19 of the
128 complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire are about the
braking system — 15% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
6,543 miles.
ON NOVEMBER 12, 2008 I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE THAT I HAD PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 28, 2008. AS THE CAR AHEAD OF ME BEGAN TO BRAKE I BEGAN TO BRAKE AS WELL. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGHT THE BRAKES "GRABBED" CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE A BROKEN FOOT CAUSED FROM PUSHING ON THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10249575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 26,000 milesFour States, WVCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 35-40 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED. THE VEHICLE STRUCK AND DESTROYED THE REAR BUMPER OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. HE WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AN AMBULANCE AND SUSTAINED INJURIES. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 26,000. UPDATED 01/29/08
NHTSA complaint #10213239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 370 milesSauk Village, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
AIR CONDITIONER LOUD NOISE WHILE ON, ABS RATTLING WHEN STOPPING IN NON WET WEATHER. POPPING WHILE TURNING RIGHT. HEADLAMPS DON'T ALWAYS TURN ON WHEN SWITCH IS ENGAGED. ENGINE NOISE AS IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH LIFTERS.
NHTSA complaint #10142228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250 milesBridgewater, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
MEMORIAL DAY 2003, WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP A LOUD GRINGING NOISE; THIS WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE CAR WENT TO DEALER A NUMBER OF TIMES SINCE; THIS HAS HAPPENED 13 TIMES IN 15 MONTHS; MOST RECENTLY ON AUGUST 2, 2004, THAT SAME NOISE AND THE STEERING WAS LOST/TIRES LOCKED. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO DID A 1 MILE TEST DRIVE AND STATED THE CAR WAS FINE AND NEEDED THE ROTORS TURNED AND BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. THIS DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR LOSS OF STEERING OR TIRES LOCKING UP.
NHTSA complaint #10086364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250 milesBridgewater, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
MEMORIAL DAY 2003, WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP A LOUD GRINGING NOISE; THIS WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE CAR WENT TO DEALER A NUMBER OF TIMES SINCE; THIS HAS HAPPENED 13 TIMES IN 15 MONTHS; MOST RECENTLY ON AUGUST 2, 2004, THAT SAME NOISE AND THE STEERING WAS LOST/TIRES LOCKED. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO DID A 1 MILE TEST DRIVE AND STATED THE CAR WAS FINE AND NEEDED THE ROTORS TURNED AND BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. THIS DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR LOSS OF STEERING OR TIRES LOCKING UP.
NHTSA complaint #10086364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250 milesBridgewater, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
MEMORIAL DAY 2003, WHEN COMING TO A QUICK STOP A LOUD GRINGING NOISE; THIS WAS INTERMITTENT AND THE CAR WENT TO DEALER A NUMBER OF TIMES SINCE; THIS HAS HAPPENED 13 TIMES IN 15 MONTHS; MOST RECENTLY ON AUGUST 2, 2004, THAT SAME NOISE AND THE STEERING WAS LOST/TIRES LOCKED. IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER WHO DID A 1 MILE TEST DRIVE AND STATED THE CAR WAS FINE AND NEEDED THE ROTORS TURNED AND BRAKE PAD REPLACEMENT. THIS DOES NOT ACCOUNT FOR LOSS OF STEERING OR TIRES LOCKING UP.
NHTSA complaint #10086364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20 milesJamesville, WI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
WHEN THE BRAKES ARE DEPRESSED IN THE RAIN THEY WILL SKID. VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM OVER THIRTY TIMES SINCE 2002.
