Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
06023501005/01/200610020814Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation. (replace intermediate shaft). *kb01/22/2007
010232001F02/01/200610019516Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation. *tt03/21/2006
080408/01/200410014410Steering clunk noise. *nm05/02/2005
03023600208/01/200310012577Revised steering wheel position sensor or steering shaft lower bearing replacement procedure and steering wheel position sensor centering procedure. *eh03/07/2005
040235004A06/01/200404023500410012177Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation. this bulletin replaces 04-02-35-004. *eh02/16/2005
040235004D11/01/2005040235004C10008657Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation. *tt *nm08/13/2004
03010403/01/200410007370Clunk noise coming from the front of the vehicle during turning maneuvers. *tt06/16/2004
0185301/01/200401853A10006596Steering clunk noise. *mr *tt05/06/2004
010235009A08/01/2003001023500910004353Steering column to instrument panel fastener removal. *tt12/03/2003
010232001C09/01/2003010232001B10004280Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt12/01/2003
010232001B07/01/2002010203001A634803Some customers may comment on a clunk type noise coming from the front of the vehicle during a turning maneuver. *tt10/09/2002
05110111/05/2001628094Some vehicles may exhibit a clunk type noise especially felt in the steering wheel while turning. *tt03/05/2002
STEERING - COLUMN
301001/01/200410008856Steering clunk noise. *mj08/24/2004
020235002A06/01/2002020235002634927This bulletin provides information on tilt steering column sticking in psotion and unable to release. *tt10/10/2002
02023500204/01/2002634917Concerns with tilt settering column sticking in position and unable to release. *tt10/10/2002
020235002B08/01/2002020235002A634911This bulletin provides information on two different conditions with the tilt steering column sticking the extreme up position and / or sticking in the no.4 position. *tt10/10/2002
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
01023200803/01/2005010232008A627681Power steering system moan/squawk. *yh update. *tt02/13/2002
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
03023204911/01/200310004765Release of new outer tie rod ends for service. *tt01/06/2004

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
12/04/2010110000
 Steering shaft on my 2001 bonneville ssei making grinding and clunking noise. the sound is more noticable at lower speeds below 20 mph. i have head from other bonneville owners this is an ongoing expensive problem. the design of the steeting shaft seems to be flawed.
05/09/2008885261
 All windows except drivers stopped working, all door locks except drivers stopped working. car was stored for part of winter. i put in a new battery and now i have no climate control. drivers side is hot, pass is cold. pass heated seat does not work at all. sun roof just broke! steering is making lots of noise, transmission seems to be slipping. wtf why no recall. how can you purchase a car for 35,000 & it is ?!@#$% before it hits 100,000? my ford has 196,000 no problem, my honda has 235,000 barely a problem. i have owned 4 pontiacs and now im paying thousands to fix the piece of ?!@#$%! why in the ?!@#$% do my windows not work!! all of them in one day? no door locks, at all? same day! now with a new battery, i have 90 deg air on the drivers side & 60 deg air on the passenger side. you try to drive this piece of ?!@#$%!! now my back passenger side window just fell down!! i have to use a magic marker to pry & hold it up!! we need a major recall on these faulty vehicles. im a pontiac fan, but ill never buy another one if you cant try and fix this ?!@#$%. my car looks like new but works like it was built by a bunch of idiots!! i am embarrassed to drive this car. it looks better than most 525 b-mirs but i have to tell all my friends that i have no door locks, no air, no windows or anything. nothing like sitting inside a 135 degree leather bound flagship sweating your ?!@#$% off!! by the time i get to work im a big ball of sweat!! please stand behind your product. im seriously looking to spend some of my money to promote a campaign to do nothing but talk ?!@#$%about your products. get on line for a minute and see how many bonneville owners are really having a hard time with the issues i have listed above! there are thousands!! time for a recall! don't u think? get your ?!@#$% straight gm! my family works for you! we buy you please help! *tr
10/12/200741573207/24/2001
