NHTSA — Electrical System: Alternator/Generator/Regulator Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
10,252 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Pontiac Bonneville electrical problems

electrical problem

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1998 Pontiac Bonneville Owner Comments

problem #6

Jul 222004

Bonneville

  • Automatic transmission
  • 61,513 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Had tune-up and regulators changed (based on recall) on 7/19/04. Then on 7/22/04 smoke emitting from exhaust and then car would not start. Car towed and repaired (manifold cracked). On 7/26/04 car taken from shop, 2 hrs later car would not start again. This time claimed starter was the problem. Consequences: Over $1,500 in repairs.

- Bronx, NY, USA

problem #5

Jul 222004

Bonneville

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving at 25 mph consumer smelled something burning, like electrical wires. Stopped and pulled off road. Lifted hood and burning wires smelled stronger near alternator. Touched area, and it was hot. Took vehicle to independent repair shop, and was informed that alternator failed due to bearings burning out. Front bearings caused the alternator to burn. Had to replace old alternator with a new alternator that had larger/bigger bearings, and would not wear out as fast.

- Alton, IL, USA

problem #4

Dec 222000

Bonneville

  • miles
Traveling @65 mph engine just shut off. Would not start until 3 hours later then it was hard to start. Problem was determined to be ground under passenger seat. Car still was hard to start now the deal claims it is the fuel pump regulator. Very upset with this experience. Other problems seem to have cropped up due to this ground problem such as alternator failure, headlights failing to the on positon, power windows would not work and of course the failure of the fuel regulator. This ground seems to be a major problem and I am surprised there has not yet been a recall. The common thread can be seen in the complaints lodged on your internet site.

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

problem #3

Dec 021999

Bonneville

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Intermittently vehicle will suddenly accelerate or stall and die. Dealer has replaced the alternator generator and the ECM. Manufacturer will be notified.

- Easton, PA, USA

problem #2

Jun 071998

Bonneville

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Alternator failed.

- Oceanside, CA, USA

problem #1

Dec 301998

Bonneville

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Alternator replaced with new one because of noise but noise is worse than before after replacement.

- Escondido, CA, USA

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