1991 PONTIAC SUNBIRD

4 recalls, 30 complaints - 5 TSBs

09E012000 Apr 7, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Defect Description
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... Read more
Consequence
DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
16,270 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
06E043000 May 19, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Defect Description
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 CE... Read more
Consequence
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.
Remedy
HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).
88,303 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.
92V003000 Jan 10, 1992
SEAT BELTS
Defect Description
THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
Consequence
THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
Remedy
INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
347,866 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
91V165000 Sep 23, 1991
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Defect Description
FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.
Consequence
THE DOOR FRAME WOULD COLLAPSE. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLYWITH FMVSS 210.
Remedy
REPLACE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT INTERLOCK STRIKER STUDS ON FRONT DOORS.
41,718 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Complaint Statistics

30 total complaints 7 crashes 3 fires 6 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL4
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP1
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Mar 30, 2004
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. *NM
TIRES Jul 21, 2003
Incident date: Jun 25, 2000
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... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Sep 1, 1999
Incident date: Jul 24, 1999
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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Apr 6, 1999
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. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Mar 9, 1999
Incident date: Dec 13, 1996
HEAD GASKET CRACKED.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE Feb 9, 1999
Incident date: Dec 15, 1998
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#. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM Nov 18, 1998
Incident date: Jun 1, 1998
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 ... Read more
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL Jun 9, 1998
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. *AK
Crash
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Jan 14, 1998
THE ENGINE HAS A MALFUNCTION THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO NOT ACCELERATE VERY FAST. DEALER REPLACED FIRST ENGINE, AND NOW THE SECOND IS MALFUNCTIONING. *AK
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION Nov 25, 1997
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. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS Nov 25, 1997
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. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH Oct 9, 1997
Incident date: May 27, 1997
THE HOOD LATCH FAILED AND THE HOOD FLEW OFF OF VEHICLE WHILE TRAVELING 55 MILES PER HOUR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH Jul 29, 1997
WHILE DRIVING AT 30MPH THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE DASHBOARD, BEGAN AT WIRING HARNESS . *AK
Fire 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE Apr 24, 1997
Incident date: Feb 6, 1997
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY Feb 20, 1997
Incident date: Dec 23, 1996
VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, SEAT BELT BUCKLE BROKE DURING ACCIDENT. *AK
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jan 13, 1997
Incident date: Jan 8, 1997
WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES THE VEHICLE SUDDEN ACCELERATED. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY Dec 10, 1996
BATTERY REPLACED 3 TIMES.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Dec 10, 1996
ALTERNATOR REPLACED 3 TIMES.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH Nov 4, 1996
Incident date: Oct 1, 1996
DOORS COME OPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEED WITHOUT PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO THEM. *AK
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WEBBING Oct 21, 1996
Incident date: Sep 20, 1996
SHOULDER PORTION OF SEAT/LAP BELT FAILED TO RESTRAIN UPPER PORTION OF OWNER'S BODY, ALLOWING CONTACT WITH STEERING WHEEL. *AK
Crash 1 injured
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP May 29, 1996
Incident date: May 29, 1996
THE TENSION PULLY FOR THE POWER STEERING IS OUT OF ROUND AND THE BELT KEEPS SLIPPING OFF AND CAUSES LOSS OF STEERING. PLEASE DESCRIBE. *AK
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:HOOD:LATCH May 2, 1996
Incident date: May 14, 1992
HOOD LATCH UNFASTENED, CAUSING HOOD TO FLY BACK/INJURIES. *SD
2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1995
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT CALIPERS WORE OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
Crash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER Feb 29, 1996
Incident date: Jul 1, 1995
DRIVERS SIDE FRONT CALIPERS WORE OUT, CAUSING ACCIDENT. TT
Crash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jan 26, 1996
ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
SEAT BELTS Aug 28, 1995
Incident date: Aug 19, 1995
DRIVERS HEAD HIT SEAT BELT MOLDING WHEN STRUCK ON SIDE. VEHICLE EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WITH SEPARATE LAP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Aug 23, 1995
Incident date: Aug 22, 1995
VEHICLE WAS PARKED PUT GEARS INTO REVERSE, ACCLERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, PUT INTO DRIVE IMPACT 12:00 PSOTION SPEED UNKNOWN. TT
Crash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD Jul 31, 1995
Incident date: Jul 21, 1995
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD, VEHICLE HAD BEEN DRIVEN AND PARKED, WILL PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION. TT
Fire
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY May 1, 1995
THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT LATCH, THE PLASTIC COVER BROKE AND CAUSING THE RELEASE BUTTON TO BE EXPOSED AND THE BELT TO BECOME UNLATCHED. TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS Feb 16, 1995
WHILE DRIVING, MADE ATTEMPT TO STOP BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR, EXPERIENCING EXCESSIVE PREMATURE WEAR TO PADS, WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, HAS REPLACED PADS SIX TIMES

