Owners have filed 169 complaints
about the 2000 Pontiac Sunfire with NHTSA between 2000 and 2020.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 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 — 57
Against the median year of the Pontiac Sunfire. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
20.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 21
13% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2000 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.
Under 1,000 miles
11.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1221.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2544.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
610.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
58.9%
150,000+ miles
712.5%
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 2000peak 25Jun 2020
NHTSA investigations into the 2000 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.
EA02028Opened 30 Sep 2002Closed 30 Dec 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE TANK MOVES ELECTRICAL CONTACTS THAT RUB AGAINST THE CARD AS THE LEVEL OF FUEL RISES AND FALLS.DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SIGNAL (SUCH AS CAUSED BY CORROSION OF THE CIRCUIT CARD) WILL CAUSE INCORRECT READINGS TO REGISTER ON THE FUEL GAUGE.GM REPORTED IN THEIR RESPONSE TO ODI DATED JANUARY 13, 2003 THAT THE PRIMARY CAUSE OF ERRATIC FUEL GAU...
PE02066Opened 6 Sep 2002Closed 3 Nov 2003FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION
ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION.THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ?SOCK? STRAINER TO FILTER FUEL FLOWING TO THE PUMP INLET.THIS FILTER CAN SOMETIMES BECOME CLOGGED, RESULTING IN A REDUCED FLOW OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE.GM HAS SUBSEQUENTLY MODIFIED THE STRAINERS TO REDUCE THIS RESTRICTION.ANALYSIS OF THE ODI COMPLAINT DATABASE SHOWS THAT DESPITE THESE RESTRICTIONS, THE SUBJECT VEHICLES STALL AT A RATE THAT IS COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF MANY PEER VEHICLES.ADDITIONALLY, NONE OF...
SQ01002Opened 26 Jan 2001Closed 30 Sep 2002VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE
Recalls on the 2000 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 2004033337,025 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may 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: Dealer will install a relay kit to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Recall 200109699,174 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101- Location and Identification of Controls and Displays. Vehicles exhibit a condition in which the "Generator Low Voltage" indicator light will not illuminate under low voltage conditions. Correction: Dealers will reflash the vehicle PCM with new calibration software.
Recall 19991551,423 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 - Control Location and Identification. The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays. Correction: Dealers will test the body control module (BCM) for the condition, and if necessary, replace the BCM.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 115,000 milesMckenzie, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DAUGHTER HYDROPLANED, WENT INTO DITCH ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, TRAVELED ACROSS ROAD INTO LEFT DITCH AND HIT TREE, OPENING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DURING CRASH AND TOTALED VEHICLE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY DURING CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10544721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDenison, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, A SMALL FIRE OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL RELATED TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2012
NHTSA complaint #10459348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDenison, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, A SMALL FIRE OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL RELATED TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2012
NHTSA complaint #10459348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLehi, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS MELTED,WHICH DISABLED VEHICLE OPERATION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. HE WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS THAT ADDRESSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10296807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WACrash1 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
NO MEMORY OF THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT I SUSTAINED LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AND MY BOYFRIEND DIED. MY SPECIALISTS OUT OF STATE BELIEVES IT WAS SOMETHING KNOWN AS SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THIS IS A PROBLEM WHY DOES NHTSA KEEP IGNORING THAT THERE IS A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE INSTEAD OF BLAMING THE DRIVERS. I'M STILL FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT THOUGH THE FAMILY HAS NOT PRESSED CHARGES AND HAS BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF ME EVER SINCE. SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE THAT I'M BEING PROSECUTED FOR SOMETHING THAT WASN'T MY FAULT AND WAS CAR DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10197277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEustis, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT:THE CONTACT STATED TWO FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING INTO A GAS STATION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. SHE WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT AT THE TIME. THEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS CORROSION AND WATER IN THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BLACK EYES, A KNOT ON HER FOREHEAD AND BURNS ON HER THROAT AND CHEST. AFTER THE DEPLOYMENT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME WAS LYING ON THE GROUND. SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. IT SOUNDED AS IF SHE RAN OVER GLASS IN THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD INSTEAD OF DEPLOYING OUT TOWARD THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE POLICE OFFICER DID CAME AND TOOK A REPORT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAME TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHO WAS AT FAULT FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS IN TWO PREVIOUS REAR END ACCIDENTS AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT THAT TIME. FROM THE TIME OF HER LAST ACCIDENT IT HAD BEEN ABOUT TWO MONTHS UNTIL THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *AK UPDATE 12/6/2005 - THE ROAD THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10140783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 160,000 milesClover, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
MY CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO, IT HAS SINCE THEN WONT START BACK UP. THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SPARK, THEN TRIED SPARK PLUG WIRES, NEW BATTERY, CHECKED ALTERNATOR AND FUSES, COILS ALL GOOD. THEN I WAS LEAD TO MAYBE THE GAS THAT WAS IN IT. DROPPED GAS TANK, PUT NEW FUEL FILTER, CHECKED FUEL PUMP, GAS LINES, IT DID STAY RUNNING ONE TIME SINCE BUT WAS SHAKING ROUGHLY WITH A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WILL NOT RUN ANYMORE SINCE THEN. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS NOW AND IT IS MY ONLY CAR.. ALSO BEFORE THE CAR STARTED HAVING THE ABOVE PROBLEMS MY BRAKES KEPT GETTING TONS OF AIR ALSO LOSING A TON OF BRAKE FLUID, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND ALL BRAKE LINES ARE GOOD. IT'S DANGEROUS. ALSO HAVE BLED THE BRAKES. NOT MUCH HELP OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY.
