Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1997 Pontiac SUNFIRE: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

190 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

95,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1997 model year. Data updated: . 45 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Steering:Rack And Pinion is the most frequently named component, appearing in 19 of 190 complaints (10.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Steering behavior4021.1%
Braking behavior2613.7%
Electrical and battery issues157.9%
Engine operation84.2%
Fuel system concerns52.6%
Transmission and shifting31.6%

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.

Steering:Rack And Pinion
19
Air Bags:Frontal
18
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
13
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
11
Air Bags
9
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
9
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
9
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Steering:Rack And Pinion19
Air Bags:Frontal18
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine17
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip13
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline11
Air Bags9
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch9
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer9

Steering:Rack And Pinion: 19; Air Bags:Frontal: 18; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 17; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 13; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 11; Air Bags: 9; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 9; Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer: 9

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
2
25,000 to 49,999
6
50,000 to 74,999
6
75,000 to 99,999
12
100,000 to 149,999
13
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0002
25,000 to 49,9996
50,000 to 74,9996
75,000 to 99,99912
100,000 to 149,99913
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 6; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 12; 100,000 to 149,999: 13; 150,000 and above: 6

100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (13). 145 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.

1997
13
1998
28
1999
21
2000
17
2001
12
2002
28
2003
28
2004
17
2005
5
2006
5
2007
6
2008
4
2009
1
2010
1
2012
2
2014
1
2015
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199713
199828
199921
200017
200112
200228
200328
200417
20055
20065
20076
20084
20091
20101
20122
20141
20151

1997: 13; 1998: 28; 1999: 21; 2000: 17; 2001: 12; 2002: 28; 2003: 28; 2004: 17; 2005: 5; 2006: 5; 2007: 6; 2008: 4; 2009: 1; 2010: 1; 2012: 2; 2014: 1; 2015: 1

Pattern summary

Steering:Rack And Pinion leads the component reports. Steering behavior appears in 40 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 26 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues 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 10000815 · 2003-01-08 (January 8, 2003)

1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE ALL OF A SUDDEN, WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AND I HIT A POLE, COME TO FIND OUT THE RACK AND PINION SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I HAD TO HAVE RACK AND PINION REPLACED, THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS, DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF NO PROBLEMS WITH RACK AND PINION, AND WERE OF NO HELP AT ALL. *JB

Owner-reported narrative. 99,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10000815 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10003455 · 2003-01-27 (January 27, 2003)

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.)

Owner-reported narrative. 61,100 miles reported. Look up ODI 10003455 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005569 · 2003-02-09 (February 9, 2003)

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…

Owner-reported narrative. 128,003 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005569 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006262 · 2003-02-03 (February 3, 2003)

LOST CONTROL CAUSING AN ACCIDENT DUE TO A FAULTY RACK AND PINION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. CONSUMER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER ON 02/01/03. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. PH *TR

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006262 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006694 · 2003-02-06 (February 6, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006694 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10007424 · 2003-02-14 (February 14, 2003)

CONSUMER WAS INFORMED NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE REGARDING THE RECALL FOR THE STEERING RACK AND PINION.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10007424 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008101 · 2003-02-25 (February 25, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10008101 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10008377 · 2003-03-04 (March 4, 2003)

I AM FURIOUS ABOUT THE WAY THE RECALL SERVICE HAS BEEN HANDLED ON MY 97 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER PONTIAC. I SCHEDULED FOR THE RECALL SERVICE (RACK & PINION/BEARINGS) TO BE REPLACED ON MY VEHICLE. AFTER MY CAR HAD BEEN AT THE DEALER ALL DAY, I WAS TOLD LATE THAT AFTERNOON THAT THE RECALL PART NEEDED TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE IN FOR 1 TO 2 WEEKS (CLOSER TO 2 WEEKS). I WAS ALSO TOLD AT THAT TIME THAT IT WAS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, DUE TO DANGER REASONS THAT I DID NOT OPERATE THIS VEHICLE, BECAUSE MY VEHICLE WAS SEVERELY D…

Owner-reported narrative. 72,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10008377 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

6 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 ↗
97V106000 · Wheels:Space Saver Wheel

Reported: 1997-06-28 (June 28, 1997)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Consequence: A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
98V032000 · Structure:Body

Reported: 1998-02-25 (February 25, 1998)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.

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

190 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-09-30.

23.7%Usable mileage45 / 190 records
81.6%Valid incident date155 / 190 records
100.0%Valid filing date190 / 190 records
81.6%Ordered incident and filing dates155 / 190 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 …

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189.5%
ODI 10050327

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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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…

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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
Steering:Rack And Pinion99,000–140,706 mi113,527 mi7
ODI 10000815 · 99,000 mi

1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE ALL OF A SUDDEN, WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AND I HIT A POLE, COME TO FIND OUT THE RACK AND PINION SUDDENLY WENT OUT. I HAD TO HAVE RACK AND PINION REPLACED, THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS, DEALER SAID THEY HAVE HEARD OF NO PROBLEMS WITH RACK AND PINION, AND WERE OF NO HELP AT ALL. *JB

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ODI 10009498 · 113,527 mi

THE RACK AND PINION FAILED, WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT TO TURN.*JB

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ODI 10063258 · 87,000 mi

RACK AND PINION STEERING FAILED. AS A RESULT, STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN. *AK

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Air Bags:FrontalToo few reports for a range11,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10118824 · 11,000 mi

THE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 5 MPH.

