1994 Pontiac Sunfire problems

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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.

1994 Pontiac Sunfire

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Common 1994 Pontiac Sunfire problems

The Pontiac Sunbird, produced from 1975 to 1994, is a popular car model known for its unique design and affordable prices:

  • Engine Issues: The 1994 Sunbird has several engine-related problems, with owners reporting 9 complaints (100%) related to this category. These issues include hard starting, stalling, rough idling, and poor performance. The engine problems are often due to faulty ignition coils, spark plugs, or fuel injectors. In some cases, the engine may require a complete overhaul or replacement.
  • Cooling System Issues: The cooling system of the 1994 Sunbird has been reported to have issues, with 5 complaints (56%) related to this category. These problems include overheating, leaking coolant, and a faulty thermostat. Cooling system issues can lead to engine damage and reduced performance. Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling system can help prevent these problems.
  • Transmission Issues: The 1994 Sunbird's transmission has been reported to have problems, with 3 complaints (33%) related to this category. These issues include slipping, delayed shifting, and difficulty changing gears. Transmission problems can be caused by worn-out clutch plates, low transmission fluid, or a faulty transmission control module.
  • Interior Issues: The interior of the 1994 Sunbird has been reported to have problems, with 2 complaints (22%) related to this category. These issues include faulty power windows, malfunctioning door locks, and broken dashboard components. Interior problems can affect the car's functionality and comfort, reducing its overall value and usability.

In summary, the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird has several common problems, including issues with the torque converter clutch, engine, cooling system, transmission, and interior. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent these problems and ensure the car's longevity and performance.

1994 Pontiac Sunfire engine

1994 Pontiac Sunfire car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Pontiac Sunfire problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine and engine cooling problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1994 Pontiac Sunfire vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1994 Pontiac Sunfire complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1994 Pontiac Sunfire.

2002-07-22

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-10
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: 1G2JB5244S7
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: PERIODICALLY GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT GOES OUT, PREVENTING DRIVER TO VISUALLY SEE WHAT GEAR VEHICLE IS IN ,SUCH AS DRIVE/ REVERSE OR NEUTRAL, ETC.*AK
1996-07-26

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-06-29
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 1G2JB5448K7
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: VEHICLE STALLED ON HIGHWAY, CAUSING ACCIDENT. (NEW JERSEY POLICE ACCIDENT REPORT) *AW
1995-10-12

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-10-06
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE, ERRATIC OPERATION OF THE GEARS. TT
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1994 Pontiac Sunfire problems:

1994 Pontiac Sunbird Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
1994 Pontiac Sunbird Problems and Complaints - 16 Issues
https://repairpal.com/1994-pontiac-sunbird/problems

Top 1994 Pontiac Sunbird Problems · Car Won't Start Due to Ignition Coil/Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure · Torque Converter Clutch Can Stick After Extended ...

Q&A: 2004 Pontiac Sunfire Fuel Pump & Common Problems
Q&A: 2004 Pontiac Sunfire Fuel Pump & Common Problems
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/5nnjn-pontiac-sunfire-2004-pontiac-sunfire-will-turn-over-will.html

Oct 7, 2011 ... 2004 Pontiac Sunfire will turn over, but will not start except when using ether. Then will start for 1-2 seconds.

98 Sunfire 2.2L Rough Start - Maintenance and Repair Forum - j ...
98 Sunfire 2.2L Rough Start - Maintenance and Repair Forum - j ...
https://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=11&t=121558&a=1

I've owned a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire with the 2.2L for about three years now. ... Is this a common J-body problem? When this ... Second Gen (1988 - ...

Pontiac Sunfire GT: Common Q&A on Automatic Transmission Shift ...
Pontiac Sunfire GT: Common Q&A on Automatic Transmission Shift ...
https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/5lvu1-pontiac-sunfire-gt-99-sunfire-transmission-will.html

Sep 26, 2011 ... If the bushings are connected and not broken and the problem is as you described, then a broken cable is the culprit. The cable must be replaced ...

Tune Up Time! 2002 Sunfire 2.2L OHV - Maintenance and Repair ...
Tune Up Time! 2002 Sunfire 2.2L OHV - Maintenance and Repair ...
https://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=11&t=165852&a=1

I have about 140K miles on my 2002 Pontiac Sunfire ... common" problems experienced with this engine along with solutions. ... Second Gen (1988 - ...

Other years of Pontiac Sunfire

pontiac sunfire 1995 photo
Sunfire 1995
Pontiac

135

7

9

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac sunfire 1996 photo
Sunfire 1996
Pontiac

237

10

16

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac sunfire 1997 photo
Sunfire 1997
Pontiac

225

9

28

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac sunfire 1998 photo
Sunfire 1998
Pontiac

128

7

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac sunfire 1999 photo
Sunfire 1999
Pontiac

105

5

25

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
pontiac sunfire 2000 photo
Sunfire 2000
Pontiac

118

3

20

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1994 Pontiac Sunfire photo