Head-to-head reliability
Pontiac Bonneville vs Toyota Camry
How the Pontiac Bonneville and Toyota Camry compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
Pontiac Bonneville vs Toyota Camry: The Bonneville averages 98.5 complaints per year with 6 recalls, while the Camry averages 214.3 complaints per year with 31 recalls. The Camry has more crash-related complaints (181 vs. 21) and one death. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the Pontiac Bonneville or Toyota Camry more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
Pontiac Bonneville
The Pontiac Bonneville is a discontinued full-size sedan with an average of 98.5 complaints per year over six years. Owners frequently report gauge cluster failures, vibrations, water leaks, and engine stalling. With 21 crash-related complaints and 29 injuries, it requires careful inspection before purchase.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a popular midsize sedan with an average of 214.3 complaints per year over ten years. Common owner complaints include transmission grinding, sudden acceleration, brake failure, and AC problems. It has 181 crash-related complaints and 1 death, so while generally durable, specific safety issues should be checked.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | Pontiac Bonneville | Toyota Camry |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 591 Better | 2,143 |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 6 Better | 31 |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 21 Better | 181 |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 98.5 Better | 214.3 |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 29 Better | 163 |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 0 Better | 1 |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
Pontiac Bonneville
- 01STEERING123
- 02ELECTRICAL SYSTEM93
- 03VISIBILITY92
- 04ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING87
- 05POWER TRAIN54
Owners report vibrations and gauge cluster failures that can affect steering feel. A test drive should include checking for unusual steering wheel shake.
Complaints include temperature gauge failures, stuck windows, and water leaks into the trunk and floor pan. These can lead to electrical shorts and costly repairs.
Reports of engine stalling at speed, loss of power, and smoke from the engine. This poses a serious safety risk and may require major engine work.
While not detailed in sample complaints, visibility issues are among the top components. Buyers should check for proper operation of windows, mirrors, and defrosters.
“COMPONENT FAILURE-GAUGE CLUSTER PANEL-2004 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SE 1. FAILURE - TEMP GAUGE FAILURES PROMPTED A COMPUTER CHECK ENGINE READING THAT STATED THE TEMP SENDING UNIT WAS PROBABLE CAUSE. DEALER "EWING BUICK-PONTIAC" DID NOT HAVE PART, REFERRED TO RELIAB…”
“I PURCHASED MY CAR FROM SHARRETT PONTIAC BUICK GMC ON 10 NOVEMBER 2004. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR FOR A TEST RIDE ON 30 DEC I NOTICED A VERY OBVIOUS VIBRATION IN THE CAR. THE SALES MAN SAID THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX IT. I PURCHASED IT ON 10 NOVEMBER AND WAS NOT ABL…”
Toyota Camry
- 01POWER TRAIN395
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER342
- 03ENGINE315
- 04SERVICE BRAKES290
- 05ELECTRICAL SYSTEM246
Owners report grinding noises from the transmission, sometimes requiring replacement. Sudden acceleration incidents have also been reported, leading to crashes.
Complaints include sudden acceleration, coolant valve bypass issues, and engine maintenance warnings. These can result in loss of control or engine damage.
Some owners experienced brake pedal failure with no response, especially on hills. This is a critical safety concern that should be investigated immediately.
AC malfunctions and odors are common, often due to condenser damage or mildew. Repairs can be expensive and affect comfort.
“I turned into a restaurant’s parking lot, found a spot and slowly drove into the lot, I eased off the gas pedal and gently applying the brake as the lot has a slight downward slope. When I reach the chunk (the parking block), I added more force to the brake,…”
“Grinding noise coming from front end upon acceleration. Brought to dealership who confirmed noises coming from transmission. Transmission needs to be replaced per dealer recommendation. Recalls on 2021 Toyota Camry for same issue. Transmissions on backorder a…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
Pontiac Bonneville — 6 recalls
The defect: 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 FUE…
The risk: 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.
The defect: 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 FUE…
The risk: 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.
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT R…
Toyota Camry — 31 recalls
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short cir…
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The lug nuts that attach the wheels to the vehicle may be loose, which can result in wheel detachment.
The risk: A wheel that detaches from a moving vehicle can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the lug nuts, and replace any damaged components, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on…
The defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles. The second-row center and right-side seats may have insufficiently welded head restraint brackets. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle…
The risk: A head restraint bracket that is insufficiently welded may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the 60% rear seat-back frame sub-assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 19, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 24TB0…
Buyer analysis
Pontiac Bonneville or Toyota Camry: which should you buy?
The Pontiac Bonneville has fewer complaints per year (98.5) than the Toyota Camry (214.3), but the Camry's higher volume and longer period may influence totals. In practice, the Bonneville's issues often involve aging components, while the Camry's include more serious safety-related defects like sudden acceleration and brake failure.
Key differences
- The Bonneville has 591 complaints over 6 years; the Camry has 2143 over 10 years, but the Camry's annual average is higher.
- Bonneville owners report gauge cluster failures and water leaks; Camry owners report transmission grinding and sudden acceleration.
- The Camry has 31 recalls vs. 6 for the Bonneville, indicating more widespread safety actions.
- Crash-related complaints: 21 for Bonneville, 181 for Camry; injuries: 29 vs. 163; deaths: 0 vs. 1.
- Check the temperature gauge and instrument cluster for proper operation, as failures are commonly reported.
- Inspect for water leaks in the trunk and passenger floor pan, which can cause electrical issues.
- Listen for grinding noises from the transmission during acceleration and test for smooth shifting.
- Test the brakes on a slope or hill to ensure they respond properly, as some owners reported failure.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car, focusing on the specific problem areas mentioned.
- During a test drive, listen for unusual noises from the transmission and engine.
- Check all electrical components, including windows, gauges, and air conditioning.
- Verify that the brakes respond immediately and without unusual noise or pedal feel.
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific Pontiac Bonneville or Toyota Camry in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- Pontiac Bonneville vs Toyota Camry
- Pontiac Bonneville total complaints
- 591
- Toyota Camry total complaints
- 2,143
- Pontiac Bonneville total recalls
- 6
- Toyota Camry total recalls
- 31
- Pontiac Bonneville avg complaints/year
- 98.5
- Toyota Camry avg complaints/year
- 214.3
- More reliable overall
- Pontiac Bonneville
- Pontiac Bonneville top complaint area
- STEERING
- Toyota Camry top complaint area
- POWER TRAIN