2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

3 recalls — 50 complaints

08E063000 Oct 17, 2008
STEERING
DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
Remedy: DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
3,855 vehicles affected
07E021000 Mar 12, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES
CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
742 vehicles affected
04V036000 Jan 27, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
1,415,231 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 20, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-THEFT WARNING INDICATOR KEPT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO START AND, AT TIMES, UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE KEY WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START THE VEHICLE FROM THE IGNITION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BATTERY AND THE IGNITION SWITCH, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SUSPENSION Jan 10, 2017
IN PART DUE TO CORROSION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, IT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN STRUCTURAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE TO MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS WHEN CORNERING AN HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED BY A GM DEALERSHIP AND THE SECOND TIME A FEW YEARS LATER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN AND IT WAS WHEN I HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY TO AVOID A CAR RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THIS WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED EACH TIME AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UN-DRIVEABLE.
STEERING Jan 10, 2017
IN PART DUE TO CORROSION OF THE LOWER CONTROL ARM, IT EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN STRUCTURAL FAILURE RESULTING IN A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. THIS PROBLEM OCCURRED TWICE TO MY VEHICLE. THE FIRST TIME IT OCCURRED WAS WHEN CORNERING AN HITTING A SMALL POTHOLE. I HAD THE CAR REPAIRED BY A GM DEALERSHIP AND THE SECOND TIME A FEW YEARS LATER THIS OCCURRED AGAIN AND IT WAS WHEN I HAD TO STOP ABRUPTLY TO AVOID A CAR RUNNING A RED LIGHT. THIS WAS THE SAME PART THAT FAILED EACH TIME AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UN-DRIVEABLE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED A FOUR VEHICLE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Crash
AIR BAGS Dec 1, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED A FOUR VEHICLE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED OR IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Crash
ENGINE Nov 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM Nov 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
SERVICE BRAKES Nov 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRACTION CONTROL, SERVICE ENGINE AND ABS WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000.
ENGINE Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THE TRACTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM Oct 2, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THE TRACTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
STEERING Aug 21, 2014
CONTACTED A LOCAL AUTO DEALER, CUTTER PONTIAC (WAIPAHU, HAWAII - LEVY, SERVICE AGENT, PH# 808-564-9520) AND INQUIRED ABOUT MY VEHICLES POSTED 3 RECALL ISSUES; IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, & STEERING WHEEL. I EVEN EMAILED AN OFFICIAL LIST OF MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES I WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING, AFTER LEVY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW MY EMAIL,WITH MY RECALL LIST: 1. IGNITION - I WAS TOLD THAT MY CONCERN HAD PAST THE ORIGINAL DATE OF RECALL, 2004 ???, SO DEALER IS UNABLE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE 2. FUEL SYSTEM - I NOTED THAT I SMELLED FUEL BACK A FEW WEEKS PRIOR, I WOULD NEED TO BRING MY VEHICLE DOWN AND THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. 3. STEERING WHEEL - AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NEED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, BUT STILL CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THAT MY VIN, DID NOT SHOW UP ON THEIR COMPUTER LIST I INITIALLY MADE AN A SERVICE APPOINTMENT, BUT CANCELLED ...... AS I WAS NOT PREPARED TO PAY DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO CONFIRM MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES. THANK YOU *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 21, 2014
