Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

1998 Pontiac SUNFIRE: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

120 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

71,621 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 1998 model year. Data updated: . 32 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 18 of 120 complaints (15.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Engine operation1915.8%
Braking behavior1915.8%
Steering behavior1613.3%
Electrical and battery issues65.0%
Fuel system concerns54.2%
Transmission and shifting32.5%

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.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip
10
Air Bags:Frontal
6
Electrical System
6
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch
6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System
6
Engine And Engine Cooling
5
Steering:Rack And Pinion
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline18
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip10
Air Bags:Frontal6
Electrical System6
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch6
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System6
Engine And Engine Cooling5
Steering:Rack And Pinion5

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline: 18; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: 10; Air Bags:Frontal: 6; Electrical System: 6; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System: 6; Engine And Engine Cooling: 5; Steering:Rack And Pinion: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

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

Under 25,000
3
25,000 to 49,999
1
50,000 to 74,999
12
75,000 to 99,999
6
100,000 to 149,999
8
150,000 and above
2
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0003
25,000 to 49,9991
50,000 to 74,99912
75,000 to 99,9996
100,000 to 149,9998
150,000 and above2

Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 12; 75,000 to 99,999: 6; 100,000 to 149,999: 8; 150,000 and above: 2

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (12). 88 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.

1998
14
1999
13
2000
12
2001
13
2002
18
2003
15
2004
13
2005
6
2006
2
2007
1
2008
2
2009
2
2010
1
2011
2
2012
2
2015
1
2016
1
2017
1
2018
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
199814
199913
200012
200113
200218
200315
200413
20056
20062
20071
20082
20092
20101
20112
20122
20151
20161
20171
20181

1998: 14; 1999: 13; 2000: 12; 2001: 13; 2002: 18; 2003: 15; 2004: 13; 2005: 6; 2006: 2; 2007: 1; 2008: 2; 2009: 2; 2010: 1; 2011: 2; 2012: 2; 2015: 1; 2016: 1; 2017: 1; 2018: 1

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 19 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 19 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 16 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 10001269 · 2002-12-19 (December 19, 2002)

CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT HAVING PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE SEAT BACK COLLAPSE. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. TS VEHICLE WAS REAR-ENDED AND SEAT BACKS WERE THROWN FORWARD THEN COLLAPSED INTO RECLINE POSITION. DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES. *TT

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10001269 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10005710 · 2003-02-11 (February 11, 2003)

THE REAR SEAT BELTS WHEN CAR IS COLD WILL NOT COME OUT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE, WITH SMALL CHILDREN THAT NEED TO BE SEATBELTED.

Owner-reported narrative. 64,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10005710 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10006264 · 2003-02-03 (February 3, 2003)

THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL LOCK UP CAUSING A ACCIDENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10006264 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10011116 · 2003-03-07 (March 7, 2003)

RECALL #02-V-286-000 THE RECALL REGARDING THE RACK AND PINION FAILED, AFTER THE RECALL WAS PERFORMED.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10011116 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10014345 · 2003-04-14 (April 14, 2003)

ON 9/5/02 MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLY DESTROYED IT. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED WHEN I WAS SLOWLY MAKING A LEFT TURN, SUDDENLY I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER MAKING IT VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAR DUE TO HIGH RESISTANCE. I WAS GOING SOUTH, AND WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE LEFT TURN, NORTH BOUND WAS FREE AND CLEAR, BUT BECAUSE THE LENGTH OF TIME I SPENT TRYING TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, ANOTHER CAR GOING NORTH APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS AND COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE OTHER CAR CAUSING THE CRASH. I SPENT MY ENTIRE SAVINGS TO PURCHASE T…

Owner-reported narrative. 51,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10014345 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10016442 · 2003-04-24 (April 24, 2003)

MARCH 24, 2003 DEAR SIRS, I RECENTLY HAD A WATER PUMP FAILURE ON MY 1998 SUNFIRE CONVERTIBLE. THE CAR HAS HAD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT A YEAR, I THOUGHT IT WAS AN ALTERNATOR BEARING. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN A GM DEALER TWICE IN THAT TIME FOR OIL CHANGES AND OF ALL THE THINGS THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO SELL ME THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE WATER PUMP. ON THE NIGHT OF FRIDAY, MARCH 14TH THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND THE NOISE INCREASED. I LIVE IN SOUTH LYON, MI AND THE CLOSEST PONTIAC DEALER IS WALDECKER IN …

