1996 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 1996 Pontiac Sunbird problems
The 1996 Pontiac Sunbird is known for several common problems, including issues with the heating system, recalls related to the electrical system, suspension, airbags, and engine, and complaints about the engine's head gasket failure.
- Recalls: The 1996 Pontiac Sunbird has been subject to several recalls, including a recall for the electrical system involving the ignition switch, which can melt internal switch parts if the engine fails to start and the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period. Another recall involves the rear suspension trailing arm bolts, which can fatigue and break.
- Airbags: The 1996 Pontiac Sunbird has also been subject to recalls related to airbags, specifically because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, which can cause an inadvertent air bag deployment in a low-speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
- Engine and Engine Cooling: The 1996 Pontiac Sunbird has experienced issues with the engine and engine cooling, including intermittent diagnostic trouble codes, coolant loss, visible coolant leakage, low coolant lamp on or coolant odor caused by coolant leakage, and exhaust system emission control problems.
- Engine Prone to Head Gasket Failure: Four people have reported issues with the engine's head gasket failure in the 1996 Pontiac Sunbird, which can lead to significant engine damage and require expensive repairs.
These common problems with the 1996 Pontiac Sunbird are based on complaints from car owners and can help potential buyers and current owners of this car to be aware of these issues and take preventive measures.
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.
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 |
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 years were Pontiac Sunbird made?
Pontiac Sunbird
| 1977 Pontiac Sunbird Formula | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Pontiac Motor Division |
| Production | 1976–1980 |
| Model year(s) | 1976–1980 |
| Assembly | Lordstown Assembly, Lordstown, Ohio-United States= South Gate, California, United States Sainte-Thérèse Assembly]], Canada]] Ramos Arizpe, Mexico |
What is the life of a sunbird?
Except for spiderhunters, only sunbird females incubate the eggs. Purple sunbird eggs hatch after 15 to 17 days. Male sunbirds help rear the nestlings. Sunbirds live between 16 and 22 years.
What is special about sunbird?
Sunbirds have long thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations to their nectar feeding. The spiderhunters, of the genus Arachnothera, are distinct in appearance from the other members of the family.
1996 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:
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Visibility problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1996 Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1996 Pontiac Sunbird complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1996 Pontiac Sunbird.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-06-27
- VIN: 1G2JB12T4T7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH STEERING WENT OUT WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN AND RIGHT TURN. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-01
- VIN: 1G2JB1242T7
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE HEAD GASKET BLEW OUT WHEN VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND AFTER BEING PARKED FOR AWHILE. *AK
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-04-12
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER BURNT OUT WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE DEFECT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-31
- VIN: 1G2JD12T9T7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CLUTCH STICKING WITHOUT CLUTCH PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, CLUTCH BURNED OUT. *AK
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-05-31
- VIN: 1G2JD12T9T7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SMOKE COMING FROM TRANSMISSION CASING, COULD NOT SHIFT GEARS; COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1996 Pontiac Sunbird problems:
Pontiac Sunfire Starting and Stalling Problems — Car Forums at ...
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Jun 29, 2013 ... I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire. Sometimes when your driving, it just dies. I can pull over and restart the car and - Answered by a verified ...
Pontiac Sunbird Problems and Complaints - 17 Issues
Top Pontiac Sunbird Problems · Torque Converter Clutch Can Stick After Extended Freeway Driving · Car Won't Start Due to Ignition Coil/Crankshaft Position Sensor ...
Other years of Pontiac Sunbird
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