CONTACTED A LOCAL AUTO DEALER, CUTTER PONTIAC (WAIPAHU, HAWAII - LEVY, SERVICE AGENT, PH# 808-564-9520) AND INQUIRED ABOUT MY VEHICLES POSTED 3 RECALL ISSUES; IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, & STEERING WHEEL. I EVEN EMAILED AN OFFICIAL LIST OF MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES I WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING, AFTER LEVY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW MY EMAIL,WITH MY RECALL LIST: 1. IGNITION - I WAS TOLD THAT MY CONCERN HAD PAST THE ORIGINAL DATE OF RECALL, 2004 ???, SO DEALER IS UNABLE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE 2. FUEL SYSTEM - I NOTED THAT I SMELLED FUEL BACK A FEW WEEKS PRIOR, I WOULD NEED TO BRING MY VEHICLE DOWN AND THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. 3. STEERING WHEEL - AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NEED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, BUT STILL CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THAT MY VIN, DID NOT SHOW UP ON THEIR COMPUTER LIST I INITIALLY MADE AN A SERVICE APPOINTMENT, BUT CANCELLED ...... AS I WAS NOT PREPARED TO PAY DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO CONFIRM MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES. THANK YOU *TR
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Aug 21, 2014
CONTACTED A LOCAL AUTO DEALER, CUTTER PONTIAC (WAIPAHU, HAWAII - LEVY, SERVICE AGENT, PH# 808-564-9520) AND INQUIRED ABOUT MY VEHICLES POSTED 3 RECALL ISSUES; IGNITION, FUEL SYSTEM, & STEERING WHEEL. I EVEN EMAILED AN OFFICIAL LIST OF MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES I WAS TOLD THE FOLLOWING, AFTER LEVY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW MY EMAIL,WITH MY RECALL LIST: 1. IGNITION - I WAS TOLD THAT MY CONCERN HAD PAST THE ORIGINAL DATE OF RECALL, 2004 ???, SO DEALER IS UNABLE HELP ME RESOLVE THIS ISSUE 2. FUEL SYSTEM - I NOTED THAT I SMELLED FUEL BACK A FEW WEEKS PRIOR, I WOULD NEED TO BRING MY VEHICLE DOWN AND THEY WOULD DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, BUT WOULD CHARGE ME FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC CHECK. 3. STEERING WHEEL - AGAIN, I WAS TOLD THEY WOULD NEED TO DO A DIAGNOSTIC CHECK, BUT STILL CHARGE ME. I INFORMED THAT MY VIN, DID NOT SHOW UP ON THEIR COMPUTER LIST I INITIALLY MADE AN A SERVICE APPOINTMENT, BUT CANCELLED ...... AS I WAS NOT PREPARED TO PAY DIAGNOSTIC TESTS TO CONFIRM MY VEHICLE'S RECALL ISSUES. THANK YOU *TR
SERVICE BRAKES Jun 7, 2013
ALL OF A SUDDEN, MY FRONT BRAKES NO LONGER WORKED PROPERLY?! ONLY REAR, EMERGENCY BRAKE AND L FRONT? HAD R FRONT CALIPER COMPLETELY REMOVED AND REPLACED, YET PROBLEM STILL EXISTED?! WAS TOLD SOMETHING COULD BE WRONG WITH GM'S ANTI LOCK BRAKE UNIT INSTALLED INTO THE MASTER BRAKE CYLINDER? COST WAS GOING TO BE AROUND $800.00 TO REPLACE UNIT THAT, ON MY VEHICLE WAS ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO? *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 06/20/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL INJECTION WAS NOT REPLACED. HER HUSBAND REPLACED THE FUSES. UPDATED 06/22/12 UPDATED 8/20/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE USED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL. UPDATED 08/23/12
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE May 18, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE FUSES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST PERFORMED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 116,000. UPDATED 06/20/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL INJECTION WAS NOT REPLACED. HER HUSBAND REPLACED THE FUSES. UPDATED 06/22/12 UPDATED 8/20/12 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE VEHICLE USED AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF FUEL. UPDATED 08/23/12
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 22, 2011
