Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1996 Pontiac SUNFIRE: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

201 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

136,050 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1996 model year. Data updated: . 25 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags:Frontal is the most frequently named component, appearing in 19 of 201 complaints (9.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior2914.4%
Steering behavior2311.4%
Transmission and shifting157.5%
Electrical and battery issues136.5%
Engine operation63.0%
Fuel system concerns63.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags:Frontal
19
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
15
Air Bags
14
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
11
Electrical System:Ignition
9
Electrical System
8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
8
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags:Frontal19
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine19
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip15
Air Bags14
Power Train:Automatic Transmission11
Electrical System:Ignition9
Electrical System8
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline8

Air Bags:Frontal: 19; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 19; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 15; Air Bags: 14; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 11; Electrical System:Ignition: 9; Electrical System: 8; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 8

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
1
25,000 to 49,999
0
50,000 to 74,999
1
75,000 to 99,999
4
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
11
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0001
25,000 to 49,9990
50,000 to 74,9991
75,000 to 99,9994
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above11

Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 11

150,000 and above miles has the most reports with usable mileage (11). 176 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

1995
1
1996
16
1997
20
1998
29
1999
32
2000
17
2001
8
2002
29
2003
17
2004
9
2005
4
2007
7
2008
4
2009
3
2011
2
2013
1
2015
1
2016
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
19951
199616
199720
199829
199932
200017
20018
200229
200317
20049
20054
20077
20084
20093
20112
20131
20151
20161

1995: 1; 1996: 16; 1997: 20; 1998: 29; 1999: 32; 2000: 17; 2001: 8; 2002: 29; 2003: 17; 2004: 9; 2005: 4; 2007: 7; 2008: 4; 2009: 3; 2011: 2; 2013: 1; 2015: 1; 2016: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags:Frontal leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 29 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 23 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 15 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10001805 · 2003-01-02 (January 2, 2003)

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRANMISSION STALLED THE ENGINE CAUSING THE ENGNE TO SMOKE. TS

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001805 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10002081 · 2003-01-06 (January 6, 2003)

THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. (RECALL NUMBER 02V286000) THE VEHICLE'S' VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PH SCC

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10002081 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005566 · 2003-02-09 (February 9, 2003)

ON SUN FEB.9,2003 MY RACK AND PINION WENT OUT OF MY CAR AND IS NOW NOT DRIVABLE . I STARTED NOTICING PROBLEMS THE LAST FEW WEEKS A WEIRD SOUND AND PROBLEMS TURNING LEFT. I HAD IT LOOKED AT BY A MECHANIC AND HE SAID MY RACK AND PINION WENT OUT. I DO KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN RECALLS RECENTLY, BUT I HAVE NOT AND I HAVE A 9 MONTH OLD BABY AND SINGLE MOTHER. IM JUST GLAD HE WASNT IN THE VEHICLE OR I WASNT ON THE HIGHWAY WENE THIS HAPPENED BUT NOW I AM FACED WITH THE COST OF REPAIRING THIS, WHAT DO I DO?

Owner-reported narrative. 93,832 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005566 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005642 · 2003-02-10 (February 10, 2003)

EXTERIOR LIGHTS FAILED ONLY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS WORK/ FAULTY EMERGENCY BRAKE CONSTANTLY HAVING IT ADJUSTED/ SEAT BELT COVER ON DRIVER SEAT BELT BROKE OFF WILL BURN SKIN DURING SUMMER MONTHS/ REAR HAZARD LIGHTS DO NOT WORK TOOK CAR TO DEALER FOR ORIGINAL RECAL WERE WORKING FINE AND HAVE FAILED TWICE SINCE AND DEALER STATES I AM LIABLE FOR ALL CHARGES

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10005642 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006266 · 2003-02-03 (February 3, 2003)

SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE INTO THE VENTS. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006266 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007354 · 2003-02-13 (February 13, 2003)

NHTSA.02-V-286-000: THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION, HOWEVER THE RECALL REPAIR FAILED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007354 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10009232 · 2003-02-25 (February 25, 2003)

THE LEFT TIRE SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 160,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10009232 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011186 · 2003-07-28 (July 28, 2003)

THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. AFTER THE IGNITION WAS REPAIRED IT STILL DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY. THE HEAD LIGHT (HIGH AND LOW BEAMS) FAILED. THE HORN FAILED. THE WIPER FAILED. *JB *CB *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 156,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10011186 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

02V070000 · Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Reported: 2002-03-06 (March 6, 2002)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
02V286000 · Steering:Rack And Pinion

Reported: 2002-11-04 (November 4, 2002)

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Consequence: IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
95V201000 · Vehicle Speed Control

Reported: 1995-10-23 (October 23, 1995)

THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.

Consequence: IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS, UNWANTED ACCELERATION AND/OR LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
96V250000 · Exterior Lighting:Hazard Flashing Warning Lights

Reported: 1996-12-17 (December 17, 1996)

THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."

Consequence: IF THESE LAMPS WERE NOT FLASHING, OTHER VEHICLES WOULD NOT BE AWARE THAT THIS VEHICLE WAS STOPPED INCREASING THE RISK OF AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS OR VEHICLE OWNERS WILL INSPECT FOR PROPER FUNCTION OF THE HAZARD WARNING LAMPS. IF NECESSARY, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE HAZARD LAMP SWITCH.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V027000 · Interior Lighting

Reported: 1998-02-17 (February 17, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 101, "CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS."

Consequence: THE INTERIOR LAMPS COMING ON UNEXPECTEDLY COULD STARTLE A DRIVER CAUSING A MOMENTARY LOSS OF CONTROL INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE LAMP CONTROL MODULE AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V146000 · Air Bags

Reported: 1998-06-29 (June 29, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.

Consequence: AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V319000 · Suspension:Rear

Reported: 1998-12-15 (December 15, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.

Consequence: IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

201 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

12.4%Usable mileage25 / 201 records
81.1%Valid incident date163 / 201 records
100.0%Valid filing date201 / 201 records
81.1%Ordered incident and filing dates163 / 201 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component1991199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005
Electrical System
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

43.4%
ODI 10029217

JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT RECALL ABOUT STARTER. HAD FIRE (SMOKE) IN STEERING WHEEL AND ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NOT WORKING RIGHT. WINDOWS STUCK HALF WAY, BLINKING LIGHTS IN DASH AND HAD MOTOR REPLACED, BUT VERY BAD, DUE TO SUDDEN LOSS OF OIL AND MOTOR FROZE. CAR IS IN DESTRUCTION MODE.

