Owners have filed 257 complaints
about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire with NHTSA between 1997 and 2015.
The largest single group is the steering.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 11 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 86
Against the median year of the Pontiac Sunfire. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
24.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 15
9% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 1997 compares with every other Pontiac Sunfire
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
35.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
712.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
712.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1425.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
1628.6%
150,000+ miles
916.1%
When owners complained
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.
Jan 1997peak 9Jan 2015
NHTSA investigations into the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
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.
DP03007Opened 14 Oct 2003Closed 30 Jan 2004FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
UNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR. DONALD FRIEDMAN, PETITIONING THE AGENCY TO OPEN A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION INVOLVING [MODEL YEAR] 1996 AND 1997 GENERAL MOTORS J-CARS.IN SUPPORT OF HIS PETITION, MR. FRIEDMAN CITED A REPORT HE RECEIVED FOR GM SHOWING IT HAD RECEIVED FAR MORE REPORTS OF ALLEGED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION FOR THESE MODELS THAN FOR OTHERS.AFTER ASSESSING THE DATA CLAIMED BY THE PETITIONER TO JUSTIFY HIS REQUEST, ODI FOUND NO INDICATION THAT DEFECT TREND RELATED...
PE02001Opened 3 Jan 2002Closed 15 Mar 2002ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA
EA98001Opened 23 Jan 1998Closed 31 Jul 1998AIR BAGS
OVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS
Recalls on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2003162224,528 units in Canada
Airbag
Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. The owner’s manual for these vehicles does not provide specific information about this situation. Inadvertent deployment of the driver and / or passenger front airbag in a non-accident (non-impact) situation may cause damage to the surrounding vehicle environment (windshield / instrument panel), and create expensive vehicle repair, including replacement of the airbag module(s) and the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: GM will notify the owners of these 1996 and 1997 vehicles of the potential affect of water accumulating in the vehicle interior on the function of the airbag system (as included in the owner's manuals of 1998 and later model years vehicles).
Recall 2002199238,877 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.
Recall 2002041293,250 units in Canada
Electrical
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. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Recall 2000109254,055 units in Canada
Engine
Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "Check Engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms are ignored the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction: Dealers will seal the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in a protective shield/cover assembly.
Recall 199824743,247 units in Canada
Suspension
Certain vehicles may have a condition which could result in one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts breaking. If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, vehicle control would be affected and a crash could occur without prior warning. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Recall 1998136151,361 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S COMPUTER, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN. CORRECTION: THE SDM MODULE WILL BE RECALIBRATED TO REDUCE THE SENSITIVITY TO SHORT AND MID-DURATION COMMANDED DEPLOYMENTS.
Recall 19980394 units in Canada
Structure
THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 214 - SIDE DOOR STRENGTH. THERE MAY BE MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE MAY NOT PERFORM AS DESIGNED. THIS COULD RESULT IN REDUCED LEVELS OF OCCUPANT PROTECTION. CORRECTION: VEHICLES WILL BE INSPECTED FOR MIS-LOCATED WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, UP TO FIVE WELDS WILL BE PLACED BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS.
Recall 1997125367 units in Canada
Suspension
THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 110 - TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES IN THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN ASSEMBLED WITH RIMS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO DIMENSIONAL AND PROFILE STANDARDS. IF THE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED IT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM. CORRECTION: RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 170,000 milesLouisville, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10678592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLouisville, KYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10678592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST Louis, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST Louis, MOFire
STEERING:COLUMN
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,746 milesConcord, NH1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10182664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,500 milesMilledgeville, GA2 injured
AIR BAGS
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG DEPLOYED WITHOUT IMPACT OF ANY KIND, OR WARNING.
NHTSA complaint #10150667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 170,000 milesLouisville, KYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10678592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesLouisville, KYFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #10678592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST Louis, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesST Louis, MOFire
STEERING:COLUMN
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
NHTSA complaint #10607304 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesMT. Holly, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL TANK RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TO LEAK OUT.
NHTSA complaint #10467573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesElizabeth, NJ
STEERING
HEARD AND FELT A LOUD THUD SOUND FROM STEERING AREA DRIVING HOME. POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE IT IS GONE WHEN TURNING LEFT, BUT TURNS EASIER WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING WHEEL BECOMES OFF CENTERED AT TIMES. ALMOST FEELS AS IF I MIGHT LOOSE CONTROL OF FRONT TIRES DURING TURNS OR AT HIGHER SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10449288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesWitchita, KS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10373531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,128 milesSummerville, SC
TIRES
I HAD 4 DELTA FORTUNE TIRES ON MY 1997 SUNFIRE. 2 OF WHICH I REPLACED IN APRIL, 2009 FOR TIRE SEPARATION. I REPLACED THE THIRD TIRE IN EARLY SEPT. 2009 AGAIN FOR SEPARATION AND TODAY THE FORTH TIRE SEPARATED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO RIGHT-REAR QUARTER PANEL AND TAIL-LIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #10283884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesEvanville, IN
STEERING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE COUPE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN LEFT AT ALL. THERE WAS NO DIFFICULTY MAKING RIGHT TURNS. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE RACK AND PINION. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
NHTSA complaint #10241864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
AIR BAGS
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 HER LIFE DUE TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 09/13/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08
NHTSA complaint #10231846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesLOS Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
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 HER LIFE DUE TO THE DEFECT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 09/13/08. *LJ UPDATED 09/16/08
NHTSA complaint #10231846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 43,000 milesSavoy, TX
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
HAVING TROUBLE WITH FUEL SYSTEM ON A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE.
