NHTSA — Engine Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,200 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.

2003 Pontiac Bonneville engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Pontiac Bonneville Owner Comments

problem #8

Feb 122018

Bonneville

  • 113,600 miles

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

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. The contact called a local dealer (wheelers Chevrolet of medford, 704 N 8th St, medford, wi 54461) and was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 113,600.

- Rib Lake, WI, USA

problem #7

Dec 012015

Bonneville

  • 70,000 miles
Leaking oil, same engine as other cars in recent recall.

- Lisle, IL, USA

problem #6

Aug 012012

Bonneville

  • 100,000 miles
The car I drive (3.8 liter six cylinder) has an oil leak coming from the left valve cover. After I come to a stop or make a left turn, I smell oil fumes and can see a light smoke coming from the front of the car. I've been reading about the current recall for cars made before and after my car. How do I get my car on list of recalls for repair?

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #5

Jun 102014

Bonneville

  • 81,000 miles

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

My car shuts off while driving. I notice it because power steering is hard to use and RPM's go down to zero and car has shut off. It started up again. This has been a real problem. Dealer tested car and said it was a crankshaft sensor. I replaced the crankshaft sensor and the problem continues. Cam sensor replaced too. This is a safety issue. No one knows why the car shuts off when it wants to. Now the car still shuts off while driving, but also it takes 2 to 3 times to restart. Still trying to figure this out. It is August 2015 and I need this car. Is this a recall issue?

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #4

Jul 142011

Bonneville

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Pontiac Bonneville. The contact stated that while driving over a bump, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #3

Nov 042013

Bonneville 6-cyl

  • miles
While driving my vehicle lost power. I shifted vehicle to neutral and attempted restart. Engine restarted. Continued driving when drive over bumps, buckles in payment engine looses power. All needle indicators drop to off position, car starts to slow down, steering looses power, all lights go out as well. This is a condition that has become increasing more dangerous as speeds increases. I had vehicle checked out and mechanics are unable to diagnosis. I previously owned 2001 Pontiac Bonneville as well which did the same when driven over bumps, or imperfections in the road. This is my second complaint, and I have not heard anything. I previously stated I believe this problem is related to recall GM has recently acknowledged for some cars. I don't believe they have included all vehicles that contain this problem. My previous ODI (your confirmation number (ODI number) is: 10564622 )this problem should be noted, and included with safety recall by GM and NHTSA.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #2

Sep 032012

Bonneville 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
While driving my engine lost power completely. I had went over bump in the road and the vehicle lost all power. I place the car in neutral, and able to restart and continue driving. Hit bump in road again and engine lost power again. I was fortunate to be able to pull over. Restarted engine and returned home. Had repair shop check vehicle for diagnosis and they were unable to resolve issue. Neither was GM dealer. I have had this happen everytime I go over bump in road, usually at speeds over 40 miles per hour. I had same problem with 2001 Bonneville. I saw GM recalling 2005 G5 with same problem. I believe my problem is related issue and is a safety hazard that should be handled similarly by GM. I do not believe the problem is limited to G5 and cobalt. As I stated 2001 and 2003 Bonneville have same issue.

- Detroit, MI, USA

problem #1

Sep 052012

Bonneville 6-cyl

  • 229,000 miles
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. Witness stopped and told me that there is a problem with faulty fuel lines.

- Zimmerman, MN, USA

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