Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 86 of 119 complaints with a usable failure date.
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Engine & cooling
40 complaint records2 fire reports
"THE ANTIFREEZE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE HESITATED, CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS A BAD HEAD GASKET. TS *JB..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Electrical system
31 complaint records13 fire reports
"DEALER TAKING TO LONG TO PERFORM RECALL. RECALL#02V070000 IGNTION SWITCH BUICK 2500 EAST HARDING SHERIDAN, AR 72150 870-534-3020 TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Air bags
15 complaint records9 crash reports
"AIR BAG LIGHT GOES OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY, CONSUMER HAD NO ACCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THIS,BUT CONCERNED THAT AIR BAGS MIGHT DEPLOY . *ET..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE02001 opened Jan 2002 | closed Mar 2002 | Electrical System | FIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA - led to recall 02V070000 |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02V070000 | Electrical System | 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... | Normally free |
| 96V250000 | Exterior Lighting | THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. THIS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." | Normally free |
| 96V003000 | Power Train | THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER TRIM PLATE/BEZEL CAN SAG AND COVER THE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE PORTION (LIGHTED POINTED ABOVE PANEL) OF THE TRANSAXLE SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAY. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. | Normally free |
| 95V141000 | Structure | SOME WELDS WERE OMITTED FROM THE BODY LOCK PILLAR, OR "B" PILLAR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO.208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." | Normally free |
| 95V025000 | Suspension | THESE VEHICLES HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS MISSING FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES CAUSING EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE EXISTING WELDS. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002041 2002-03-06 | Electrical | 293,250 | 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... |
| 2000109 2000-04-28 | Engine | 254,055 | Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. |
| 1999016 1999-02-15 | Engine | 114,617 | On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Moisture entering the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion can cause illumination of the "Check Engine"... |
| 1996208 1996-12-30 | Lights And Instruments | 33,204 | THESE VEHICLES MAY NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 108 - LIGHTING EQUIPMENT. VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE FRONT AND/OR REAR HAZARD WARNING LAMPS (FOUR-WAY FLASHERS) DO NOT FLASH WHEN THE HAZARD SWITCH IS ACTIVATED. |
| 1996005 1996-01-10 | Lights And Instruments | 19,332 | NOTE: VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL TRIM PLATE MAY SAG AND COVER THE LIGHT EMITTING DIODE OF THE SHIFT INDICATOR DISPLAY. |
Show 1 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995023 1995-02-16 | Suspension | 11,971 | THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH WELDS OMITTED FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLIES. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723F Jan 2022 | Service Brakes | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIP4723D Jan 2020 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock. | |
| PIC4696E Nov 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Sep 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIC4696D Sep 2019 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 17NA073 Feb 2019 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIC4696C May 2018 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIP4723C Sep 2017 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| 17-NA-073 Mar 2017 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| PIP4723B Feb 2017 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating software for the Tire Pressure Monitor, Active Fuel Injector tester, multi media tester, PICO Scope, GR8 starting/charging tester and Vehicle Data Recorder tools, giving... | |
| PIC4696B Dec 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| PIC4696A Oct 2015 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco TheftLock. Technician will use the radio to get the scrambled code. | |
| 130089009 Sep 2013 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules | |
| 000089008E Oct 2005 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 030864009A Mar 2005 | Visibility | LEFT OUTSIDE BREAKAWAY MIRROR INOPERATIVE. *TT UPDATE. *TT | |
| 010844005A Oct 2004 | Equipment | INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH | |
| 04152004 Apr 2004 | Service Brakes | VEHICLES MAY SET ANYONE OR A COMBINATION OF FRONT-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CODES AS INTERMITTENT OR HARD FAILURES. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT | |
| 01967 Jan 2004 | Suspension | FRONT SUSPENSION STEER NOISE SMOOTH ROAD TURNS. *MR | |
| 00966B Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 00966 Jan 2004 | Service Brakes | ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT | |
| 030730021A Nov 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 000089008B Sep 2003 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING 1988-2004 CHEVROLET AND GMC LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. *TT | |
| 030864011A Sep 2003 | Visibility | MIRROR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT | |
| 030730021 May 2003 | Power Train | NEUTRAL FLARE AND/OR RPM FLARE WHILE IN DRIVE, NO 1-2 UPSHIFT, SERVICE ENGINE SOON (SES) LIGHT ILLUMINATED, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P1810, DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P1815 SET. *TT | |
| 020730050 Dec 2002 | Power Train | ENGINEERING CHANGES TO THE VALVE BODY, PRESSURE REGULATOR VALVE, 2-3 ACCUMULATOR VALVE AND BORE FOR 2002-2003 MODEL YEAR 4T45E TRANSAXLES AND SUBSEQUENT OVERHAUL PROCEDURES WHICH AFFECT 1995-2001 MODEL YEAR TRANSAXLES. *TT | |