Look up ODI 10029217 at NHTSA ↗

84.0%
ODI 10011967 · 80,000 mi

THE ETS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND SENSOR FOR THE IGNITION IS REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR BUT IT STILL WOULD NOT START. *NLM

Look up ODI 10011967 at NHTSA ↗

63.2%
ODI 10005569 · 128,003 mi

I BOUGHT MY CAR IN OCT 1999 SINCE I HAVE HAD 3 RECALLS.NONE OF THOSE ARE THE OTHER PROBLEMS I HAVE EXPERIENCED OR REPAIRED ALREADY. IN 2000 I HAD TO REPLACE THE FRONT WHEEL BEEARING IN THE PASSENGER SIDE THAT WAS IN BAD CONDITION,IN 2001 I HAD TO REPLACE THE REAR STRUT MOUNTS BECASUE THE WERE DRIED AND CRACKED, I MONTH AGO MY WIPERS BROKE A PIN AND CLIP BROKE AND THEY STOP IN THE UP POSITION. NOW MY WINDOW ON MY DRIVERS SIDE WILL NOT GO UP OR DOWN I HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH IT FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. MY DAUGHTER IN LAWS RACK AND PINION JUS…

Look up ODI 10005569 at NHTSA ↗

65.0%
ODI 10105764

WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN OCTOBER OF 2000 IT HAD TO KEEP GOING BACK TO THE DEALER FOR ABOUT 3 MONTHS BECAUSE THE ENGINE IN THE CAR KEPT CUTTING OUT WHILE DRIVING AROUND 55-60 MPH. DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. FINALLY AFTER THE 3RD MONTH THEY FOUND THE MAIN COMPUTER WAS BAD. THAT WAS REPLACED. IT RAN FINE UNTIL THE NEXT WINTER. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & CAR KEPT STALLING WHEN AT STOP SIGNS/LIGHTS. TOOK TO DEALER HAD DIAGNOSTIC RAN WHICH READ FAULTY GAS CAP, TPS SENSOR.... I REPLACED THEM MYSELF. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OUT…

Look up ODI 10105764 at NHTSA ↗

77.5%
ODI 10014247 · 89,000 mi

1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE BURST INTO FLAMES IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING LOUD CLUNK IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. VEHICLE IS TOTALED. SPARK PLUG FELL TO GROUND AS FIRE STARTED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014247 at NHTSA ↗

1010.4%
ODI 10015410

THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM WAS ELECTRICAL. *JB

Look up ODI 10015410 at NHTSA ↗

913.6%
ODI 10112939 · 144,600 mi

THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JB

Look up ODI 10112939 at NHTSA ↗

1822.0%
ODI 10000534 · 1,950 mi

I FILED A COMPLAINT ON A 2002 GRAND AM GT VIN [XXX] CONCERNING STEERING PROBLEMS. I CANNOT FIND IT IN YOUR CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA BASE, NOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS VEHICLE OR RECALLS, SAFETY ISSUES, ETC ON 2002 GRAND AM GT IN GENERAL. AM I LOOKING IN THE WRONG PLACE? PLEASE HELP. ALSO, I NOW OWN A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE VIN [XXX]. I TOOK DELIVERY ON 10.31.02 AS PART OF LEMON LAW BYBACK BY GM ON ABOVE DISCUSSED GRAND AM. I AM HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS NEW CAR I CONSIDER SAFETY HAZARDS. GM SO FAR HAS HAD THE CAR MORE T…

Look up ODI 10000534 at NHTSA ↗

1622.2%
ODI 10022915

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED PROBLEM WITH THE TURN SIGNAL ON SIX OCCASIONS. THE TURN SIGNALS AND BRAKE LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. *AK *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10022915 at NHTSA ↗

721.9%
ODI 10111861 · 13,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING MY NEW 2004 SUNFIRE THAT WAS JUST PURCHASED AT THE END OF AUGUST, WHEN I SAW A FLAME COME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH NEAR MY FOOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, THROUGH IT IN PARK AND JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED!*JB

Look up ODI 10111861 at NHTSA ↗

4769.1%
ODI 10189474 · 24,147 mi

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL W…

Look up ODI 10189474 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1100.0%
ODI 849632

PARKED VEHICLE & LEFT. HAD RETURNED & VEHICLE WAS IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CALLED & EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. ORIGIN OF BLAZE NOT DETERMINED, BUT SOME INDICATION WAS AROUND THE ENGINE AREA. VEHICLE TOTALED BY INSURANCE COMPANY. *AK

Look up ODI 849632 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

3025.2%
ODI 10003388 · 54,313 mi

HEAD GASKET LEAKED COOLANT AND WAS REPLACED AT 44,941 MILES. IT STARTED LEAKING AGAIN AT 54,313 AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. PONTIAC WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE THE CAR IS MORE THAN 7 YEARS OLD AND DEALER WON'T COVER IT BECAUSE IT WAS MORE THAN ONE YEAR WHEN IT HAD TO BE REPLACED THE SECOND TIME. WHAT'S THE PROBLEM WITH THIS HEAD GASKET ANYWAY??

Look up ODI 10003388 at NHTSA ↗

199.5%
ODI 10049089

FAILURE OF HEAD GASKET AT LESS THAN 64,000 MILES. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THE SUNFIRE MODEL ALTHOUGH THERE HAS BEEN NO OFFICIAL RECALL FOR THIS. *NLM

Look up ODI 10049089 at NHTSA ↗

178.9%
ODI 10008101

A TICKING SOUND IN THE FRONT WHERE THE TIMING CHAIN COVER IS.I HAVE CHANGED THE CHAIN-SPROCKETS-TENSIONER- 3 TIMES-THE FIRST WHEN THE TENSIONER BROKE.I WILL GIVE YOU THE LAST TIME I CHANGED IT.*JB

Look up ODI 10008101 at NHTSA ↗

10.8%
ODI 828222

VEHICLE WOULD STALL OUT FOR NO REASON WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40MPH. HAD VEHICLE TOWED 4 TIMES TO DEALER FOR ENGINE. NO REASON FOUND FOR STALLING. PROBLEM NOT DUPLICATED. SPEED WOULD VARY WHEN STALLING OCCURRED. *AK

