MYRModel Year Report

1997 Pontiac Bonneville

● Typical for this model
1997 Pontiac Bonneville
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:51:53.961Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
147
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine and engine cooling

35% of complaints

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 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1990: 39 complaints 1990 1991: 22 complaints 1992: 116 complaints 1993: 138 complaints 1993 1994: 89 complaints 1995: 244 complaints 1996: 150 complaints 1997: 147 complaints 1997 147 1998: 277 complaints 1999: 143 complaints 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 1987 1988: 17 complaints 1989: 28 complaints 1989 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 147 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 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 147 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

1997: 147 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

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine and engine cooling

35% · 51 reports

Most commonly citing gasoline and engine.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Car completely shuts down while decelerating at anywhere from 30-55 MPH. Sometimes can restart, sometimes not for a half hour or so. The car's engine coolant has leaked out onto engine.

NHTSA ODI report, 2006-10-10

While driving at normal speed driver began to see smoke coming from the vehicle. Driver proceeded to drive home, and parked vehicle. A mechanic stated that there was a whole in the plenum that allowed water to leak and warp the heads.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-10-01

Electrical system

20% · 29 reports

Most commonly citing horn and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

While drivng vehicle filled up with smoke and a fire started in the dash behind the radio. Mechanic stated that there was a loose wire in the dash. Car was towed to a body shop. Still not fixed.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-06

Driving an suddenly vehicle shuts down, speed makes no difference.starts back with no problem. This is a regular problem, also happens when idling...makes for a very hazardous situation.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-11

Power train

12% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.

INJURY

Steering

10% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion and pump.

Show complaint excerpts

The car lost all power while driving on several occasions. It would just quit and I would have no brakes or steering and all gauges would shut down.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-04-01

Also filed under Engine

Service brakes

9% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1996-10-09Seats96V196000 The seat cover trim material does not meet the flammability requirements of FMVSS No. 302, "Flammability of interior materials."

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the covers on the front seat backs, rear seat cushion and rear seat back assemblies.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2002-06-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2002-10-22 Engine compartment fires
  3. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  4. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 51 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 29 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 96V196000 · Seats
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 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.