RoadVitals

1991 Pontiac Sunbird

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
27
Latest Mar 23, 2004
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Apr 7, 2009
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
2
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 27 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird, most frequently naming the engine, driver assistance and interior & seats categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 2 NHTSA investigations name it; and 5 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine622.2%
  • Driver assistance518.5%
  • Interior & seats414.8%
  • Seat belts414.8%
  • Brakes311.1%
  • Electrical27.4%
  • Steering13.7%
  • Tires & wheels13.7%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
09E012000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Apr 7, 2009
16,270 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
The risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
SABERSPORTView on NHTSA.gov
06E043000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

May 19, 2006
88,303 units potentially affected
The defect: 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 CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.
The risk: 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.
The 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).
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
92V003000

SEAT BELTS

Jan 10, 1992
347,866 units potentially affected
The defect: THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.
The risk: THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
The remedy: INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.View on NHTSA.gov

Safety investigations

NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.

PE93090ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

Opened Oct 8, 1993
Closed Feb 28, 1994

There is no summary currently available

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
EA92024ClosedEngineering Analysis

STICKING THROTTLE

Opened Jun 26, 1992
Closed Jan 31, 1994

There is no summary currently available

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 27
Filed Mar 23, 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

NHTSA ID
10064970
Tires & wheels
Filed Jul 21, 2003

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 BEEN PURCHASED. I WAS REFERRED TO AN "ED" AT THE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE TECHNO CENTER AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO RETURN THE TIRE FOR THEIR INSPECTION. SCOTT AT SCOTT & SMITTY'S FIRESTONE, PACKAGED THE TIRE AND SENT IT TO THE TECHNO CENTER IN JUNE 2000. I THEN SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED (1) INCIDENT REPORT, (2) A COPY OF THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE" FROM COURTESY MOTORS (FOR DAMAGES TO THE AUTOMOBILE), (3) A COPY OF THE REPLACEMENT TIRE INVOICE FROM SCOTT & SMITTY'S FIRESTONE (CHICO, CALIFORMIN), AND (4) PHOTOS OF THE TIRE AND DAMAGE TO THE AUTOMOBILE. I RECEIVED NO RESPONSE FROM FIRESTONE AFTER JUNE 27, 2000. I SENT THEM ANOTHER LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2000 AND SENT THE NHTSA A LETTER ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2000. I SENT A THIRD LETTER TO FIRESTONE ON JANUARY 2, 2001. TO DATE, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM EITHER ORGANIZATION.*AK

NHTSA ID
10028705
Incident
Jun 25, 2000
Mileage
81,914 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Sep 1, 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

NHTSA ID
846259
Incident
Jul 24, 1999
Engine
Filed 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

NHTSA ID
836532
Engine
Filed Feb 9, 1999

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

NHTSA ID
834661
Incident
Dec 15, 1998
Engine
Filed Nov 18, 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 TOLD THAT THIS WAS NOT THEIR PROBLEM!! I THEN TOOK MY CAR TO A SHOP IN MILLAX AND HAD A DIFFERENT USED ENGINE PLACED IN IT NOW, THIS ENGINE HAS NO ACCELERATION DUE TO A BAD CAM SHAFT, SO I AGAIN HAVE TO HAVE MY CAR REPAIRED.

NHTSA ID
700722
Incident
Jun 1, 1998
Driver assistance
Filed Jun 9, 1998
Crash reported

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

NHTSA ID
823386
Engine
Filed 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

NHTSA ID
820646

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

130089009

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules

000524001

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

INFORMATION REGARDING SNOW INTRUSION INTO REAR DRUM BRAKE ASSEMBLIES. **MR

876002A

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 REAPPEAR UNTIL THE NEXT CHANGE OF OIL. *TT

438135

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW

BUZZING SOUND WHEN REAR DEFOGGER IS ON. *TW

433211

STEERING

CRUNCH NOISE FROM RIGHT SIDE DASH AREA WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL. *TW

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Pontiac Sunbird by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2000300—
1999300—
1998200—
1997400—
1996400—
1995100—
1994422156.2
1993373057.2
1992304052.2
1991Viewing274267.3
1990112263.4
1989732—
1988436—
1987625—
1986620—
1985413—
1984523—
1983013—
1982002—
1980010—
1979130—
1978030—
1977030—
1976030—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.