NHTSA complaint #11329282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,000 milesClover, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT UNTIL 3 WEEKS AGO, IT HAS SINCE THEN WONT START BACK UP. THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH SPARK, THEN TRIED SPARK PLUG WIRES, NEW BATTERY, CHECKED ALTERNATOR AND FUSES, COILS ALL GOOD. THEN I WAS LEAD TO MAYBE THE GAS THAT WAS IN IT. DROPPED GAS TANK, PUT NEW FUEL FILTER, CHECKED FUEL PUMP, GAS LINES, IT DID STAY RUNNING ONE TIME SINCE BUT WAS SHAKING ROUGHLY WITH A FLASHING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. WILL NOT RUN ANYMORE SINCE THEN. HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE FOR 3 WEEKS NOW AND IT IS MY ONLY CAR.. ALSO BEFORE THE CAR STARTED HAVING THE ABOVE PROBLEMS MY BRAKES KEPT GETTING TONS OF AIR ALSO LOSING A TON OF BRAKE FLUID, ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND ALL BRAKE LINES ARE GOOD. IT'S DANGEROUS. ALSO HAVE BLED THE BRAKES. NOT MUCH HELP OTHER THAN TEMPORARILY.
NHTSA complaint #11329282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesSyracuse, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
"TAKATA RECALL" WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A COUNTY ROAD AND SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND DID NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL SWITCHING BACK TO LOW BEAMS. AFTER INSPECTION, NOTICED THE DAY RUNNERS ALSO WERE NOT WORKING. ALL FUSES WERE PLUGGED IN AND GOOD. REPLACING THE RELAY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED HEREIN.
NHTSA complaint #11001900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 106,000 milesSyracuse, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
"TAKATA RECALL" WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT ON A COUNTY ROAD AND SWITCHING FROM LOW BEAMS TO HIGH BEAMS, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT COMPLETELY DARK AND DID NOT COME BACK ON UNTIL SWITCHING BACK TO LOW BEAMS. AFTER INSPECTION, NOTICED THE DAY RUNNERS ALSO WERE NOT WORKING. ALL FUSES WERE PLUGGED IN AND GOOD. REPLACING THE RELAY DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM DESCRIBED HEREIN.
NHTSA complaint #11001900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 164,283 milesAlliance, NE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURN SIGNALS WOULD INTERMITTENTLY FAIL TO OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS A RECALL THAT INVOLVED A SIMILAR FAILURE (GMC RECALL NUMBER: 03043); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,283.
NHTSA complaint #10959175 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesMckenzie, TNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
DAUGHTER HYDROPLANED, WENT INTO DITCH ON RIGHT SIDE OF ROAD, TRAVELED ACROSS ROAD INTO LEFT DITCH AND HIT TREE, OPENING THE CONVERTIBLE TOP DURING CRASH AND TOTALED VEHICLE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY DURING CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #10544721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMilton, FL
POWER TRAIN
MY DAUGHTERS CAR WAS HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS (NOT ENOUGH GAS GETTING TO THE ENGINE TO START, HAD TO PUMP THE GAS). I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE IN A EMPTY PARKING LOT ONCE IT STARTED. I WAS GOING APPROX 10MPH THE FIRST TIME I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. WHEN I RELEASED THE PEDAL IT STAYED IN PLACE AT FULL THROTTLE. I PUSHED THE BREAKS TO STOP THE CAR AND HAD TO THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE THE THROTTLE RELEASED. SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME!! THANK GOD MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER NEVER PUSHED THE THROTTLE ALL THE WAY DOWN!! I TRIED IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. SOMEHOW THE THROTTLE STICKING IS TIED TO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE, EVERYTIME, THE THROTTLE WOULD RELEASED AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. I DONOT HAVE THE VIN BECAUSE WE TOOK IT TO A SHOP TONIGHT. JUST THOUGHT I SHOULD WARN ANYONE ELSE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAD MY DAUGHTER MEET ME IN THE PARKING LOT AND TOLD HER TO FLOOR IT WITH THE SAME RESULTS, AND AS I THOUGHT WOULD HAPPENED SHE PANIC AND ONLY PUSHED THE BREAKS YELLING "OW GOD, OW GOD. I HAD MY HAND ON THE SHIFTER AND MOVED IT TO NEUTRAL. AGAINST HER WILL MADE HER DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN SO SHE COULD LEARN NOT TO PANIC AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL IN CASE THIS HAPPENS TO HER EVER IN THE FUTURE. SHOULD BE A TRAINING IN DRIVERS ED.