 Recurring issue with the intermediate steering shaft on my 2001 bonneville: just wanted to provide my experience with the dealer where i bought my bonneville from with this issue. i have a 2001 bonnie and this issue showed up in 2005 at only 28000 miles ( repaired under extended warranty ). this issue appeared again at 41,500 miles. i had just purchased an extended warranty from the dealer and was told this problem is not covered under it. they said they would only remove the shaft and regrease it . i asked if this was a safety issue and was told that is was not. my question is why this is not a recall issue and am i in any danger driving this car? *jb
10/28/2006103/24/2003
 I have had numerous problems, airbag sensor front, steering noise 4th time, and catalytic converter noisy. *jb
09/05/200650005010/17/2005
 I have a 2001 pontiac bonneville ssei. i have had this car in and out of the shop numerous times for the check stability system warning and a clunking noise in the left front area. it makes noise primarily in a turn or going over a bump. i have had the front left wheel bearing/assembly replaced as well. the last mechanic was puzzled and frustrated at the fact that he cannot figure our what is making the noise. i believe that this is a defect and gm should issue a recall and fix the problem for the consumer. gm wonders why their sales a slacking....maybe they should take better care of their customers. makes me think i should have bought a toyota..... *jb
05/01/200680000101/01/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated two years ago the steering began to make a grinding noise while driving. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the intermediate shaft had failed which interfered with the steering. the mechanic replaced the shaft, and explained it was unusual for this part to fail. the manufacturer was contacted, and a complaint was filed. two years after the replacement the same part needed to be replaced again. updated 05/30/2006. *ak
06/02/200522346303/16/2001
 Oct. 6,2002 was first trip to dealer reporting clunk in steering when turning, mileage 22,346. diag. noise from steering shaft r & r and lubbed shaft. nov. 14, 2003 second trip to dealer for noise in steering, mileage 35,423. noisey slip joint r&r intermediate shaft and lube as per bulletin #1-02-32-001c e7700a 1.2. these were both covered under warranty. june 2, 2005 returned for a third time to the dealer because of clunking in the steering when turning. warranty has now expired at 57,632 miles. i was told when i set the appt. this would be at no cost to lube again, because of my two other occurrences. after spending an hour at the dealer, i was told i could either have the shaft lubed again at a cost to me of $120.00 or i could have it replaced at a cost to me of $260.00. they would not cover the expense because they said it had been so long since the last occurrence. i will be contacting the customer assistance center to see what they will offer.
01/20/2005389001202/15/2001
 I have had repeated trouble with my 2001 bonneville,,have had 3 window motors go out,,,3 batteries go bad,,,air compressor go bak,,,moon roof worked on 3 times,,,3rd time,,,had 3 inches of water in floor,,,,,the problem now is the steering,,,you turn wheel,,it makes popping, clucking noise,,& feels like the front end is going to fall off.. the dealer said all it needed was grease,,which they did last year,,,now its doing it again,,& now they say its a steering shaft problem...i have been waiting for over 3 weeks for the part to come in,,,repeated calls,,& i am told they have no idea when the part will come in,,,they said drive it,,,it won't fall out????? they also said the reason for the delay is its a country wide back log???? what does that mead,,,,i am afraid to drive this car...& gm service does not know either...*jb
12/05/200331786112/05/2001
 Tsb #100004353/steering column to instrument panel fastener removal: the consumer stated the problem recurred after the repair was made in march 2002. there was noise in the steering while driving and the vehicle would shimmy while driving at highway speed of 55-60 mph. the dealer refused to make another repair. please provide any further information concerning this issue. *jb
11/19/20035009803/09/2001
 Car has a grinding feeling when turning wheel.most noticeable when making left turns.also has clunking sounds as driving along felt thru steering wheel.problem first noticed when vehicle had approx 5,000 mi. /at 19,000 miles problem still exists.dealer has in past 2 years replaced hoses,rack & pinion ass'y,pump o rings,and steering column shaft twice.all done before first 24 months with less than 18,000 miles on veh./pontiac cust satisfaction convinced me to let them repair car once more back in february 2003.problem still present. just brought car back to dealer again on nov 2003. problem still there. twice dealer claimed defect could not be duplicated,yet, after some complaining to do a road test with me in the car, the defect was confirmed by both technicians and the service dept general manager. car is a lease. i offered twice in past to be allowed to terminate lease without any penalty fees and no further action on my part would be pursued (lemon law filing). pontiac customer satisfaction dep't. and the dealer would not agree. twice -after repairs -the steering wheel was put back incorrectly(crooked).currently steering wheel is still in crooked position and grinding/clunking still present.dealer offered on nov.19,2003 to let me walk away from lease if i start a new lease on a new 2003 car.