1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE

2 recalls — 50 complaints

09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
04V090000 Feb 24, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL TO ENTER THE INTAKE MANIFOLD THROUGH A VACUUM LINE. IF THE ENGINE DOES NOT START WHEN CRANKED, THE FUEL FROM THE LEAKING REGULATOR AND A MISTIMED SPARK CAN CAUSE A BACKFIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.
910,873 vehicles affected
ENGINE Sep 17, 2015
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE APPROXIMATELY 30 MINS AFTER SHUTDOWN. INCIDENT 2015-00001363
Fire
SERVICE BRAKES Apr 27, 2015
THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 27, 2015
THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
STEERING Apr 27, 2015
THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
POWER TRAIN Apr 27, 2015
THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
STRUCTURE Apr 27, 2015
THE BACK TWO CRADLE MOUNTS ON BOTH SIDES RUSTED OUT AND MOUNTS PULLED THROUGH THE CRADLE CAUSING THE STEERING TO BECOME LOOSE FILLING AND CAUSING STEERING TO BE OUT OF ALIGNMENT AND WHEN HIT BRAKES FRONT WOULD DART ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND LOTS OF NOISE COMING FROM UNDER VEHICLE FROM CRADLE BOUNCING WHEN HITTING BUMPS TRIED THE FIND ONE IN JUNK YARDS AND ALL ARE THAT WAY. *TR
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY Aug 15, 2014
MY CAR HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM SIOUX FALLS RESIDENTS HOME JULY 10 TH BUT HAVE A POLICE REPORT [XXX] BEEN SPOTTED IN MITCHELL OFF INTERSTATE 90 FIRST PARKING LOT RIGHT AFTER EXIT 90 INTO MITCHELL TANISH COLOR TRUNK HAS BUNNGIE CORD ON TRUNK SILVER SMALL SPOT ON PASSENGER SIDE PONTIAC 1998. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 15, 2014
MY CAR HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM SIOUX FALLS RESIDENTS HOME JULY 10 TH BUT HAVE A POLICE REPORT [XXX] BEEN SPOTTED IN MITCHELL OFF INTERSTATE 90 FIRST PARKING LOT RIGHT AFTER EXIT 90 INTO MITCHELL TANISH COLOR TRUNK HAS BUNNGIE CORD ON TRUNK SILVER SMALL SPOT ON PASSENGER SIDE PONTIAC 1998. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
SUSPENSION Aug 15, 2014
MY CAR HAS BEEN STOLEN FROM SIOUX FALLS RESIDENTS HOME JULY 10 TH BUT HAVE A POLICE REPORT [XXX] BEEN SPOTTED IN MITCHELL OFF INTERSTATE 90 FIRST PARKING LOT RIGHT AFTER EXIT 90 INTO MITCHELL TANISH COLOR TRUNK HAS BUNNGIE CORD ON TRUNK SILVER SMALL SPOT ON PASSENGER SIDE PONTIAC 1998. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jul 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE NEW YORK THRUWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I HAD TO POWER STEER, NO POWER BRAKES, THE FUEL GAUGE READ NO FUEL AND THE BELLS WENT OFF. I HAD TO TRY TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND RESTART MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MORE TIMES. I CAN BE GOING 25MPH OR 70MPH; I CAN HAVE THE CRUISE ON OR OFF; I CAN HAVE THE HEAT OR A/C ON OR OFF, IT DOES NOT MATTER; IN ALL CASES, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN I AM NOT EXPECTING IT. *JS
ENGINE Jul 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE NEW YORK THRUWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I HAD TO POWER STEER, NO POWER BRAKES, THE FUEL GAUGE READ NO FUEL AND THE BELLS WENT OFF. I HAD TO TRY TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND RESTART MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MORE TIMES. I CAN BE GOING 25MPH OR 70MPH; I CAN HAVE THE CRUISE ON OR OFF; I CAN HAVE THE HEAT OR A/C ON OR OFF, IT DOES NOT MATTER; IN ALL CASES, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN I AM NOT EXPECTING IT. *JS
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 7, 2014
I WAS DRIVING ON THE NEW YORK THRUWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY CAR SHUT OFF. I HAD TO POWER STEER, NO POWER BRAKES, THE FUEL GAUGE READ NO FUEL AND THE BELLS WENT OFF. I HAD TO TRY TO GET TO A SAFE PLACE AND RESTART MY CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY MORE TIMES. I CAN BE GOING 25MPH OR 70MPH; I CAN HAVE THE CRUISE ON OR OFF; I CAN HAVE THE HEAT OR A/C ON OR OFF, IT DOES NOT MATTER; IN ALL CASES, THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHEN I AM NOT EXPECTING IT. *JS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 3, 2014
