1986 Pontiac Bonneville
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 3 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1981 | 1 |
| 1982 | 1 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 1 |
| 1986 | 3 |
| 1987 | 19 |
| 1988 | 17 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 39 |
| 1991 | 22 |
| 1992 | 113 |
| 1993 | 138 |
| 1994 | 88 |
| 1995 | 244 |
| 1996 | 150 |
| 1997 | 147 |
| 1998 | 277 |
| 1999 | 143 |
| 2000 | 214 |
| 2001 | 129 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 53 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 27 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 3 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
1 of 3 total reports mentions: structure.
Show complaint excerpts
CLOTH HEADLINER BEGAN TO SEPARATE FROM THE FOAM LINER ABOVE HEAD, HANGS DOWN, BLOCKING DRIVERS VIEW. *DSH
NHTSA ODI report, 19960125
1 of 3 total reports mentions: power train.
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED GEAR FAILURE, THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE IN REVERSE. *YC
NHTSA ODI report, 19990823
1 of 3 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
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VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOM OF RECALL IN WHICH THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS ALLOWING AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT SHORT CIRCUIT CAUSING PANEL TO FLICKER OR GO OFF COMPLETELY. VEHICLE NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL.
NHTSA ODI report, 19990426
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT.
Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.
Campaign 86V056000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE
STALLING
REAR BRAKE PIN
JAMMED STEERING MECHANISM
PARKING BRAKE CABLE
REAR BRAKE PIN
BRAKE FAILURE
BRAKE FAILURE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURE
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. TH
Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
Campaign 07E088000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1986 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 07E088000 (equipment) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1986 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1986 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1986 Pontiac Bonneville have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.