FaultScore report
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird with NHTSA between 1995 and 2004. The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
30
Complaints
7
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
5
Injuries reported
Click any bar to open that year's report.
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
0 crashes, 1 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires
3 crashes, 0 fires
2 crashes, 0 fires
0 crashes, 2 fires
Median failure at 81,914 miles
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
| Configuration | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 Pontiac Sunbird 4-DR. | — | — | — | — |
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
STICKING THROTTLE
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
Risk: THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.
SEAT BELTS
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
Risk: THE DOOR FRAME WOULD COLLAPSE. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLYWITH FMVSS 210.
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not always mirror the American ones.
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles do not comply with CMVSS 208 - Seatbelt Installations. Front door shoulder belt guide loops may not provide front seat occupants with proper protection in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front door shoulder belt guide loops for possible cracks. If a cracked guide loop is found, both front door guide loops will have reinforcing plates installed.
Seats And Restraints
VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S.210- SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES. IN A VEHICLE CRASH THE FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER STUD MAY FAIL, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE DOOR FRAME TO COLLAPSE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FAILURE OF THE SHOULDER BELT TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINT TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT. CORRECTION: THE STRIKER STUDS WILL BE REPLACED.
Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMMED WHILE IN REVERSE AND THE CAR HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #823386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, BEGAN AT WIRING HARNESS .
NHTSA complaint #814461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #515876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #807706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
SHOULDER PORTION OF SEAT/LAP BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN UPPER PORTION OF OWNER'S BODY, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #802893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH UNFASTENED, CAUSING HOOD TO FLY BACK/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #484035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS, CONSUMER REQUESTED HELP IN GETTING THE VEHICLE TO RUN. *PH THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND ARE SENIOR CITIZENS WHO NEED FINANCIAL HELP TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY PARTIAL REPAIRS BUT NONE THAT HAVE PERMANENTLY REPAIRED ALL THE PROBLEMS.
NHTSA complaint #10064970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
TIRES
MY WIFE AND I HAD A FIRESTONE "FIREHAWK SS WL" PASSENGER CAR TIRE COME APART WHILE WE WERE TRAVELING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS ON INTERSTATE 5 IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA ON JUNE 25, 2000. WE FILED A CLAIM WITH FIRESTONE TIRE ON JULY 3, 2000 AFTER THE TIRE WAS INSPECTED AT THE LOCAL FIRESTONE STORE WHERE IT HAD BEEN PURCHASED. I WAS REFERRED TO AN "ED" AT THE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TECHNO CENTER AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO RETURN THE TIRE FOR THEIR INSPECTION. SCOTT AT SCOTT & SMITTY'S FIRESTONE, PACKAGED THE TIRE AND SENT IT TO THE TECHNO CENTER IN JUNE 2000. I THEN SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED (1) INCIDENT REPORT, (2) A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE" FROM COURTESY MOTORS (FOR DAMAGES TO THE AUTOMOBILE), (3) A COPY OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRE INVOICE FROM SCOTT & SMITTY'S FIRESTONE (CHICO, CALIFORMIN), AND (4) PHOTOS OF THE TIRE AND DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMOBILE. I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM FIRESTONE AFTER JUNE 27, 2000. I SENT THEM ANOTHER LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2000 AND SENT THE NHTSA A LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2000. I SENT A THIRD LETTER TO FIRESTONE ON JANUARY 2, 2001. TO DATE, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM EITHER ORGANIZATION.
NHTSA complaint #10028705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HAD VEHICLE IN REVERSE & BACKING OUT OF PARKING LOT. THE THROTTLE STUCK & VEHICLE TOOK OFF. VEHICLE HAD FRONT WHEEL DRIVE & THE WHEELS JUST KEPT SPINNING. WILL BE TAKING VEHICLE TO DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #846259 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE OF ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM,CAUSING THE VEHCILE TO SHUTDOWN WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES, AND ALMOST THE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, BUT DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING.
NHTSA complaint #836532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
HEAD GASKET CRACKED.
NHTSA complaint #513228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
ENGINE HEAD GASKET CRACKED, CAUSING THE OIL AND THE COOLANT TO MIX TOGETHER AND LEAK, MAY HAVE CAUSED FIRE OR ENGINE DAMAGES. COMMON PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION AND VIN#.
NHTSA complaint #834661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
WHEN MY COOLING SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING I BROUGHT MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALER THAT I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND WHEN THEY REPLACED THE FAN MOTOR THEY PURPOSLY PUT AN EXTRA WASHER ON ONE SIDE CAUSING THE FAN TO HIT THE RADIATOR WHICH THEN CAUSED MY HEAD GASKET TO BLOW. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM!! I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO A SHOP IN MILLAX AND HAD A DIFFERENT USED ENGINE PLACED IN IT NOW, THIS ENGINE HAS NO ACCELERATION DUE TO A BAD CAM SHAFT, SO I AGAIN HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #700722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMMED WHILE IN REVERSE AND THE CAR HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW.
NHTSA complaint #823386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
THE ENGINE HAS A MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO NOT ACCELERATE VERY FAST. DEALER REPLACED FIRST ENGINE, AND NOW THE SECOND IS MALFUNCTIONING.
NHTSA complaint #820646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO STOP VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE AND HAD A SOFT PEDAL. IN ADDITION, WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN RECENTLY WHEN TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN REVERSE/DRIVE IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR AT ONCE AND THEN LURCHES INTO GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #523063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO STOP VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE AND HAD A SOFT PEDAL. IN ADDITION, WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN RECENTLY WHEN TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN REVERSE/DRIVE IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR AT ONCE AND THEN LURCHES INTO GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #523063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD FLEW OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 55 MILES PER HOUR.
NHTSA complaint #521477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, BEGAN AT WIRING HARNESS .
NHTSA complaint #814461 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
NHTSA complaint #515876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #807706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #807540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
BATTERY REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #510251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
ALTERNATOR REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #510251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOORS COME OPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THEM.
NHTSA complaint #510847 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING
SHOULDER PORTION OF SEAT/LAP BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN UPPER PORTION OF OWNER'S BODY, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL.
NHTSA complaint #802893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
THE TENSION PULLY FOR THE POWER STEERING IS OUT OF ROUND AND THE BELT KEEPS SLIPPING OFF AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE.
NHTSA complaint #984980 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH
HOOD LATCH UNFASTENED, CAUSING HOOD TO FLY BACK/INJURIES.
NHTSA complaint #484035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT CALIPERS WORE OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #501069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT CALIPERS WORE OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
NHTSA complaint #501069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
NHTSA complaint #978301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.