2003 Pontiac Bonneville: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville: 2 recalls, 54 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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. 5 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (10): the most common themes are electrical failure (4), fire / smoke (3), stalls / loses power (2).
- Steering (10): the most common themes are noise or vibration (10), steering problems (9).
- Engine (9): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (5), fire / smoke (3), leaks (3).
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
The 2003 Pontiac Bonneville has 54 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 16 Bonneville model years for complaints (well below the 119 average). Complaints peaked in 2014 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 76,514 miles. Neighboring years: 2002 (89 complaints, 2 recalls), 2004 (28 complaints, 0 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 | 16 | 25 | 19 | 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 2003 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.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2003 Pontiac Bonneville have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 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 2003 Pontiac Bonneville problems?
Owners have filed 54 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (10), steering (10), engine (9).
What gas mileage does the 2003 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 2003 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.