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE PULLED TO A DEAD STOP AT A LIGHT AND DURING THE IDLING TIME THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. VERY EMBARRASSING SET OF TRIPS TO NEARBY GROCER. .. *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Jun 3, 2014
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE PULLED TO A DEAD STOP AT A LIGHT AND DURING THE IDLING TIME THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. VERY EMBARRASSING SET OF TRIPS TO NEARBY GROCER. .. *TR
ENGINE Jun 3, 2014
ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE PULLED TO A DEAD STOP AT A LIGHT AND DURING THE IDLING TIME THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND IT WILL NOT START AGAIN. VERY EMBARRASSING SET OF TRIPS TO NEARBY GROCER. .. *TR
STEERING May 22, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO A CONCRETE ROAD DIVIDER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BACK INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,000. DR
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE Mar 21, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND HOPEFULLY RESUME DRIVING SO THE CAR COMING BEHIND ME DID NOT CRASH INTO ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE INCLUDING TIMES WHILE ON I-95, I-81, RURAL MOUNTAINOUS ROADS (WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS), AND CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO MY MECHANIC AND HE HAS NOT COME UP WITH A REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I AM GIVEN NO WARNING BY MY CAR THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE WARNING BELL CHIMES AND THE CAR FAILS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED LAST EVENING AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID A CRASH. PLEASE ADD MY CAR TO YOUR RECALL OR GIVE ME SOME KIND OF ANSWER TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC. *TR
STEERING Mar 21, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND HOPEFULLY RESUME DRIVING SO THE CAR COMING BEHIND ME DID NOT CRASH INTO ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE INCLUDING TIMES WHILE ON I-95, I-81, RURAL MOUNTAINOUS ROADS (WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS), AND CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO MY MECHANIC AND HE HAS NOT COME UP WITH A REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I AM GIVEN NO WARNING BY MY CAR THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE WARNING BELL CHIMES AND THE CAR FAILS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED LAST EVENING AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID A CRASH. PLEASE ADD MY CAR TO YOUR RECALL OR GIVE ME SOME KIND OF ANSWER TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Mar 21, 2014
AS I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE ENGINE, POWER STEERING, AND BRAKES FAILED. I HAD TO RESTART THE CAR AND HOPEFULLY RESUME DRIVING SO THE CAR COMING BEHIND ME DID NOT CRASH INTO ME. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES SINCE INCLUDING TIMES WHILE ON I-95, I-81, RURAL MOUNTAINOUS ROADS (WHICH RESULTED IN MY CAR ROLLING BACKWARDS), AND CITY TRAFFIC. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN NUMEROUS TIMES TO MY MECHANIC AND HE HAS NOT COME UP WITH A REASON AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. I AM GIVEN NO WARNING BY MY CAR THAT THIS IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN. THE WARNING BELL CHIMES AND THE CAR FAILS AT THE SAME TIME. THIS HAPPENED LAST EVENING AND THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO SWERVE TO AVOID A CRASH. PLEASE ADD MY CAR TO YOUR RECALL OR GIVE ME SOME KIND OF ANSWER TO TAKE TO MY MECHANIC. *TR
ENGINE Dec 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,506.
