2002 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 21%of 89 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,205miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville, 21% of the 89 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,205 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Heard a clunking noise in the steering 9/02. The Pontiac service department cleaned and lubed the intermediate shaft. The same clunking noise came back in march 2005 this time the Pontiac service department said the intermediate shaft was worn and noisy. They replace the intermediate shaft under goodwill, but I had to pay $181.86 for labor. Now january 2007 the same clunking noise is back. I also have a 2003 gmc pickup that is doing the same thing. I would like to see a recall on GM intermediate shaft. …”
NHTSA complaint #10178869, filed 2007-01, 13,140 miles“I have a 2002 Bonneville. Twice during the extended warranty period, the dealer repaired and replaced bearings in the steering mechanism because of clunking, banging, rubbing noises and play in the steering. At 87,000 miles, it began happening again. This time they said it was a defect that they didn't have replacement parts on and now the fix was to change the oil in the mechanism with a heavy duty oil at $160. It lasted 3 weeks. They have no idea how to fix the problem. When I contacted GM customer service they said there was nothing more that could be done. …”
NHTSA complaint #10157566, filed 2006-05, 55,000 miles“Steering intermediate shaft noise. Located on steering column. This problem has not be addressed. It a failure on more than one model of GM cars. Its been occurring since 2001 up to this date. Seems NHTSA has not noticed or done anything to make GM correct problem. Gm has gone on its merry way collecting hundreds of dollars probably millions in repair fees. Looks as if GM or NHTSA turn away from helping the customers who foot the bill.”
NHTSA complaint #10310889, filed 2010-02, 19,964 miles“The consumer lost steering control while driving at 45 MPH. The consumer was able to bring the vehicle under control without being involved in a vehicle crash. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the high pressure hose for the power steering assist erupted. The consumer was concerned since a similar incident occurred before. …”
NHTSA complaint #10103751, filed 2005-01, 18,500 miles“The steering wheel has a clunking sound & feel as you turn the car. The local dealer has replaced the shaft 3 or 4 time in 58,000 miles, and it is very bad again. In the past they did not charge to repair, but now want to. This is like several other complaints in the system for this problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10168691, filed 2006-09, 20,000 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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville
13 complaintsElectrical system
10 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 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