Pontiac Sunfire problems
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier. The J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards for the 1996 model year.
The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts in its 11-year run: a small redesign in 2000 featuring the heavy plastic cladding look that was prevalent with Pontiac at the time, and a more streamlined update in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of production on June 22, 2005. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for the 2006 model year in Canada and the 2007 model year in the United States.
Technical
- 1995 – 2
- 1995–1997 – 2
- 1998–2002 – 2
- 1996–2002 – 2
- 2002–2005 – 2
The base model had the 2.2 L engine from 1994 until 2002. The GT trim level had an optional, more powerful 2.3 L Quad 4 engine from 1994 to 1995, which was replaced by the 2.4 L LD9 engine in 1995. The 2.3 and 2.4 litre engines were optional in the 2 and 4 door LS trim level. In 2003, both the 2.2 L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec engine, and would be the only powertrain available for the remainder of production. The Ecotec engine was also an option for the 2002 model year.
At the time of introduction, the Sunfire was available with a three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual. General Motors had envisioned introducing a new four-speed automatic with the new car, but the company's cash shortage delayed this option until the next year.
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Pontiac Sunfire model years
Common Pontiac Sunfire problems
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car produced by General Motors from 1995 to 2005. While some owners have reported positive experiences with the vehicle, others have reported common problems related to the engine, electrical system, brakes, lights, and windows.
Engine issues are a significant concern for Sunfire owners. The 2002 Sunfire, for example, has been reported to have engine problems with 35 complaints out of 11 model years. One common issue is a blown head gasket, which is a common problem among GM brands, including Pontiac. This issue can lead to engine overheating and reduced performance.
The electrical system is another area where Sunfire owners have reported problems. The 2002 Sunfire has 33 electrical complaints, with issues such as power window mechanisms breaking due to cheap plastic parts. Power window problems have been reported for various model years, including the 2002, 2003, and 2005 models.
Brakes are another area where Sunfire owners have reported problems. The 1998 Sunfire, for example, has been reported to have brake slippage issues, with six complaints out of 11 model years. Brakes are a critical safety feature in any vehicle, and brake problems can lead to significant safety risks.
Lights are another area where Sunfire owners have reported problems. The 2002 Sunfire, for example, has been reported to have issues with headlights, tail lights, and daytime running lights. These issues can lead to reduced visibility and safety risks, particularly when driving at night or in poor weather conditions.
Windows are another area where Sunfire owners have reported problems. The 2002 Sunfire, for example, has been reported to have power window problems, with 11 complaints out of 11 model years. These issues can be inconvenient and can lead to safety risks, particularly when driving with the windows down in traffic or in poor weather conditions.
In summary, the Pontiac Sunfire has been reported to have common problems related to the engine, electrical system, brakes, lights, and windows. These issues can lead to inconvenience, reduced performance, and safety risks. It is essential for Sunfire owners to address these issues promptly to ensure the safe and reliable operation of their vehicles.
How many miles can you put on a Pontiac Sunfire?
good maintenance should get it to 300k.
How long do Pontiac engines last?
You should have no problem exceeding 200K with your Bonnevile. I say this mainly because it has the 3.8 engine which is pretty much bulletproof. Just keep up all scheduled maintenance and the Pontiac will be around for years to come. Make sure the transmission is maintained as well.
What happened to Pontiac Sunfire?
The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of production on June 22, 2005. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for the 2006 model year in Canada and the 2007 model year in the United States.
How fast can a Sunfire go?
PONTIAC Sunfire 2.2L 4AT FWD (140 HP)
| PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
|---|---|
| Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Sunfire years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Sunfire cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Pontiac Sunfire model years:
- Pontiac Sunfire 1996
- Pontiac Sunfire 1997
- Pontiac Sunfire 1995
- Pontiac Sunfire 1998
- Pontiac Sunfire 2000
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Sunfire model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Sunfire years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac Sunfire car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Sunfire , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Sunfire vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sunfire model years
A total of 138 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sunfire model years
There were a total of 56 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sunfire model years
There were a total of 118 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Sunfire model years
There were a total of 9 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 1308 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Sunfire . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Sunfire vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Pontiac Sunfire 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-01
- Date Complaint: 2022-06-22
- VIN: 3G2JB14F45S
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.
