RoadVitals

1999 Pontiac Sunfire

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.
93
Latest Sep 5, 2014
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.
5
Latest Oct 17, 2008
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.
0
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.
13
4 injuries, 2 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 93 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and brakes categories. 5 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 107 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

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

5 campaigns cover this model year

View all 5

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
08E063000

STEERING

Oct 17, 2008
3,855 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
The 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.
DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov
07E021000

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

Mar 12, 2007
742 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
The 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.
DELPHIView on NHTSA.gov
06E026000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Mar 23, 2006
61,944 units potentially affected
The defect: CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
The risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
The remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
PRO-A MOTORS, INC.View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 93
BrakesEngineSteering
Filed Sep 5, 2014

I WAS PURCHASING THIS USED CAR FROM A DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY 3 TIMES. THE CAR WOULD MYSTERIOUSLY SHUT OFF, THE IGNITION ASSEMBLY WOULD NOT ALLOW THE KEY TO BE REMOVED AND MULTIPLE TIMES THIS HAPPENED. I LOST ALLOT OF MONEY I PUT ON THE CAR AS IT BECAME OBVIOUS THEY COULD NOT FIX IT AND I HAD TO LET THEM TAKE IT BACK WITH NO REFUND TO ME.........THEY SAID AT THE DEALER THAT I WAS LUCKY THAT I DIDN'T HAVE A FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10631179
Incident
Oct 1, 2013
Mileage
160,000 mi
EngineExterior lighting
Filed Mar 4, 2013

I WAS DRIVING THE CAR JUST AFTER I PURCHASED IT AND BECAME COLD SO I TURNED ON THE HEATER AND WITHIN 30 SECONDS SMOKE FILLED THE CAR. I THOUGHT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. IT SMELLED LIKE BURNING OIL OR GAS. I CALLED DELPHI ABOUT RECALLS AND BEFORE I COULD FINISH A SENTENCE THE MAN CUT ME OFF SAYING THAT THE ONLY RECALL ON MY CAR WAS FOR THE O RING ON THE FUEL. HE SAID IF I HAVE A 1999 AND THAT WAS DEFECTIVE I WOULD BE SPEWING FUEL EVERYWHERE. I DESCRIBED WHAT HAPPENED AND HE JUST CUT ME OFF. MY BROTHER PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A DEALER FOR OVER 3,000 DOLLARS AND I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE ODOMETER IS SUPPOSE TO BE BECAUSE HE SAID THE DEALER TOLD HIM TO BRING IT BACK AND HE WOULD FIX IT. AFTER HE PAID THE DEALER HE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE DEALER TOLD HIM THAT HE WILL CONTACT MY BROTHER WHEN HE CAN FIX IT. ACCORDING TO THE ODOMETER IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 23,000 MILES. I ALSO NOTICED THE HEADLIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT AND THERE IS YELLOW HOT WIRE HANGING OUT OF THE FUSE BOX. *TR

NHTSA ID
10501229
Incident
Nov 14, 2012
Mileage
200,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jul 19, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 04V036000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000.

NHTSA ID
10466611
Incident
Jul 15, 2012
Mileage
86,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Feb 2, 2012

THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ON MY 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE RECENTLY STARTED FUNCTIONING ERRATICALLY I.E. GAUGES (GAS GAUGE, TEMPERATURE GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER) WOULD START FLUCTUATING WILDLY. LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP HAS DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS HAVING A DEFECTIVE (OR BURNED OUT) INSTRUMENTAL PANEL CLUSTER. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS COMPONENT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY TYPE OF LIFETIME WARRANTY AND THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $472.31. IN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS TO BE SYSTEMIC AMONG LATE 1990 TO EARLY 2000 PONTIAC VEHICLES. FROM A SAFETY STANDPOINT, IT IS A DANGEROUS CIRCUMSTANCE TO BE DRIVING 70-75 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND TO HAVE YOUR INSTRUMENT PANEL START MALFUNCTIONING. PONTIAC SHOULD BE FORCED TO RECALL THESE DEFECTIVE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTERS AND REPAIR THEM AT NO CHARGE. *KB

NHTSA ID
10446306
Incident
Oct 22, 2011
Mileage
92,700 mi
Brakes
Filed Nov 29, 2010

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED DOWN A HILL DURING RAINY WEATHER, THE BRAKES LOCKED WHEN ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS BRAKE DUST WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE DUST WAS REMOVED BUT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AGAIN TWO WEEKS LATER DURING RAINY CONDITIONS. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
10368095
Incident
Nov 15, 2010
Electrical
Filed Jul 30, 2010
Fire reported

DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF A 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, 4DR, 2.2 LITER ENGINE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE DRIVERS DOOR FRAME, AT THE CONNECTION OF THE UNDERDASH HARNESS AND THE REAR OF VEHICLE HARNESS SHORTED, CAUSING THE INSULATION TO CATCH FIRE. THIS SITUATION SHORTED OTHER CIRCUITS IN THE HARNESS CAUSING BRAKING PROBLEMS WITH THE ANTI-LOCK SYSTEM. VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE STOPPED SAFELY, AND THE DRIVER, WITH GOOD SAMARITAN ASSISTANCE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. FIRE RENDERED THE HOOD LATCH INOPERATIVE. THIS PREVENTED THE DRIVER FROM DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE, TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE AND/OR FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10346427
Incident
Mar 9, 2010
Mileage
238,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2010
Fire reported

1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. *BF WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER FELT A THUMP AND BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. ONCE THE CONSUMER STOPPED, HE NOTICED FIRE WAS COMING FROM UNDER THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. OHIO TRAFFIC CRASH REPORT # 10-0699-90.*JB UPDATED 04/14/10 *BF

NHTSA ID
10321990
Incident
Jul 24, 2009
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 10, 2010

I HAVE 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE AND I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. ONE IS THAT I HAVE NO HIGHBEAMS AND THE HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AFTER DRIVING IT FOR AWHILE,THE DRIVERSIDE LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF FROM TIME TO TIME I HAVE TALKED TO A MECHANIC ABOUT THIS PROBLEM AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE HEADLIGHT HARNESS. I WENT TO THE LOCAL JUNK YARD GOT A HARNESS AND IT SOLVED THE PROBLEM BUT JUST RECENTLY IT HAPPENED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID
10298920
Incident
Nov 1, 2009
Mileage
102,100 mi

Manufacturer communications

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

17-NA-073

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

PIP4723F

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

PIP4723D

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 website address and step by step instructions to complete the update.

19NA273

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT

This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.

PIC4696E

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

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. Technician will need to contact the radio unlock center to retrieve the unlock code from the scrambled code.  The PI update to version D is to advise the unlock procedure is temporarily unavailable.  E version update is to add administrative details.

17NA073

EQUIPMENT

This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.

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 Sunfire by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2005681035.3
2004322048.5
2003722252.4
2002822050.3
2001663259.5
2000963362.4
1999Viewing935053.5
19981207054.0
19971909366.4
199620110365.8
19951197160.7
1994200—
1991100—
1985200—

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.