1987 Pontiac Bonneville
Only 19 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 19 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 19 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
4 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
2 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling.
2 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Show complaint excerpts
ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE FAILED, CAUSING VEHICLE TO STALL. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950223
1 of 19 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
SAFETY TIMELINE
THE HEADLAMP CIRCUIT BREAKER MAY OVERHEAT AT LOW BEAM CAUSING AN INTERMITTENT HEADLAMP CIRCUIT.
Remedy: REVISE FOGLAMP CIRCUIT TO PREVENT OVERHEATING OF HEADLAMP CIRCUIT.
Campaign 87V103000 — check if this car was fixed
THROTTLE SYSTEM FAILURE
STALLING
AN IN LINE FUSIBLE LINK MAY MELT DOWN AND CAUSE A FIRE.
Remedy: THE WINDSHIELD WASHER BOTTLE BRACKET WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 87V135000 — check if this car was fixed
EXCESSIVE ACCELERATOR CABLE FRICTION MAY RESTRICT THE CABLES FREE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE THROTTLE BODY.
Remedy: REPLACE ACCELERATOR CABLE.
Campaign 88V080000 — check if this car was fixed
ANTI LOCK BRAKES
REAR BRAKE PIN
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1987 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 87V103000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V135000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 88V080000 (vehicle speed control) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1987 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 1987 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 21% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1987 Pontiac Bonneville have?
4 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.