I TOO HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE SE 2.2 AUTO WITH ABOUT 58,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH OF 2002 WITH ONLY 14,937 MILES ON IT. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR TILL NOVEMBER 2004 AT 44,874 MILES, WHEN AN 8 POINT BUCK RAN INTO THE LEFT SIDE FRONT FENDER AND DAMAGED IT, THE HOOD, WINDSHIELD, DRIVER'S DOOR, ROOF, AND BACK DOOR WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, THEN SAT OUTSIDE FOR ABOUT 4 1/2 YEARS. HAD TO INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY, THEN I STARTED DRIVING IT AGAIN EVERY DAY IN NOVEMBER 2009. NOW I HAVE NO HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, LIGHTS ARE GOOD. ALSO, WHEN I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FLASH REAL FAST ABOUT 7 OR 8 TIMES, THEN GO OUT, AND THE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT IF I TURN ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FIRST, IT IS FINE! SERVICE LIGHT GOES OUT AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, UNTIL PUT BACK INTO GEAR WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OFF! I HAVE REPLACED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS RELAY WITH A NEW ONE, BUT IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING, AND IF I LEAVE THE RELAY OUT, THEN WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS, ONE IS NORMAL AND THE OTHER IS REAL DIM!! THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM STEMMING FROM THE DEER DAMAGE AND REPAIRS, BUT I SEE FROM ALL OF THE OTHER COMMENTS ON HERE FROM THE PAST 9 OR 10 YEARS OR SO, THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. WOULD THIS BE THE TURN SIGNAL/DIMMER SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS?? ANY IDEAS?? THANK YOU!!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 22, 2011
I TOO HAVE A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE SE 2.2 AUTO WITH ABOUT 58,000 MILES ON IT. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH OF 2002 WITH ONLY 14,937 MILES ON IT. I HAD NO PROBLEMS WITH THIS CAR TILL NOVEMBER 2004 AT 44,874 MILES, WHEN AN 8 POINT BUCK RAN INTO THE LEFT SIDE FRONT FENDER AND DAMAGED IT, THE HOOD, WINDSHIELD, DRIVER'S DOOR, ROOF, AND BACK DOOR WHILE I WAS DRIVING 55 MPH. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED, THEN SAT OUTSIDE FOR ABOUT 4 1/2 YEARS. HAD TO INSTALL A NEW FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY, THEN I STARTED DRIVING IT AGAIN EVERY DAY IN NOVEMBER 2009. NOW I HAVE NO HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS, LIGHTS ARE GOOD. ALSO, WHEN I PUT THE TRANSMISSION INTO GEAR, THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS FLASH REAL FAST ABOUT 7 OR 8 TIMES, THEN GO OUT, AND THE SERVICE LIGHT COMES ON, BUT IF I TURN ON THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS FIRST, IT IS FINE! SERVICE LIGHT GOES OUT AFTER CAR IS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, UNTIL PUT BACK INTO GEAR WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OFF! I HAVE REPLACED THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS RELAY WITH A NEW ONE, BUT IT STILL DOES THE SAME THING, AND IF I LEAVE THE RELAY OUT, THEN WHEN I TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS, ONE IS NORMAL AND THE OTHER IS REAL DIM!! THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. I THOUGHT IT MAY BE A PROBLEM STEMMING FROM THE DEER DAMAGE AND REPAIRS, BUT I SEE FROM ALL OF THE OTHER COMMENTS ON HERE FROM THE PAST 9 OR 10 YEARS OR SO, THAT THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. WOULD THIS BE THE TURN SIGNAL/DIMMER SWITCH IN THE STEERING COLUMN CAUSING ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS?? ANY IDEAS?? THANK YOU!!
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Mar 12, 2009
2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE RUNNING LIGHTS WILL NOT WORK. THEY WILL FLICKER WHEN THE CAR IS PUT INTO GEAR AND THEN SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS WELL AS THE SERVICE (WRENCH) LIGHT AT THE TIME OF THE RUNNING LIGHTS FAILING. I BEGAN USING THE HIGHBEAMS ONLY (UNTIL I COULD FIGURE OUT THE RUNNING LIGHT) AND THEY WILL NOT WORK NOW. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL STILL FLASH WHEN THE LOCK BUTTON IS USED ON THE KEY REMOTE. I HAVE GOTTEN PULLED OVER FOR MY HEADLIGHTS NOT WORKING BECAUSE MY HIGHBEAMS FAILED IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE NO HEADLIGHTS AND HAVE BEEN READING INTERNET DISCUSSION BOARDS OF MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE IDENTICAL PROBLEM. MANY ARE SAYING THAT GM KNOWS OF THIS PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO RECALL THE PROBLEM. *TR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:HORN Dec 23, 2008