ENGINE Apr 8, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT THEN ATTEMPTED TO PARK THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS MELTED AND THE HEAD GASKET WAS BLOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Fire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 12, 2013
ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR TO INCIDENT, I GOT A WHIFF OF A BURNING SMELL, 2 DAYS IN A ROW, SHORT QUICK SCENT. NEXT 4 DAYS, SMELLED NOTHING (EVEN DROVE CAR 80 MILES ONE WAY AND BACK). DAY OF INCIDENT, I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 10 MPH WHEN WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM THE HEATER VENT. I INCREASED SPEED TO ABOUT 30 MPH TO GET TO A SAFE SPOT, AND BLACK SMOKE BILLOWED OUT OF HEAT VENT ON TOP OF DASHBOARD, AND FRONT OF DASHBOARD. TURNED CORNER TO GET OUT OF TRAFFIC, CAME TO A STOP AND FLAMES SHOT OUT OF CIGARETTE LIGHTER, AND AIR VENT IN FRONT OF DASH. HEATER WAS OFF, RADIO WAS OFF, AND CIGARETTE LIGHTER WAS NOT BEING USED. CAR FULLY ENGULFED IN APPROXIMATELY 2-3 MINUTES. CAR TOTALED. *TR
Fire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE Jul 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT IT HESITATED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO STATED THAT THE PLASTIC GASKET FROM THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND CAUSED ENGINE COOLANT TO LEAK INTO THE ENGINE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS.THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIANS REPLACED THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND THE INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS, BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED A SECOND TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,433.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Jun 28, 2011
98 PONTIAC 86,000 MILES INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED FOR THE SECOND TIME... PARTS REPLACED...SPARK PLUGS (FOULED)..STARTER ASSEMBLY.. MOTOR WAS WATERLOCKED BROKE STARTER...INTAKE MANIFOLD GASKET REPLACED.....OIL CHANGED DUE TO COOLANT CONTAMINATION...REPLACE ANTIFREEZE...TOTAL BILL LABOR AND PARTS... $1387.99..GM HAS NUMEROUS SERVICE BULLETINS ON THIS ISSUE...WHY HAS A RECALL NOT BE ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM ?? *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jun 27, 2011
THE AIR INTAKE GASKET HAS FAILED FOR 2 REASONS. 1 FACTORY TIGHTLY PUT THE BOLTS ON TO TIGHT. 2 PLASTIC GASKET AND PLASTIC MANIFOLD PARTS DO NOT MEET GOVERNMENT SAFETY STANDARDS FOR, FAILURE AVOIDANCE, BECAUSE OF MATERIALS USED TO CONNECT THE PLASTIC TO METTLE CREATING A DANGEROUS SITUATION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 22, 2010
MY UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKS ENGINE COOLANT INTO THE COMBUSTION CHAMBERS AND INTO THE CRANKCASE. THE EGR TUBE MELTS THE UPPER PLASTIC MANIFOLD I HAVE HAD THE UPPER AND LOWER INTAKE REPLACED FOR THIS ISSUE ONCE BEFORE WITH GM PARTS AND IT HAPPENING AGAIN. IF IT NOT FIXED THE COOLANT CAN CONTAMINATE MY OIL AND LOCK UP MY ENGINE WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD AND POSSIBLY CAUSE ME TO CRASH. IF THE ENGINE LOCKS UP I WILL LOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKING ABILITY. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 14, 2009
I OWN A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SE. I SAW RECENTLY THAT GM WAS RECALLING 1.5 MILLION VEHICLES WITH THE 3800 3.8 LTR V6. WAS WONDERING HOW THEY COULD RECALL THOSE VEHICLES AND NOT MINE, MY CAR IS IN THE SAME YEAR RANGE "1998" AND HAS THE EXACT MOTOR "3800 3.8 V6" AND OIL DRIPS ON MANIFOLD ON MY CAR AS WELL. WHAT KIND OF INFO CAN I GET ON THIS? THANK YOU *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Dec 17, 2008