Look up ODI 10118824 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:EngineToo few reports for a range30,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 10017225 · 20,000 mi

THE VEHICLES ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE AUTO THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHICH PREVENTED THE CONSUMER FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. *NLM PH

Look up ODI 10017225 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10051926 · 30,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH VEHICLE STALLED. CONSUMER MANAGED TO PULL OVER ,AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM.*AK *MR

Look up ODI 10051926 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10052893 · 47,000 mi

MY BROTHER OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE WITH ONLY 47,000 MILES ON IT AND THE ENGINE SEIZED (NEEDING ENGINE REPLACED ESTIMATED COST $3,500). I UNDERSTAND THE CAR IS ABOUT 6 YEARS OLD BUT THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN MINIMAL MILES. GM DEALERSHIP DID A DIAGNOSIS COSTING US $289 AND CONCLUDED PER THE INVOICE: PERFORM TEAR DOWN ON ENGINE - REMOVE VALVE COVER AND FOUND VALVE SPRING ON #2 CYLINDER BROKEN - REMOVE CYLINDER HEAD AND FOUND HEAD OF VALVE HAD GONE THROUGH TOP OF PISTON AND SCORED CYLINDER WALL. THE DEALERSHIP QUOTED US COST OF THE FOLLOWING: $3,2…

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineToo few reports for a range61,100 mi1 (sparse)
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 ↗

Air BagsToo few reports for a range92,750 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10231846 · 60,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. AFTER IT RAINED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3-4 DAYS, THE CONTACT NOTICED STANDING WATER IN THE FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SHE STARTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT ALL OF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF ALLOWING THE VEHICLE TO DRY OUT, EVERY INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE AIR BAG LIGHT, DIMMED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT INSPECT THE VEHICLE FOR LESS THAN $350. THE CONTACT NO LONGER DRIVES THE VEHICLE BECAUSE SHE FEARS FOR …

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Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchToo few reports for a range99,000 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10057474 · 107,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE AT MODERATE SPEED VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. IGNITION SWITCH WOULDN'T SHUT OFF, AND EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS INEFFECTIVE. VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF A POLICE CRUISER TO STOP. CONSUMER CALLED 911 FOR HELP. *AK

Look up ODI 10057474 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10172140 · 91,000 mi

PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2001. THE '97 SUNFIRE WAS PRETTY RELIABLE VEHICLE, I HAD GOT REPAIRS OCCASIONALLY FOR THIS AND THAT. HOWEVER, I NEVER KNEW THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO THE VEHICLE UNTIL THIS PAST JUNE THE VEHICLE BROKE DOWN. AFTER GETTING THE CAR TOWED AND CONSULTING A MECHANIC, WHO ADVISED ME THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM BURNED UP THE IGNITION WIRES AND IT WOULD COST ME 5-6 HUNDRED TO REPAIR. I WOULD APPRECIATE MORE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PROBLEM AND IF THE RECALL IS STILL IN EFFECT. *JB

Look up ODI 10172140 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10182664 · 131,746 mi

1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE WITH A SAFETY RECALL PROBLEM**CC THE VEHICLES IGNITION SWITCH WAS RECALLED. THE CONSUMER HAS REPLACED THE IGNITION SWITCH TWICE PRIOR TO RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE CONSUMER NEVER RECEIVED REIMBURSEMENT FOR EITHER REPAIR. *NM

Look up ODI 10182664 at NHTSA ↗

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/WasherToo few reports for a range110,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10102187 · 110,000 mi

WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT PARK IN THE DOWN POSITION. THE PARK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE WILL ONLY PARK CORRECTLY IF THE WIPERS HAVE BEEN RUNNING AT FULL SPEED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. I HAVE SEEN AT LEAST TWO OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD AND IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT/TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD SWITH TWICE BECAUSE …

Look up ODI 10102187 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

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

1 reports2024-102026-09

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
2024-100None

No examples available for this selection.

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.

2026-09 (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
ComponentSteering:Rack And PinionAir Bags:FrontalEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineAir BagsElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchVisibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer
Steering:Rack And Pinion—0000000
Air Bags:Frontal0—000000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine00—
1
ODI 715187

THIS CAR HAS BEEN MORE TROUBLE THAN IT IS WORTH. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE ALREADY AND NEED TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN ALREADY. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT I HAVE ANOTHER CRAKED HEAD GASKET, I REPLACED ONE TWO YEARS AGO JUST AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF THE TIME EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED! *AK

Look up ODI 715187 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 518293

FRONT END MISALIGNED.

