2003 Pontiac Bonneville Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 11%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 156,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, 11% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 156,000 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.
“The car will from time to time accelerate on its own. On one occasion I took it to the shop after it had been doing for about a week, however on the day I took it to the shop it was not doing it and the shop couldn't find anything wrong with it. Recently it had been doing it for a couple days and the morning I was taking it to the shop, it would not do it so I did not take it because, as before, at the time there was nothing wrong with it. It seems to be an electronic or vacuum control problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10607106, filed 2014-06, 210,000 miles“When the shifter was in the park position and the key was turned to the acc position, the shifter could be moved out of park although the drivers foot was not pressing the brake pedal. The consumer was informed that the vehicle was designed this way.”
NHTSA complaint #10026786, filed 2003-08, 300 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 2014-03“The consumer discovered he was able to shift the gear from park to neutral or drive without his foot being applied to the brake. The dealer was notified. When the key position was in the accelerator position without the consumers foot on the brake, the vehicle rolled out of the parking spot. (especially on a hill)”
NHTSA complaint #10026992, filed 2003-08Related service bulletins
- 10249579Jan 12, 2024This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10222770Sep 16, 2022This service bulletin provides information on OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification.
- 10224273Sep 1, 2022This 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…
- 10201098Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10190503Dec 1, 2015OEM and Remanufactured Engine and Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Identification
- 10113664May 29, 2015This informational bulletin provides technicians with information regarding automatic transmission oil cooler flow test essential tool J-45096 TransFlow®.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 2 | 7% |
| 2004 | 3 | 11% |
| 2003 | 6 | 11% |
| 2002 | 7 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 13% |
| 2000 | 18 | 8% |
| 1999 | 8 | 6% |
| 1998 | 13 | 5% |
| 1997 | 16 | 11% |
| 1996 | 8 | 5% |
| 1995 | 18 | 7% |
| 1994 | 8 | 9% |
| 1993 | 18 | 13% |
| 1992 | 10 | 9% |
| 1991 | 3 | 14% |
| 1989 | 1 | 4% |
| 1988 | 1 | 6% |
| 1987 | 2 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
10 complaintsSteering
10 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsFuel system
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