2001 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 31about this part
- Share
- 24%of 129 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 29,210miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, 24% of the 129 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 29,210 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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 miles“I have had repeated trouble with my 2001 Bonneville,,have had 3 window motors go out,,,3 batteries go bad,,,air compressor go bak,,,moon roof worked on 3 times,,,3rd time,,,had 3 inches of water in floor,,,,,the problem now is the steering,,,you turn wheel,,it makes popping, clucking noise,,& feels like the front end is going to fall off.. …”
NHTSA complaint #10110332, filed 2005-02, 38,900 miles“I have a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville ssei. I have had this car in and out of the shop numerous times for the check stability system warning and a clunking noise in the left front area. It makes noise primarily in a turn or going over a bump. I have had the front left wheel bearing/assembly replaced as well. The last mechanic was puzzled and frustrated at the fact that he cannot figure our what is making the noise. I believe that this is a defect and GM should issue a recall and fix the problem for the consumer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10167488, filed 2006-09, 5,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10113436Feb 20, 2017This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician the steps needed to diagnose and repair the vehicles that may have unwanted or phantom phone…
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 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
15 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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