2003 Pontiac Bonneville recalls and problems

The 2003 Pontiac Bonneville has 2 safety recalls and 54 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
54
Crashes / fires
3 / 5
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2003 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2003 Pontiac Bonneville recalls

Recall 03V-238: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 1, 2003 · 102,212 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

Recall 02V-222: Air Bags

Reported Aug 9, 2002 · 133,221 vehicles affected · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2003 Pontiac Bonneville problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System10
Steering10
Engine9
Power Train6
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Unknown or Other5
Visibility3
Air Bags3
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Fuel/Propulsion System3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 2
  • Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Electrical System › Ignition — 2
  • Electrical System › Wiring › Interior/Under Dash — 1
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 1
  • Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 78,029 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2003 Pontiac Bonneville complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · reported Jul 14, 2026
Look at the car the car is located [XXX] first of all you start off as a passcode 2 system and then it says passcode 3 system on the thing and I just don't want to deal with this because you have the cut off switch you have the fuel cut off switch but you still have current going through the switch or the fuel they fuel I'll probably leaking into the tank it doesn't start but still sending fuel the oil has excessive amount of liquid in it so does transmission I bought it used the guy goes you know I lost the key go in and remove it I started without the key you know or something like that and…
Engine · at 113,600 miles · reported Feb 12, 2018
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.
Power Train · at 130,000 miles · reported Apr 10, 2017
With the key turned to ACC you can pull the car out of park without depressing the brake pedal. With the key turned to run you must depress the brake pedal to pull it out of park. Car is not running. Also checked 3 other pontiac bonneville's. One is a 2002 VIN # [xxx]. They all showed the same operating characteristics. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (Foia), 5 U.S.c. 552(B)(6).
Unknown or Other · reported May 5, 2016
Check engine light has been on since 2003, have had 5 different service techs, including dealer look for the problem, no one seems to be able to fix or find the problem.
Unknown or Other · at 30,000 miles · reported Mar 20, 2016
Burnt smell after running car. Serviceman checked and oil was leaking. Need new valve cover gaskets as leaking on manifold will cause a fire.

Other Pontiac Bonneville years

Compare all Pontiac Bonneville years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville: 03V-238 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-222 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (10 reports), followed by steering (10). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 78,029 miles.

Are Pontiac recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Pontiac dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.