my service advisor. On 12/6/2004 I phoned Pontiac. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110793, filed 2005-02, 19,814 miles - Engine cooling
Engine fire after a jump start or backfire
- 16 complaints (12%)
- median 102,683 mi at 9.0 yrs old (14 state mileage)
- 15 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2020
Several owners describe a backfire or loud pop from under the hood, usually when cranking the engine after the battery has gone flat or after a jump start, followed by flames and smoke from the intake area. Complaints mention damaged intake components, wiring and fuel parts, and in some cases the vehicle was a total loss. Reported from about 70,000 miles up to 150,000 and beyond, typically during starting after a battery or jump-start episode.
What to check: Have the intake and fuel system inspected for leaks or cracked plastic parts, and be cautious about jump-starting: complaints describe fires in that situation. Ask whether the intake manifold or fuel pressure regulator has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“2001 Pontiac backfired and caught on fire. I was cleaning my car with radio on that killed my battery. I have onstar so I called for jump. Roadside assistance came out to jump my car. He jumped properly. When he turned the key vehicle backfired and caught on fire. Engine never started.”
NHTSA complaint #10195160, filed 2007-07, 70,000 miles“We had a lot of snow and I live on a slight hill. Went to start the car that was covered in snow to move the car on the other side of the street facing down hill. I turned the key to start the car and heard it pop or backfire which it had never done before. I tried again to start the car and now it sounded like the battery was dead (which I knew it could not have been). The next thing I knew, a neighbor ripped open my driver door and was pulling me out of the car saying your car is on fire . …”
NHTSA complaint #10564372, filed 2014-02, 136,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission slipping or failing (4T65-E)
- 12 complaints (9%)
- median 47,500 mi at 3.2 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2003–2008
Complaints describe the transmission not engaging on take-off, engine revving without the car moving, and rough or delayed shifts, often worse when cold. Several owners report a loud bang followed by loss of drive, and that the transmission was rebuilt or replaced after metal debris was found in the pan. Reported from about 10,000 to 48,000 miles in many complaints, with cold-weather starting associated with the no-engagement symptom.
What to check: Drive from cold and check for delayed or harsh engagement and slipping on take-off. Ask whether the transmission has been serviced or replaced and whether any debris was found.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The failure occurred without warning. While turning the key to start the engine, the car lurched forward. The vehicle was in park at the time. There was nothing in front of the vehicle so there was no collision. The car stopped and though the engine ran, the car would not move forward or reverse. The transmission input failed. The transmission was rebuilt by GM for a substantial fee.”
NHTSA complaint #10086499, filed 2004-08, 86,500 miles“Transmission abruptly failed after making a loud bang while driving at 70 MPH on the interstate. This car had only 10,100 miles when this occurred. The transmission had to be replaced because the truss bearings broke apart causing the transmission to fail. The parts are available for inspection.”
NHTSA complaint #10142916, filed 2005-11, 10,100 miles - Electrical system
Stalling or no-start, sometimes related to ignition switch
- 10 complaints (8%)
- median 84,423 mi at 9.0 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2003–2020
Owners describe the engine cutting out at stops or while driving and then needing several key cycles before it restarts, often with a battery warning light. Complaints say dealers could not reproduce the fault or found no stored codes. Mostly reported between about 72,000 and 94,000 miles, occurring intermittently.
What to check: Ask whether the ignition switch, battery cables or crank sensor have been replaced, and test that the car restarts reliably after being shut off warm.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2001 Pontiac Bonneville has started shutting off while driving and then when you get in the car sometimes it starts sometimes it doesn't you may have to sit there over five minutes turning key on and off and finally it will start sometimes taking up to 10 tries before it starts other times it will start after 2 I will be driving down the road and highways and suddenly the car will just turn off it will eventually start again however doing this at the wrong time and certain disaster will arrive either another car hitting me while I am …”
NHTSA complaint #10366793, filed 2010-11, 72,154 miles“Car just shuts off when sitting at a stoplight and will not restart. Have had the car towed to dealer only to find after sitting it fires right up and the computer shows no problem. It has on 1 occasion shut off while driving on the road, but after pulling in neutral it did restart. It is still sitting at the dealership because they drive it shuts off they get it back to dealership and it restarts and is fine per computer.”