NHTSA complaint #10083538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenfield, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW PONTIAC SUNFIRE BACK IN 2002. I STARTED HAVING SEVERAL PROBLEMS SHORTLY AFTER. MY MAIN CONCERN WAS A FOUL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE.THE ODOR WAS SO STRONG IT MADE ME SICK. I HAD TO RIDE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN.WHICH THIS WASN'T NOTICED UNTIL THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN THE TEMPATURES HEAT UP. IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE CHECKED OUT. ON THE SECOND ATTEMPT THEY DICOVERED A LEAK UNDERNEATH THE CAR. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS A CRACK AT THE SEEM AND THEY WOULD REPAIR THE CRACK AND THEN REPLACE CARPET. HOWEVER ONCE AGAIN THE ODOR IS BACK AND THE CAR IS BACK IN THE SHOP. THIS TIME THEY CLAIM THEY FOUND STANDING WATER UNDERNEATH BUT CANNOT FIND A LEAK. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY WILL FIX IT AND REPLACE CARPET ONCE AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN VERY PATIENT UP UNTIL NOW. INSTEAD OF HAVING A NEW CAR SMELL, I DRIVE AROUND WITH A MILDEW SMELL. CORRECT ME IF I'M WRONG BUT MILDEW CAN BE HARMFUL. NEEDLESS TO SAY, IT IS A ODOR THAT WILL NOT GO AWAY.WHEN I EXIT THE CAR I NOTICE THAT THE SMELL STILL LINGURES WITH ME. ALTHOUGH THE CARPET HAS BEEN REPLACED THE SMELL IS STILL VERY NOTICABLE. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THIS VECHICLE SUCH AS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (TWICE), BRAKE LIGTHS, PROBLEMS WITH RADIO AND SPEAKERS,CUTTING OUT WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE (SPUTTERING),TEMPATURE GAGE READING HIGH. I WAS EVEN TOLD THAT THE ROTORS ARE BAD WHICH EASILY COULD BE WEAR AND TEAR BUT I FEEL THEY COULD HAVE BEEN BAD FROM THE GET GO.TO ME THIS IS ALL MINOR, MY MAIN CONCERN IS THE LEAK AND MILDEW.MY CAR WHICH HAS BEEN TO THE SHOP MORE THAN THE GAS STATION SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A LEMON. ESPECIALLY WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES ON IT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT I SHOULD BE GIVEN A REFUND OR A NEW CAR. WHEN YOU PURCHASE A NEW CAR YOU SHOULD BE SATISFIED. IN THIS CASE, MY STORY LEAVES A SOUR TASTE IN MY MOUTH AND NASUSA FEELING IN MY GUT. PLEASE HELP... KIMBERLY STEVENSON.
NHTSA complaint #10082557 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesElkhart, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE SITTING STILL CONSUMER CAN SEE AND FEEL THE ENGINE SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ALSO, THERE IS A PINGING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALER WANTS TO CHANGE THE BRAKE PADS AND TURN THE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10081739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 29,000 milesElkhart, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED OR WHILE SITTING STILL CONSUMER CAN SEE AND FEEL THE ENGINE SHAKING VIOLENTLY. ALSO, THERE IS A PINGING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT END. DEALER WANTS TO CHANGE THE BRAKE PADS AND TURN THE ROTORS.
NHTSA complaint #10081739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesPulaski, VA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
WHEN BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BRAKES MADE A LOUD NOISE, AND EXCESSIVE FORCE HAD TO BE APPLIED TO STOP VEHICLE. THIS WAS CAUSED BY THE ROTORS CONTINUOUSLY CRACKING. DEALERSHIP RESURFACED AND REPLACED THE ROTORS. ALSO WHEN SLOWING DOWN OR AT A COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. DEALERSHIP REPROGRAMMED THE COMPUTER CHIP. IN ADDITION, POWER WINDOWS MALFUNCTIONED. THEY WOULD ENGAGE BY THEMSELVES AND SLIDE UP/DOWN, AND STICK IN EITHER POSITION. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE MOTOR, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS.
NHTSA complaint #10042152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Northfield Center, OH
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR
CONSUMER STATES THAT VEHICLE'S STOPPING DISTANCE HAS GREATLY INCREASED DUE TO DEFECTIVE ROTORS. ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED 3X IN A YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #10029859 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 24,000 milesWorcester, MA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO SLOW MY 2002 SUNFIRE TO MAKE A TURN I LOST MY BRAKES. THE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESISTANCE. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A STOP THEN HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY CLAIMED THAT THE SYSTEM WAS CONTAMINATED BY THE WRONG BRAKE FLUID CAUSING THE SEALS TO FAIL. THE OIL CHANGE FACILITY THAT HAD LAST SERVICED THE VEHICLE HAD NO RECORD OF TOPPING OFF THE FLUID AND INSISTS THAT IT DID NOT TOUCH THE BRAKE FLUID. WARNING LIGHT NEVER CAME ON.
