1987 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird (also known as the Pontiac J2000 and Pontiac 2000) is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).
The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact GM H platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza, the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), South Gate Assembly (South Gate, California) and Sainte-Thérèse Assembly (Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec), Canada.
The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact GM J platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico), and alongside the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Firenza at Leeds Assembly (Kansas City, Missouri) in 1982 only.
While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
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Common 1987 Pontiac Sunbird problems
Based on the information provided in the sources, here are common problems with the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird as reported by owners:
- Engine Variability: The Sunbird had conflicting engine options, starting with a dull 88 hp 1.8 L pushrod four and later offering an optional 1.8 L SOHC engine with unclear differences in performance and cost.
- Front End Design: The Sunbird underwent multiple front end design changes, leading to a lack of harmony with the rest of the body, often resembling a Firebirdesque nose on a Cavalier body.
- Naming Confusion: The Pontiac Sunbird faced naming issues, with changes from J2000 to 2000 Sunbird to just Sunbird, reflecting GM's perpetual naming challenges.
- Turbocharged Engine: The 1987 Sunbird GT featured a 150 hp turbocharged SOHC 1.8 engine, which was a significant power output for its time but may have posed maintenance challenges or performance issues.
- Transmission Problems: Owners have reported issues with automatic transmissions, including shifting problems and potential stalling when downshifting from 3rd to 2nd gear.
- Engine Replacement: Some owners have faced engine failures, like a blown 2.0 engine, prompting the need for motor swaps. However, determining compatible replacement engines can be a challenge.
These common problems highlight various issues faced by owners of the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird, ranging from reliability concerns to engine and transmission challenges, as well as design and naming inconsistencies.
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
An essential player on Pontiac's first team, the Sunbird is available in six different versions: a base sedan and SE Coupe, a sedan and wagon, and a GT Coupe and Convertible. While the Sun-bird is essentially a carry-over car for '88, the lack of major changes high-lights the integrity of the current design.
How much horsepower does a 1989 Pontiac Sunbird Turbo have?
165
For 1989, the Sunbird Turbo had genuine power: 165 Garrett-blown horsepower out of a 2.0-liter SOHC Opel four. That gave the Sunbird Turbo pilot plenty of torque-steering, tire-squealing fun in a car that weighed just 2,422 pounds.
How much does a Pontiac Sunbird weigh?
1992 Pontiac Sunbird Specs, Features & Options
| Curb Weight | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2484 pounds | 2682 pounds | 2484 pounds |
| Fuel Capacity | ||
| 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons | 15.2 gallons |
| Front Head Room |
Are Pontiac sunbirds rare?
Today, finding a 1980 Pontiac Sunbird can be somewhat rare due to age and attrition; however, they are out there for enthusiasts who seek them.
What happened to the Pontiac Sunbird?
After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
An essential player on Pontiac's first team, the Sunbird is available in six different versions: a base sedan and SE Coupe, a sedan and wagon, and a GT Coupe and Convertible. While the Sun-bird is essentially a carry-over car for '88, the lack of major changes high-lights the integrity of the current design.
What is the value of a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird?
The value of a used 1990 Pontiac Sunbird ranges from $812 to $4,400, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
1987 Pontiac Sunbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Sunbird problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Equipment problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Tires problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1987 Pontiac Sunbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: NONE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-12-12
- Fire: 1
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER DIDN'T ENTRY SUMMARY.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-28
- VIN: 1G2JP11K0H7
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: AIR CONDITIONER REPLACED.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-28
- VIN: 1G2JP11K0H7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: BATTERY REPLACED.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-12-28
- VIN: 1G2JP11K0H7
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TIRE REPLACED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-08-28
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 1G2JB51K2H7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE FIRE.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-30
- Fire: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE LOCKED UP, CAUSING FIRE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
- VIN: 1G2JB51K9H7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WRONG ALTERNATOR INSTALLED IN VEHICLE AT FACTORY, CAUSING ALTERNATOR TO OVERHEAT. *DSH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: HAVE THE AIR CONDITIONER REPAIR ABOUT THREE TIMES AND STILL DOESN'T WORK . TT
1987 Pontiac Sunbird recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Pontiac Sunbird.
- Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
- Consequence: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
- Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
- Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: THE FUEL FEED AND/OR RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES COULD CRACK OR SEPARATE, ALLOWING FUEL TO LEAK INTO THE UNDERHOOD AREA.
- Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE, WITHOUT PRIORWARNING, AND CAUSE INJURY TO OCCUPANTS.
- Remedy: REPLACE BOTH FUEL FEED AND RETURN HOSE/PIPE ASSEMBLIES.
Additional sources
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