2001 Pontiac Bonneville
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.
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
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
27% of complaints: steering — 35 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and rack and pinion.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION OF 25 MPH, CRASHING INTO A LIGHT POLE. INTEGRITY OF STRUCTURE BODY DAMAGE HAS EXCEEDED OVER $3600.00 COMPARED TO FOUR STAR CRASH TEST RATING GIVEN BY NHTSA.
NHTSA ODI report, 20020619
17% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 22 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and gasoline.
CRASH FIRE INJURY13% of complaints: power train — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
13% of complaints: visibility — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and glass, side/rear.
INJURYShow complaint excerpts
ALTERNATOR FAILED - COULD NOT OPEN DOORS OR ROLL WINDOWS DOWN-TRAPPED IN CAR!*AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020826
Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12% of complaints: electrical system — 16 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE BACK IN JANUARY 2020 UNDER THE HOOD ON MY WAY TO WORK THE FIRE STARTED BEHIND THE VALE COVER GASKETS AND NOW OIL IS LEAKING ON THE MANIFOLD GASKETS AND GAS IS MIXING WITH THE OIL AND I CAN'T DRIVE MY CAR ANYMORE HELP ME PLEASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200819
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT WHEN THE KEY WAS TURNED IN THE IGNITION, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION FROM UNDER TO HOOD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140130
SAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2001 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (35 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (22 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (17 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Bonneville have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.