WE HAVE A 2001 SUNFIRE THAT HAS HORN PROBLEMS. SOMETIMES THE HORN WORKS, SOMETIMES IT DOESN'T. WE HAVE TAKEN IT BY DEALERSHIPS AND THEY SAY THEY CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM. WE HAD A 1998 SUNFIRE THAT DID EXACTLY THE SAME THING. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT AND IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE OF THE LOSS OF THE HORN. *TR
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 6, 2008
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE TIMING CHAIN ON MY CAR IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. *TR
TIRES Aug 4, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE VEHICLE HAS COOPER TRENDSETTER SE TIRES, SIZE P195/65R15. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE. AS THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE EXPLODED AND CAUSED THE SIDE SKIRT ON THE VEHICLE TO FALL OFF. THE TIRE FAILURE ALSO DAMAGED THE FRONT BUMPER AND THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE WELL. THERE WAS NO CRASH AND NO PRIOR WARNING. THE TIRES HAVE NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING Feb 23, 2008
HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER A NUMBER OF TIMES (3) FOR MULTIPLE FRONT END LIGHTING SYSTEM FAILURES OF VARIOUS COMPONENTS. FAILURE HAS ALWAYS BEEN LINKED TO ISSUES WITH THE WIRING HARNESS. *TR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 12, 2007
VEHICLE SLIPPED ON ICE GOING APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES AN HOUR, HIT A TREE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. EXTREME DAMAGE, DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE HEAD TRAUMA ON THE RIGHT SIDE FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE COLLAPSING. *JB
Crash 1 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS Nov 28, 2006
TIMING CHAIN GUIDES WENT OUT AFTER ONLY 50,000 MILES. MY MECHANIC SAID THIS IS THE THIRD ONE HE'S DONE LIKE THIS. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 29, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE. UNDER DASH WIRE HARNESS NEEDS REPLACEMENT. SPEEDOMETER, TACH AND ALL OTHER GAUGES FAILED. ALL SAFETY AND DIAGNOSTIC LIGHTS COME ON ... REPUTABLE ELECTRONICS REPAIR SHOP DIAGNOSED PROBLEM AND COST TO REPAIR IN EXCESS $2,000. CAR NOT DRIVABLE, NOT ABLE TO SELL, NOT ABLE TO BE REGISTER IN NY STATE. *NM
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Feb 27, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE ABS ENGAGES. THE ABS NORMALLY ENGAGED WHEN GOING OVER SLIGHT BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND COMING TO A STOP SIGN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE SHOES, PADS AND ROTORS ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE VEHICLE. HOWEVER, THIS DID NOT REMEDY THE ABS ENGAGING. UPDATED 04/17/06. *JB
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM Jan 20, 2006
FUEL GAUGE NOT CORRECT IN AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN TANK. TWICE IN THE YEAR 2005, CAR STOPPED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE ONLY PROBLEM FOUND WAS THAT IT WAS OUT OF GAS AND THE GAUGE WAS NOT SHOWING THIS. WAS ADVISED BY TECHNICIAN TO NEVER LET THE GAUGE GO BELOW 1/4 FULL. HE SAID HE HAD WITNESSED THIS IN OTHER PONTIAC SUNFIRES. *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 25, 2005
MY CAR HAS MADE A TICKING NOISE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT. THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD GET TO THE BOTTOM OF WHAT WAS CAUSING THE NOISE, FOR ME NOT TO WORRY. 63,000 MILES LATER, I DO NOT HAVE A CAR ANYMORE, THE ENGINE BLEW UP. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Oct 6, 2005
ODOMETER DISPLAY IS VISIBLE WHEN FIRST STARTING CAR. AS SOON AS YOU BEGIN TO DRIVE, THE ODOMETER READING BEGINS TO FLICKER. DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE GIVING AN ACCURATE READING EITHER. SHOP STATED THAT NEW DASH ASSEMBLY WOULD HAVE TO BE INSTALLED TO CORRECT ISSUE SINCE ACCESS TO WIRING WAS NOT POSSIBLE.