(he doesnt have any 2004 models to offer me -he says) anyhow that offer is available to any consumer,there was no attempt by gm/pontiac/or dealer to satisfy me. there are several hundred complaints regarding steering defect from 2000-2002 that i have seen posted so far. i'm sure thousands exist .i believe pontiac should have a recall for this vehicle and this problem.they don't.*ak
09/24/200132000210/31/2001
 After the power steering rack was replaced in feb 2003, the intermittent clicking noise when turning resumed in april, 2003. dealer unable to verify until september, 2003. dealer replaced left outer tie rod (part 26067288 - rod kit 6.233). this did not solve the clicking noise when turning and on oct 7, 2003 the dealer replaced the intermediate shaft (part 26100571 - shaft 6.526). as of oct 7, 2003, the dealer has replaced the intermediate shaft twice and the power steering rack twice in an attempt to solve the clicking noise when turning. *la
STEERING - COLUMN
05/01/200352000305/01/2001
 Tl*the contact owns a 2001 pontiac bonneville. while driving 15 mph, the steering column began making a grinding noise at 52,000 miles. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and they pulled out and lubricated the steering column, which temporarily corrected the failure. at 67,000 miles, the grinding noise recurred. the dealer replaced the steering column. at 78,000 miles, the failure recurred. currently, the dealer is refusing to make any more repairs to the vehicle. the current mileage was 78,000 and current mileage was 52,000.
12/30/200219814004/21/2001
 On december 30, 2002 i took my 2001 pontiac bonnevelle sle in under warranty to peoria pontiac gmc to investigate vibration and a clunk noise in the steering column. the steering column was lubed by peoria pontiac gmc per gm's steering shaft bulletin. mileage was 19,814. in december of 2004, the noise returned at approximately 50,000 miles. i took the vehicle in to peoria pontiac gmc on 12/04/2004 and was advised to have the steering shaft for greased for approximately $125.00 by my service advisor. on 12/6/2004 i phoned pontiac. they advised me to contact my dealer to order a new steering shaft. the pontiac service representative promised to reimburse me after the repair was made. on 2/8/2005 i contacted pontiac because the part is still not in at the dealer. i was advised gm has redesigned the part and that they do not have a delivery date. i do not have another vehicle to drive while waiting for the part and am concerned this is a safety issue.*ak
01/20/2005389001202/15/2001
 I have had repeated trouble with my 2001 bonneville,,have had 3 window motors go out,,,3 batteries go bad,,,air compressor go bak,,,moon roof worked on 3 times,,,3rd time,,,had 3 inches of water in floor,,,,,the problem now is the steering,,,you turn wheel,,it makes popping, clucking noise,,& feels like the front end is going to fall off.. the dealer said all it needed was grease,,which they did last year,,,now its doing it again,,& now they say its a steering shaft problem...i have been waiting for over 3 weeks for the part to come in,,,repeated calls,,& i am told they have no idea when the part will come in,,,they said drive it,,,it won't fall out????? they also said the reason for the delay is its a country wide back log???? what does that mead,,,,i am afraid to drive this car...& gm service does not know either...*jb
11/21/200425000111/15/2001
 Vehicle taken to dealer for oil change november 21,2004. requested steering check because of popping noise in column. vehicle had been checked and repairs made on jan. 25, 2002 for similar condition pursuant to factory tsb. manner of repair has been updated, tsb 04-02-35-004, issued mar.,04. this is the third tsb issued regarding steering system. we feel repair is still under warranty and think recall be issued by simple nature of system involed.*ak
08/22/2003205/28/2002
 Steering column and tie rods need to be replaced in our 2001 pontiac bonneville with only 39000 miles and no accident. *ak
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT PITMAN
370004
 There is a cracking noise in the steering shaft when steering wheel is turned. dealership replaced the part, but the problem still exists.*ak
09/12/200323456706/02/2001
