1989 Pontiac Bonneville
Only 28 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 28 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 28
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1989
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1989: 28 complaints
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 | 116 |
| 1993 | 138 |
| 1994 | 89 |
| 1995 | 244 |
| 1996 | 150 |
| 1997 | 147 |
| 1998 | 277 |
| 1999 | 143 |
| 2000 | 214 |
| 2001 | 129 |
| 2002 | 89 |
| 2003 | 54 |
| 2004 | 28 |
| 2005 | 27 |
Known problem areas
Only 28 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Service brakes
9 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
Seat belts
4 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
Show complaint excerpts
Left front tie rod broke causing loss of control at about 70 MPH. During resultant crash, shoulder harness failed to restrain driver. Injury sustained was a burst fracture of the l-1 vertebrae resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury.
NHTSA ODI report, 2000-09-05
Also filed under Steering
Electrical system
4 of 28 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator.
Show complaint excerpts
Reading about the recent GM recall for automobiles stalling out when driving, triggered my memory of my former Pontiac. On at least 3 occasions, this Pontiac had stalled out in a similar fashion.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-03-12
Also filed under Engine
Structure
3 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and frame and members.
Suspension
3 of 28 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing shock absorber and lower arm.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1988-08-29Fuel system, gasoline88V143000 Fuel rollover valve assembly may not have been installed.
Remedy: Replace fuel sender and pump assembly.
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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).
Buy-smart checklist
1989 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Service brakes: 9 reports on file for this year.
- Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 4 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 88V143000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Bonneville?
- The most-reported component is service brakes, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1989 Pontiac Bonneville have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.