MotorDeets

2002 Pontiac Bonneville: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville: 2 recalls, 89 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
89owner complaints
5mention a crash
21best combined mpg
2002 Pontiac Bonneville
Photo: Cutlass · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Airbags Vehicle recall #02V222000 · 2002 · 133,221 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain passenger, MINI vans, and sport utility vehicles have an air bag inflator on the driver's side that could fracture at a weld during a deployment.

Why it matters: Pieces of the inflator could strike and injure vehicle occupants and the air bag cushion would not inflate fully, reducing the capability of the bag to protect the driver.

The fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace, if necessary, the air bag module assembly on the driver's side. Owner notification began August 15, 2002.

Fuel system Vehicle recall #03V238000 · 2003 · 102,212 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain Cadillac deville and seville passenger vehicles, funeral coaches, and limousines equipped with a v8 (4.6l) engine, Oldsmobile aurora passenger vehicles equipped with a v8 (4.0l ) engine, and Pontiac bonneville ssei passenger vehicles equipped with a supercharged v6 (3.8l) engine, the fuel tank pressure sensors are unusually susceptible to malfunctions. If the sensor malfunctions, excessive vacuum can be…

Why it matters: Fuel system components can be damaged and fuel can leak from the vehicle when it is refueled. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.

The fix: Dealers will replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Owner notification began on October 17, 2003. Owners should contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339; Oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537; or Pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 3 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Steering19
Visibility (wipers, glass)13
Engine & cooling10
Electrical10
Transmission & drivetrain7
Suspension6
Airbags6
Body & structure5

What owners describe

The 2002 Pontiac Bonneville has 89 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 16 Bonneville model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 119). Complaints peaked in 2004 (22 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 50,176 miles. Neighboring years: 2001 (129 complaints, 0 recalls), 2003 (54 complaints, 2 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.8 L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive172721Regular
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 2002 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
Check 2002 Pontiac Bonneville manual
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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville manual

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FAQ

Does the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2002 Pontiac Bonneville. 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 2002 Pontiac Bonneville problems?

Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are steering (19), visibility (wipers, glass) (13), engine & cooling (10).

What gas mileage does the 2002 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 2002 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

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