EPA Fuel Economy, 1991 PONTIAC SUNBIRD

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 21.0 29.0 24.0 Regular $2,550
2.0L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 23.0 33.0 26.0 Regular $2,350
3.1L 6-cyl, Automatic 3-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 18.0 25.0 20.0 Regular $3,100
3.1L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 17.0 26.0 20.0 Regular $3,100

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Subcompact Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1991 PONTIAC SUNBIRD

5 manufacturer communications from 5 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

ComponentBulletins
138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW1
010000 STEERING1
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE1
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)1
130089009 Sep 1, 2013
061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)
Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
000524001 Apr 1, 2000
034000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS
INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR
876002A Jul 1, 1998
061100 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE
SOME V6 ENGINES MAY, ON A VERY INFREQUENT BASIS, HAVE AN OIL ODOR CONDITION THAT IS GENERALLY ENCOUNTERED AFTER THE ENGINE'S OIL HAS BEEN CHANGED.TYPICALLY THE ODOR LASTS APPROXIMATELY 1000 MILES AFTER THE CHANGE OF OIL AND THEN DOES NOT RE
438135 Nov 1, 1994
138200 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW
BUZZING SOUND WHEN REAR DEFOGGER IS ON. *TW
433211 Nov 1, 1994
010000 STEERING
CRUNCH NOISE FROM RIGHT SIDE DASH AREA WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *TW

NHTSA Safety Investigations, PONTIAC SUNBIRD

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE87031 Opened: May 13, 1987 , Closed: Aug 5, 1987
PE, Closed , Model Year: 1987
SEPARATED STRNG KNUCKLE
SUMMARY OF INFORMATION FROM MANUFACTURER: GENERAL MOTORS HAS SUBMITED ONE FIELD REPORT PERTAINING TO A CUSTOMER OWNED VEHICLE WITH PROBLEM.ANALYSIS: INSPECTION BY ODI ENGINEER REVEALED A MISSING NUT AND COTTER PIN WHICH HOLDSTHE TIE ROD END TO THE STEERING KNUCKLE. THE HEX NUT APPARENTLY HAD NEVER B... Read more

PONTIAC SUNBIRD - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the PONTIAC SUNBIRD across all model years (1976, 1994).

42 Total Recalls
257 Total Complaints
1 Investigations
37 Reported Crashes
16 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

PONTIAC SUNBIRD - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2000 0 3 View
1999 0 3 View
1998 0 2 View
1997 0 4 View
1996 0 5 View
1995 0 1 View
1994 2 51 View
1993 3 50 View
1992 4 42 View
1991 (current) 4 30
1990 2 15 View
1989 3 16 View
1988 3 4 View
1987 2 9 View
1986 2 6 View
1985 1 4 View
1984 2 8 View
1983 1 0 View
1980 1 0 View
1979 3 1 View
1978 3 0 View
1977 3 0 View
1976 3 0 View

Other PONTIAC Models

Model Recalls Complaints
GRAND PRIX 178 7,320 View
FIREBIRD 96 804 View
GRAND AM 89 8,116 View
BONNEVILLE 61 2,579 View
G6 59 8,415 View
MONTANA 57 1,455 View
LEMANS 53 172 View
SUNFIRE 51 1,643 View