NHTSA complaint #10583589, filed 2014-04, 84,423 miles
Buying note. Because most issues here recur, service records matter more than mileage: ask specifically about steering shaft and column work, intake gasket or coolant elbow repairs, and transmission service history. A pre-purchase inspection that checks for coolant and fuel leaks and a cold-start test drive covers the main things owners report.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 129 consumer complaints for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. 91 of the complaints include a mileage, and 40% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 67,500 miles. Of all complaints, 6 involved a crash, 20 a fire, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 281 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Steering31 24%
- Engine cooling22 17%
- Electrical system16 12%
- Fuel system14 11%
- Air bags11 8.5%
- Brakes9 7.0%
- Engine9 7.0%
- Body and structure8 6.2%
Also reported: Other or unknown (4), Seats (3), Suspension (3), Electronic stability control (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Vehicle speed control (1).
Example complaints
Steering: “Steering shaft on my 2001 Bonneville ssei making grinding and clunking noise. The sound is more noticeable at lower speeds below 20 MPH. I have head from other Bonneville owners this is an ongoing expensive problem. The design of the steering shaft seems to be flawed.”
NHTSA complaint #10369225, filed 2010-12, 110,000 milesEngine cooling: “When I drive my car it shuts down on me while driving and I have to wait at least 20 mins before it starts back up and sometimes it smells like something is burning.”
NHTSA complaint #10554700, filed 2013-12, 166,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Consumer states while traveling at highway speed and without any indication engine started slipping and jerking. Vehicle was serviced, technician noticed transmission needed to be replaced. First the transmission was reconditioned then the dealer replaced the shift solenoids. Breaks squeaked and made a rubbing and moaning noise. The joint on the steering shaft was binding. The steering shaft was replaced. .”
NHTSA complaint #10038483, filed 2003-10, 23,456 milesElectrical system: “My car caught on fire back in january 2020 under the hood on my way to work the fire started behind the vale cover gaskets and now oil is leaking on the manifold gaskets and gas is mixing with the oil and I can't drive my car anymore help me please.”
NHTSA complaint #11350207, filed 2020-08, 191,600 milesMileage when problems were reported
40% of the 91 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 30,500 and 97,619 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville · sedan | not rated | 4 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2001 Pontiac Bonneville version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 17 | 27 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Bonneville FWD | 3.8L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 16 | 26 | 20 | $4,100 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 281 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11020816Jul 18, 2025Other or unknown. This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- 11017252Mar 28, 2025Electrical system, Other or unknown. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 11014455Feb 20, 2025Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get…
- 11009156Oct 25, 2024Electrical system. This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester…
- 11007744Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11007743Sep 12, 2024Other or unknown. This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical…
- 11006621Aug 26, 2024Electrical system. Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need…
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024Fuel system, Engine. This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with…
- 11004557Jun 17, 2024Other or unknown. This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312Jun 6, 2024Electrical system. This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492…
Other model years of the Pontiac Bonneville
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 27 | 119,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 28 | 42,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 54 | 76,514 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 89 | 50,176 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 129 | 67,500 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 214 | 61,116 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 143 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 277 | 71,725 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 147 | 98,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 150 | 115,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 244 | 120,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1994 | 88 | 127,000 | 0 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 138 | 126,000 | 1 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 113 | 170,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 22 | 114,000 | 1 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 140,000 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 28 | 53,272 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 17 | — | 0 | — | 20 | — | Stable |
| 1987 | 19 | — | 3 | — | 19 | — | Stable |
All Pontiac Bonneville model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville?
Owners of this model year report a steering column or intermediate-shaft clunk and grinding noise most often, and many describe repeat dealer visits where the shaft was greased or replaced and the noise returned. The issues reported most often: Steering column clunk and grinding noise; Engine fire after a jump start or backfire; Transmission slipping or failing (4T65-E).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville have?
NHTSA recorded 129 consumer complaints for the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville as of Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is reported most often?
Steering is named most often, in 31 complaints (24% of the total), followed by engine cooling with 22.
Has the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville get?
The EPA rates the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (Bonneville, 3.8L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 17 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville reported?
Among the 91 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 67,500 miles and the middle half falls between 30,500 and 97,619 miles; 40% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
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. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.