98 BONNEVILLE WITH 3800 SERIES ENGINE. NOTICED COOLANT WAS LOW SO I ADDED COOLANT, THEN REPLACED THERMOSTAT BECAUSE HEATER WAS PUTTING OUT COLD AIR. SAW BIG CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT DUE TO A KNOWN DEFECT INVOLVING A PLASTIC MANIFOLD AND EGR VALVE THAT THE COOLANT HAD MIXED WITH THE OIL DUE TO HOLES CAUSED BY THE DEFECT IN THE UPPER AND LOWER MANIFOLDS. CALLED PONTIAC DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID SORRY ABOUT YOUR SITUATION BUT NO RECALL. CONTACTED PREVIOUS OWNER AND HE SAID THE SAME THING HAPPENED 3 YEARS AGO AND HE HAD THE SAME THING FIXED. LONG STORY SHORT, I'M SPENDING $1400 FOR A PROBLEM THAT THE ENGINEERS OF THIS ENGINE KNEW WAS A PROBLEM FROM THE BEGINNING OF PRODUCTION. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Sep 2, 2008
6 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING THIS PROFESSIONAL CARED FOR CAR (GM GARAGE 8YRS) FROM MY MOTHER WITH ONLY 62,000 MILES ON IT I BEGAN SEEING COOLANT ON THE ENGINE WHICH LED ME TO HAVE MY MECHANIC AT PRECISION TUNE AUTO CARE TAKE A LOOK. HE SAID IT IS LIKELY A LEAK FROM EITHER THE PLENUM OR THE GASKET. AFTER DIGGING INTO IT THEY ENDED UP REPLACING UPPER PLENUM AND LOWER INTAKE GASKET AND COOLANT AND OIL. COST WAS 739.71. MILEAGE ON CAR AT THAT TIME WAS 78540. I HAVE RECEIPT FROM PRECISION. *TR
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS Jun 30, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR BRAKE LINE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, FAILED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL AND LEAKED BRAKE FLUID. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE FAILURE CAUSED BRAKE FAILURE. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THE SALES DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO CONSULT THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT IF HE ONLY HAD 100,000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE, THEY WOULD HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKE LINE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 111,526 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,520. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE LINES WERE RUSTED AND PITTED. UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Jan 23, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHEN THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF, FLUID LEAKED ONTO THE GROUND FROM BENEATH THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR A MECHANIC. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V090000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 154,735. UPDATED
AIR BAGS Jan 2, 2008
DRIVERS SIDE AND PASSENGERS SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN AUTO ACCIDENT. FRONT DRIVERS SIDE IMPACT THEN ROLLED 3 TIMES.*CN
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 31, 2007
1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE POOR PRODUCTION MANIFOLD/GASKETS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE MANIFOLD/GASKETS AND DEX. COOL WERE IN POOR PRODUCTION ON HER VEHICLE. *KB THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET HAD COOLANT IN THEM. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD. METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL WHICH WAS COMING FROM, THE ROD BEARING THAT FAILED DUE TO THE VEHICLE OVER HEATING AND COOLANT IN THE OIL. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE MANIFOLD FROM CRACKING. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2004, THE MANIFOLD CRACKED ONE MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED SHE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2004 THE LOWER MANIFOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE, HOWEVER SINCE IT WAS NOT REPLACED, STOP LEAK PELLETS MIXED WITH THE DEX-COOL AND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Aug 31, 2007
