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.
2002 Pontiac Bonneville engine problems
14 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 92,000.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 92,000
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Exhaust system: manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe2
- Exhaust system2
- Engine2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Pontiac Bonneville engine problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Engine compartment fire
By letter dated march 12, 2008, general motors corp. (gm) has notified the agency that it will conduct a safety recall (identified by the federal safety agency recall number 08v‑118) to address a defect in approximately 207,542 model year (my) 1997-2003 buick regal gs and pontiac grand prix gtp vehicles equipped with the l67 supercharged version of gm's 3800 series ii v6 engine.the recalled regal gs vehicles were built from august 1996 to june 2003 and the grand prix gtp from march 1996 through january 2003.according to gm, oil may escape past the valve cover gasket on the front cylinder bank (cylinders 1-3-5) and deposit onto hot exhaust system components.under certain conditions, it is possible for this oil to ignite a small pilot flame, which may spread to the adjacent plastic spark plug wire channel, the spark plug wires themselves, the plastic engine cover, and other under hood components.reports indicate this most often occurs on higher-mileage vehicles shortly after the vehicle has been driven and then parked.typically, the fire was discovered within 5 to 15 minutes after the vehicle was parked.during this time window, under hood temperatures may become elevated.such elevated temperatures combined with a lack of airflow through the engine compartment may permit a small pilot flame to propagate and ignite other fuel sources.to correct the safety defect, gm will install an improved design front valve cover gasket and spark plug wire retainer.this remedy will be suppliedfree of charge for all recalled vehicles.until sufficient parts become available to repair all of the affected vehicles, gm strongly recommends that owners observe the following important precautions: (1) they strongly recommend that owners do not park their vehicle in a garage, carport, or other structure; (2) if owners notice a burning odor, they should have their dealer inspect the vehicle - the dealer will inspect the vehicle without charge; and (3) use premium fuel (91 octane or higher) in the vehicle as recommended in the vehicle's owner manual.the action taken by gm is sufficient to resolve the issues raised by this investigation.the subject fire incident rate on the c-, g-, and h-platform subject vehicles is low.the agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.accordingly, this investigation is closed.see document file for additional information regarding this resume.
EA07008
What 2002 Pontiac Bonneville owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled on several occasions. The contact also mentioned that the vehicle would drive extremely rough as if it could have stalled when there was a quarter tank of fuel or less. In addition, the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number: 03v238000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was unknown.
While traveling on the interstate highway 295 in nj my vehicle stalled. The stalled and almost caused a near fatal accident with a semi. The vehicle after 20 minutes and numerous attempts the vehicle started back up and I decided to try and make it home by taking back roads away from the interstate. The vehicle stalled 4 more times before I could get it home. I was visibly shaken upset and scared out of my mind.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled with out warnings. The contact mentioned that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 113,019 and the current mileage was 113,119.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. The contact smelled burning motor oil coming from the engine. A report was filed with the manufacturer and they advised the contact to have the dealer diagnose the vehicle. He will be notified of their decision on whether or not they will assist with the repair. The manufacturer also stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 08v118000. The failure mileage was 38,290 and current mileage was 38,300.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac bonneville. While driving downhill at various speeds, oil leaks onto the valve cover manifold. Smoke appears under the hood and the contact smells burning oil. When the hood is lifted, he can see the oil on the valve cover manifold. The contact must check the oil level monthly. His neighbor informed him that there may be a recall related to the failure. The contact took the vehicle back to colandrea pontiac in new york and they stated that his vehicle was not under a recall, and will cost approximately $300- $500 to repair. The failure mileage was 92,000 and current mileage was 93,895.
3/13/2007 coolant leak in lower and upper gaskets at 65,600 miles. Required removal and replacement of lower and upper gaskets and upper intake manifold. Evidently a gm problem with gaskets. $700 repair on car that has been well taken care of by original owner and only driver of vehicle.
The tip of a spark plug broke off into the piston causing me to have to replace the engine. Gm has refused to reimburse me for my replacement engine.
Coolant leaking from the plenium gasket, cracked manifold.
Questions about the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville engine
Does the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville have engine problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints about the engine of the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville, 16% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Bonneville engine problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 92,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Pontiac Bonneville have bad engine?
The Pontiac Bonneville model years with the most engine complaints are 1998 (200 complaints), 1999 (60 complaints) and 1995 (56 complaints).
Other 2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems
Steering 19Visibility 13Electrical 10Transmission 7Airbags 6Fuel system 6Suspension 6Body 5Seats 5Brakes 4Lights 3Tires 3Acceleration 1Driver assistance 1Locks 1Seat belts 1
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