2002 Pontiac Bonneville
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.
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.
22% of complaints: steering — 20 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing column and pinion shaft.
Show complaint excerpts
TILT STEERING WHEEL LOCKS WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20020318
16% of complaints: visibility — 14 distinct reports on file, 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. *SCC
NHTSA ODI report, 20020719
12% of complaints: electrical system — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing interior/under dash and fuses and circuit breakers.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND O2 SENSOR FAILURE CONSTANT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140916
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.
8% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 O
Campaign 02V222000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
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, AN
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 1-800-
Campaign 03V238000 — check if this car was fixed
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V222000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V238000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.