1996 Pontiac Bonneville engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 44 complaints for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, 24% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 44 24% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 100,000 miles 27 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 5
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 2 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 3 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 5 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 5 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 3 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 2 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 4 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 27 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 100,000 miles, and 19% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 5 fires.
What owners wrote
When starting vehicle it backfired and caught fire in engine. Vehicle was repaired under NHTSA recall 96v116000/ manufacturer's recall 97c02. Dealer was notified. *akconsumers car backfired, causing the manifold to fracture allowing water into the engine. The engine has been replaced and warrantied.
Car was at aproximately 87000. Turned the car on, there was a loud explosion and smoke came out from under the hood, didnt see any flames, popped open the hood, and smoke just continued to pile out. Engine light came on, and the mechanic found the engine was on its last breath. Had engine relaced for a used engine with 4500 miles on it for $1500. Soon after the engine the alternator started to die, where just by standing next to the car you can hear metal to metal grinding noise coming from it.
Other problems reported for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville
- Air bags 27 complaints
- Fuel system 26 complaints
- Electrical system 21 complaints
- Exhaust system 17 complaints