1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE POOR PRODUCTION MANIFOLD/GASKETS. CUSTOMER STATES THAT THE MANIFOLD/GASKETS AND DEX. COOL WERE IN POOR PRODUCTION ON HER VEHICLE. *KB THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE THERMOSTAT AND GASKET HAD COOLANT IN THEM. THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS BAD. METAL FRAGMENTS WERE FOUND IN THE OIL WHICH WAS COMING FROM, THE ROD BEARING THAT FAILED DUE TO THE VEHICLE OVER HEATING AND COOLANT IN THE OIL. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THE ENGINE WAS SHAKING. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT THE MANIFOLD FROM CRACKING. AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED IN JULY 2004, THE MANIFOLD CRACKED ONE MONTH LATER. THE CONSUMER STATED EVER SINCE THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED SHE HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS REPLACED IN AUGUST 2004 THE LOWER MANIFOLD SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED AS WELL TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE, HOWEVER SINCE IT WAS NOT REPLACED, STOP LEAK PELLETS MIXED WITH THE DEX-COOL AND THE LOWER INTAKE MANIFOLD LEAKED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Feb 9, 2007
I AM THE OWNER OF A 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH A 3800 ENGINE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND THE CAR HAS LESS THEN 42,000 MILES ON IT. THE UPPER INTAKE (PLENUM) AND SEALS HAVE FAILED RESULTING IN COOLANT LEAKING INTO THE ENGINE. I PHONED AN ACQUAINTANCE WHO WORKED AS A TECHNICIAN AT THE GM POWER TRAIN ENGINEERING FACILITY IN FLINT, MICHIGAN WHERE THE 3800 ENGINE WAS ENGINEERED. HE SAID IT WAS COMMON KNOWLEDGE BY THE ENGINEERING SKILLED TRADES EMPLOYEES THAT THE UPPER INTAKE DESIGN WAS FLAWED. THERE WERE MANY INTAKE FAILURES OBSERVED DURING DYNAMOMETER TESTING. SOME EVEN EXPLODED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINEERS AND MANAGEMENT WAS WELL AWARE OF THE DEFECTIVE DESIGN, BUT FOR SOME REASON, CHANGES WERE NOT MADE. I CAN DIRECT INVESTIGATORS TO EMPLOYEES WHO WITNESSED INTAKE DESIGN FAILURES IN THE TESTING FACILITIES. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Oct 13, 2006
THE 3800 ENGINE IN MY PONTIAC HAS IN THE PAST TWO YEARS FOR SOME REASON HAS HAD TO HAVE THE INTAKE MANIFOLD REPLACED TWICE BECAUSE IT HAS CRACKED. I AM TRYING TO OUT IF THERE IS A RECALL OR SOME SORT OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR THIS PROBLEM ON THE 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE OR OTHER 3800 SERIES ENGINES? *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Aug 10, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT AN IDLE, THE ENGINE RPMS ELEVATED, AND THE OIL GAUGE INDICATED LOW PRESSURE, FOLLOWED BY ENGINE HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED NO OIL LEAK WAS PRESENT, BUT A PLUG WIRE TO THE ENGINE CYLINDER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jul 26, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED, THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT PROBLEM STARTING THE VEHICLE, A SEVERE HESITATION WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, AS WELL AS BACKFIRING OF THE ENGINE. AN INDEPENDENT SERVICE MECHANIC DISCOVERED LOW FLUID LEVELS IN THE RADIATOR, WET AND RUSTED SPARK PLUGS, CRACKED HEAD GASKETS AND THE PISTON HAD TORN THROUGH THE OIL PAN. THE MANUFACTURER THE RECALLED (04V090000) ITEM WAS REPLACED IN JULY OF 2004 BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF THE VEHICLE AND THE RECALL WAS CLOSED OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SERVICE MECHANIC FOR COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS.*AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 12, 2006
DISAPPEARING COOLANT - NO VISIBLE LEAKS. ENGINE QUIT RUNNING REQUIRED TOW. REPLACED PLASTIC INTAKE MANIFOLD. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Feb 7, 2006