AIR BAGS Aug 3, 2005
2001 PONTIAC - AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT CAUSES TOTAL WRECK JUNE 28, 2005, CA. 1130 - ON A RIGHT-ANGLE TURN AT LESS THAN 5 MPH INTO A NARROW LANE IN A PARKING AREA AT CONROE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER , CONROE, TX, AT ABOUT 1130 JUNE 28, THE LEFT REAR WHEEL OF MY 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE WENT UP ONTO A 3-TO-4-INCH-HIGH CONCRETE MEDIAN. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO STEER OFF THE MEDIAN, THE RESULTING SLIGHT DROP CAUSED MY AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. THIS DEPLOYMENT CAUSED BRUISES ON BOTH FOREARMS, BRUISED MY LOWER RIGHT RIBCAGE AND FORCED BOTH HANDS BACK OFF THE WHEEL, PREVENTING ME FROM STEERING THE CAR. FURTHERMORE, THE DEPLOYMENT FORCED MY LEGS AWAY FROM THE FOOT CONTROLS. THE DEPLOYING AIRBAG KNOCKED MY SPECTACLES UP ONTO MY FOREHEAD, THE LEFT TEMPLE CAUSING A SMALL CUT AND BENDING THE SPECTACLES SO THEY COULD NOT BE WORN AND HAD TO BE REPAIRED LATER. AS A RESULT OF THIS AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT I WAS TOTALLY UNABLE TO CONTROL DIRECTION OR SPEED. THE CAR LUNGED AT ABOUT A 30-DEGREE ANGLE TO THE RIGHT FOR A DISTANCE OF ABOUT 12 FEET AND SMASHED INTO A PILLAR, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SUSTAIN SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END, SMASHING THE BUMPER AND THE RADIATOR AND CRACKING THE RIGHT PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. PERSONNEL FROM THE HOSPITAL, THE CONROE POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE LOCAL EMS WERE ON THE SCENE IMMEDIATELY. THE CONROE POLICE ASSIGNED A CASE NUMBER 05064218 TO THE ACCIDENT. I AM APPALLED TO THINK THAT THIS SAME ACCIDENT WHICH DESTROYED MY VEHICLE AND HURT ME WITHIN A FEW FEET AT EXTREMELY LOW SPEED MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED AT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AT HIGHWAY SPEED. HAD THE AIRBAGS NOT DEPLOYED THERE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT, AS I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO OPERATE MY VEHICLE PROPERLY. THIS EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN VERY COSTLY IN TERMS OF VEHICLE REPLACEMENT AND PERSONAL PAIN. OBVIOUSLY, MORE THOUGHT HAS TO BE GIVEN TO THE SUBJECT OF AIRBAGS AND SAFETY. A ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL MENTALITY DOES NOT WORK. *JB
Crash 1 injured
WHEELS:RIM May 6, 2005
2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE EXPERIENCING VARIOUS PROBLEMS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE REAR SPRINGS INOPERATIVE. 6 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICEL WAS PURCHASED THE TIRE TREAD WERE BADLY WORN. ONE OF THE WHEELS RIMS WERE ALSO BENT. *NM
SUSPENSION:REAR:SPRINGS May 6, 2005
2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE EXPERIENCING VARIOUS PROBLEMS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE REAR SPRINGS INOPERATIVE. 6 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICEL WAS PURCHASED THE TIRE TREAD WERE BADLY WORN. ONE OF THE WHEELS RIMS WERE ALSO BENT. *NM
TIRES:TREAD/BELT May 6, 2005
2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE EXPERIENCING VARIOUS PROBLEMS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE REAR SPRINGS INOPERATIVE. 6 MONTHS AFTER THE VEHICEL WAS PURCHASED THE TIRE TREAD WERE BADLY WORN. ONE OF THE WHEELS RIMS WERE ALSO BENT. *NM
AIR BAGS Mar 22, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH DRIVER HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. INADVERTENTLY THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED, BREAKING THE WINDSHIELD, AND CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE DASHBOARD. OWNER DROVE THE VEHICLE TO RESIDENCE. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Feb 23, 2005
THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Feb 23, 2005
THE TRACTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN FOR SERVICE, BUT THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. *JB
SEAT BELTS:FRONT Nov 30, 2004
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V036000; PONTIAC ISSUED AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLE'S THAT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK AND 2700 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. *SC *JB
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Nov 30, 2004
NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN #04V036000; PONTIAC ISSUED AN IGNITION SWITCH RECALL. THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO VIN ALTHOUGH THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM AS THOSE VEHICLE'S THAT CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK AND 2700 HUNDRED DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. THE REAR SEAT BELTS DID NOT WORK. *SC *JB
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Nov 8, 2004
