1996 Pontiac Sunfire

201 federal complaints (320 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 3 federal investigations · 84 service bulletins · 11 Canadian recalls
See all 14 model years of the Pontiac Sunfire →
Engine
2.2L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
21 city / 29 hwy
Federal complaints
201
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
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.

Engine & cooling
54
Electrical system
42
Air bags
33
Brakes
31
Power train
23
Lighting
22
Steering
21
Glass & wipers
13
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

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 15 complaints2 years old: 18 complaints3 years old: 26 complaints4 years old: 11 complaints5 years old: 9 complaints56 years old: 21 complaints7 years old: 16 complaints8 years old: 7 complaints9 years old: 3 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 6 complaints12 years old: 4 complaints13 years old: 2 complaints14 years old: 0 complaints15 years old: 2 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 1 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 1 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 164 of 201 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

54 complaint records
"NOISE FROM THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CONTINUALLY, REPLACEMENT OF THE MUFFLER ON TWO OCCASIONS AND TAIL PIPE DID NOT REMEDY NOISE...."- 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

42 complaint records9 fire reports1 crash report
"ENGINE EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, DUE TO PCM FAILURE. PCM WAS REPLACED TWICE 12-4-98 / 4-5-99. *YC..."- 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

33 complaint records1 fire report16 crash reports
"VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL COLLISION AT 40MPH. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED.*AK..."- 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.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
DP03007
opened Oct 2003
closed Jan 2004Fuel System, OtherUNINTENDED VEHICLE ACCELERATION
ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2003, THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) RECEIVED A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 8, 2003 FROM MR.
PE02001
opened Jan 2002
closed Mar 2002Electrical SystemFIRE IN STEERING COLUMN AREA - led to recall 02V070000
EA98001
opened Jan 1998
closed Jul 1998Air BagsOVERSENSITIVE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENTS - led to recall 98V146000
There is no summary currently available

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.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
02V286000SteeringCERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY.Normally free
02V070000Electrical SystemON 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
98V319000SuspensionVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.Normally free
98V146000Air BagsVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE...Normally free
98V027000Interior LightingVEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR THE INTERIOR LAMPS TO COME ON UNEXPECTEDLY WHILE THE VEHICLES ARE BEING DRIVEN. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO.Normally free
96V250000Exterior LightingTHE 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
95V201000Vehicle Speed ControlTHE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE COULD HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING ASSEMBLY CAUSING HIGH ACCELERATOR PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE.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.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2003162
2003-06-24
Airbag224,528Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash.
2002199
2002-11-05
Steering238,877On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
2002041
2002-03-06
Electrical293,250On 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
Engine254,055Note: 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
Engine114,617On 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"...
Show 6 more Canadian recalls
RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
1998247
1998-12-22
Suspension43,247Certain vehicles may have a condition which could result in one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts breaking.
1998136
1998-07-15
Seats And Restraints151,361BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S COMPUTER, THERE IS AN INCREASED RISK OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.
1998023
1998-02-10
Electrical34,777THESE VEHICLES DO NOT COMPLY WITH C.M.V.S.S. 101 - CONTROL LOCATION AND IDENTIFICATION. THE INTERIOR LAMPS MAY TURN ON BY THEMSELVES, FIVE TO THIRTY MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED AND CANNOT BE TURNED OFF BY THE SWITCH.
1996208
1996-12-30
Lights And Instruments33,204THESE 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.
1996094
1996-06-20
Emissions2,020Certain vehicles may not comply with CMVSS 1105 - Evaporative Emissions. Fuel injectors may exhibit leakage of fuel vapour due to a stress of the plastic encapsulant.
1995188
1995-10-20
Engine87THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED (KINKED) DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. A KINKED ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE MAY RESULT IN HIGH PEDAL EFFORT, STICKING CABLE, OR BROKEN CABLE.