Look up ODI 828222 at NHTSA ↗

22.2%
ODI 10014247 · 89,000 mi

1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE BURST INTO FLAMES IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING LOUD CLUNK IN ENGINE WHILE DRIVING ON EXPRESSWAY. VEHICLE IS TOTALED. SPARK PLUG FELL TO GROUND AS FIRE STARTED. *NLM

Look up ODI 10014247 at NHTSA ↗

55.2%
ODI 10010244 · 65 mi

I OWN A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE AND THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING AT 60-65 MPH. CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE PONTIAC DEALER, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, ALSO LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO DROVE THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS BUT IT DID NOT SHUT OFF. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE FAST LANE AND THE CAR JUST DECELERATED AND STOPPED.*JB

Look up ODI 10010244 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

67.3%
ODI 10000534 · 1,950 mi

I FILED A COMPLAINT ON A 2002 GRAND AM GT VIN [XXX] CONCERNING STEERING PROBLEMS. I CANNOT FIND IT IN YOUR CONSUMER COMPLAINT DATA BASE, NOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION RELATED TO THIS VEHICLE OR RECALLS, SAFETY ISSUES, ETC ON 2002 GRAND AM GT IN GENERAL. AM I LOOKING IN THE WRONG PLACE? PLEASE HELP. ALSO, I NOW OWN A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE VIN [XXX]. I TOOK DELIVERY ON 10.31.02 AS PART OF LEMON LAW BYBACK BY GM ON ABOVE DISCUSSED GRAND AM. I AM HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS NEW CAR I CONSIDER SAFETY HAZARDS. GM SO FAR HAS HAD THE CAR MORE T…

Look up ODI 10000534 at NHTSA ↗

45.6%
ODI 10048178 · 58,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. VEHICLE HAD BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. *AK

Look up ODI 10048178 at NHTSA ↗

13.1%
ODI 10170068 · 33,000 mi

I AM EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE AS ODI ID NUMBER : 1016866, WHERE AT ANYTIME, ANY SPEED, STOPPED OR MOVING, MY CAR'S ENGINE WILL DROP BELOW THE NORMAL IDLING SPEED AND STALL OUT. IT WILL JUST STOP! THE CAR IS MOVING, BUT THE ENGINE HAS STOPPED! THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES! I'VE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM A COUPLE OF TIMES IN A HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC AREA. THIS ISSUE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR WRECK, BECAUSE WHEN THE ENGINE IS STOPPED, YOU LOOSE POWER STEERING! THIS CAR IS NOT AN EASY CAR TO MANEUVER WITHOUT POWER STEERING. I CRANKED THE KE…

Look up ODI 10170068 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

108.4%
ODI 10072648 · 96,000 mi

1995 SUNFIRE, I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 1997. THE BRAKES LOCK-UP WHEN I AM DRIVING AND I HAVE TO STOP A A CORNER OR LIGHT. THIS USUALLY ONLY HAPPENS WHEN OR AFTER IT RAINS. IT IS VERY SCARY I ALMOST LOSE CONTROL OVER THE CAR.MY HEAD GASKETS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. THE ENGINE GAGE RISES ALMOST TO OVER HEATING WHEN IT IS HOTOUTSIDE, AND THE AIR DOES NOT WORK I HAVE TO GET IT CHARGED EVERY YEAR. IS THIS CAR A LEMON OR WHAT?*AK

Look up ODI 10072648 at NHTSA ↗

157.5%
ODI 10187990

I HAD THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED ON THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2006. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN INFORMATION INDICATING THIS PUMP IS IN THE SUSPECT GROUP OF PUMPS COVERED BY THE DELPHI RECALL NUMBER 07E-015. I CONTACTED THE NUMBER LISTED, AND WAS TOLD THAT SINCE SOMEONE ELSE HAD ENTERED INFORMATION ON THE VIN THAT THEY WILL NOT TELL ME ANYTHING. THEY REFUSED TO TELL ME HOW TO HAVE THE INSPECTION OR REIMBURSEMENT DONE. THIS VEHICLE WAS WRECKED BY MY DAUGHTER IN MARCH 2006, AND THERE IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF THE ABS SYSTEM ALSO.*AK

Look up ODI 10187990 at NHTSA ↗

136.8%
ODI 518690

TRANSMISSION LEAKAGE; ALSO NOISY ABS BRAKES. *AK

Look up ODI 518690 at NHTSA ↗

108.3%
ODI 10020534 · 77,000 mi

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING MY 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE AND HAD A COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR. SHE REPORTED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED AND WOULD NOT STOP THE CAR AT ALL. WE HAVE ALSO REPORTED TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS THAT THE GAS PEDAL GETS STUCK. THIS MAY HAVE ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE COLLISION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10020534 at NHTSA ↗

55.4%
ODI 10025348 · 30,000 mi

REAR BRAKES KEEP COMING OUT OF ADJUSTMENT. WHEN I STOP OR HIT THE BREAKS JUST RIGHT THEY DON'T CATCH AND I TEND TO KEEP GOING FORWARD THEN STOP. ALMOST GOT IN A COUPLE OF ACCIDENTS, BUT I GOT LUCKLY. TRIED CHANGING THE HARDWARE, STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. BRAKES SQUEAL AND GRIND. IT'S NOT SAFE. TIRED OF FIGURING OUT WHAT DO ABOUT THEM. IT'S BEEN ON GOING FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS. *AK

Look up ODI 10025348 at NHTSA ↗

1010.4%
ODI 10091503 · 35,000 mi

THE CONSUMER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON ITS ON. THE CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO DRIVE IT TO DEALER. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATE. THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED. *JB THERE WAS LEAKING BOILING UNDER THE DASH ON BOTH SIDES. *SC

Look up ODI 10091503 at NHTSA ↗

57.6%
ODI 10059712 · 49,000 mi

WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES ON A BUMPY SURFACE BRAKES FAILED, RESULTING EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *AK

Look up ODI 10059712 at NHTSA ↗

44.9%
ODI 10083538 · 20 mi

WHEN THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED IN THE RAIN THEY WILL SKID. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM OVER THIRTY TIMES SINCE 2002.*AK

Look up ODI 10083538 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10091992

WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND HESITATED. ABS BRAKING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. THIS CAUSED THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE AND VEHICLE SKIDDED WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES. CONSUMER DROVE IT TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT MECHANIC COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.*AK