Owner-reported narrative. 42,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10016442 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10020534 · 2003-05-26 (May 26, 2003)

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

Owner-reported narrative. 77,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10020534 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10029932 · 2003-08-07 (August 7, 2003)

CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE EGR VALVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHILE DRIVING THE EGR VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO ROUGH OR STALL WITHOUT WARNING. *PH *NLM

Owner-reported narrative. 52,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10029932 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

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

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 ↗
04V036000 · Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Reported: 2004-01-27 (January 27, 2004)

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. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
97V219000 · Wheels:Lugs/Nuts/Bolts/Studs

Reported: 1997-11-24 (November 24, 1997)

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS.

Consequence: THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF ALL WHEEL NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN ANY THAT MAY BE BELOW REQUIRED TORQUE.

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

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

26.7%Usable mileage32 / 120 records
83.3%Valid incident date100 / 120 records
100.0%Valid filing date120 / 120 records
81.7%Ordered incident and filing dates98 / 120 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

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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.

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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

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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…

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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

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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

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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

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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
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipToo few reports for a range39,500 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10065399 · 2,000 mi

ABS BRAKES FAILED 50% OF THE TIME WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, BUT THEN THE FRONT BRAKES RELEASED, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD. REAR BRAKES WERE THE ONLY BRAKES STOPPING THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ONLY PERFORMED A BRAKE ADJUSTMENT. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

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Electrical SystemToo few reports for a range112,500 mi4 (sparse)
ODI 10291910 · 192,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS BLOWING 30 AMP FUSE GOING TO REAR DEFOGGER GRID. FOUND MELTED INSULATION ON 12 VOLT LINE AND GROUND RESULTING IN SHORT CIRCUIT. DEFOGGER GRID STILL DRAWING ENOUGH CURRENT TO MELT INSULATION OF 12 VOLT LINE. DISCONNECTED REAR DEFOGGER GRID TO PREVENT POSSIBLE FIRE IN DASH. *TR

Look up ODI 10291910 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10407734 · 60,000 mi

1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE GT ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM WON'T DISENGAGE, CAR IS DEAD. (WHEN THE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM IS TRIGGERED, THE FUEL PUMP IS SHUT OFF) IT MAY HAVE BEEN TRIGGERED BY USING A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL KEY. FOLLOWING MANUFACTURER'S INSTRUCTIONS (TURN ON IIGNITION FOR 10 MIN, TURN OFF AND TURN ON AGAIN) DOESN'T WORK. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THAT THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM WITH SUNFIRE AND OTHER GM CARS. I WOULD LIKE GM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR THE FAULTY SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10407734 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10919968 · 56,000 mi

BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HAZARD LIGHTS, AND REAR DEFROSTER ALL STOPPED FUNCTIONING. PROBLEM INITIALLY HAPPENED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, BUT NOW IS PERSISTENT AND NONE OF THESE ITEMS FUNCTION POSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD.

Look up ODI 10919968 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System:Ignition:SwitchToo few reports for a range57,500 mi2 (sparse)
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 ↗

ODI 10075608 · 50,000 mi

THE IGNITION SWITCH FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. TWO MONTHS LATER A RECALL WAS ISSUED AND PART REPAIRED, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTED. THE CONSUMER IWAS CONCERNED THAT THE VEHICLE WILL CATCH FIRE. *AK

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Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemToo few reports for a range67,000 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10062071 · 24,000 mi

THE TEMPERATURE GUAGE FLUTTERS FROM TIME TO TIME. THEN IT WILL GO ALL THE WAY DOWN TO 0.WHEN IT STARTS TO FLUTTER AGAIN THE ENGINE SEEMS TO BE RACING. THE TACH. GUAGE WILL BOUNCE ABOUT 200-300 PRM. I ALSO NOTICED THAT WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND YOU IDLE THE ENGINE UP TO ABOUT 3000 RPM, IT ACTS LIKE THERE IS A REV LIMITER. IT HAS NEVER DONE THAT UNTILL A FEW MONTHS AGO. THE CHECK ENGIN LIGHT HAS NEVER COME ON UNTIL TODAY. I CHANGED PLUGS AND PLUG WIRES AND IT DIDNT HELP AT ALL. *AK

