2003 Pontiac Bonneville Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 19%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the steering of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 19% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles.
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.
“Steering knuckle u-joint was clunking. The dealership replaced and I paid $275. One year later, it started clunking again on turns - dealership added in grease kit at no charge. One year later, steering starts clunking again and they say it is not covered under warranty. Why is this thing designed to last only one year? The dealership says it is not a safety hazard, but if the steering is clunking like something is loose, how do I know it is safe?”
NHTSA complaint #10184323, filed 2007-03, 45,000 miles“2003 Pontiac Bonneville ssei when turning the steering wheel, left or right from a stopping position a loud clunking noise appears. It is felt through the steering wheel and column. While driving the noise happens rarely. I have read numerous accounts of this but no recall as of yet. I am worried this is a safety concern while driving on the highways at high speeds especially. Is something loose and/or getting rubbed to cause damage and loss of steering in the future? Gm dealer defect?”
NHTSA complaint #10281283, filed 2009-08, 57,000 miles“Clunking noise when turning and can be felt in the steering wheel, was told by the dealer it is a known problem with the 2003 Bonneville ssei and there is no correction. Also service stability system keeps coming up on the screen.”
NHTSA complaint #10265545, filed 2009-04, 30,000 miles“At about 80,000 miles the steering column began making clunking noises when the steering wheel was turned regardless of which direction. The noise/vibration is continuous and very annoying.”
NHTSA complaint #10266035, filed 2009-04, 80,000 miles“When turning from a stop sign or side street the car makes a clunking sound. The first time I took the car in I was told it was normal the second time I took the car in I was told they will look at it. They replaced a part because there was more play then there should be. But then told me it was still normal.”
NHTSA complaint #10171557, filed 2006-10Related 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 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
10 complaintsEngine
9 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 Nov 1, 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