Look up ODI 10091992 at NHTSA ↗

13.1%
ODI 10221376 · 45,000 mi

THE ABS,TRAC AND SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER I HIT A DEER BECAUSE THE TRACTION CONTROL AND ABS WOULD NOT LET ME STOP FROM HITTING IT. I NOW HAVE THE PROBLEM WITH ABS TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE LIGHT BUT IT NOW MAKES IT HARD TO STOP TILL ALL THOSE COME ON. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SENSOR IN THE HUB OF REAR END. *TR

Look up ODI 10221376 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags:Frontal
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

75.9%
ODI 8007315

CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WENT INTO A DITCH, UPON IMPACT NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONSUMER SUFFERED BACK INJURIES, VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK *YH

Look up ODI 8007315 at NHTSA ↗

199.5%
ODI 10232546

MY 1996 AIR BAG DEPLOYED, A FEW MONTHS AGO, I RECEIIVED AT NOTICE OF THIS HAPPENING ONCE I CALLED A PONTIAC DEALERSHIP IN AUGUSTA GA. I THAN RECEIVE A NOTIFY OF THIS OCCURING IN THIS MADE AND YEAR OF CAR. GMC CONTACTED ME AND ASK IF THAY COULD REPURCHASE THE CAR. I TOLD THEM AT THAT TIME I WAS INTERESTED. THEY MADE ME AN AFFORD THAT WAS NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR MY VECHICLE. THEY HAVE ACKNOWLEGE THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBE FOR THE VECHICLE. I ASK THAT MY ARE BAG BE REPLACED, DUE TO I THINK AND KNOW MY CAR WAS WORTH MORE THAN THE OFFER. THEY DID …

Look up ODI 10232546 at NHTSA ↗

189.5%
ODI 10050327

BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING AT 35 MPH. *AK

Look up ODI 10050327 at NHTSA ↗

65.0%
ODI 8023384

WHILE DRIVING ON A RURAL TWO LANE ROAD. CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AND WAS HIT BROADSIDE ON DRIVERS SIDE DOOR BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. NONE OF THE VEHICLES AIRBAGS DEPLOYED RESULTING IN A FATALITY. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. PLEASE DESCRIBE FURTHER. TS

Look up ODI 8023384 at NHTSA ↗

66.5%
ODI 10094254

WHILE DRIVING 60-70 MPH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON THEIR OWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. *AK

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66.3%
ODI 10092611 · 61,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION CRASHING INTO A TREE, IMPACT WAS APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH. UPON IMPACT, BOTH FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED 15 MINUTE AFTERWARD. CONSUMER WAS AIR CARRIES TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL WITH MAJOR INJURIES. DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE BOTH NOTIFIED. *AK

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11.5%
ODI 8018228

IN A FRONTAL COLLISION NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT, CAUSING MAJOR INJURIES TO DRIVER.*AK

Look up ODI 8018228 at NHTSA ↗

11.2%
ODI 10210359 · 47,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AS THE CONTACT PLACED HER CHILD IN THE REAR CHILD SEAT. WHEN SHE PUSHED THE PASSENGER SEAT BACK, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY. SHE CALLED GM AND WAS INFORMED THAT SOMEONE WOULD COME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 47,000. UPDATED 03-04-08 *BF

Look up ODI 10210359 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10128693 · 38,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON WHICH CAUSED ME TO HIT A POLE. MY SEATBELTS UNLACHED DURING IMPACT.

Look up ODI 10128693 at NHTSA ↗

13.1%
ODI 10067438 · 2,000 mi

DURING A SUDDEN STOP AT 35 MPH FRONT AIR BAGS INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM . *AK

Look up ODI 10067438 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

32.5%
ODI 521824

VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.

Look up ODI 521824 at NHTSA ↗

84.0%
ODI 539694

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON RESULTING WITH ENGINE JERKING AND MAKING NOISE.

Look up ODI 539694 at NHTSA ↗

115.8%
ODI 10003455 · 61,100 mi

ENGINE STALLS. MY CAR WILL RUN GREAT 2-3 DAYS BUT WITHOUT NOTICE WILL STALL WHILE DRIVING. I DOES THIS QUITE OFTEN AND THE MECHANICS CANNOT FIND PROBLEM, THEY CANNOT DETERMINE IF IT IS SPARK RELATED OR FUEL RELATED DUE THE DESIGN OF THE ENGINE. I DO ALOT OF HIGHWAY MILES ON MY COMMUTE AND I CONSIDER THIS VERY UNSAFE. (I HAVE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY NUMEROUS TIMES.)

Look up ODI 10003455 at NHTSA ↗

1815.0%
ODI 701456

ENGINE DOESN'T START ALL THE TIME, I'VE HAD IT IN 3 TIMES TO BE CHECKED, THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 701456 at NHTSA ↗

55.4%
ODI 545044

VEHICLE CONTINUALLY STALLING.

Look up ODI 545044 at NHTSA ↗

99.4%
ODI 10103077 · 72,000 mi

PONTIAC SUNFIRE 2000 WILL BE DRIVING THE CARS, IT STALLS OUT, THEN RESTARTS WITHOUT TURNING THE KEY. HAVE TALKED TO THE PONTIAC DEALER. BRINGING IT IN ON 12/20/2004 FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS FROM WHAT I HAVE READ THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM RELATED TO A COLLAPSED FUEL STRAINER THATWILL CAOST IN THE AREA OF $200 TO REPAIR. ODI ACTION NO. PE02-66 WAS FILED IN 2002, NEEDS TO BE PUSHED FORWARD TO HOLD PONTIAC ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR POOR DESIGN. SEE (HTTP://WWW.CARSURVEY.ORG/VIEWCOMMENTS_REVIEW_42762.HTML) FOR FURTHER CONFIRMATION.

Look up ODI 10103077 at NHTSA ↗

57.6%
ODI 8001875

ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS VEHICLE TRACK OFF LIGHT WOULD COME ON, AND VEHICLE WOULD SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS , AND PROBLEM STILL REOCCURRING. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

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11.2%
ODI 8014115

INTERMITTENTLY WHILE DRIVING AT 50MPH VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN, LOSING ALL POWER. CONTACTED DEALER., CANNOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM.*AKI

Look up ODI 8014115 at NHTSA ↗

11.4%
ODI 10055160

REAR SEAT IS BROKEN RUNK LATCH IS BROKEN. WARRANTY WAS NOT HONORED. *AK

Look up ODI 10055160 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Air Bags
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

54.2%
ODI 514737

FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAG, CAUSING BRUISES IN CHEST AREA AND DESTROYED WINDSHIELD .