Look up ODI 10062071 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10197189 · 110,000 mi

COOLANT HAD BEEN LEAKING FOR OVER 3 MONTHS OFF AND ON. PUT IN STOP LEAK FOR A TEMP FIX. HOWEVER DEXCOOL CONTINUED TO EAT AWAY AT MY COOLANT SYSTEM. CAR HAS OVERHEATED ON MANY OCCASIONS. FINALLY ABLE TO USE JB WELD TO FIX LEAK . *TR

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Engine And Engine CoolingToo few reports for a range42,000 mi1 (sparse)
ODI 10016442 · 42,000 mi

MARCH 24, 2003 DEAR SIRS, I RECENTLY HAD A WATER PUMP FAILURE ON MY 1998 SUNFIRE CONVERTIBLE. THE CAR HAS HAD A NOISE FROM THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE FOR ABOUT A YEAR, I THOUGHT IT WAS AN ALTERNATOR BEARING. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN A GM DEALER TWICE IN THAT TIME FOR OIL CHANGES AND OF ALL THE THINGS THE DEALER HAS TRIED TO SELL ME THEY NEVER SAID ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE WATER PUMP. ON THE NIGHT OF FRIDAY, MARCH 14TH THE CAR BEGAN LEAKING ANTIFREEZE AND THE NOISE INCREASED. I LIVE IN SOUTH LYON, MI AND THE CLOSEST PONTIAC DEALER IS WALDECKER IN …

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Steering:Rack And PinionToo few reports for a range75,500 mi2 (sparse)
ODI 10014345 · 51,000 mi

ON 9/5/02 MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLY DESTROYED IT. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED WHEN I WAS SLOWLY MAKING A LEFT TURN, SUDDENLY I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER MAKING IT VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAR DUE TO HIGH RESISTANCE. I WAS GOING SOUTH, AND WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE LEFT TURN, NORTH BOUND WAS FREE AND CLEAR, BUT BECAUSE THE LENGTH OF TIME I SPENT TRYING TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, ANOTHER CAR GOING NORTH APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS AND COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE OTHER CAR CAUSING THE CRASH. I SPENT MY ENTIRE SAVINGS TO PURCHASE T…

Look up ODI 10014345 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168870 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS AGO, WHEN TURNING LEFT, A POP WAS HEARD IN THE STEERING COLUMN. SINCE THAT TIME, THE STEERING HAS BEEN HARDER TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION AND POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10168870 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
ComponentEngine And Engine Cooling:Engine:GasolineService Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited SlipAir Bags:FrontalElectrical SystemElectrical System:Ignition:SwitchEngine And Engine Cooling:Cooling SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSteering:Rack And Pinion
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline—0000000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip0—
1
ODI 872973

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH BEFORE DRIVER APPLIED BRAKE AND HIT REAR BUMPER OF OTHER VEHICLE. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 872973 at NHTSA ↗

00000
Air Bags:Frontal0
1
ODI 872973

VEHICLE INVOLVED IN A REAR END COLLISION, VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT 50 MPH BEFORE DRIVER APPLIED BRAKE AND HIT REAR BUMPER OF OTHER VEHICLE. BOTH AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

Look up ODI 872973 at NHTSA ↗

—00000
Electrical System000—0
1
ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

2
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 ↗

ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

0
Electrical System:Ignition:Switch0000—000
Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System000
1
ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

0—
1
ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

0
Engine And Engine Cooling000
2
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 ↗

ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 729299

I THINK YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN YOU HAVE A 2 YEAR OLD CAR SEEMS TO BE FALLING APART FROM THE INSIDE OUT. I ORIGINALLY OWNED MY CAR FOR 3 MONTHS WHEN THE TEMP. GAUGE ZEROED OUT FROM A SHORTED OUT FUSE. THE NEXT PROBLEM WAS ODOMETER WENT BLANK AND SHOWED ME SYMBOLS IN 05/1999, AND THE ELECTRICAL CLUSTER WAS REPLACED. LATER IN 09/1999, MY COOLANT SYSTEM BUSTED AFTER A VISIT TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE I WAS TOLD THAT CARS ARE OKAY TO REACH THE RED LINE BEFORE IT WILL OVERHEAT. MOST OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS REPLACED AND TESTS DONE. I DID NOT TR…

Look up ODI 729299 at NHTSA ↗

—0
Steering:Rack And Pinion0000000—

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

19 mentions · 15.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 59,121 mi (4 usable records).

