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 I said well here's I got the chamber and I will get it anyway I don't want to deal with this take your car around it took that he sold a mindful but it took the Kelly converter around he didn't tell me about it he asked who did it well he was the city I guess a city bought this car now they're trying to sell it I work clean the electrical Transit system to get a car doesn't work just take it just get it out of it I'm going to be blunt with you just get this XXX car off the property please thank you the XXX had no gas now it shows a full tank of gas just trying to blow me up at this XXX or what just get the XXX out my property man thank you INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2003 Pontiac Bonneville problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Engine15
- Electrical10
- Steering10
- Fuel system6
- Transmission6
- Airbags3
- Visibility3
- Brakes2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Driver assistance1
- Lights1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
Recalls 2
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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 number 03V238000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 02V222000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville 424
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- Unknown or other
- Electrical system
- Unknown or other
- Unknown or other
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This service bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves...
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
2003 Pontiac Bonneville fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8L 6‑cyl | FWD | 16-17 | 25-27 | 19-21 |
What 2003 Pontiac Bonneville owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Passenger control arm is bad
Tl* 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 the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 113,600.
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).
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.
Burnt smell after running car. Serviceman checked and oil was leaking. Need new valve cover gaskets as leaking on manifold will cause a fire.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that while moving the vehicle from its parked location, the contact noticed engine oil leaking on the ground under the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle had been experiencing diminished engine power. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v701000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 75,000. Updated 03/16/16
Leaking oil, same engine as other cars in recent recall.
The car I drive (3.8 liter six cylinder) has an oil leak coming from the left valve cover. After I come to a stop or make a left turn, I smell oil fumes and can see a light smoke coming from the front of the car. I've been reading about the current recall for cars made before and after my car. How do I get my car on list of recalls for repair?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. The contact stated that after the vehicle was refueled, a fuel odor emitted from the vehicle and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank was leaking and the fuel tank pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 03v238000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 160,000. Update 01/15/16 ma
Compare the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
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Questions about the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville
Is the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville reliable?
Owners have filed 54 complaints about the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville, close to a typical Bonneville model year.
What is the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville year score?
The 2003 Pontiac Bonneville scores 75 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Bonneville: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville?
Engine and cooling, with 15 complaints, typically around 90,000 miles. Next is electrical (10).
How many recalls does the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville have?
2 recalls, covering fuel system, gasoline and air bags.
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).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville get?
Official estimates for the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville range from 19 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.8L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 16-17 city and 25-27 highway.
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