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY WHEN 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE WITH LOW MILEAGE HAD SERVICE ENGINE ALERT GO OFF. CAR GAUGES INDICATED IT WAS OVER HEATING. PULLED OFF ROAD TO CHECK OUT AND FOUND ANTIFREEZE LOW-NEVER SAW ANY LEAK OR PUDDLE. COOLED CAR AND ADDED ANTIFREEZE. CAR WORSENED AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO START FIRE. HUGE WHITE SMOKE OUT OF TAILPIPE & LOUD ENGINE NOISE. TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY SAID IT IS INTAKE MANIFOLD DESIGN DEFECT DUE TO PLASTIC CASING ON MANY GM MODELS. THEY REPLACE AT LEAST ONE PER WEEK. STRANDED OUT OF TOWN FOR OVER 8 HOURS. OIL AND ANTIFREEZE IN ALL SPARL PLUGS. SPENT $1100.00 TO HAVE NEW "UPDATED DESIGN MANIFOLD", OIL CHANGED TWICE, COOLANT FLUSHED, NEW SPARK PLUGS AND NEW STARTER DONE DUE TO A CHUNK BROKEN OFF OF CONE BECAUSE OF MANIFOLD RUPTURE. *NM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jan 10, 2006
THERE IS AN ARMREST IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT SEAT OF OUR CAR. IT IS INTENDED TO BE THE BACK SUPPORT OF THE FRONT CENTER PASSENGER SEAT. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SEAT BELT, ARE TO PROVIDE A SAFE RIDE FOR THE MIDDLE PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT OF OUR CAR. A PASSENGER IN OUR CAR SITTING IN THIS POSITION HAD THE ARMREST BREAK. THIS WAS UNDER NORMAL USE. THE CAR WAS NOT INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT. THE PASSENGER WAS NOT VERY BIG. WE HARDLY EVER USE THIS POSITION AS A SEAT. THE ARMREST BROKE AND PROJECTED INTO THE REAR SEAT COMPARTMENT. THE PASSENGER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT SEAT WAS THRUST BACKWARD. IN THE EVENT OF AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT / COLLISION, BOTH PASSENGERS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT AND BACK SEATS WOULD BE SEVERELY INJURED. THE PERSON IN THE BACK SEAT WOULD BE INJURED BY HITTING THE HEAD OF THE PERSON IN THE FRONT SEAT THRUST BACK IN THE REAR SEATING AREA OR BY HITTING THE ARM REST THAT PROTRUDES INTO THE REAR SEATING AREA. THE PERSON IN THE FRONT SEAT WOULD BE THRUST BACK TOWARD THE REAR SEATING COMPARTMENT WITH NO BACK SUPPORT. I SPOKE TO MY LOCAL DEALER AND WAS TOLD THIS WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM TO FIX OR RECTIFY. *JB I SPOKE TO GMC AND RECEIVED A SIMILAR RESPONSE GMC CASE NO. 1-383907053, 12/28 (29)/2005 TELEPHONE NUMBER 866-932-4368 EXT 35624, JESSICA PAGET THE SUPPORT MATERIALS FOR THE ARMREST ARE OBVIOUSLY INADEQUATE. THIS IS A DEFECT AND A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED, IF NOT FOR THIS SERIES OF AUTOMOBILE, THEN FOR FUTURE AUTOMOBILES USING THIS METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION. THIS ARMREST, WHEN RAISED, SHOULD BE A STRUCTURE AS STRONG AS THE ADJOINING SEATS. OR, THE ARMREST SHOULD BE ELIMINATED AND THE SEATS EXTENDED TO FILL THE SPACE. IF NOT, THE ARMREST SHOULD BE ELIMINATED AS A PASSENGER SEATING POSITION. THIS WOULD INCLUDE REMOVING THE SEAT BELT WHICH PROMOTES IT'S USE AS A PASSENGER SEAT. THE VEHICLE SHOULD THEN NOT BE PROMOTED AS HAVING SEATING FOR SIX PASSENGERS.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Jan 3, 2006
1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE OVERHEATED. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND THEN WOULD PICK UP ABRUPTLY AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD WATER WAS COMING OUT OF THE PLUG HOLES. THE CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER ESTABLISHMENT WHERE HE WAS THEN TOLD THE ENTIRE ENGINE HAD TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED. THE MECHANIC STATED THE MANIFOLD HAD A LEAK AT THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAS RESURFACED AGAIN 4 YEARS LATER. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Dec 13, 2005
PLEASE BE SURE TO FILE YOUR COMPLAINT AT WWW.AUTOSAFETY.ORG AND SIGN UP FOR THE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST GMC. I KNOW THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE OUT THERE WITH THE SAME ENGINE COOLANT AND PLASTIC MANIFOLD PROBLEM THAT HAVE HAD TO REPLACE OR REBUILD THE ENGINE IN THE 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Dec 13, 2005