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.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIP4723F
Jan 2022
Service BrakesThis 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 SystemThis 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
Electrical SystemThis informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
PIC4696E
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis 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
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
PIC4696D
Sep 2019
EquipmentThis 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
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIC4696C
May 2018
EquipmentThis 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
TiresThis 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
EquipmentThis warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
PIP4723B
Feb 2017
Electrical SystemThis 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
EquipmentThis 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
EquipmentThis 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 CoolingExpanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
000089008E
Oct 2005
Unknown Or OtherSOME 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
VisibilityLEFT OUTSIDE BREAKAWAY MIRROR INOPERATIVE. *TT UPDATE. *TT
010844005A
Oct 2004
EquipmentINFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH
04152004
Apr 2004
Service BrakesVEHICLES 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
SuspensionFRONT SUSPENSION STEER NOISE SMOOTH ROAD TURNS. *MR
00966B
Jan 2004
Service BrakesABS FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT
00966
Jan 2004
Service BrakesANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) FRONT WHEEL SPEED CODES - JUMPER HARNESS. *TT
030730021A
Nov 2003
Power TrainNEUTRAL 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 OtherSOME 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
VisibilityMIRROR VIBRATES AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT
030730021
May 2003
Power TrainNEUTRAL 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
022703
Feb 2003
VisibilityINOPERATIVE MANUAL OUTSIDE REARVIEW MIRROR(S). *TT *JB
020730050
Dec 2002
Power TrainENGINEERING 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
010602012
Dec 2001
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT ON LEAKAGE OF A FEW DROPS OF COOLANT AFTER PARKING THEIR VEHICLE. *TT
291001
Oct 2001
Exterior LightingCUSTOMER CONCERN OF PREMATURE FOG LAMP FAILURE. *TT
010849009
Jun 2001
Electrical SystemSUBJECT REGARDING REVISED INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER (IPC) REPLACEMENT. NLM
000089008A
May 2001
Unknown Or OtherSOME 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 TrainOWNERS 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
SteeringTHIS 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 OtherEXPERIENCING 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
StructureEXHIBITING A RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM GLOVE BOX DOOR OR KEY LOCK CYLINDER. *TT
00010
May 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME CUSTOMERS MAY EXPERIENCE A FAILURE OF THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET LEADING TO EXTERNAL COOLANT LEAKS FROM THE CYLINDER HEAD GASKET TO ENGINE BLOCK JOINT. **MR
99088A
Apr 2000
Engine And Engine CoolingVOLUNTARY 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 CoolingINFORMATION REGARDING ADDITIONAL CORRECTIONS FROM PRIVIOUS CAMPAIGN 99088, CONDITIONS THAT CONCERN ROUGH RUNNING ENGINE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATION. MJS
000524001
Apr 2000
Service BrakesINFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR
99088
Mar 2000
Unknown Or OtherGENERAL 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 TrainSOME 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
StructureON SOME CONVERTIBLE MODELS, THE DOOR RATTLES WHEN CLOSING. *TT
990864015
Sep 1999
VisibilityCONCERNS WITH THE LEFT HAND MANUAL MIRROR NOT ADJUSTING WHEN THE ADJUSTMENT LEVER IS MOVED. *TT
990308004
Aug 1999
SuspensionSUBJECT PERTAINING TO FRONT AND / OR REAR STABILIZER SHAFT SQUAWK / SQUEAK NOISE. *TT
990857019
May 1999
StructureCONDITIONS WITH WATER LEAK AT FRONT HEADER. *TT
990940001
May 1999
Seat BeltsCUSTOMERS MAY COMPLAIN THAT THE FRONT SEAT SHOULDER BELT PLASTIC COVER WILL NOT STAY SNAPPED IN PLACE ON COUPE MODELS ONLY. *TT
990850007
Apr 1999
SeatsSOME CUSTOMERS MAY COMMENT THAT THERE IS A BULGE IN THE MATERIAL ON THE TOP BACKSIDE OF EITHER FRONT BUCKET SEAT. *TT
831522
Dec 1998
StructureREAR COMPARTMENT (TRUNK) LID LATCH DIFFICULT TO UNLOCK / OPEN. *YC
98063
Dec 1998
SuspensionPRODUCT RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS ON VEHICLES HAVING A CONDITION WHICH COULD RESULT IN ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS BREAKING. *TT
98731069
Sep 1998
StructureA RATTLE COMING FROM THE DOOR(S) WHEN THE DOOR WINDOW GLASS IS LOWERED. *YC
636604C
Sep 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCOMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR COLD RAP HEARD ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEM. *TT
731060B
Jul 1998
StructureCONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWS WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE IN VARIOUS AREAS. YD
98636604B
Jun 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingCOMMENTS THAT A METALLIC NOISE ON COLD EXHAUST SYSTEMS. *TT
98636604A
Apr 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingSOME OWNERS MAY COMMENT THAT A METALLIC NOISE OR
98876121A
Apr 1998
Engine And Engine CoolingVEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A CLATTERING NOISE AT IDLE SPEED ORIGINATING FROM THE TIMING CHAIN AND FRONT COVER AREA. *YC
98731616A
Apr 1998
SeatsSEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC
98836539A
Apr 1998
Unknown Or OtherSERVICE ENGINE NOW LIGHT ON OR A NO-START CONDITION. *YC
98731060A
Feb 1998
StructureCOMMENTS ON THE CONVERTIBLE TOP COVER SHOWING WEAR OR PERMANENT DAMAGE. *YC
735018
Jan 1998
Service BrakesCOMMENTS THAT THE REAR BRAKES MAY DRAG/HEAT UP OR REAR OF CAR IS SQUATTING DUE TO AGGRESSIVE REAR BRAKE. *YC
971101731616
Nov 1997
SeatsCOMMENTS THAT THE SEAT BELT LATCH SLIDES TO THE SEAT BELT ANCHOR SLEEVE. *YC

Showing 60 of 84 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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 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.
  5. 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 →