Pontiac / Bonneville / 1992
1992 Pontiac Bonneville problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints about the 1992 Pontiac Bonneville with NHTSA. Service brakes, hydraulic account for 38.1% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 14.4%.
Complaints139
Crashes17
Fires5
Injuries16
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Service brakes, hydraulic 38.1% · 53
Electrical system 14.4% · 20
Engine and engine cooling 7.9% · 11
Power train 7.2% · 10
Air bags 5.8% · 8
Seat belts 3.6% · 5
Fuel system, gasoline 3.6% · 5
Suspension 2.9% · 4
Severity
Of those complaints, 17 describe a crash, 5 describe a fire and 16 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 11 model years of the Pontiac Bonneville in this data, 1992 draws comparatively few complaints; 1998 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 4 in the last three years against 5 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 153,000 miles.
In owners' own words
The abs brakes went out. The car almost caused an accident. Tt first, the abs light came on and remained on. The dealer examined the vehicle and found out that the abs had failed. Also according to the dealer several vehicles of the same make had the same problem. The manufacturer should recall these vehicles and fix the problem, the consumer believes. Service brakes, hydraulic
While driving experienced intermittent abs brake failure. When on ice brakes malfunction due to pump motor action to abs rendering them inoperative. Also, experienced abs light staying on continuously. Dealer indicated pump motor needed to be replaced. Service brakes, hydraulic
Spring broke in the braking mechanism on the left rear wheel, resulting in lockup, replaced brake drum and the spring. Tt mechanic stated that spring had been broke and loose long enough to score drum easily got into position to lock wheel only this time. Service brakes, hydraulic
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…
Other Pontiac Bonneville years
1993 183 complaints · 26.2% service brakes, hydraulic 1994 123 complaints · 17.9% electrical system 1995 330 complaints · 17.3% engine and engine cooling 1996 181 complaints · 26.5% engine and engine cooling 1997 188 complaints · 30.9% engine and engine cooling 1998 359 complaints · 58.8% engine and engine cooling