ODI 10014345 · 51,000 mi

ON 9/5/02 MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHICH TOTALLY DESTROYED IT. ACCIDENT WAS CAUSED WHEN I WAS SLOWLY MAKING A LEFT TURN, SUDDENLY I EXPERIENCED LOSS OF POWER MAKING IT VERY HARD TO MANEUVER CAR DUE TO HIGH RESISTANCE. I WAS GOING SOUTH, AND WHEN I STARTED TO MAKE LEFT TURN, NORTH BOUND WAS FREE AND CLEAR, BUT BECAUSE THE LENGTH OF TIME I SPENT TRYING TO CONTROL MY VEHICLE, ANOTHER CAR GOING NORTH APPROACHED THE INTERSECTION WHERE I WAS AND COULD NOT AVOID HITTING THE OTHER CAR CAUSING THE CRASH. I SPENT MY ENTIRE SAVINGS TO PURCHASE T…

Look up ODI 10014345 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10029932 · 52,000 mi

CONSUMER WAS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE EGR VALVE. DEALER NOTIFIED. *AK WHILE DRIVING THE EGR VALVE BECAME STUCK IN THE OPEN POSITION WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO ROUGH OR STALL WITHOUT WARNING. *PH *NLM

Look up ODI 10029932 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10047209

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 06/1999 BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 122 MILES. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS IT DIDN'T START. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THE SITUATION. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT? ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE GAS TANK HAD SUGAR IN IT??? SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY FIXED IT I HAD TO PAY $500.00. WHICH I FEEL WAS A DISCREPANCY ON THEIR DIAGNOSIS?? ON 06/00 THE VEHICLE AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND THIS TIME THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS MY BATTERY? A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR KEPT TUGGING AND JERKING. I DRO…

Look up ODI 10047209 at NHTSA ↗

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

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 3.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 39,500 mi (2 usable records).

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 ↗

ODI 10065399 · 2,000 mi

ABS BRAKES FAILED 50% OF THE TIME WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCURRED, VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN, BUT THEN THE FRONT BRAKES RELEASED, AND VEHICLE CONTINUED TO ROLL FORWARD. REAR BRAKES WERE THE ONLY BRAKES STOPPING THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE, BUT ONLY PERFORMED A BRAKE ADJUSTMENT. THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.*AK

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ODI 542278

TRANSMISSION DESIGN ALLOWS FOR THE VEHICLE TO ROLL WHEN RELEASING BRAKE PEDAL ON INCLINES. TRANSMISSION REPLACED FOR THIS PROBLEM AND SLIPPING OUT OF GEAR, HOWEVER CONTINUES TO ROLL.

Look up ODI 542278 at NHTSA ↗

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

Steering assistance concerns

3 mentions · 2.5% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,121 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10115852

NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN 02V286000; GENERAL MOTORS ISSUED A STEERING ASSEMBLY RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN. BUT AT CERTAIN TIMES THE POWER STEERING FAILED WHEN MAKING TURNS, MAKING THE ABILITY TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE DIFFICULT, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.*AK VEHICLE POWER STEERING PERFORMS LIKE IT HAS NO POWER STERING , JUST LIKE RECALL DESCRIBES. DEALER REFUSED TO TAKE ACTION CAUSE VIN IS NOT IN LOT OF #'S RECALLED. *BF

Look up ODI 10115852 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10168870 · 100,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED SIX TO EIGHT MONTHS AGO, WHEN TURNING LEFT, A POP WAS HEARD IN THE STEERING COLUMN. SINCE THAT TIME, THE STEERING HAS BEEN HARDER TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THE RACK AND PINION AND POWER STEERING HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10168870 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10428381 · 66,241 mi