NHTSA complaint #10028899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,543 milesHouston, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
SERVICE BRAKES WORE OUT PREMATURELY, AND DESTROYED THE ROTORS AND OTHER BRAKE COMPONENTS. *AK THE BRAKES SQUEALED AND MADE A GRIND NOISE, THE LEFT (DRIVER FRONT) HUB CAP RATTLED/SHAKED, WATER LEAKED IN THE BACK SEAT. THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID THE METAL BRAKES DIDN'T HAVE PADS. THE FRONT END STEERING SHAKED, THE ROTOR(S) HAD WORN OUT, THE RIGHT INSIDE DOOR PANEL WAS LOOSE, THE SPEAKER HAD GONE OUT, THE POWER STEERING SQUEAKED PER INVOICE, THE AC CHIRPED, AND A WIND NOISE HAD COME FROM THE FRONT DOORS. *SCC
NHTSA complaint #10024762 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesWinchester, IN
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE BRAKES ON MY PONTIAC SUNFIRE 2002 GRINDS, AND WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP IT SOUNDS LIKE THE FRONT END IS COMING APART, I BELIEVE ITS THE BRAKE SYSTEM THAT'S CAUSING THE AWFUL NOISE, ITS EMBARRASSING THAT A NEW CAR SOUNDS LIKE A 1969 PONTIAC FIREBIRD COMING DOWN THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #10018835 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 20,000 milesWinnie, TX
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE TIRE HEATS UP TO THE POINT THAT THERE IS A SMELL OF BURNING RUBBER. THE BRAKES ARE LAGGING WHICH HAS CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE. *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10012328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,950 milesLAS Vegas, NV1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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 THAN I HAVE. HOW CAN I FILE A COMPLAINT AND FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON THE AREAS OF CONCERN WITH THIS VEHICLE. SO FAR, IT WENT OF PARK INTO REVERSE AND HIT ME IN THE HEAD CAUSING INJURY MY DOC IS LOOKING INTO, THE CAR ON THE SAME TRIP COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN, LOSING ALL POWER EXCEPT RADIO, AND THE ABS OFF LIGHT WENT ON. YET TWO DEALERS, MIDWAY IN PHOENIX ON 12.16.02 AND COURTESY IN LAS VEGAS SAY NO PROBLEMS EXIST. COURTESY SILL HAS CAR BECAUSE IT WAS NOT FULLY REPAIRED PER WORK ORDER. I FEEL LIKE I AM IN THE SAME BLACK HOLE I WAS IN WITH THE GRAND AM GT EXCEPT NO SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TO THE VEHICLE LIKE THE ONE I HAD WITH THE GT HAS OCCURRED. PLEASE GUIDE ME ON WHAT TO DO IF YOU CAN. MY WIFE AND I ARE DISABLED AND THIS IS VERY TRYING ON US. ALSO, I AM WAITING PER MY DOCTOR FOR THE FIRST WEEK IN FEBRUARY TO RVIEW X-RAYS AND CAT SCAN F MY NECK. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10000534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bellsville, IL
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE APPLIED BRAKES, AND PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR.CONTACTED DEALER. A ROPE HAD GOTTEN AROUND THE AXLE AND BROKE BRAKE LINE, CAUSING FUEL TO RUN OUT.
NHTSA complaint #8014669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakwood, ILCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
TURNED IN DRIVEWAY AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND I WENT THRU THE GARAGE DOOR. BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK AND I HAD MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL. I CALLED A WRECKER AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE I BOUGHT THIS CAR. THEY DROVE IT AND CHECKED THE FLUID, SAID THEY CHECKED THE BRAKES BUT I ASSUME THEY DID NOT GET INSIDE THE BRAKE SYSTEM. THIS COULD OF HAD BEEN A LARGER PROBLEM IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND COULD NOT STOP. I KNOW MY FOOT WAS ON THE PEDDLE..PLEASE CHECK INTO THIS. I DON'T EVEN WANT TO GET BACK INTO THIS CAR IT SCARES ME.
NHTSA complaint #763832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.