1996 Pontiac Bonneville: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville: 2 recalls, 150 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical Vehicle recall #95V204000 · 1995 · 32,869 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles were assembled with a malfunction alarm, lighting and locking (mall) module that can contain a damaged capacitor. If the capacitor is damaged, the "key in the ignition" warning chime and the driver seat belt unbuckled warning chime and indicator lamp May not work. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 114, "theft protection" and fmvss no. 208, "occupant crash protection." in addition, other…
Why it matters: Consequence of non-compliance; the driver May not be aware that the key was left in the ignition or that the safety belt was not buckled.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the mall module.
Fuel system Vehicle recall #96V116000 · 1996 · 275,811 vehicles
What's wrong: A backfire during engine starting can cause breakage of the upper intake manifold.
Why it matters: This condition can cause a no-start condition and possibly an engine compartment fire.
The fix: Dealers will update the powertrain control module programming. Until the campaign repair is made, the vehicle hood should be shut whenever starting the vehicle to reduce the chance of personal injury.
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Exterior lights Equipment recall #09E012000 · 2009 · 16,270 vehicles
What's wrong: These headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain the required amber side reflectors.
Why it matters: Decreased lighting visibility May result in a vehicle crash.
The fix: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 15 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine & cooling (43): the most common themes are leaks (17), fire / smoke (10).
- Airbags (27): the most common themes are warning light on (6).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are electrical failure (9), door / lock issues (9), stalls / loses power (5).
- Fuel system (19): the most common themes are leaks (8), fire / smoke (6).
The 1996 Pontiac Bonneville has 150 owner complaints, ranking #4 of 16 Bonneville model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 119). Complaints peaked in 2003 (25 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 115,000 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (244 complaints, 1 recalls), 1997 (147 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 21 | Regular |
| 3.8 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 24 | 18 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 1996 Pontiac Bonneville problems?
Owners have filed 150 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (43), airbags (27), electrical (21).
What gas mileage does the 1996 Pontiac Bonneville get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 Pontiac Bonneville repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.