MYRModel Year Report

1988 Pontiac Bonneville

○ Not enough data
1988 Pontiac Bonneville
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:52:24.100Z

Only 17 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 17 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
17

Too few to rank

Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1988 17 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 22 complaints 1992: 116 complaints 1993: 138 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1995: 244 complaints 1996: 150 complaints 1996 1997: 147 complaints 1998: 277 complaints 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2001: 129 complaints 2002: 89 complaints 2002 2003: 54 complaints 2004: 28 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1987: 19 complaints 1988: 17 complaints 1988 17 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1991: 22 complaints 1991 1992: 116 complaints 1993: 138 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1995: 244 complaints 1995 1996: 150 complaints 1997: 147 complaints 1997 1998: 277 complaints 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2001: 129 complaints 2001 2002: 89 complaints 2003: 54 complaints 2003 2004: 28 complaints 2005: 27 complaints 2005
1981: 1 complaint 1981 1982: 1 complaint 1982 1983: 0 complaints 1983 1984: 1 complaint 1984 1985: 1 complaint 1985 1986: 3 complaints 1986 1987: 19 complaints 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1988 17 1989: 28 complaints 1989 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 22 complaints 1991 1992: 116 complaints 1992 1993: 138 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1994 1995: 244 complaints 1995 1996: 150 complaints 1996 1997: 147 complaints 1997 1998: 277 complaints 1998 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 129 complaints 2001 2002: 89 complaints 2002 2003: 54 complaints 2003 2004: 28 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints 2005

1988: 17 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19811
19821
19830
19841
19851
19863
198719
198817
198928
199039
199122
1992116
1993138
199489
1995244
1996150
1997147
1998277
1999143
2000214
2001129
200289
200354
200428
200527

Known problem areas

Only 17 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Electrical system

6 of 17 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and starter assembly.

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 17 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing fuel pump.

Structure

2 of 17 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing frame and members and door.

Seat belts

2 of 17 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Automatic seat belt; during impact at 30 MPH, the driver's side shoulder belt did not lock. Cause unknown.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-11-10

While traveling on the highway and without prior warning. All of the seat belts will not click in or hold through the retractor.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-07-18

Visibility

1 of 17 total reports mentions: visibility, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system.

Safety timeline

1 recall · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. I
    1989-03-10Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-17 Anti lock brakes
  2. I
    1989-07-21Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-09-22 Parking brake cable
  3. I
    1989-09-26Preliminary evaluationClosed 1990-03-26 Brake failure
  4. I
    1990-03-26Engineering analysisClosed 1991-04-22 Brake failure
  5. R
    2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 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…

    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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.
  • Structure: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Bonneville have?
1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.