APPARENTLY, THEIR IS A KNOWN ISSUE W/THE 98 PONTIAC SUNFIRE STEERING RACK AND PINION GEAR MAKING IT FEEL LIKE THEIR IS A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER STEERING, EVEN THOUGH THE POWER STEERING PUMP IS WORKING PROPERLY. I PURCHASED THIS CAR IN JANUARY OF 2011 OFF A LITTLE OLD LADY, WHO KEPT IT IN A GARAGE AND BARELY DROVE IT, THE CAR ONLY HAD 51,000 MILES ON IT. SHE ADVISED THAT SHE DIDN'T KNOW OF ANY RECALLS, SO SHE DIDN'T TAKE IT IN FOR ANY OF THE RECALL REPAIRS. I HAVE CHECK THE NHTSA WEBSITE AS WELL AS SEVERAL OTHER REPUTABLE SITES AND HAVE FOUND THEIR…

Look up ODI 10428381 at NHTSA ↗

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

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10047209

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 06/1999 BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 122 MILES. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS IT DIDN'T START. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THE SITUATION. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT? ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE GAS TANK HAD SUGAR IN IT??? SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY FIXED IT I HAD TO PAY $500.00. WHICH I FEEL WAS A DISCREPANCY ON THEIR DIAGNOSIS?? ON 06/00 THE VEHICLE AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND THIS TIME THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS MY BATTERY? A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR KEPT TUGGING AND JERKING. I DRO…

Look up ODI 10047209 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 757958

FIRST THIS CLICKING/POPPING SOUND STARTED COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN YOU TURN IT AT LOW SPEED. THE MECHANIC SAID ITS THE INNER TIE RODS THAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. BUT TO REPLACE THEM YOU HAVE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE STEERING ASSEMBLY BECAUSE THERE MADE AS ONE PIECE. THEN ONE MONTH AGO THE CAR STARTED SHACKING AT IDLE SPEED. IF YOU ARE IN DRIVE OR NUETRUEL AT A STOP LIGHT STANDING STILL YOU COULD FEEL IT SHACKING A LITTLE. THE DEALER SAID IT COULD BE ANYTHING FROM ELECTRIC PROBLEMS TO COIL PROBLEMS. BUT JUST YESTERDAY I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT…

Look up ODI 757958 at NHTSA ↗

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

Hard or delayed shifting

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10047209

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 06/1999 BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 122 MILES. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS IT DIDN'T START. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THE SITUATION. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT? ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE GAS TANK HAD SUGAR IN IT??? SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY FIXED IT I HAD TO PAY $500.00. WHICH I FEEL WAS A DISCREPANCY ON THEIR DIAGNOSIS?? ON 06/00 THE VEHICLE AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND THIS TIME THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS MY BATTERY? A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR KEPT TUGGING AND JERKING. I DRO…

Look up ODI 10047209 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 878255

WHILE GOING 15MPH APPLIED BRAKES & VEHICLE WOULD JERK, AND WOULD FAIL TO STOP. WHENEVER TURNING, VEHICLE WOULD BE THROWN 10 FEET TO WHITE MARKING WHEN USING BRAKES. TAKEN TO DEALER 5 TIMES FOR PROBLEM WHICH WAS SUPPOSE TO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK

Look up ODI 878255 at NHTSA ↗

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

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

2 mentions · 1.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10047209

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE ON 06/1999 BRAND NEW WITH ONLY 122 MILES. WITHIN A FEW MONTHS IT DIDN'T START. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ADVISED THEM OF THE SITUATION. THEY COULDN'T FIND OUT WHAT WAS WRONG WITH IT? ABOUT TWO DAYS LATER THEY TOLD ME THAT THE GAS TANK HAD SUGAR IN IT??? SINCE IT WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY THEY FIXED IT I HAD TO PAY $500.00. WHICH I FEEL WAS A DISCREPANCY ON THEIR DIAGNOSIS?? ON 06/00 THE VEHICLE AGAIN WOULD NOT START AND THIS TIME THEY ADVISED ME THAT IT WAS MY BATTERY? A FEW DAYS LATER THE CAR KEPT TUGGING AND JERKING. I DRO…

Look up ODI 10047209 at NHTSA ↗

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 ↗

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