Look up ODI 514737 at NHTSA ↗

147.0%
ODI 10070415

I WAS A PASSENGER IN THE CAR, SO I DON'T KNOW SPECIFIC MILEAGE, OR VIN NUMBER. THE CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 80,000 MILES ON IT. THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED ON JULY 5, 2002. IT WAS A FAIRLY LOW SPEED CRASH, MYE ESTIMATE IS WE WERE GOING ABOUT 30 MPH AT IMPACT. WE STRUCK THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG DEPLOYED IN MY FACE. I WAS WEARING MY SEAT BELT AND WAS NOT SITTING PARTICULARLY CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG. THE FORCE OF THE IMPACT FROM THE AIR BAG, BROKE MY NOSE AND RESULTED IN PERMANENT DAMAGE TO MY EYES. I WAS THE ONLY PERSON INJURED IN THE ACCID…

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94.7%
ODI 10150667 · 125,500 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OF ANY KIND, OR WARNING. *NM

Look up ODI 10150667 at NHTSA ↗

32.5%
ODI 11052792 · 65,000 mi

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.

Look up ODI 11052792 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10029321 · 50,000 mi

MILEAGE FLASHES ON AND OFF LIKE THERE IS A SHORT AND AIR BAG LIGHT STAYS ON THE WHOLE TIME THE CAR IS RUNNING AND WHILE DRIVING.:( CLUNKING IN FRONT END POSSIBLY BY TIRES? LIKE THE SHOCKS OR WHATEVER

Look up ODI 10029321 at NHTSA ↗

33.1%
ODI 10132127

I WAS ON ROUTE 65 IN NORTH SEWICKELY IN PENNSYLVANIA. I WAS STOPPED DUE TO ANOTHER DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. A CAR CAME FROM BEHIND HITTING ME AND I WAS PROPELLED IN FRONT OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC WHICH HIT THE FRONT END OF MY CAR. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY FROM THE HEAD ON COLLISION. I RECEIVED MULTIPLE BRUISES AND SPRAINED NECK AND SHOULDER. I HAVE PAIN TO MY ABDOMEN DUE TO THE SEAT BELT, I HAD ON. NOTHING, MY CAR WAS TOTALED DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT. I HAVE A CALL INTO GM BECAUSE THIS IS THE SECOND ACCIDENT IN THIS CAR WHICH …

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69.1%
ODI 10002982

HAD A FRONTAL COLLISION, MY ENTIRE FRONT END WAS EFFECTED BY THE HIT NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED NOR DID MY SEAT BELT KEEP ME AGAINST THE SEAT.

Look up ODI 10002982 at NHTSA ↗

44.9%
ODI 10070372 · 6,249 mi

MY SON WAS DRIVING HOME THE NIGHT BEFORE HIS WEDDING, WAS NOT DRUNK ACCORDING TO THE CORONER. THE POLICE REPORT SAID HE MUST HAVE WENT OFF THE ROAD, OVERCORRECTED AND BEGAN SPINNING AND ROLLING.THE CAR WENT 469 FEET BEFORE IT CAME TO REST ON TOP OF HIM, THE REPORT SAYS HE MUST HAVE BEEN EJECTED THROUGH THE SUNROOF. MY SON WAS 34 VERY MUSCULAR. I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT UNLESS THERE WAS SOMETHING MECHANICALLY WRONG WITH THE CAR THAR HE COULD NOT HAVE CONTROLLED IT. I HAVE SEEN OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME C…

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45.6%
ODI 10109784

NUMEROUS OF FAILURES;AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON, CLUTCH STICKS TO FLOOR, CAR DOESN'T WANT TO START. *BF THE TURN SIGNALS AND LIGHTS HAD GONE OUT, IT WOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE, THERE WERE TIMES WHERE THE VEHICLE WOULD START ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT THE TURN OF THE KEY, THE VEHICLE USED AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF GAS, THE DASH WOULD RATTLE, THE ENGINE WOULD GROWL, THE DASH MADE A SOUND LIKE THE SPEAKER WAS BLOWN, THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL IN THE STEREO AND THERE WAS A THUMPING NOISE WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE. (2003 PO…

Look up ODI 10109784 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

97.6%
ODI 10222508 · 157,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED DIFFICULTY STARTING HER VEHICLE AND TURNING THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE FOLLOWING MORNING, SHE OPENED THE DOOR AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN MELTED AND WAS LYING ON THE FLOORBOARD. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V070000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH). PONTIAC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, BUT WERE UNABLE TO CORRECT THE FAILURE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS U…

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73.5%
ODI 10011186 · 156,000 mi

THE IGNITION SWITCH HAD A SHORT CIRCUIT WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO START. AFTER THE IGNITION WAS REPAIRED IT STILL DIDN'T WORK PROPERLY. THE HEAD LIGHT (HIGH AND LOW BEAMS) FAILED. THE HORN FAILED. THE WIPER FAILED. *JB *CB *NLM

Look up ODI 10011186 at NHTSA ↗

94.7%
ODI 10056448

THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE VEHICLE ARE SO DIM, I CANNOT DRIVE MY CAR AT NIGHT. IT LOOKS LIKE I AM DRIVING WITH FLASHLIGHTS. I WAS TOLD BY A MECHANIC AT SUNLAND PONTIAC DEALERSHIP, EL PASO, TX THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. I TOLD THEM THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN TO DIM ON MY VEHICLE. I TOLD THEM I WANTED NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WITH BRIGHTER BULBS OR HIGHER WATTAGE. I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY NEW HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY THAT CONTAINED BRIGHTER BULB, OR HIGHER WATTAGE, AND THERE WAS NOTHING ELSE THEY COULD DO. …

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65.0%
ODI 10063578 · 65,000 mi

RECALL NO. 04V036000, IGNITION SWITCH: THE DEALER WILL NOT REPAIR THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS SALVAGED.*AK SINCE THE DEALER REFUSED REPAIR, VEHICLE DOESN'T START AND CAN NO LONGER BE DRIVEN. *LA

Look up ODI 10063578 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10032828

