2002 Pontiac Bonneville recalls and problems

The 2002 Pontiac Bonneville has 2 safety recalls and 89 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Pontiac dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
89
Crashes / fires
5 / 3
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2002 Pontiac Bonneville vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2002 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.

2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Steering20
Visibility14
Engine and Engine Cooling11
Electrical System11
Suspension7
Air Bags7
Power Train7
Structure6
Seats5
Engine4
Exterior Lighting3
Service Brakes, Hydraulic3

Most reported parts

  • Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 11
  • Steering › Column — 6
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 4
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Suspension › Front — 3
  • Seats › Front Assembly › Head Restraint — 3
  • Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 2
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 51,000 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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville complaints

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

Air Bags · reported Jul 9, 2026
The airbags did not deploy all the way my [XXX] is in the car as well and the driver side and passenger airbags did not deploy 100% it did cause me to end up having a cut on my face and abruzz eye I have pictures but I did not go to the ER but my [XXX] did cuz she had two cuts on her head it also shattered my windshield and something was leaking INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air Bags · at 187,000 miles · reported Feb 22, 2019
The contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. When the vehicle was started, the air bag indicator illuminated. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000. . Consumer owned the vehicle for a year an airbag light came on.
Electrical System · at 96,000 miles · reported May 13, 2016
Car will re-start on its own after key is removed. After parking and shutting off the car, then removing the key and opening the driver's door to exit: if you accidentally press the upper part of the lock button on the door (The unlock function) instead of pressing the lower part of the lock button (The lock function), the car will re-start itself. It then cannot be turned off because the ignition switch is already in the off position. The only way to shut off the engine is to jiggle the shifter.
Engine · at 100,000 miles · reported Apr 14, 2016
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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical System · at 80,529 miles · reported Jun 18, 2015
The contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start without warning. The vehicle was able to be started, but it took several attempts. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 80,529.

Other Pontiac Bonneville years

Compare all Pontiac Bonneville years · All Pontiac models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2002 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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville?

Owners report steering problems most often (20 reports), followed by visibility (14). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 51,000 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.