Engine
3.8L 6-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 213 of 244 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 67 of 244 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
58 complaint records2 fire reports1 crash report
"CONSUMER STATES UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD CAUGHT ON FIRE CAUSING A EXPLOSION. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. TS REFERENCED IN EA02-030..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
44 complaint records2 fire reports
"2 POSITIVE ELECTRICAL BATTERY TERMINAL CONNECTORS WERE HELD BY AN UNSEEN BOLT. WHEN WIGGLED THE TERMINALS ALL POWER WAS LOST...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Lighting
43 complaint records
"RECALL 94V190000/ HEAD LIGHTS HAD NOT BEEN WORKING, AND ELECTRICAL WIRING HAD BURNED.ALSO, DASHBOARD LIGHTS DID NOT WORK. *AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 94V190000 | Exterior Lighting | THESE VEHICLES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LIGHTING CONTROL MODULES WHICH CAN EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE CURRENT LEAKAGE DUE TO DAMAGED SURFACE MOUNTING CAPACITORS. THIS CAN CAUSE LOSS OF HEAD LAMPS AND PARKING LAMPS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1994154 1994-10-07 | Lights And Instruments | 5 | On certain Bonneville SE and SSE vehicles, the Lighting control modules may experience excessive current leakage due to damaged surface mounting capacitors. This could result in loss of head lamps and park lamps. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 50 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 010601007 Sep 2007 | Engine And Engine Cooling | ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION OR COOLANT LEAK (INSPECT FOR MATERIAL DEGRADATION/REPLACE INTAKE MANIFOLDS) *TT UPDATED 11/02/07 *NJ | |
| 050604058 Sep 2005 | Vehicle Speed Control | INTERMITTENT CHUGGLE OR FISHBITE ON LIGHT ACCELERATION OR A HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH NO DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS). *TT | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 040601017 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD AND GASKET KITS. *TT | |
| 040601021 Jun 2004 | Engine And Engine Cooling | NEW REAR MAIN SEAL AND SPECIAL TOOL FOR INSTALLATION. *TT | |
| 010601008A May 2002 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 010601007A Jul 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE ENGINE COOLANT CONSUMPTION, OR AN ENGINE COOLANT LEAK NEAR OR UNDER THE THROTTLE BODY AREA OF THE UPPER INTAKE MANIFOLD. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 010601008 Feb 2001 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON A REPEAT ENGINE OIL PAN LEAK. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 832006 Dec 1998 | Structure | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS CORROSION ( RUST ) APPEARING ON THE LEFT AND /OR RIGHT ROCKER PANEL(S). *YC | |
| 98833005 Oct 1998 | Suspension | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THE VEHICLE | |
| 831704 Oct 1998 | Structure | CONCERNS OF DOOR HANDLES ON WHITE PAINTED VEHICLES TRUNING YELLOW. *YC | |
| 98777155A Apr 1998 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A TRANSAXLE GEAR WHINE NOISE ON COAST DOWN OR LIGHT ACCELERATION BETWEEN 20 AND 40 MPH. *YC | |
| 971101631041 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS ON INOPERATIVE POWER DOOR LOCKS (FRONT AND/OR REAR DOORS). | |
| 9709016116A Sep 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS OF AN ENGINE OIL LEAK THAT APPEARS TO ORIGINATE TOWARD THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE; REAR OF ENGINE. *YC | |
| 9709013202B Sep 1997 | Steering | EXPERIENCING INTERMITTENT STEERING COLUMN SNAP OR CLICK NOISE WHEN TURNING. *YC | |
| 970801777155 Aug 1997 | Power Train | EXPERIENCING A TRANSAXLE GEAR WHINE NOISE ON COAST DOWN OR LIGHT ACCELERATION. *YC | |
| 97080177715F Aug 1997 | Power Train | EXPERIENCE A TRANSAXLE GEAR WHINE NOISE ON COAST DOWN OR LIGHT ACCELERATION. *YC | |
| 731608 Jun 1997 | Visibility | EXCESSIVE VIBRATION OF ELECTROCHROMIC INSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR. *TW | |
| 536506A Jun 1997 | Electrical System | DRIVELINE VIBRATION OVER 37 MPH (REPLACE PROM). *TW | |
| 970501735019 May 1997 | Service Brakes | WHEN BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED FORCE OR ENGINE LOAD MAY AFFECT AND CAUSE VARIOUS NOISES. *YC | |
| 970501776515 May 1997 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION BASED ON ENGINE IDLE SURGE, OR MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) ILLUMINATED WITH DTC (DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE) P0131, P0171 OR 44 SET. *YC | |
| 549001A Mar 1997 | Equipment | CLN INDICATOR APPEARS ON RADIO DISPLAY AND DOES NOT TURN OFF (RESET CLN INDICATOR WITH THE EJECT BUTTON ON TAPE). *TW | |
| 731207 Mar 1997 | Equipment | INTERMITTENT A/C SYSTEM THUMP NOISE ON INITIAL START UP FROM FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL (REPLACE ACCUMULATOR). *TW | |
| 677164 Feb 1997 | Power Train | INTERMITTENT NEUTRAL OR LOSS OF DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR FROM FOURTH GEAR (REPLACE CONTROL VALVE BODY ASSEMBLY). *TW | |
| 577106A Feb 1997 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE (DIAGNOSIS/SERVICE PROCEDURE). *TW | |
| 108150A Dec 1996 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES MAY DISPLAY A CONDITION AT 70 MPH WHERE THE SPEEDOMETER READS ABOUT 4 MPH FASTER OR SLOWER THAN HUD. *TW | |
| 577106A Dec 1996 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 535014 Sep 1995 | Service Brakes | ABS ADN TRACTION OFF INDICATOR LAMPS COME ON. *SD | |
| 438314 Aug 1995 | Power Train | LOW ILLUMINATION OF CONSOLE PRNDL INDICATOR IN LOWER OR ALL GEAR POSITIONS. *SD | |
| 9573T4001 Aug 1995 | Power Train | GRINDING AND/OR GROWLING NOISE IN PARK ON INCLINE.*SD | |
| 576105 Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COOLANT LEAK NEAR BELT TENSIONER ASSEMBLY 9REPLACE O-RINGS ON HEATER COOLANT BYPASS INLET PIPE ASSEMBLY). *SD | |
| 476006A Jun 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POPPING/FLUTTERING/TICKING/SPARK KNOCK/CLUNKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP MEDIUM GRADES OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (REPLACE EXHAUST SEAL OR RIGHT EXHAUST MANIFOLD).*SD | |
| 576113 May 1995 | Engine And Engine Cooling | UNKNOWN | |
| 576104 May 1995 | Vehicle Speed Control | UNKNOWN | |
| 577106 Feb 1995 | Power Train | COLD START RATTLE NOISE. *TW | |
| 108150 Jan 1995 | Electrical System | HEADS UP DISPLAY AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SPEED DIFFERENCES. *TW | |
| 488104 Dec 1994 | Exterior Lighting | HEADLAMPS WILL NOT TURN OFF ON VEHICLES WITH TWILIGHT SENTINEL DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS. *TW | |
| 476006 Dec 1994 | Engine And Engine Cooling | POPPING/FLUTTERING/TICKING/SPARK KNOCK NOISE WHILE DRIVING UP MEDIUM GRADES OR ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. *TW | |
| CMP/95C11P1 Dec 1994 | Electrical System | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT CERTAIN 1995 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE MODEL VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 3800 SERIES II ENGINE (L36) MAY HAVE A DECELERATION STALL UNDER LIMITED CONDITIONS. THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, GENERATOR AND POWER BRAKING ASSIST. |
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Bonneville →