THE WIRING HARNESS IS SHORTING OUT WHICH HAS MADE MY IGNITION SWITCH SHORT OUT AND MY COMPUTER. PONTIAC HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN. SINCE THERE IS ENOUGH PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM THEY SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND NOT JUST STOP AT A BULLETIN. THIS COULD HAVE MADE POSSIBLY MADE MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A HAZARD. THIS IS GOING TO BE COSTING ME RIGHT ABOUT $1000, THIS IS A ROUGH ESTIMATE FROM THE MECHANIC.*AK

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11.0%
ODI 10073941

PROBLEMS WITH 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE ENGINE. *MR THE VEHICLE WOULD CRANK SOMETIMES BUT NOT START. ON ONE OCCASION THE VEHICLE ATTEMPTED TO CRANK AND STALLED IN THE PROCESS. THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THAT THE STARTER HAD GONE OUT, MAYBE THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, OR THE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDER RING WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A BURNT COOLANT SMELL AND THE VALVE COVER GASKET RUPTURED LEAKING OIL. *SC *JB

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23.0%
ODI 10083692 · 30,000 mi

CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK

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22.4%
ODI 10604344 · 130,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE PLACED IN DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Look up ODI 10604344 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

31.5%
ODI 10014736

THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING, CONSUMER'S SON LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *JB

Look up ODI 10014736 at NHTSA ↗

73.7%
ODI 10006694

THE PARTS FOR THE POWER STEERING RECALL 02 V 286 000 IS NOT AVIALABLE. THE DEALERSHIP RAMSEY PONTIAC GMC;MAHWAH NJ;[phone removed]. PH

Look up ODI 10006694 at NHTSA ↗

43.3%
ODI 10032100 · 65,000 mi

VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT WITH ITS STEERING AS STATED IN RECALL 02 V 286 000. BUT THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL DUE TO VIN. *AK

Look up ODI 10032100 at NHTSA ↗

44.3%
ODI 10026491 · 59,000 mi

FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THERE WAS NOT A REMEDY FOR THIS PROBLEM. *AK THE NOISE HAD COME FROM THE STEERING AREA. *SCC *JB

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11.0%
ODI 10071984

WHILE DRIVING IT WAS HARD TO TURN LEFT/RIGHT. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10071984 at NHTSA ↗

23.0%
ODI 10627127 · 65,964 mi

CONTACTED A LOCAL AUTO DEALER, CUTTER PONTIAC (WAIPAHU, HAWAII - LEVY, SERVICE AGENT, PH# [phone removed]) AND INQUIRED ABOUT MY VEHICLES POSTED 3 RECALL ISSUES; IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, & STEERING WHEEL. I EVEN EMAILED AN OFFICIAL LIST OF MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES I WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING, AFTER LEVY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW MY EMAIL,WITH MY RECALL LIST: 1. IGNITION - I WAS TOLD THAT MY CONCERN HAD PAST THE ORIGINAL DATE OF RECALL, 2004 ???, SO DEALER IS UNABLE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE 2. FUEL SYSTEM - I NOTED THAT I SMELLED FUEL …

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89.8%
ODI 10011604 · 11,400 mi

WHEN A TURN WAS MADE, THE STEERING MADE A NOISE, AND BECAME LOOSE, THE MECHANIC STATED THE PROBLEM WAS THE BOOT AND THE SEAL, HOWEVER THE PROBLEM RECURRED TWO WEEKS LATER AND THE MECHANIC REFUSED TO FIX THE VEHICLE.*JB

Look up ODI 10011604 at NHTSA ↗

22.8%
ODI 10598342 · 123,000 mi

BOUGHT A 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE FROM A DEALERSHIP 5 MONTHS AGO. I TOLD THE OWNER/SALESMAN I WANTED A SAFE 1ST CAR FOR MY KID. MY KID AND SOME FRIENDS WERE DRIVING,IT WAS RAINING AND THE BACK TIRES STARTED TO SLIDE,MY KID REGAINED CONTROL OF THE CAR BRIEFLY AND SAID AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE STEERING LOCKED UP AND THEY ENDED UP IN A SPIN. THE CAR HIT AN OBJECT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE,SPUN AROUND AND HIT ANOTHER ON THE DRIVERS SIDE,THEN BOUNCED OFF THAT AND LANDED ACROSS A DEEP DITCH WHERE IT WAS HIT AGAIN IN THE REAR WHEN STOPPING. NO STEERING. NO BRA…

Look up ODI 10598342 at NHTSA ↗

13.1%
ODI 10596516 · 102,000 mi

VEHICLE DOES NOT ALWAYS START RIGHT AWAY. THE VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TOWN AND ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR

Look up ODI 10596516 at NHTSA ↗

45.9%
ODI 10189474 · 24,147 mi

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL W…

Look up ODI 10189474 at NHTSA ↗

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range180,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10286427 · 180,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARRANT. AS A CONSEQUENCE SHE SUSTAINED BRUISES TO HER FACE AND SHOULDERS. SHE FILED REPORT NUMBER 71762569700 WITH THE MANUFACTURER, AND SHE WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING TO TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 180,000.

Look up ODI 10286427 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range60,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10050011 · 60,000 mi

THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND THE CONSUMER NOTICED OIL WAS LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS AND THE MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO DETERIORATION. *AK THE VEHICLE HAD ALSO BEEN LOSING COOLANT FOR THE PAST YEAR AND EXHIBITED A COOLANT SMELL. *SC *JB

Look up ODI 10050011 at NHTSA ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range209,600 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10231598 · 214,733 mi

DRIVING DOWN THE DRIVEWAY ONTO ROAD, APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR, SUDDENLY BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AT THE SAME TIME. CALLED GM AND TOOK CAR TO GM DEALER FOR INSPECTION. GM CALLED TO REPORT THAT IT WAS A GM FAILURE AND REQUESTED TO (PRIVATE PARTY) PURCHASE THE CAR BACK FROM US AT A CURRENT VEHICLE VALUE OF AROUND $900. *TR

Look up ODI 10231598 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10514559 · 209,600 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT THEN SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE INCIDENT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 209,600. *TR

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ODI 10717454 · 137,000 mi

MY WRECK HAPPENED IN 2006. THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND CRUSHED MY FACE I HAD TO HAVE TITANIUM PLATES PUT IN MY FACE CRASHED MY LEGS BROKE MANY BONES.