Pontiac Sunfire 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-12
- Date Complaint: 2020-08-13
- VIN: 1G2JB12F747
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY 2004 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, I HAD TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT IN ORDER FOR IT TO GO STRAIGHT. I THOUGHT I MIGHT NEED A FRONT END ALIGNMENT AND DROPPED THE CAR OFF AT MY NEIGHBORHOOD FIRESTONE DEALER THAT NORMALLY WORKS ON MY CARS. AFTER CHECKING THE CAR, THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THE FRAME OF THE CAR WAS RUSTED OUT AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THEY GAVE ME PICTURES OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE FRAME WHICH ALL READY HAD CRACKED APART DUE TO THE RUST. THEY SAID IF YOU HIT A POTHOLE OR ANYTHING IN THE ROAD THE FRAME COULD SPLIT APART AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I CALLED A BODY SHOP TO SEE IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED AND THEY SAID IT WAS TO BIG OF A JOB.. THEY RECOMMENDED JUNKING THE CAR.. THIS CAR IS IN REAL GOOD SHAPE EXCEPT FOR THIS MAJOR DEFECT. THIS HAS FORCED ME TO BUY ANOTHER CAR.. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY OF YOUR PRODUCT. I FEEL THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM.
Pontiac Sunfire 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-24
- Date Complaint: 2020-06-16
- VIN: 1G2JB1248Y7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO, IT HAS SINCE THEN WONT START BACK UP. THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SPARK, THEN TRIED SPARK PLUG WIRES, NEW BATTERY, CHECKED ALTERNATOR AND FUSES, COILS ALL GOOD. THEN I WAS LEAD TO MAYBE THE GAS THAT WAS IN IT. DROPPED GAS TANK, PUT NEW FUEL FILTER, CHECKED FUEL PUMP, GAS LINES, IT DID STAY RUNNING ONE TIME SINCE BUT WAS SHAKING ROUGHLY WITH A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WILL NOT RUN ANYMORE SINCE THEN. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS NOW AND IT IS MY ONLY CAR.. ALSO BEFORE THE CAR STARTED HAVING THE ABOVE PROBLEMS MY BRAKES KEPT GETTING TONS OF AIR ALSO LOSING A TON OF BRAKE FLUID, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND ALL BRAKE LINES ARE GOOD. IT'S DANGEROUS. ALSO HAVE BLED THE BRAKES. NOT MUCH HELP OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY. *TR
Pontiac Sunfire 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2015-05-26
- Date Complaint: 2018-05-27
- VIN: 1G2JB5245W7
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WITH START FLASHING WILL START AGAIN AND BUT SHUT DOWN AGAIN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HAD IT AT A DEALER THEY REPLACED THE ECU THE GAUGES AND THE IGNITION THEY REPLACED THE ECU 3 TIMES WITH NO AVAIL THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 4 OF MY PONTIACS
Pontiac Sunfire 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-05
- Date Complaint: 2017-12-06
- VIN: 1G2JD12T3W7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: CARS BATTERY CONSTANTLY RAN DOWN. BATTERY WAS CHECKED AND WAS OK AS IT WAS THREE MONTHS OLD. REPAIR STATION SAID THE HORN WAS SHORTED AND THE AIR BAG IS PART OF THE HORN SWITCH AND MUST BE REPLACED.
Pontiac Sunfire 2004
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-20
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-15
- VIN: 1G2JB12FX47
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE INNER IGNITION LOCK NEEDS TO BE CHANGED ABOUT EVERY 60,000 MILES. YOU CAN'T TURN THE KEY OVER AT ALL SO OBVIOUSLY YOU CAN'T START YOUR CAR. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL, ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM.
Pontiac Sunfire 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-25
- Date Complaint: 2017-06-28
- VIN: 1G2JB5246Y7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: "TAKATA RECALL" WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A COUNTY ROAD AND SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND DID NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL SWITCHING BACK TO LOW BEAMS. AFTER INSPECTION, NOTICED THE DAY RUNNERS ALSO WERE NOT WORKING. ALL FUSES WERE PLUGGED IN AND GOOD. REPLACING THE RELAY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED HEREIN.