 Consumer states while traveling at highway speed and without any indication engine started slipping and jerking. vehicle was serviced, technician noticed transmission needed to be replaced.*ak first the transmission was reconditioned then the dealer replaced the shift solenoids. breaks squeaked and made a rubbing and moaning noise. the joint on the steering shaft was binding. the steering shaft was replaced. . *ts
STEERING - GEAR BOX - SHAFT SECTOR
12/04/200427920210/13/2003
 While driving at any speed steering produced a loud thumping noise. dealer stated that intermediate steering shaft failed intermittently. *ak...it would cost $300.00 to replace and lubricate it. *ak
02/01/200215202/22/2001
 Tie rod ends had to be replaced at about 15k miles, again at about 25k miles. car now has 64k miles and needs to be replaced again. also, i have had to have the steering shaft lubricated and/or replaced 4 times due to the clicking/grinding noise caused by defective shafts. *ak
11/13/200217114110/31/2001
 Noticed clicking noise when turning the wheel and felt knocking through floor boards. disregard complaint 10047407 of 11/13/2001 as year and mileage incorrect. dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft (part 26100571 - shaft 6.526) and lubricated the shaft (part 26098237 - lubricant 8.800). *la
11/13/20011247110/31/2001
 Noticed clicking noise when turning and felt a knocking through the floor boards. dealer replaced the intermediate steering shaft (part 26100571 - shaft 6.526) and lubricated shaft (part 26098237 - lubricant 8.800). *la
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
01/10/200319521310/31/2001
 Noticed intermittent clicking noise when turning. dealer unable to verify until february, 3, 2003. replaced the power steering rack (part 26099978 - gear kit 6.508), lubricated the intermediate shaft (part 26098237 - lubricant 8.800) and replaced power steering hoses (parts 26079289 & 25727230). *la
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
01/01/20052
 While driving at 35 mph vehicle lost steering ability. vehicle would not turn left or right. *ak
06/12/2002
 Vehicle was involved in a frontal collision of 25 mph, crashing into a light pole. integrity of structure body damage has exceeded over $3600.00 compared to four star crash test rating given by nhtsa. feel free to provide any further information. *ak
STEERING - LINKAGES - KNUCKLE - SPINDLE - ARM
03/01/2004750001
 While driving and upon making right or left hand turns steering wheel made a popping sound. two knuckles rubbed together which needed to be taken out and greased. *ak *tc
STEERING - LINKAGES - TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
02/01/200215202/22/2001
 Tie rod ends had to be replaced at about 15k miles, again at about 25k miles. car now has 64k miles and needs to be replaced again. also, i have had to have the steering shaft lubricated and/or replaced 4 times due to the clicking/grinding noise caused by defective shafts. *ak
08/22/2003205/28/2002
 Steering column and tie rods need to be replaced in our 2001 pontiac bonneville with only 39000 miles and no accident. *ak
02/15/200330500101/27/2001
 The tie rod assembly failed, which caused the vehicle to jerk. *jb the vehicle shuddered before the replacement of the tie rod eads. there was play in t he tie rod eads, which allowed the front wheels to move freely without turning the steering wheel. scc
STEERING - RACK AND PINION
10/10/2005110/20/2002
 We own a 2001 pontiac bonneville. it has had to have a new fan motor, new manifold. and in dec 2003 we had to replace the rack and pinion, in dec 2004 we had to replace the rack and pinion. and now it is making the same noise again. in reading on the internet i see that there are many complaints with pontiac over the rack and pinion issue. they need to make changes to correct this problem. *jb
01/10/200319521310/31/2001
 Noticed intermittent clicking noise when turning. dealer unable to verify until february, 3, 2003. replaced the power steering rack (part 26099978 - gear kit 6.508), lubricated the intermediate shaft (part 26098237 - lubricant 8.800) and replaced power steering hoses (parts 26079289 & 25727230). *la
11/10/2002104/01/2001
 Can hear and feel clunking noise (through steering wheel) while turning wheel and or braking or accelerating at low speeds. also will feel and hear the clunk noise while the car is not in motion while turning the steering wheel. dt
10/28/2002210/01/2001
 Tie rod ends are worn excessively, causing vibration and clunking in front end. worn badly enough to possibly cause seperation. dt
STEERING - RACK AND PINION - RACK
11/05/2001917110/31/2001
 Noticed intermittent clicking noise coming from front left engine area when turning. dealer could not identify until 11/12/01. replaced steering rack (part 26098782 - gear kit 6.508). *la