Look up ODI 10717454 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic TransmissionToo few reports for a range10,500 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10205618 · 10,500 mi

WHEN TURNING OFF A ROAD ONTO A HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WAS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR. I CAREFULLY DROVE TO THE NEAREST GAS STATION. NOW THE CAR WON'T ENGAGE ON REVERSE, DRIVE, 2ND & 1ST. *TR

Look up ODI 10205618 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range80,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10011967 · 80,000 mi

THE ETS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND SENSOR FOR THE IGNITION IS REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR BUT IT STILL WOULD NOT START. *NLM

Look up ODI 10011967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10037080 · 119,813 mi

CAR TURNS OVER BUT WILL NOT START.BROUGHT IT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT SENSOR. GOT THE CAR BACK TWO DAYS LATER AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE OEM SERCRITY SYSTEM. TOOK BACK AND ARE STILL HAVING PROBLEMS STARTING ALL THE TIME.*AK

Look up ODI 10037080 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10081603 · 75,000 mi

WHILE ON THE STREET VEHICLE WAS IN PARK AND THE KEY WAS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. THEN, VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. BLACK SMOKE. AND LARGE FLAMES APPEARED. FIRE DEPARTMENT SHOW UP TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK

Look up ODI 10081603 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 213 reports

2004: 13 complaints · 2005: 11 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
20045813
20053611
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20043002
20056701

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipAir BagsPower Train:Automatic TransmissionElectrical System:IgnitionElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
Air Bags:Frontal—
1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

—
1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 539537

POWER STEERING PUMP FAILED.

Look up ODI 539537 at NHTSA ↗

—0
2
ODI 602902

TRANSMISSION LAGGING TIME IS ABNORMAL.

Look up ODI 602902 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 703462

I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR DIFFICULTY STOPPING WHEN PAVEMENT IS WET. MY COMPLET BRAKE AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS. I'VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS, RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATION WHEN AT A STANDSTILL, ALMOST LOSING POWER. SMELL OF GAS FUMES. PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Look up ODI 703462 at NHTSA ↗

000
Air Bags000—0
1
ODI 8010557

VEHICLE WILL NOT START SOMETIMES, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES. TOOK DEALER, DEALER STATED HAD TO TURN SWITCH OFF AND ON UNTIL IT CATCHED. WHEN HEARING A CLICK VEHICLE STARTED. CURRENTLY, AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND VEHICLE LOSES POWER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8010557 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 522415

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INSTRUMENT AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS TO FAIL. FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 522415 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train:Automatic Transmission00
2
ODI 602902

TRANSMISSION LAGGING TIME IS ABNORMAL.

Look up ODI 602902 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 703462

I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR DIFFICULTY STOPPING WHEN PAVEMENT IS WET. MY COMPLET BRAKE AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS. I'VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS, RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATION WHEN AT A STANDSTILL, ALMOST LOSING POWER. SMELL OF GAS FUMES. PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Look up ODI 703462 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 10020716

-THE HORN ON 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE HAS QUIT WORKING AND BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE PEOPLE AT THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS GETTING WET APPARENTLY EVERYTIME I WENT THROUGH WATER BECAUSE OF IT BEING POINTED DOWNWARD. -THE MUFFLER HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIMES -THERE ARE MORE THAT I CAN NOT REMEBER RIGHT OFF HAND -THEIR IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE WHOLE CAR. THE LIGHT ON THE RADIO TIME AND STAION DISPLAY HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT, THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON, THE PASSENGER REAR WINDOW LETS DOWN BUT WILL NOT LET UP …

Look up ODI 10020716 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System:Ignition000
1
ODI 8010557

VEHICLE WILL NOT START SOMETIMES, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES. TOOK DEALER, DEALER STATED HAD TO TURN SWITCH OFF AND ON UNTIL IT CATCHED. WHEN HEARING A CLICK VEHICLE STARTED. CURRENTLY, AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND VEHICLE LOSES POWER. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

Look up ODI 8010557 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 843628

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 843628 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System000
1
ODI 522415

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE CAUSING INSTRUMENT AND DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS TO FAIL. FALSE DEPLOYMENT OF AIR BAGS DURING SERVICE OF ELECTRICAL SYSTEM RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 522415 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10020716

-THE HORN ON 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE HAS QUIT WORKING AND BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE PEOPLE AT THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS GETTING WET APPARENTLY EVERYTIME I WENT THROUGH WATER BECAUSE OF IT BEING POINTED DOWNWARD. -THE MUFFLER HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIMES -THERE ARE MORE THAT I CAN NOT REMEBER RIGHT OFF HAND -THEIR IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE WHOLE CAR. THE LIGHT ON THE RADIO TIME AND STAION DISPLAY HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT, THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON, THE PASSENGER REAR WINDOW LETS DOWN BUT WILL NOT LET UP …

Look up ODI 10020716 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00000
1
ODI 843628

WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. DEALER REPLACED THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE AND THE RIGHT LOWER CONTROL ARM, WHICH DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 843628 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

7 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

8 mentions · 4.0% of complaints

Median mileage: 150,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10001805

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE TRANMISSION STALLED THE ENGINE CAUSING THE ENGNE TO SMOKE. TS

Look up ODI 10001805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10048886 · 150,000 mi

HEAD GASKET ON MY 96 PONTIAC SUNFIRE BLEW AND CAUSED MY CAR TO STALL IN TRAFFIC AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT WITH MY FAMILY ABOARD. MY CAR WENT FROM 195 OPERATING TEMP TO 260 WITH IN 1 MINUTE. THE CAR COULD HAVE CAUGHT FIRE AND CAUSED TREMENDOUS INJURIES.*AK

Look up ODI 10048886 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10073260

MY INCIDENT IS NOT A FAILURE, BUT A CONSTANT PROBLEM. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR USED IN DECEMBER OF '03, THERE HAS BEEN MAJOR HESITATION WHEN IDLE OR ACCELERATING. IN FEBRUARY OF '04 MY FUEL PUMP DIED, LEADING ME TO ASSUME THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I PURCHASED A NEW FUEL PUMP AND INSTALLED IT. I JUST HAD TO REPLACE MY FUEL PUMP AGAIN BECAUSE I WAS BEGINNING TO HEAR A HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL FROM THE PUMP AND THE HESITATION HAD WORSTENED (MAY '04). THESE PROBLEMS ARE STILL THERE, LEADING FRIENDS TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A HEAD/HEAD GASKET PROBLEM INSTEAD OF…