Pontiac Sunfire 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-16
- Date Complaint: 2017-05-04
- VIN: 3G2JB12F05S
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: GOING DOWN HILL, TURNED MY CAR TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR KEEP GOING STRAIGHT. IT DID NOT TURN AT ALL. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ON COMING TRAFFIC, BUT MY CAR HIT THE CURVE FIRST STOPPING AN ACCIDENT FROM OCCURRING I HAVE REPLACE WINDOW MOTOR TWICE AND THEY HAVE WENT OUT AGAIN NOW. AND I HAVE ALSO REPLACED WINDOW MOTOR BUTTONS FOR A SECOND TIME IN THE PAST 3 YEARS
Pontiac Sunfire 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2014-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2017-04-20
- VIN: 1G2JB524117
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING INDICATOR KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AND, AT TIMES, UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE FROM THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Pontiac Sunfire 2000
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-03
- Date Complaint: 2017-03-07
- VIN: 1G2JB5247Y7
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURN SIGNALS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT INVOLVED A SIMILAR FAILURE (GMC RECALL NUMBER: 03043); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,283.
Pontiac Sunfire 2001
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-15
- Date Complaint: 2017-01-10
- VIN: 1G2JD12T017
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION
- Summary: IN PART DUE TO CORROSION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, IT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN STRUCTURAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE TO MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS WHEN CORNERING AN HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED BY A GM DEALERSHIP AND THE SECOND TIME A FEW YEARS LATER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN AND IT WAS WHEN I HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY TO AVOID A CAR RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THIS WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED EACH TIME AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UN-DRIVEABLE.
Pontiac Sunfire 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-18
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-29
- VIN: 1G2JD12T1W7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HAZARD LIGHTS, AND REAR DEFROSTER ALL STOPPED FUNCTIONING. PROBLEM INITIALLY HAPPENED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, BUT NOW IS PERSISTENT AND NONE OF THESE ITEMS FUNCTION POSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD.
Pontiac Sunfire 2002
- Date Of Incident: 2016-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2016-10-24
- VIN: 1JG2JB52482
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: MY TILT STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WOBBLES FROM SIDE TO SIDE, IT WOULD NEVER STAY LOCKED IN ONE POSITION AND WITH TIME IT STARTED TO MOVE WHILE DRIVING, PEOPLE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FIX IT, BUT IT DOESN'T LAST AND I CAN'T GET A SAFETY INSPECTION BECAUSE OF IT, THE INSPECTOR SAYS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. IT HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED OR DAMAGED AND WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW, IT ABOUT 123,000 MILES ON IT. WHEN I TURN TO THE LEFT ESPECIALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL FLOPS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. *TR
Pontiac Sunfire 1996
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-21
- Date Complaint: 2016-09-13
- VIN: 1G2JB124XT7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: SUNFIRE WON'T START A SOMETHING WITH FUEL PUMP
Pontiac Sunfire 2005
- Date Of Incident: 2016-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2016-03-29
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: RECALL NEEDED! INSTRUMENT CLUSTER HAS FAILED. STARTED WITH THE FUEL GAUGE MOVING IN WRONG DIRECTION INTO SPEEDOMETER. EMPTY IS AT 110MPH. SPEEDOMETER STUCK AT 55MPH WHILE COMING INTO TOWN AND NEEDING TO REDUCE TO 35MPH WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR WITH ME! WITH THE LINE OF TRAFFIC THAT WAS BEHIND ME IM GUESSING IT WAS STUCK THERE FOR A BIT BEFORE I KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG. AFTER PULLING OVER AND TURNING MOTOR OFF AND ON SEVERAL TIMES IT NOW GOES DOWN TO 45MPH AND INCREASES FROM THERE. RPM DIAL STOPPED WORKING MOMENTS AFTER SPEEDOMETER STUCK. HEAT GUAGE SEEMS INTACT BUT WHO KNOWS FOR SURE. SO NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I DON'T FEEL SAFE PUTTING MY CHILDREN IN AND I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX. YET ANOTHER CUT CORNER BY GM THAT THEY WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE.
Latest 5 recalls Pontiac Sunfire
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 51 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Sunfire.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac Sunfire 1997
- Report Received Date: 2008-10-17
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Model: Pontiac Sunfire 2000
- Report Received Date: 2008-10-17
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Model: Pontiac Sunfire 2002
- Report Received Date: 2008-10-17
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Model: Pontiac Sunfire 1995
- Report Received Date: 2008-10-17
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Model: Pontiac Sunfire 2003
- Report Received Date: 2008-10-17
- Manufacturer: DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Consequence: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
Latest negative Pontiac Sunfire car reviews
Latest positive Pontiac Sunfire car reviews
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Vehicle year: 2003
After my 98 Neon got stolen (which is kind of a weird thing to happen. Who steals Neons?), I almost had to buy this car. It's really fun to drive, with good acceleration and an alright-looking exterior. I even smoked my friend's Chrysler Sebring! :D I got it with Cavalier LS Sport chrome rims, which really improved the handling. The only downside is that the rear end looks a bit ugly. Maybe if they had made the rear spoiler bigger and brought it out a little bit more, that would have helped I guess.
