MYRModel Year Report

2002 Pontiac Bonneville

▲ Better than typical
2002 Pontiac Bonneville
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:52:46.497Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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
89
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2002

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Steering

22% 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 1996 1997: 147 complaints 1998: 277 complaints 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2001: 129 complaints 2002: 89 complaints 2002 89 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 1998: 277 complaints 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2001: 129 complaints 2002: 89 complaints 2002 89 2003: 54 complaints 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 1998: 277 complaints 1998 1999: 143 complaints 1999 2000: 214 complaints 2000 2001: 129 complaints 2001 2002: 89 complaints 2002 89 2003: 54 complaints 2003 2004: 28 complaints 2004 2005: 27 complaints 2005

2002: 89 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.

Steering

22% · 20 reports

Most commonly citing column and pinion shaft.

Show complaint excerpts

Tilt steering wheel locks without prior warning. Dealership is aware of problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-03-18

Visibility

16% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing power window devices and controls and motor.

Show complaint excerpts

Left outside rear view mirror vibrates, causing a blurry vision. Contacted dealership. Replaced mirror and motor mounts however, problem reoccurred. *ak inside trunk panel keeps falling, window controls/left front door door panels are loose.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-07-19

Electrical system

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Mass air flow sensor and O2 sensor failure constant.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-09-16

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 11 reports

Most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

Power train

8% · 7 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

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
    2002-08-15Air bags02V222000 Certain passenger, mini vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2002-10-22Engineering analysisClosed 2004-03-09 Engine compartment fires
  3. R
    2003-10-17Fuel system, gasoline03V238000 On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a V8 (4.6L) engine, oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a V8 (4.0L ) engine…

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2007-06-12Engineering analysisClosed 2008-05-01 Engine compartment fire

Buy-smart checklist

2002 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Steering: 20 reports on file for this year.
  • Visibility: 14 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 11 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 02V222000 · Air bags
  • Recall 03V238000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 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.