| 291001 Oct 2001 | Exterior Lighting | CUSTOMER CONCERN OF PREMATURE FOG LAMP FAILURE. *TT | |
| 010849009 Jun 2001 | Electrical System | SUBJECT REGARDING REVISED INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) REPLACEMENT. NLM | |
| 000089008A May 2001 | Unknown Or Other | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY WANT TO TOW THEIR VEHICLE BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH ALL FOUR TIRES ONT HE GROUND. THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION REGARDING RECREATIONAL (DINGHY) TOWING FOR CERTAIN VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 1996 THROUGH 2000 TOYOTA CAVALIER. *TT | |
| 990730030A Apr 2001 | Power Train | OWNERS OF SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E OR 4T65-E TRANSAXLES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN STANDING IN PARK ON A HILL OR SLOPE WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE PARKING BRAKE NOT APPLIED. *TT | |
| 150900 Sep 2000 | Steering | THIS MESSAGE CONCERNS VEHICLES EXHIBITING A CLUNK NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. CUSTOMERS MAY STATE THAT A CLUNK NOISE IS HEARD WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. *TT | |
| 000849003 Jun 2000 | Unknown Or Other | EXPERIENCING A RATTLE / SQUEAK IN RIGHT SIDE OF INSTRUMENT PANEL OR RIGHT FRONT DOOR TRIM PANEL SCRATCHED OR RIGHT SIDE END OF INSTRUMENT PANEL CONTACTING DOOR TRIM PANEL. *TT | |
| 000849006 Jun 2000 | Structure | EXHIBITING A RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM GLOVE BOX DOOR OR KEY LOCK CYLINDER. *TT | |
| 98054 May 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SUBJECT REGARDING ADDTIONAL INFORMATION FOR SPECIAL POLICY 98054 - COOLANT LOSS, VISIBLE COOLANT LEAKAGE, OR COOLANT ODOR. **MR | |
| 99088A Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN INVOLVING VEHICLES EXHIBITING SYMPTONS RESULTING IN THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. **MR | |
| 99088REV Apr 2000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | INFORMATION REGARDING ADDITIONAL CORRECTIONS FROM PRIVIOUS CAMPAIGN 99088, CONDITIONS THAT CONCERN ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. MJS | |
| 000524001 Apr 2000 | Service Brakes | INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR | |
| 99088 Mar 2000 | Unknown Or Other | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A VOLUNTARY EMISSION CAMPAIGN INVOLVING VEHICLES EXHIBITING SYMPTOMS RESULTING IN THE ILLUMINATION OF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR THE ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH. *TT | |
| 990730030 Dec 1999 | Power Train | SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HYDRA-MATIC 3T40, 4T60 OR 4T60-E TRANSXALES MAY COMMENT ON A GRINDING AND / OR GROWLING NOISE THAT IS NOTICEABLE WHEN IN PARK ON INCLINE. *TT | |
| 990864026 Oct 1999 | Structure | ON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE DOOR RATTLES WHEN CLOSING. *TT | |
| 990864015 Sep 1999 | Visibility | CONCERNS WITH THE LEFT HAND MANUAL MIRROR NOT ADJUSTING WHEN THE ADJUSTMENT LEVER IS MOVED. *TT | |
| 98054A Aug 1999 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME VEHICLES MAY DEVELOP A FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEADING TO EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS. *TT | |
| 990857019 May 1999 | Structure | CONDITIONS WITH WATER LEAK AT FRONT HEADER. *TT | |
| 990940001 May 1999 | Seat Belts | CUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT PLASTIC COVER WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE ON COUPE MODELS ONLY. *TT | |
| 990850007 Apr 1999 | Seats | SOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS A BULGE IN THE MATERIAL ON THE TOP BACKSIDE OF EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEAT. *TT | |
| 831522 Dec 1998 | Structure | REAR COMPARTMENT (TRUNK) LID LATCH DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK / OPEN. *YC | |
| 98054 Oct 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | GENERAL MOTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT SOME VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2 LITER ENGINES MAY DEVELOP A FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEADING TO EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET TO ENGINE BLOCK JOINT. *TT | |
| 98731069 Sep 1998 | Structure | A RATTLE COMING FROM THE DOOR(S) WHEN THE DOOR WINDOW GLASS IS LOWERED. *YC | |
| 636604C Sep 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR COLD RAP HEARD ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT | |
| 731060B Jul 1998 | Structure | CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWS WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS. YD | |
| 98636604B Jun 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | COMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEMS. *TT | |
| 98636604A Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | SOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR | |
| 98876121A Apr 1998 | Engine And Engine Cooling | VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLATTERING NOISE AT IDLE SPEED ORIGINATING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND FRONT COVER AREA. *YC | |
| 98731616A Apr 1998 | Seats | SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 98836539A Apr 1998 | Unknown Or Other | SERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT ON OR A NO-START CONDITION. *YC | |
| 98731060A Feb 1998 | Structure | COMMENTS ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWING WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. *YC | |
| 735018 Jan 1998 | Service Brakes | COMMENTS THAT THE REAR BRAKES MAY DRAG/HEAT UP OR REAR OF CAR IS SQUATTING DUE TO AGGRESSIVE REAR BRAKE. *YC | |
| 971101731616 Nov 1997 | Seats | COMMENTS THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC | |
| 971101731060 Nov 1997 | Structure | VARIOUS AREAS OF THE VEHICLE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWS WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. *YC | |
| 971101731063 Nov 1997 | Structure | COMMENTS OF A RATTLE NOISE UNDER THE HOOD OR INSTRUMENT PANEL AREA. *YC |
Showing 60 of 86 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Pontiac Sunfire →