2003 Pontiac Bonneville Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 17%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 110,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the engine of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 17% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 110,000 miles. 2 a fire, 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.
“The car I drive (3.8 liter six cylinder) has an oil leak coming from the left valve cover. After I come to a stop or make a left turn, I smell oil fumes and can see a light smoke coming from the front of the car. I've been reading about the current recall for cars made before and after my car. How do I get my car on list of recalls for repair?”
NHTSA complaint #10786884, filed 2015-10, 100,000 miles“While driving my engine lost power completely. I had went over bump in the road and the vehicle lost all power. I place the car in neutral, and able to restart and continue driving. Hit bump in road again and engine lost power again. I was fortunate to be able to pull over. Restarted engine and returned home. Had repair shop check vehicle for diagnosis and they were unable to resolve issue. Neither was GM dealer. I have had this happen everytime I go over bump in road, usually at speeds over 40 miles per hour. I had same problem with 2001 Bonneville. …”
NHTSA complaint #10564622, filed 2014-02, 130,000 miles“My car shuts off while driving. I notice it because power steering is hard to use and RPM's go down to zero and car has shut off. It started up again. This has been a real problem. Dealer tested car and said it was a crankshaft sensor. I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the problem continues. Cam sensor replaced too. This is a safety issue. No one knows why the car shuts off when it wants to. Now the car still shuts off while driving, but also it takes 2 to 3 times to restart. Still trying to figure this out. It is august 2015 and I need this car. Is this a recall issue?”
NHTSA complaint #10748603, filed 2015-08, 81,000 miles“Acted like it was running out of gas, loss of power and speed. Only 50mph when a boom in the engine, pulled over popped the hood latch, saw smoke, exited car as flames came out of the hood. Called 911.. Car burnt to the ground. Witness stopped and told me that there is a problem with faulty fuel lines .”
NHTSA complaint #10474028, filed 2012-09, 229,000 miles“While driving my vehicle lost power. I shifted vehicle to neutral and attempted restart. Engine restarted. Continued driving when drive over bumps, buckles in payment engine looses power. All needle indicators drop to off position, car starts to slow down, steering looses power, all lights go out as well. This is a condition that has become increasing more dangerous as speeds increases. I had vehicle checked out and mechanics are unable to diagnosis. I previously owned 2001 Pontiac Bonneville as well which did the same when driven over bumps, or imperfections in the road. …”
NHTSA complaint #10572831, filed 2014-03Related service bulletins
- 11004761Jun 28, 2024This 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…
- 10242298Aug 10, 2023This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10211658May 2, 2022This service bulletin provides policy information on warranty administration guidelines for multiple repairs with independent causes (GM Canada Dealers Only).
- 10178387Jul 27, 2020This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10176326May 21, 2020This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308…
- 10176607May 8, 2020This technical 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…
- 10167437Oct 14, 2019This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the…
- 10160987May 7, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the…
- 10160983May 6, 2019This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller…
- 10144451Aug 8, 2018This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 15% |
| 2003 | 9 | 17% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 9 | 7% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 6 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 1 | 1% |
| 1995 | 1 | 0% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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