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 89 of 96 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 33 of 96 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
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.
Electrical system
32 complaint records5 fire reports
"REAR PASSENGER SIDE TURN SIGNAL SOCKET IT IS GETTING VERY HOT AND IS MELTING BULBS AND SOCKET. HAVE REPLACED BULBS VARIOUS TIMES WITH AND WITHOUT PROPER GREASE AND NO CHANGE. *TR..."- 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 →
Engine & cooling
27 complaint records
"CONSUMER STATED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD BLINK SEVERAL TIMES, DEALER INFORMED CONSUMER THAT WAS NORMAL, ALSO THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED.*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 →
Brakes
20 complaint records1 crash report
"WHEN CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES PEDAL BOUNCED BACK AND FORTH. ALSO THERE WAS VIBRATION AND PULSATION. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM. *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 brakes 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA02028 opened Sep 2002 | closed Dec 2003 | Fuel System, Other | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE ODI OPENED EA 02-028 TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS OF CONSUMERS REPORTING THAT THEIR FUEL GAUGE WAS INCORRECTLY DISPLAYING THE AMOUNT OF FUEL IN THE GAS TANK.THE FUEL GAUGE RECEIVES AN ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FROM A FUEL TANK SENDING SENSOR CIRCUIT CARD.A FLOAT ARM IN THE... |
| PE02066 opened Sep 2002 | closed Nov 2003 | Fuel System, Other | ENGINE STALL DUE TO FUEL STARVATION ODI OPENED PE02-066 TO EVALUATE THE SCOPE AND CONSEQUENCE OF ENGINE POWER-LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION INDUCED BY IN-TANK MODULAR FUEL PUMP STRAINER RESTRICTION.THE SUBJECT PUMPS USE AN EXTERNAL ?SOCK? |
| SQ01002 opened Jan 2001 | closed Sep 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | ERRATIC FUEL GAUGE 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.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04V036000 | 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 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004033 2004-01-28 | Electrical | 337,025 | On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. |
| 2001096 2001-04-17 | Lights And Instruments | 99,174 | Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101- Location and Identification of Controls and Displays. |
| 1999155 1999-08-19 | Lights And Instruments | 1,423 | Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 - Control Location and Identification. The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIP4723J Oct 2024 | 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... | |
| PIT5099H Sep 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| General Communication Aug 2024 | SERVICE CAMPAIGN | Electrical System | Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). |
| 18-NA-099 Jun 2024 | Unknown Or Other | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| 24-NA-098 Jun 2024 | Electrical System | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-NA-383 Mar 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| 22-NA-074 Feb 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| PI1394B Jan 2024 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine. | |
| PIP5601B Jan 2024 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. | |
| 17-NA-170 Oct 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| PIT5099G Sep 2023 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| 18-NA-073 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement. | |
| PIP5628G Aug 2023 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5358C Jul 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 17-NA-170 Apr 2023 | Wheels | This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement. | |
| PIP5628F Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 17-NA-073 Feb 2023 | Equipment | This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy. | |
| 01-08-42-001O Feb 2023 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| PIP5628E Feb 2023 | Equipment | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5540J Dec 2022 | Visibility | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| 22-NA-074 Nov 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| PIC5453D Sep 2022 | Unknown Or Other | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. | |
| 22-NA-009 Sep 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIP5640A Sep 2022 | Power Train | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. | |
| 22-NA-009 Jun 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIT5099F Jun 2022 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| PIP5358B May 2022 | Structure | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| 22-NA-074 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system. | |
| 22-NA-009 Mar 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| 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... | |
| 22NA009 Jan 2022 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters. | |
| PIP5628E Dec 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIT3099U Aug 2021 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories. | |
| 010842001N Jun 2021 | Exterior Lighting | This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| PIP5358A May 2021 | Structure | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. | |
| PIP5640A Apr 2021 | Wheels | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission. | |
| PIP5163E Mar 2021 | Fuel System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about engine block of possible cylinder bore damage, scoring or out of round as the possible cause of engine oil consumption, misfire, cylinder leakage or blow by. | |
| 18NA099 Mar 2021 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| PIP5540G Mar 2021 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| PIP5725A Mar 2021 | Equipment | This Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant reductions in driving and fuel use. | |
| 010601011L Dec 2020 | Equipment | This informational bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption. | |
| PIP5628C Oct 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| 18NA099 Aug 2020 | Equipment | This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim. | |
| PIT5099E Jul 2020 | Visibility | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. | |
| PIP5226D Jul 2020 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about finding needle bearings during an oil change. Technician will gain access to the roller rockers to inspect them. Only replace the roller rocker that is missing needle bearings. | |
| PIC5453D Jul 2020 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. | |
| PIC5453C Jun 2020 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. | |
| PIP5628B May 2020 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D | |
| PIP5725 May 2020 | Fuel System | This Preliminary information communicates the use of Winter grade fuel during the warm months of 2020 and the potential rivability issues that it can cause. The ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant reductions in driving and fuel use. | |
| 16NA383 May 2020 | Fuel System | This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up. | |
| PIT3099T Feb 2020 | Equipment | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about installing General Motors Accessory parts/kits. Technicians should refer to Service Information for information regarding most accessories. | |
| 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... | |
| PIP5540F Jan 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| 16NA383 Jan 2020 | Fuel System | This informational bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon... | |
| 19NA273 Dec 2019 | Electrical System | 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. | |
| 010842001M Nov 2019 | Exterior Lighting | This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Replacement Guidelines. | |
| PIP5540E Oct 2019 | Engine | This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. | |
| PIP5601A Oct 2019 | Electrical System | This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. |
Showing 60 of 345 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 1 recall campaign 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 →