MotorDeets

1999 Pontiac Bonneville: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 1999 Pontiac Bonneville: 3 recalls, 143 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
143owner complaints
5mention a crash
20best combined mpg
1999 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo: Crazytales · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 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.

Wheels Vehicle recall #99V072000 · 1999 · 352 vehicles

What's wrong: Some of these wheels have a mounting surface that was not machined correctly, causing the wheel studs to break.

Why it matters: The tire/wheel assembly could separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will inspect the wheels and replace all wheels with date codes indicating that they May not have been machined correctly. The wheel mounting studs at any location where a suspect wheel was installed will also be replaced.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #99V089000 · 1999 · 99,333 vehicles

What's wrong: These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of fmvss no. 102, "transmission shift lever sequence." a retaining clip, which secures the manual valve to the linkage of the transmission detent lever, can become loose under a combination of possible driver shifting maneuvers and allow the link to become disconnected from the manual valve.

Why it matters: If the link disconnects, the driver's indicated prndl state May differ from the hydraulic state of the transmission. If the driver selects 'drive' and the transmission is actually in 'reverse', a vehicle crash could occur.

The fix: Dealers will replace the manual valve/link assembly with a replacement manual valve/link kit, featuring a spring-type fastener.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #04V090000 · 2004 · 910,873 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 3800 v6 (l36) engines and certain delphi fuel pressure regulators, the regulators have a much higher than usual rate of fuel leaks. A leak can allow fuel to enter the intake manifold through a vacuum line. If the engine does not start when cranked, the fuel from the leaking regulator and a mistimed spark can cause a backfire.

Why it matters: The backfire can rupture the intake manifold. The rupture of the intake manifold can displace a fuel line, pulling an injector out of place, and causing a fuel leak and possible fire.

The fix: Dealers will install new fuel pressure regulators with improved diaphragms. The recall will be conducted in phased mailings. Phase 1 began on June 30, 2004, and phase 2 began on September 30, 2004. Owners should contact Buick at 1-866-608-8080, Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537, or Pontiac at…

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. 9 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Engine & cooling59
Electrical22
Fuel system19
Brakes (hydraulic)9
Airbags8
Transmission & drivetrain8
Visibility (wipers, glass)6
Tires5

What owners describe

The 1999 Pontiac Bonneville has 143 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 16 Bonneville model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 119). Complaints peaked in 2004 (27 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 70,048 miles. Neighboring years: 1998 (277 complaints, 1 recalls), 2000 (214 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172520Regular
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive162519Premium

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 1999 Pontiac Bonneville.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 1999 Pontiac Bonneville manual

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FAQ

Does the 1999 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 1999 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 1999 Pontiac Bonneville problems?

Owners have filed 143 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine & cooling (59), electrical (22), fuel system (19).

What gas mileage does the 1999 Pontiac Bonneville get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.8 L, Automatic 4-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 1999 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.

Other Bonneville years

1990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005