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Vehicle year: 2002
I bought this car used with 9,900 miles on it. It was previously a Fleet rental. I really enjoyed how it handled and it served me well until around 85,000 miles when the typical issues that arise with lower-end cars began to occur. I had to replace the struts and the rotors kept warping, no matter how many times they were replaced. However, since my car was paid off by that point, it was still a worthwhile investment. I loved the tight steering, even if it wasn't the most comfortable ride. It was a trooper for a good 8 years before it started to decline. Unfortunately, my son totaled my Sunfire 9 months ago and I was sad to see it go after so many years.
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Vehicle year: 1996
I've owned one of these for 13 years and it's been a great car. Although, I have had some trouble with the power windows. The parts for this were a faulty design and I've had to replace the regulators on both sides 3-4 times, costing me approximately $300 or more each time. Despite this, I still think it's a great car. The paint did oxidize after 11 years, but I got a new paint job and it looks as good as new. I also had to replace the water pump and part of the AC, but I lived in CA & TX where these parts are expected to be strained, so I consider it normal wear and tear. Overall, it's a well-designed car that's quite zippy and fun to drive! I used it mostly on the highway and got around 30mpg, which is impressive!
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Vehicle year: 2004
I have had this Sunfire for over 10 years and I love it! I hope I can get another 50,000 miles before I have to replace it. Over the last 10 years, I have had to do a list of repairs, but I had no car note :) These include the alternator, window motor, tune up, windshield motor, and timing belt. Of course, I also had to do regular maintenance such as oil changes, brakes, and tires.
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Vehicle year: 1997
Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with this amazing car. I bought it with 27 thousand miles on it and now, after driving it for a while, it has 177 thousand miles on it. Despite the high mileage, the quality of this car is simply amazing. I've only had to replace the bright/dim switch and a water pump, everything else has been routine maintenance like tires, brakes, and battery. And the best part? It still starts every day and gets about 30 mpg. Thanks for letting me share!
Are you having problems with your Pontiac Sunfire?
Malcolm Schmidt 2025-05-10
Vehicle year: 2000
This car looked great when I first started shopping for cars, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a much bigger headache than it was worth. Over the course of three years, I had to replace five factory stereos, two strut mounts, two wheel bearings, both wiper motors, and the windshield washer reservoir. Despite reaching out to Pontiac for help, they did little to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, several other people I know who owned these cars also reported poor ratings, including a blown engine at just 50,000km. Despite proper maintenance being performed on all of these vehicles, they were just poorly made and couldn't hold their resale value. In comparison, my 23-year-old full-size 6-cylinder van gets better mileage. I would recommend staying away from them!
Jettie Price 2025-05-07
Vehicle year: 1998
I've heard some horror stories about the Sunfire with the eco-tech 2.2 litre, but I'm happy to report that my experience with the GT and its 2.4 litre engine has been nothing but positive. Despite the lacklustre interior and limited usability, I've been driving it for free for over 7 years now and it just won't quit! Overall, I think it was worth every penny and more.
Dylan Moore 2025-05-01
Vehicle year: 2005
The car experienced multiple issues within the first few days of ownership, including a faulty fuel injector, a malfunctioning coil pack, and a slipping transmission. Additionally, the instrument panel is currently experiencing some issues.
Orval Walsh 2025-04-27
Vehicle year: 1995
I have had numerous issues with this vehicle, including major problems with the air conditioning, transmission, and engine. Despite spending a significant amount on repairs, the issues persisted. As a result, I have decided to trade it in for a Toyota. I am confident that I will not encounter the same issues with my new vehicle. Currently, the engine is losing pressure and requires an overhaul. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Moshe Abernathy 2025-04-25
Vehicle year: 1998
I inherited this car and knew it needed some work, but it ended up costing me almost $2000 and there's still more to be done. I previously owned a Civic and there's no comparison - both have their pros and cons. While I wouldn't buy a Pontiac again, it is a relatively inexpensive car to maintain and I've never missed an oil change in over 300,000 km. However, if you're looking for a car that won't require frequent repairs, I would suggest considering other options. Overall, it's an okay car, especially for a first-time owner, and it's cheap to insure.