NHTSA complaint #10496555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesMilton, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
MY DAUGHTERS CAR WAS HAVING STARTING PROBLEMS (NOT ENOUGH GAS GETTING TO THE ENGINE TO START, HAD TO PUMP THE GAS). I TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE IN A EMPTY PARKING LOT ONCE IT STARTED. I WAS GOING APPROX 10MPH THE FIRST TIME I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR. WHEN I RELEASED THE PEDAL IT STAYED IN PLACE AT FULL THROTTLE. I PUSHED THE BREAKS TO STOP THE CAR AND HAD TO THROW IT INTO NEUTRAL BEFORE THE THROTTLE RELEASED. SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME!! THANK GOD MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER NEVER PUSHED THE THROTTLE ALL THE WAY DOWN!! I TRIED IT SEVERAL MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME RESULTS. SOMEHOW THE THROTTLE STICKING IS TIED TO THE TRANSMISSION BECAUSE, EVERYTIME, THE THROTTLE WOULD RELEASED AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. I DONOT HAVE THE VIN BECAUSE WE TOOK IT TO A SHOP TONIGHT. JUST THOUGHT I SHOULD WARN ANYONE ELSE WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAD MY DAUGHTER MEET ME IN THE PARKING LOT AND TOLD HER TO FLOOR IT WITH THE SAME RESULTS, AND AS I THOUGHT WOULD HAPPENED SHE PANIC AND ONLY PUSHED THE BREAKS YELLING "OW GOD, OW GOD. I HAD MY HAND ON THE SHIFTER AND MOVED IT TO NEUTRAL. AGAINST HER WILL MADE HER DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN SO SHE COULD LEARN NOT TO PANIC AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL IN CASE THIS HAPPENS TO HER EVER IN THE FUTURE. SHOULD BE A TRAINING IN DRIVERS ED.
NHTSA complaint #10496555 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDenison, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, A SMALL FIRE OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL RELATED TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2012
NHTSA complaint #10459348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesDenison, TXFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UNOCCUPIED, A SMALL FIRE OCCURRED IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND INSTRUMENT PANEL. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS NOT REPAIRED. IN 2005, THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A RECALL RELATED TO THE MOST RECENT FAILURE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: IGNITION: SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000. UPDATED 08/07/12*LJ UPDATED 08/15/2012
NHTSA complaint #10459348 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Lake, MI
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL SOCKET IT IS GETTING VERY HOT AND IS MELTING BULBS AND SOCKET. HAVE REPLACED BULBS VARIOUS TIMES WITH AND WITHOUT PROPER GREASE AND NO CHANGE.
NHTSA complaint #10350456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Grass Lake, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
REAR PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL SOCKET IT IS GETTING VERY HOT AND IS MELTING BULBS AND SOCKET. HAVE REPLACED BULBS VARIOUS TIMES WITH AND WITHOUT PROPER GREASE AND NO CHANGE.
NHTSA complaint #10350456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesMequon, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. UPON STARTING THE ENGINE AT NIGHT, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER BUT THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10321705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 125,000 milesLehi, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE IGNITION SWITCH HAS MELTED,WHICH DISABLED VEHICLE OPERATION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED. HE WAS REFERRED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, AND THERE WERE NO RECALLS THAT ADDRESSED THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA complaint #10296807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 97,000 milesBoscobel, WI
TIRES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS CATALYST V TIRES, MODEL 20555R16 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED ON HER VEHICLE. SHE STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE SUPPOSED TO BE ALL SEASON TIRES; HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT PERFORM PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE CANNOT BE DRIVEN IN THE SNOW BECAUSE THE TIRES SKID AND DO NOT ALLOW PROPER TURNING. THE CONTACT HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REACH THE MANUFACTURER TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE FAILURE. THE DOT NUMBER IS SLIGHTLY SHORTER THAN THE OTHER TIRES AND THE DEFECT OCCURS ON ALL FOUR TIRES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 97,000.