Look up ODI 518293 at NHTSA ↗

000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip00
1
ODI 715187

THIS CAR HAS BEEN MORE TROUBLE THAN IT IS WORTH. I HAVE REPLACED THE BRAKES AND ROTORS TWICE ALREADY AND NEED TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN ALREADY. I FOUND OUT TODAY THAT I HAVE ANOTHER CRAKED HEAD GASKET, I REPLACED ONE TWO YEARS AGO JUST AFTER I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE ENGINE COOLANT LIGHT STAYS ON MOST OF THE TIME EVEN WHEN THE TANK IS FULL. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED! *AK

Look up ODI 715187 at NHTSA ↗

—0000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline00
1
ODI 518293

FRONT END MISALIGNED.

Look up ODI 518293 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Air Bags00000—00
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch000000—0
Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer0000000—

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.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Stalling or loss of power

11 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 32,290 mi (4 usable records).

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.)

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ODI 10011759

THE CONSUMER DIDN'T RECEIVE RECALL REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE DEALER NOT HAVING THE TOOL. (RECALL #02V286000/STEERING RACK AND PINION) THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE DUE TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING WHILE TURNING LEFT. THE CONSUMER HAS DEMANDED REIMBURSEMENT OF THE VEHICLE AT BLUE BOOK VALUE AND THE TOWING FEE. MR SCC

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ODI 10017225 · 20,000 mi

THE VEHICLES ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. IN ADDITION, THE AUTO THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHICH PREVENTED THE CONSUMER FROM STARTING THE VEHICLE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES. *NLM PH

Look up ODI 10017225 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

11 mentions · 5.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 62,790 mi (2 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10009730

POWER STEERING GEAR DEFECT RECALL TO REPLACE THE LOWER PINION BEARING. DEALER NEEDED TO HAVE VEHICLE FOR UP TO 2 WEEKS IN ORDER TO PERFORM RECALL REPAIRS. RECALL STATED REPAIRS WOULD TAKE FROM 30 MINUTES TO 2-1/2 HOURS. CONSUMER FOUND DEALER'S REPAIR TIME FRAME UNACCEPTABLE. *TT *NLM

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ODI 10011332

CONSUMER DISSATISFIED WITH RECALL REPAIRS OF POWER STEERING SYSTEM. HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR A WEEK BECAUSE DEALER DID NOT HAVE THE PART FOR THE RECALL. *SC

Look up ODI 10011332 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

4 mentions · 2.1% of complaints

Median mileage: 87,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10081248 · 80,000 mi

I HAD HEADLIGHT PROBLEMS AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED COMPLETELY, THEN THE HORN FAILED AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS...IT COST ME $1500.00 TO HAVE MY WIRING REDONE AND THE HEADLIGHTS ARE STILL DIM. I ALSO HAVE A PROBLEM WITH MY DASHBOARD LIGHTS COMING ON FOR CHECK ENGINE, BATTERY AND AIRBAG. I TOOK IT TO 2 DEALERS AND NOTHING WITH THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXED. *AK

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ODI 10373531 · 95,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST TWO ENGINES DUE TO HIS ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATING AND WARNING HIM THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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ODI 549669

THE INTAKE VALVE SPRING IN THE 3RD CYLINDER SNAPPED CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO VIBRATE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. NLM

Look up ODI 549669 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

3 mentions · 1.6% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 8008132

CONSUMER STATES WHEN TURNING THE IGNITION SOMETIMES ITS HARD AND SOMETIMES IT WON'T START. DEALER HAS BEEN CONTACTED. NLM

Look up ODI 8008132 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 8009198

WHEN PUTTING KEY IN IGNITION KEY WOULD TURN, BUT VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. TOOK VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC, MECHANIC STATED VEHICLE NEEDED A STARTER AND A BATTERY,BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED, THEN, MECHANIC STATED IT WAS STARTER SOLENOID, REPLACED IT, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRED. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK

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ODI 831721

WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE WOULD STOP FOR NO REASON. THERE WOULD BE NO WARNING. ENGINE WOULD NOT START UP RIGHT AWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENS. *AK

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

Brake response concerns

2 mentions · 1.1% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 538343

ABS BRAKE FAILURE.

Look up ODI 538343 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 895881

WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED UNDER NOMAL STOPPING CONDITIONS PEDAL BECAME HARD, RESULTING IN EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. DRIVER STOPPED VEHICLE WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE. DEALER HAS INSPECTED AND REPAIRED VEHICLE. MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. *AK REPAIR SHOP STATED THE BRAKES WERE WORN, CONSUMER STATES THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME STUCK. *SLC

Look up ODI 895881 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

1 mentions · 0.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10051991 · 39,000 mi

WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL THE CONSUMER COULD HEAR A LOUD POPPING NOISE WHICH CAME FROM THE FRONT END. THE STEERING WHEEL ALSO JERKED AWAY FROM THE CONSUMER. THE CAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM HAS YET TO BE DETERMINE. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED BUT WAS UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. *NLM

Look up ODI 10051991 at NHTSA ↗

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