NHTSA complaint #10227820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 165,000 milesNampa, ID
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V286000 (STEERING:RACK AND PINION) AND REPAIRED AT 135,000 MILES. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, HE COULD NO LONGER MAKE A LEFT HAND TURN AND THE VEHICLE WOULD TURN RIGHT AUTOMATICALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOWER BEARING WAS DESTROYED AND THE COVER FOR THE BEARING WAS MISSING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE AS STATED IN THE RECALL. HE ALSO STATED THAT HE EXPERIENCED NO STEERING FAILURE UNTIL THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. GM STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE. THE PURCHASE DATE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 176,193 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 165,000.
NHTSA complaint #10223014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,402 milesEvansville, IN
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN TO THE RIGHT, BUT NOT TO THE LEFT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED AND IS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 02V286000 (STEERING: RACK AND PINION) DOES NOT APPLY TO HER VIN. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 160,406 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,402. UPDATED 03/05/08.
NHTSA complaint #10212130 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO HAVE IT REPAIRED 6 TIMES FOR WHAT I FEEL IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! MY ENGINE STALLS WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP OR AFTER BEING ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT IDLES ROUGH. I HAVE HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR, FUEL SENSOR REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS, COIL, WIRE TO THE IGNITION MODULE REPLACED. MY CAR STILL RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHEN IDLING IN TRAFFIC, AND WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND TOW FEES. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10203383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO HAVE IT REPAIRED 6 TIMES FOR WHAT I FEEL IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! MY ENGINE STALLS WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP OR AFTER BEING ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT IDLES ROUGH. I HAVE HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR, FUEL SENSOR REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS, COIL, WIRE TO THE IGNITION MODULE REPLACED. MY CAR STILL RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHEN IDLING IN TRAFFIC, AND WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND TOW FEES. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10203383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
IN LESS THAN 1 YEAR I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR TO HAVE IT REPAIRED 6 TIMES FOR WHAT I FEEL IS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! MY ENGINE STALLS WHEN I AM COMING TO A STOP OR AFTER BEING ON THE INTERSTATE AND IT IDLES ROUGH. I HAVE HAD MY CATALYTIC CONVERTER REPLACED TWICE IN THE PAST YEAR, FUEL SENSOR REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS, COIL, WIRE TO THE IGNITION MODULE REPLACED. MY CAR STILL RUNS ROUGH AND STALLS WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, WHEN IDLING IN TRAFFIC, AND WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. I HAVE SPENT OVER $2,000 IN REPAIRS AND TOW FEES. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE.
NHTSA complaint #10203383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesDestin, FL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING IGNITION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,741 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10196584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesDestin, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING IGNITION FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER THREE TIMES AND PLACED ON A DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE. THE FUEL PUMP AND IGNITION SWITCH WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTLY AT THE DEALER. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 46,741 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA complaint #10196584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,250 milesNorth Huntington, PA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED ABOUT SAFETY RECALL # 02V286000 REGARDING RACK AND PINION STEERING. THIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. THE STEERING WHEEL WASA DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER WHEN TURNING LEFT AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SINCE JANUARY OF THIS YEAR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 121,337, AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,250.
NHTSA complaint #10187093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,010 milesN. Huntingdon, PA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RECEIVED 02V286000) FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING. I COULD NOT SAFELY DRIVE CAR. PONTIAC TOLD ME IF THE PART THEY REPLACEDWAS ALSO DEFECTIVE THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX IT PAST 3 MONTHS OR 3,000 MILES. THAT DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. IF THEY REPLACED THE ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE PART WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART SHOULDN'T THEY HAVE TO FIX IT?
NHTSA complaint #10186002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 121,010 milesN. Huntingdon, PA
EQUIPMENT
RECEIVED 02V286000) FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING. I COULD NOT SAFELY DRIVE CAR. PONTIAC TOLD ME IF THE PART THEY REPLACEDWAS ALSO DEFECTIVE THEY WERE NOT OBLIGATED TO FIX IT PAST 3 MONTHS OR 3,000 MILES. THAT DID NOT SEEM RIGHT. IF THEY REPLACED THE ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE PART WITH ANOTHER DEFECTIVE PART SHOULDN'T THEY HAVE TO FIX IT?
NHTSA complaint #10186002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 131,746 milesConcord, NH1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10182664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesCastle Rock, CO
STEERING:COLUMN
TILT STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT LOCK INTO PLACE ALLOWING STEERING WHEEL TO MOVE FREELY UP AND TO THE LEFT. DANGEROUS FOR STEERING DURING NORMAL DRIVING AND IN PARTICULAR IF EVASIVE SAFETY MANEUVERS ARE NEEDED. FIXED AT REPAIR SHOP BUT WAS TOLD THAT THE ENTIRE PIVOT UNIT MAY HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT A VERY HIGH COST.
NHTSA complaint #10177064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,000 milesHammond, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10172140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.