Look up ODI 10073260 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

7 mentions · 3.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 168,948 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10011967 · 80,000 mi

THE ETS LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND SENSOR FOR THE IGNITION IS REMAINED ON. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER HAD THE CAR FOR A YEAR BUT IT STILL WOULD NOT START. *NLM

Look up ODI 10011967 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10037805

WHILE PUTTING THE KEY INSIDE THE IGNITION VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. DRIVER TOOK KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION AND STEERING COLUMN STARTED SMOKING. VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER. *AK

Look up ODI 10037805 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10906226 · 257,895 mi

SUNFIRE WON'T START A SOMETHING WITH FUEL PUMP

Look up ODI 10906226 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Brake response concerns

7 mentions · 3.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10146489

1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE BRAKES FAILED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO STOP VEHICLE. *TS THE CONSUMER RAN OFF THE ROAD AND STRUCK A WOODEN GATE. *JB

Look up ODI 10146489 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 514821

ABS BRAKES FAILED TO OPERATE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED, RESULTING IN AN ACCIDENT/INJURIES. *AK

Look up ODI 514821 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 522640

BRAKES FAILED TO STOP VEHICLE WHEN APPLIED, BRAKES THEN "KICKED IN" AND VEHICLE STOPPED SUDDENLY. BOTH TIMES CONDITIONS WERE DRY AND SUNNY. ON RAINY DAYS BRAKES FEEL "SQUISHY" AND EXTRA EFFORT IS REQUIRED TO STOP VEHICLE.

Look up ODI 522640 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Steering assistance concerns

7 mentions · 3.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 165,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10002081

THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY. (RECALL NUMBER 02V286000) THE VEHICLE'S' VIN NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. PH SCC

Look up ODI 10002081 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10020716

-THE HORN ON 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE HAS QUIT WORKING AND BEEN REPAIRED THREE TIMES. THE PEOPLE AT THE SHOP SAID THAT IT WAS GETTING WET APPARENTLY EVERYTIME I WENT THROUGH WATER BECAUSE OF IT BEING POINTED DOWNWARD. -THE MUFFLER HAS BEEN FIXED THREE TIMES -THERE ARE MORE THAT I CAN NOT REMEBER RIGHT OFF HAND -THEIR IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH THE WHOLE CAR. THE LIGHT ON THE RADIO TIME AND STAION DISPLAY HAS NOT WORKED SINCE I BOUGHT IT, THE DRIVER'S REAR DOOR LIGHT HAS NOT COME ON, THE PASSENGER REAR WINDOW LETS DOWN BUT WILL NOT LET UP …

Look up ODI 10020716 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10262706 · 165,000 mi

FEBRUARY 25, 2009 - NOTICED WHEN USING THE TILT STEERING LEVER, THE STEERING COLUMN DID NOT LOCK AT CERTAIN LEVELS (LOWER POSITION). WITHIN A WEEK OF NOTICING THIS PROBLEM, I NOTICE THE STEERING COLUMN SEEMED LOOSE AND WHEN IT WAS DIFFICULT AT TIMES WHEN TURNING LEFT. IN ONE INCIDENT, NEARLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE VEERED INTO MY LANE ON THE FREEWAY AT SPEEDS OF 65 MPH. I HAD TO OVER COMPENSATE THE IMMEDIATE TURN TO AVOID LOOSING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHING. MARCH 13, 2009 - NOISE HEARD WHEN TURNING OR STEE…

Look up ODI 10262706 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

7 mentions · 3.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10220539

WHILE TRAVELING AT 5 MPH BARELY BUMPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME,WHEN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED CAUSING WINDSHIELD TO SHATTER AND DAMAGE TO COMPLETE DASH. *TR TL THE CONTACT OWNS 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING THE DRIVER BARELY BUMPED INTO A VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND BOTH FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE DRIVERS FINGER WAS INJURED. THE WINDOW SHATTERED AND THE DASHBOARD WAS DESTROYED. SHE NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL, CALLED PONTIAC AND THEY STATED THAT THERE WERE NO EXISTING RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER STATED THAT…

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ODI 539694

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON RESULTING WITH ENGINE JERKING AND MAKING NOISE.

Look up ODI 539694 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 712291

WARNING LIGHT CAME ON FOR AIR BAG. DEALER STATED UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS IS. ONLY FIX IS TO REPLACE ENTIRE UNIT FOR $1100.

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

3 mentions · 1.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 539694

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON RESULTING WITH ENGINE JERKING AND MAKING NOISE.

Look up ODI 539694 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 709988

I WAS ON VACATION IN WV. WHEN I SLOWED TO TURN A CORNER I FELT A THUMP UNDER THE CAR AND THE CAR LURCHED TO THE RIGHT. STEERING FELT AS IF THERE WAS A FLAT TIRE. HAD TO PULL HARD RIGHT TO STRAIGHTEN CAR THEN LOST STEERING CONTROL ALTOGETHER. I OBSERVED THAT THE LEFT WHEEL SEEMED TO BE SLIDING OUTWARD WHILE THE RIGHT WHEEL REMAINED VERTICAL.. AT MECHANIC'S THE FOLLOWING DAY WE DISCOVERED THAT THE SUBFRAME HAD RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THE LEFT WHEEL ASSEMBLY HAD FALLEN THROUGH IT. THE STEEL OF THE FRAME HAS RUSTED IN LAYERS - PAPER THIN LAYERS W…

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ODI 742039

RIGHT AXLE BROKE OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION JERKING THE CAR HARSHLY TO THE RIGHT AND INTO A CURB,FRONT RIGHT TIRE WAS PUSHED BACK TO WHERE THE FRONT RIGHT CLIP AND THE DOOR JAM MEET. *AK

Look up ODI 742039 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 703462

I HAVE CONSTANT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAJOR DIFFICULTY STOPPING WHEN PAVEMENT IS WET. MY COMPLET BRAKE AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED ON AT LEAST 3 OCCASIONS. I'VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH LEAKS, RIGHT REAR WINDOW HAS BEEN REPLACED. PROBLEMS WITH VIBRATION WHEN AT A STANDSTILL, ALMOST LOSING POWER. SMELL OF GAS FUMES. PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *AK

Look up ODI 703462 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b