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 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 | 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.
9 of 28 total reports mention: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic and air.
CRASH4 of 28 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly and anchorage.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20000905
Also filed under STEERING
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, 20140312
Also filed under ENGINE
3 of 28 total reports mention: structure, most commonly citing door and frame and members.
3 of 28 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing shock absorber and lower arm.
SAFETY TIMELINE
FUEL ROLLOVER VALVE ASSEMBLY MAY NOT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Remedy: REPLACE FUEL SENDER AND PUMP ASSEMBLY.
Campaign 88V143000 — check if this car was fixed
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
1989 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seat belts issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (4 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 88V143000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.