1998 Pontiac Bonneville
This year had more than double the complaints 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.
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
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 47 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. ALSO STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE WILL OVERHEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030122
16% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 44 distinct reports on file.
INJURY15% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 42 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 33 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THE CONSUMER COULDN'T GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE CONSUMER TRIED TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AGAIN AND HEARD A LOUD NOISE WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. *SCC *NLM REFERENCED IN EA02-030
NHTSA ODI report, 20030321
9% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 V6 (L36) ENGINES AND CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, THE REGULATORS HAVE A MUCH HIGHER THAN USUAL RATE OF FUEL LEAKS. A LEAK CAN ALLOW FUEL T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS WITH IMPROVED DIAPHRAGMS. THE RECALL WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASED MAILINGS. PHASE 1 BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2004, AND PHASE 2 BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2004.
Campaign 04V090000 — check if this car was fixed
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 CONF
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.
Campaign 09E012000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1998 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (47 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (42 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V090000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09E012000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1998 Pontiac Bonneville have?
2 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.