NHTSA complaint #10255741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Beach, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. FUSES REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. ONCE REPLACED BULBS DEFECT WITHIN AN HOUR OR SO. DOME LIGHT OR OVER HEAD LIGHT REPEATS SAME PROCESS. VEHICLE'S BATTERY AND TERMINALS REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE. $$$
NHTSA complaint #10209589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Miami Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT OR BRAKE LIGHT HAVE BEEN REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. FUSES REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. ONCE REPLACED BULBS DEFECT WITHIN AN HOUR OR SO. DOME LIGHT OR OVER HEAD LIGHT REPEATS SAME PROCESS. VEHICLE'S BATTERY AND TERMINALS REPLACED WITH NO CHANGE. $$$
NHTSA complaint #10209589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marysville, WACrash1 injured1 killed
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
NO MEMORY OF THE NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT I SUSTAINED LIFE THREATENING INJURIES AND MY BOYFRIEND DIED. MY SPECIALISTS OUT OF STATE BELIEVES IT WAS SOMETHING KNOWN AS SUDDEN ACCELERATION. THIS IS A PROBLEM WHY DOES NHTSA KEEP IGNORING THAT THERE IS A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM HERE INSTEAD OF BLAMING THE DRIVERS. I'M STILL FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES DUE TO THIS ACCIDENT THOUGH THE FAMILY HAS NOT PRESSED CHARGES AND HAS BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF ME EVER SINCE. SOMETHING IS REALLY WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE THAT I'M BEING PROSECUTED FOR SOMETHING THAT WASN'T MY FAULT AND WAS CAR DEFECT.
NHTSA complaint #10197277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vermillion, SD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY TURN SIGNALS HAVE BEEN ACTING UP LATELY. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH ONLINE, I DECIDED TO FILE THE CLAIM-SEEMS I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I USE MY LEFT TURN SIGNAL, MORE OFTEN THEN NOT IT DOESN'T WORK, MY DASH LIGHTS FLASH AND MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS WILL NOT SHUT OFF. WHEN I USE MY RIGHT SIGNAL, THE DASH LIGHTS FLASH BUT MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS ONLY STAY ON FOR ABOUT A MINUTE. IF I HAVE MY HEADLIGHTS ON (FOR NIGHT DRIVING) THE WIPERS ARE ON CONSTANTLY. ALSO, MY WINDSHIELD FLUID DOES NOT SPRAY. I HAD THE WIRING REPLACED SOME TIME AROUND WHEN I PURCHASED IT 4 YEARS AGO (OLD PART NOT AVAILABLE). IT CORRECTED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR, HOWEVER SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN A COME AND GO ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #10183223 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesSouth Whitley, IN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
VEHICLE: 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS DO NOT WORK; WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PUT IN GEAR, THE LIGHTS "FLICKER" AS THE RELAY FIRES, BUT THE LIGHTS DO NOT REMAIN ON, THEN THE "SERVICE" LIGHT COMES ON. ABOUT 75% OF THE TIME, THE HEADLIGHTS WILL NOT TURN ON, AND IF THEY DO, THE BRIGHT LIGHTS DO NOT WORK AT ALL. YOU CAN "OVER-RIDE" THE SYSTEM BY PULLING THE DIMMER SWITCH BACK PARTIALLY, WHICH THEN ALLOWS THE HEADLIGHTS TO COME ON. I HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLAMP BULBS, AND THE DRL RELAY, BUT THE PROBLEM IS STILL THERE. AS I HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS, I SAW A WEBSITE CALLED "CARSURVEY.ORG" WHERE THERE ARE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME PROBLEM ON SUNFIRES AND CAVALIERS (1998 - 2002). MANY OF THESE COMMENTS SAY THAT ACCORDING TO GM DEALERSHIPS, THIS IS A WIRING HARNESS PROBLEM, AND THAT GM IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM, BUT WILL OFFER NO ASSISTANCE IN CORRECTING IT. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS THIS: DOES YOUR ORGANIZATION HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIE AS A RESULT OF THIS PROBLEM BEFORE YOU WILL GET INVOLVED? I DO NOT KNOW IF THERE HAVE BEEN ANY ACCIDENTS AS A RESULT OF THIS, BUT I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WILL BE. