2004 Pontiac Bonneville problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 38 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.7 times the median Bonneville year — the 2004 model ranks #14 of 36 Bonneville years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (29% of the total).
38
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2004 compare to other Bonneville years?
What are the most common 2004 Pontiac Bonneville problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 | 29% | — flat |
| Steering | 8 | 21% | — flat |
| Transmission | 3 | 8% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 3 | 8% | ▲ up |
| Other | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 2 | 5% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 1 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 1 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 3% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WE (WIDE AND I) NOTICED A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING. SINCE WE WERE IN A FARMING AREA WE DIDN'T THINK TOO MUCH OF IT. ABOUT 20 MILES LATER THE SMELL LINGERED AND WE NOTICED SMOKE BEGAN FILLING CAR. PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON AND MY WIFE NOTICED SMOKE COMING OUT FROM…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. AFTER STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE TIE ROD FAILED AND THE TWO FRONT WHEELS WERE FACING EACH OTHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE TIE ROD WAS A FOREIGN PART. UPDATED 10-29-08 *BF UPDATED 10/30/08. *JB”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL EXTENDED TO THE FLOOR AND DANGLED WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS NO RESISTANCE IN THE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED MOVING, JUMPED A CURB, AND LANDED IN HER NEIGHBOR'S YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS…”
“I HAVE A 2004 PONTIAC BONNEVILE SE WITH 64,000 MILES ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION PRESSURE CONTROL SOLENOID, WHICH ENDS UP CAUSING HARD SHIFTS AND CAN CAUSE TRANSMISSION DAMAGE, HAS FAILED, AND THE TRANSMISSION EITHER NEEDS TO BE REBUILT OR REPLACED ALTOGETHER. IT IS A RATHER PRICEY FIX BETWEEN…”
“THE 3.3L ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT ALSO HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 35 MPH. THE VEHICLE AS BEEN TO THE DEALER ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASION, BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *JB”
2004 Pontiac Bonneville — common questions
Is the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 38 complaints put the 2004 model at #14 of 36 Bonneville years. It is one of the Bonneville years to avoid.
What are the most common 2004 Bonneville problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (11 complaints), steering (8 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).
Does the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2004 Pontiac Bonneville.
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.