2003 Pontiac Bonneville: harsh or hard shifting

7 of the 54 complaints about the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville describe harsh or hard shifting.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 13%
typical mileage: 45,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 25 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 Aug 21, 2009 · Steering · 57,000 miles · WV

2003 pontiac bonneville ssei when turning the steering wheel, left or right from a stopping position a loud clunking noise appears. It is felt through the steering wheel and column. While driving the noise happens rarely. I have read numerous accounts of this but no recall as of yet. I am worried this is a safety concern while driving on the highways at high speeds especially. Is something loose and/or getting rubbed to cause damage and loss of steering in the future? Gm dealer defect?

Filed Apr 19, 2009 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MN

At about 80,000 miles the steering column began making clunking noises when the steering wheel was turned regardless of which direction. The noise/vibration is continuous and very annoying.

Filed Apr 15, 2009 · Steering · 30,000 miles · CA

Clunking noise when turning and can be felt in the steering wheel, was told by the dealer it is a known problem with the 2003 bonneville ssei and there is no correction. Also service stability system keeps coming up on the screen.

Filed Apr 2, 2009 · Steering · 35,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 pontiac bonneville. While driving 15 MPH or turning the vehicle left or right, the contact heard a clunking sound coming from the steering column. He can also felt the steering wheel vibrate once the noise began. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic, who stated that other consumers with the same type of vehicle experienced identical failures in the past. The contact believes that a recall should be issued because it appears to be a manufacturer defect. The failure has been occurring for quite some time. The vehicle has not yet been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 35,000. Updated 05/15/09 *bf updated 05/18/09.

Filed Mar 6, 2007 · Steering · 45,000 miles · MI

Steering knuckle u-joint was clunking. The dealership replaced and I paid $275. One year later, it started clunking again on turns - dealership added in grease kit at no charge. One year later, steering starts clunking again and they say it is not covered under warranty. Why is this thing designed to last only one year? The dealership says it is not a safety hazard, but if the steering is clunking like something is loose, how do I know it is safe?

Filed Oct 22, 2006 · Steering · CO

When turning from a stop sign or side street the car makes a clunking sound. The first time I took the car in I was told it was normal the second time I took the car in I was told they will look at it. They replaced a part because there was more play then there should be. But then told me it was still normal.

Filed Jul 25, 2006 · Steering · WI

2003 bonneville made a clunking noise in the steering. Mechanic replaced the intermediate steering shaft. Problem has recurred. *kb the consumer was informed it was a normal fix, that will continue to occur.