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #10175169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesArnold, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE SERVICE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND DETERMINED THE WIRING HARNESS FOR THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10158743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT A PATTERN OF SMALL (BUT ANNOYING) COMPLAINTS WITH THE 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE I RECENTLY OWNED. I STATE "RECENTLY OWNED" BECAUSE I GRATEFULLY TRADED IT IN LAST WEEK WITH JUST 56,234 MILES ON IT ON A NEW 2006 SUBARU IMPREZA. I BOUGHT THE PONTIAC NEW IN 2000 AND CARED FOR IT UP UNTIL RECENTLY, WHEN PROBLEMS BEGAN CROPPING UP ON IT LIKE SNOWFLAKES IN A BLIZZARD. MY SUNFIRE RAN WELL UNTIL ABOUT SIX MONTH AGO WHEN I BEGAN TO NOTICE A BURNING OIL SMELL FROM ITS VENTS. IT TURNED OUT THAT IT NEEDED A NEW VALVE COVER GASKET THAT WAS CAUSING A MINOR OIL LEAK. ITS EXHAUST SYSTEM WAS ALSO BEGINNING TO RUST OUT. HOWEVER, RECENTLY, A FEW LIGHTS ON THE DASH CLUSTER THAT ILLUMINATED THE CAR'S TACHOMETER AND SHIFTER CONSOLE WENT OUT-NO REASON GIVEN-GARAGE SAID IT WOULD BE A DIFFICULT REPAIR. THEN, ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, THE DIGITAL ODOMETER BEGAN TO GO BLANK AND SHOW SYMBOLS. I HAD HAD ENOUGH, SO I TRADED IT IN LAST WEEK (AFTER REVEALING TO THE DEALER THE PROBLEMS THAT IT HAD). I HOPE THEY CAN FIX IT UP AND PROVIDE IT WITH A NEW OWNER-IT WAS A NICE CAR, BUT I DON'T THINK A CAR SHOULD BEGIN TO WEAR OUT THAT QUICKLY-MY PREVIOUS CAR, A 1993 FORD ESCORT BOUGHT NEW, LASTED ME FOR OVER 120,000 MILES BEFORE I TRADED IT IN ON THE PONTIAC. AGAIN, GM NEEDS TO LOOK INTO ITS QUALITY-NO WONDER THEY ARE LOSING CUSTOMERS (LIKE ME) TO FOREIGN CAR COMPANIES.
NHTSA complaint #10152056 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesEustis, FL1 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
DT:THE CONTACT STATED TWO FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WHILE TURNING INTO A GAS STATION. THIS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED. SHE WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE AND WAS WEARING HER SEAT BELT AT THE TIME. THEE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THERE WAS CORROSION AND WATER IN THE AIR BAG. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED TWO BLACK EYES, A KNOT ON HER FOREHEAD AND BURNS ON HER THROAT AND CHEST. AFTER THE DEPLOYMENT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRAME WAS LYING ON THE GROUND. SHE DID NOT HIT ANYTHING. IT SOUNDED AS IF SHE RAN OVER GLASS IN THE ROAD. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED TOWARD THE WINDSHIELD INSTEAD OF DEPLOYING OUT TOWARD THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE POLICE OFFICER DID CAME AND TOOK A REPORT. THE INSURANCE COMPANY CAME TOOK THE VEHICLE TO SEE WHO WAS AT FAULT FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS IN TWO PREVIOUS REAR END ACCIDENTS AND NEITHER AIR BAG DEPLOYED AT THAT TIME. FROM THE TIME OF HER LAST ACCIDENT IT HAD BEEN ABOUT TWO MONTHS UNTIL THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED. *AK UPDATE 12/6/2005 - THE ROAD THE CONSUMER WAS TRAVELING ON WAS UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10140783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesWalworth, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
MY CAR IS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, AND TWICE WITHIN 12 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS QUIT WORKING , THE 1ST TIME THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD WIRE AND REPLACED IT, WITHIN ONE YEAR IT HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PART WAS ONLY WARRANTED FOR 1YR OR 12,000 MILES OF WHICH THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER THE 12,000 MILES,THEREFORE I AM HAVING TO PAY AGAIN (TWICE IN ONE YEAR ) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS!
NHTSA complaint #10133099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 73,000 milesWalworth, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR IS A 2000 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, AND TWICE WITHIN 12 MONTHS I HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHTS AND THE BRIGHT LIGHTS QUIT WORKING , THE 1ST TIME THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD WIRE AND REPLACED IT, WITHIN ONE YEAR IT HAPPENED AGAIN, BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE PART WAS ONLY WARRANTED FOR 1YR OR 12,000 MILES OF WHICH THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN OVER THE 12,000 MILES,THEREFORE I AM HAVING TO PAY AGAIN (TWICE IN ONE YEAR ) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THIS IS RIDICULOUS!
NHTSA complaint #10133099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.