2003 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 | 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
15% of complaints: engine — 8 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN, SMOKE EMERGED FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180212
ACTED LIKE IT WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS, LOSS OF POWER AND SPEED. ONLY 50MPH WHEN A BOOM IN THE ENGINE, PULLED OVER POPPED THE HOOD LATCH, SAW SMOKE, EXITED CAR AS FLAMES CAME OUT OF THE HOOD. CALLED 911.. CAR BURNT TO THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120906
13% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
VEHICLE SPEAKER LOCATED ON THE REAR DECK CAUGHT ON FIRE. *MR SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING OPERATED, THE SPEAKER ON THE REAR DECK CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030825
ON 8/1/11 WHILE DRIVING I HEARD A LOUD NOISE LIKE I HAD BEEN HIT BY SOMETHING SO I PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT MY LEFT REAR WINDOW HAD DROPPED DOWN BY ITSELF AND I COULD NOT RAISE IT BY ACTIVATING THE SWITCH. GM REPLACED THE OPERATOR.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140121
9% of complaints: power train — 5 distinct reports on file.
4% of complaints: service brakes, hydraulic — 2 distinct reports on file.
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
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Pontiac Bonneville — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (8 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 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 2003 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 15% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 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.