THE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE HEAD GASKET NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE Sep 29, 2004
CONTINUATION OF ODI 10093259: REPEATED INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF PASS LOCK 2 ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM. THE PASS LOCK ACTIVATES WITHOUT WARNING RESULTING IN STRANDING OF MOTORIST. GM DENIES DEFECT IN PASS LOCK. HOWEVER, DEALER SERVICE MANAGER STATES THAT, "I KNOW THAT IT WILL HAPPEN SOMEDAY, THAT I'LL GO TO START MY (GM PRODUCT) AND THE PASSLOCK WON'T LET ME." THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT "IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF, IT'S A MATTER OF WHEN" (THE DEFECT OCCURS). THE DLR REFERS TO THE PROBLEMS WITH THE SYSTEM AS "AN ACCEPTABLE PRICE TO PAY FOR HAVING A THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM. INAPPROPRIATE ACTIVATION OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN INCIDENTAL INJURIES TO STRANDED MOTORISTS IF THE INCIDENT OCCURS IN A HIGH CRIME AREA. OWNERS OF VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH PASSLOCK HAVE NO WARNING OF PENDING FAILURES WHICH ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR. IF THE DEFECT OCCURS WHILE TRAVELING FAR FROM ONE'S HOME, THE MOTORIST WOULD BE STRANDED, QUITE POSSIBLY WITHOUT THE MEANS TO OBTAIN REPAIRS TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY. GM SERVICE REPS BLAME THE FAILURES ON "WEAR AND TEAR" OF THE IGNITION SWITCH. HOWEVER, THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO RECALL FOR OVERVOLTAGE DAMAGE TO THE SWITCH. SUCH OVERVOLTAGES ARE ALSO LIKELY TO DAMAGE COMPONENTS OF THE PASSLOCK SYSTEM (I.E. THE HALL EFFECT SENSOR) WITHIN THE IGNITION SWITCH.*AK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE Sep 28, 2004
LOCK ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY DISABLES CAR. SOMETIMES THE SYSTEM WILL RESET ITSELF. THE LAST TIME IT WOULD NOT RESET.*AK
AIR BAGS Sep 1, 2004
AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IN A FRONT-END COLLISION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. POLICE OFFICERS AND EMTS WERE SURPRISED AND QUESTIONED WEATHER BAGS WERE DEFECTIVE. DRIVER RECEIVED SMALL SCRAPE TO FOREHEAD WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD AIRBAGS WORKED. DRIVER AND THREE PASSENGERS WERE WEARING SEATBELTS, SO ONLY MINOR BRUISES WERE SUSTAINED.
Crash 4 injured
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Aug 24, 2004
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONSUMER RESTARTED THE VEHICLE AND DROVE IT HOME. THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED AND REPAIRED. *AK THE CONSUMER TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES TO NO AVAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN STARTED ON THE SIXTH TRY AND DRIVEN IN FOR SERVICE. *TC *JB
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL Aug 5, 2004
PROBLEMS WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE.*MR THE CONSUMER PURCHASE THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALER WITH 340 MILES. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE DRIVER TURNED THE ENGINE OFF TO STOP THE CAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED THE ENGINE WAS STILL RACING. AT THAT TIME THE CONSUMER DECIDE TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A NEARBY DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE AFTERMARKET CRUISE CONTROL WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WAS NOT AWARE THAT CRUISE CONTROL WAS AN OPTION ON THE VEHICLE. *NM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH Jul 28, 2004
CONSUMER RECEIVED RECALL 04V036000 CONCERNING IGNITION SWITCH. CONSUMER COMPLAINED THAT RECALL REPAIRS WERE DONE ONCE, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS Jun 23, 2004
1.)THE "TRAC OFF" LIGHT WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF. 2.) THE FUEL GAUGE GIVES INCORRECT READING. 3.) BOTH REAR POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL UP.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM Jun 23, 2004
1.)THE "TRAC OFF" LIGHT WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF. 2.) THE FUEL GAUGE GIVES INCORRECT READING. 3.) BOTH REAR POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL UP.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP Jun 23, 2004
1.)THE "TRAC OFF" LIGHT WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING. WHEN THIS OCCURS THE STEERING LOCKS UP AND THE VEHICLE TURNS OFF. 2.) THE FUEL GAUGE GIVES INCORRECT READING. 3.) BOTH REAR POWER WINDOWS WILL NOT ROLL UP.
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER May 22, 2004
I OWN AN 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, BOUGHT IT NEW. AFTER 2 YRS OF DRIVING, THE AIR CONDITIONER WENT OUT. THE COMPRESSOR WOULD NOT HOLD A FREON CHARGE. THE MECHANIC SAID IT WAS A FACTORY DEFECT, FREON WAS LEAKING PAST THE O RINGS IN THE COMPRESSOR.*AK NEEDED A NEW COMPRESSOR. APPROX. COST, $ 700.00. THE WARRANTY JUST RAN OUT. I THINK I'LL SEE WHAT FORD HAS TO OFFER.