VehicleVerdict

2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 112 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.1 times the median Bonneville year — the 2002 model ranks #11 of 36 Bonneville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (20), engine (15), and visibility & wipers (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

112

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Bonneville years?

Bonneville NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted359 complaints1965: 0 complaints1966: 0 complaints1969: 0 complaints1971: 0 complaints1972: 0 complaints1974: 0 complaints1975: 0 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 1 complaints1978: 4 complaints1979: 2 complaints1981: 2 complaints1982: 1 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 1 complaints1985: 2 complaints1986: 3 complaints1987: 24 complaints1988: 20 complaints1989: 35 complaints1990: 45 complaints1991: 26 complaints1992: 139 complaints1993: 183 complaints1994: 123 complaints1995: 330 complaints1996: 181 complaints1997: 188 complaints1998: 359 complaints1999: 176 complaints2000: 301 complaints2001: 179 complaints2002: 112 complaints2003: 64 complaints2004: 38 complaints2005: 37 complaints
Bonneville NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Bonneville years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering2018%
Engine1513%
Visibility & Wipers1413%
Electrical System1211%
Suspension76%
Transmission76%
Airbags65%
Fuel System65%
Body & Structure65%
Seats54%
Brakes44%
Lighting33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Speed Control11%
Seat Belts11%
Latches & Locks11%
Other11%

Does the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

03V238000Fuel SystemJuly 1, 2003 · 102,212 units

Defect

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, AND PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSEI PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A SUPERCHARGED V6 (3.8L) ENGINE, THE FUEL TANK PRESSURE SENSORS ARE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO MALFUNCTIONS. IF THE SENSOR MALFUNCTIONS, EXCESSIVE VACUUM CAN BE APPLIED DURING SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TESTING.

Consequence

FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS CAN BE DAMAGED AND FUEL CAN LEAK FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IS REFUELED. FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

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 1-800-620-7668.

02V222000AirbagsAugust 9, 2002 · 133,221 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

PIECES OF THE INFLATOR COULD STRIKE AND INJURE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS AND THE AIR BAG CUSHION WOULD NOT INFLATE FULLY, REDUCING THE CAPABILITY OF THE BAG TO PROTECT THE DRIVER.

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 ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, CADILLAC AT 1-800-458-8006, CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, GMC AT 1-800-462-8782, OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537, OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 40 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN MAKING A CLUNKING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · November 1, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE GASKETS AND VALVE COVER FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 16, 2015 · fire

“I HAVE HAD BOTH REAR WINDOW GO DOWN AND WON'T COME BACK UP. I HAVE DONE A LOT OF READING OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ,BUT WHY IS NOTHING BEING DONE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT IS REALLY A SHAME FOR SUCH A NICE LOOKING CAR TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS. WHY WON'T THE MANUFACTURER STAND BEHIND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 10, 2004

“MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND O2 SENSOR FAILURE CONSTANT. 10/2013 SECURITY LIGHT COMES ON FREQUENTLY WHILE IN MOTION12/2013 LEAKS IN LOWER GASKET VALVE...ENGINE IS EXTREMELY HOT MOST OF THE TIME 04/2014 SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON DUE TO O2 SENSOR FAILURE EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT 7/2014 INTERIOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 12, 2013 · fire

“THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. WHEN THE CONSUMER PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN REVERSE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK *NLM”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission

2002 Pontiac Bonneville — common questions

Is the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 112 complaints put the 2002 model at #11 of 36 Bonneville years. It is one of the Bonneville years to avoid.

What are the most common 2002 Bonneville problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (20 complaints), engine (15 complaints), visibility & wipers (14 complaints).

Does the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Pontiac Bonneville years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Bonneville years to avoid are 1998, 1995, 2000, 1997, 1993, 1996, 2001, 1999, 1992, 1994, 2002, 2003, 1990, 2004, 2005, 1989. The cleanest record among Bonneville years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.