2000 Pontiac Bonneville: harsh or hard shifting

11 of the 214 complaints about the 2000 Pontiac Bonneville describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 11
of this car's complaints: 5%
typical mileage: 48,600
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 14 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Harsh or hard shifting by model year

2005
3
2004
3
2003
7
2002
16
2001
11
2000
11
1997
1
1995
4
1994
1
1993
1
1992
1

What owners say

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Steering · 12,943 miles · KS

Intermediate steering shaft has been replaced twice and lubricated twice in the last four years. Continues to clunk when turning the car. General motors was contacted and admitted there is a problem with the steering and said they are working on a fix. Right now the fix is only temporary and can be costly.

Filed Aug 23, 2006 · Steering · 48,600 miles · FL

Dt*: the contact stated while driving and turning the steering wheel to either side, there was a loud clunking noise coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer, where the shaft was greased. After the repair, the problems continued. Updated 9/15/2006 - the noise could also be heard when the vehicle was in park idling.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Steering · IA

I have a 2000 pontiac bonniville and when the wheel is turned to the left there is a clunking or grinding noise. This only happens when the wheel is turned left.

Filed Mar 14, 2005 · Steering · 70,000 miles · TN

Clunking noise when steering(intermediate steering shaft).

Filed Jan 14, 2005 · Steering · KS

The consumer heard a clunking noise in the steering wheel when turning, stopping and applying the brake. *nm *sc

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Steering · 30,000 miles · NE

Incident date is an estimate. I had a clunking sound in my steering and took it to the dealer to investigate. They told me it was a known problem and the noise was because of the collapsible steering column, the two pieces are clunking together. Made that was in case of a crash. They said that they could take it apart, grease it and that it might not make any difference and that I would have to pay to have it done. I told them that because they told me it was simply the two pieces clunking together and that it would not hurt anything I did not get the lubrication. Now 8-30-2004 my steering howls sometimes. I had my brother-in-law check the power steering fluid and it was low. He is a mechanic of over 25 years and states that power steering fluid does not evaporate and must be leaking and most likely indicate a greater problem. There are no visible leaks on the ground. I read the others complaints on this site and the steering seems to be a common problem. My hope in writing is that pontiac will step up and take care of the problem before someone gets injured.

Filed Aug 1, 2004 · Steering · WI

Here and feel a slight clunking while turning. I am told by my father who replaced the rack on his 2000 bonneville that it is the rack starting to go on my 2000 bonneville. I am not looking forward to the $700(+) for parts only.

Filed Nov 5, 2003 · Steering · 58,000 miles · MN

While driving at any speed, the consumer heard a clunky noise from the power steering wheel. Dealer notified. *ak the power steering pump shaft separated from the power steering pump. A new power steering pump was installed. The clunking noise was found to be coming from the steering shaft in which the steering knuckles needed to be replaced. A new steering shaft coupler was installed. The clunking noise remained and currently the rack and pinion is suspect. *scc

Filed Jul 31, 2003 · Steering, Visibility · 37,600 miles · MN

Bonneville with 37,000 miles. Numerous problems worst being upon attempting to make a right turn car keeps going straight then a clunk is heard from the front end of the car and the car finally goes right. This happened more than once. Dealer was also able to get the car to have the same problem. Dealer finds some type of metal lodged in between the links on the rack. Rack is replace under preferred warranty. Car has been in the shop 3 times in the past 14 days for a rear window seal leak, and is currently in the shop for a catalytic converter problem.

Filed Jun 26, 2002 · Body, Fuel system · NJ

Rack and pinion steering failed three times due to a klunking sound, with cause unknown, except low pressure in system. Rack and pinion has been replaced twice. *ak consumer states that the steering radius was erratic, when veering to the right at minor curves, the vehicle is hard to steer. The air deflector for the sunroof cracked and was replaced. Consumer states that water leaks in the trunk mounted lens when the trunk is opened. The fuel filler door actuator failed, the driver side window was binding, causing a clunking noise. 2 plastic nut covers were missing from the front wheel.

Filed Oct 24, 2001 · Steering · MI

While traveling at low speeds, approximately 5 MPH, there is vibration in steering wheel and a "clunking" noise coming from vehicle. Dealership has determined that steering shaft had to be replaced. *note: part needed is on back order and will be unavailable until mid-november 2001. Please provide any additional information / attachments.