THERE ARE 313 COMPLAINTS ON THIS WEBSITE AS OF TODAY CONCERNING THE 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. OUT OF THOSE 313 REPORTS, AT LEAST 132 ARE 100 PERCENT RELATED TO THE PLASTIC MANIFOLD FAILURE WHICH CAUSES THE ENGINE TO OVERHEAT TO CATASTROPHIC RESULTS. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE ON MY VEHICLE TWICE WITHIN 4 YEARS. GMC IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE AND IT IS A SHAME THAT THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN INTEGRITY,HONOR AND PEOPLE'S LIVES. WHAT HAPPENED TO PRIDE IN WHAT YOU MANUFACTURE?SHAME ON GMC!!! *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS Nov 25, 2005
DASH AND REAR LIGHT SWITCH HAVE BLOWN FOR 2 YEARS IN A ROW AFTER AROUND THANKSGIVING/CHRISTMAS TIME FORCING ME TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO DASH OR REAR TAILLIGHTS. $150.00 REPAIR. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Nov 21, 2005
THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY ENGINE LOCKED UP AND RADIATOR FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF THE HEAD GASKETS ON THE ENGINE WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 4 YEARS THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CAR. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Nov 21, 2005
IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT GMC IS REFUSING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE APPARENT DEFECTS WITH THE PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. MY ENGINE LOCKED UP IN JULY 2001 WITH NO PRIOR WARNING. THE MECHANIC THAT REPAIRED THE CAR TOLD ME THAT WATER AND RADIATOR FLUID WAS COMING OUT OF THE ENGINE AND THE CHEAP PLASTIC PLENTUM HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOW,THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED ONCE AGAIN ON 11/07/2005. THE CAR WAS ONLY GOING 35 MPH WHEN THE ENGINE OVER-HEATED AND THIS TIME IT IS COSTING ME 2,321.00! I FEEL SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE BY GMC OR RESEARCH SHOULD BE DONE TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. IT IS EXTREMELY APPARENT THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN ALL 1998 PONTIAC BONNEVILLES AND SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. I HAVE 3 CHILDREN AND CANNOT AFFORD A NEW CAR NOR CAN I AFFORD TO RE-BUILD OR RE-PLACE MY ENGINE EVERY 3-4 YEARS. *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL Sep 14, 2005
DT: GOT INTO THE VEHICLE, PUT PRESSURE ON THE GAS PEDAL AND IT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. TRIED MASHING ON THE BRAKES, AND THE VEHICLE JUST KEPT GOING, THE MORE THE CONSUMER MASHED ON THE BRAKES THE FASTER THE VEHICLE WENT. VEHICLE HIT A BRICK BUILDING ON JUNE 6, 2005. CONTACTED PONTIAC, THEY SENT OUT AN INSPECTOR. THEN, THEY SENT A LETTER STATING THAT THE ALLEGATION HAD NO MERIT. THE CONSUMER WAS INJURED FROM THE AIR BAGS. *AK
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Jul 18, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK, DAMAGING STARTER AND SPARK PLUGS. REMOVED AND REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON 6-17-05 AT A COST OF $900.00: THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS DUE TO A RECALL #04V09000 FUEL SYSTEM/ GASOLINE DELIVERY. SHE WAS REFUNDED MONEY BY PONTIAC. NOW SHE WAS REQUESTING MONEY BACK FOT THE SECOND TIME. ALSO, RECEIVED AN INVESTIGATION# PEO2050; CONCERNING ENGINE, BUT SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER . *AK
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY Jul 18, 2005
DT: CONTACT STATES THE INTAKE MANIFOLD WAS LEAKING INTO CYLINDERS, CAUSING ENGINE TO LOCK, DAMAGING STARTER AND SPARK PLUGS. REMOVED AND REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME ON 6-17-05 AT A COST OF $900.00: THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET, REPLACED SPARK PLUGS DUE TO A RECALL #04V09000 FUEL SYSTEM/ GASOLINE DELIVERY. SHE WAS REFUNDED MONEY BY PONTIAC. NOW SHE WAS REQUESTING MONEY BACK FOT THE SECOND TIME. ALSO, RECEIVED AN INVESTIGATION# PEO2050; CONCERNING ENGINE, BUT SHE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER . *AK