RoadVitals

2005 Pontiac Sunfire Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
68
Latest Jun 22, 2022
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
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.
0

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Electrical6065.9%
  • Driver assistance55.5%
  • Engine55.5%
  • Steering44.4%
  • Visibility33.3%
  • Fuel system33.3%
  • Exterior lighting33.3%
  • Interior & seats22.2%
  • Suspension22.2%
  • Brakes22.2%
  • Powertrain (other)11.1%
  • Tires & wheels11.1%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

60
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.

NHTSA ID 11470553 · filed Jun 22, 2022

GOING DOWN HILL, TURNED MY CAR TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR KEEP GOING STRAIGHT. IT DID NOT TURN AT ALL. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ON COMING TRAFFIC, BUT MY CAR HIT THE CURVE FIRST STOPPING AN ACCIDENT FROM OCCURRING I HAVE REPLACE WINDOW MOTOR TWICE AND THEY HAVE WENT OUT AGAIN NOW. AND I HAVE ALSO REPLACED WINDOW MOTOR BUTTONS FOR A SECOND TIME IN THE PAST 3 YEARS

NHTSA ID 10983596 · filed May 4, 2017
All 60 reports naming electrical

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.

NHTSA ID 11470553 · filed Jun 22, 2022

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GOES OUT AND THE CAR WILL NOT START, THE HORN WILL NOT WORK THE CARE CLAIM TO RUN HOT WHEN THAT ISN'T THE CASE. THE WINDOW STOP WORKING, THE ENGINE SAY THAT IT NEED CHECKING HOWEVER WHEN I TAKE IT TO BE SERVICE THEY ALWAYS SAYS THIS MODEL HAS A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD WIRES REPLACED, NEW STARTER, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW MOTOR IN THE LEFT WINDOW. AND I HAVE HAD ALL THIS DONE TO FINE OUT THAT THERE IS ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. I HAVE WASTED HUNDREDS WHEN ALL YOU HAD TO DO IS ADMIT THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND SUBMIT A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10616165 · filed Jul 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WENT TO TURN A CORNER AND THE ENTIRE CAR DIED. I LOST ALL STEERING AND ELECTRICAL IN THE CAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TRIED TO BE RESTARTED THAT WAS A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. ONCE TOWED TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS OIL IN THE VEHICLE. WAS ALSO TOLD THIS IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEMS OTHER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10639339 · filed Sep 26, 2014

THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GOES OUT AND THE CAR WILL NOT START, THE HORN WILL NOT WORK THE CARE CLAIM TO RUN HOT WHEN THAT ISN'T THE CASE. THE WINDOW STOP WORKING, THE ENGINE SAY THAT IT NEED CHECKING HOWEVER WHEN I TAKE IT TO BE SERVICE THEY ALWAYS SAYS THIS MODEL HAS A LOT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. I HAVE HAD WIRES REPLACED, NEW STARTER, NEW ALTERNATOR, NEW MOTOR IN THE LEFT WINDOW. AND I HAVE HAD ALL THIS DONE TO FINE OUT THAT THERE IS ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL. I HAVE WASTED HUNDREDS WHEN ALL YOU HAD TO DO IS ADMIT THERE WAS AN ISSUE AND SUBMIT A RECALL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10616165 · filed Jul 24, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

GOING DOWN HILL, TURNED MY CAR TO THE RIGHT AND THE CAR KEEP GOING STRAIGHT. IT DID NOT TURN AT ALL. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ON COMING TRAFFIC, BUT MY CAR HIT THE CURVE FIRST STOPPING AN ACCIDENT FROM OCCURRING I HAVE REPLACE WINDOW MOTOR TWICE AND THEY HAVE WENT OUT AGAIN NOW. AND I HAVE ALSO REPLACED WINDOW MOTOR BUTTONS FOR A SECOND TIME IN THE PAST 3 YEARS

NHTSA ID 10983596 · filed May 4, 2017

DRIVING THE VEHICLE WENT TO TURN A CORNER AND THE ENTIRE CAR DIED. I LOST ALL STEERING AND ELECTRICAL IN THE CAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TRIED TO BE RESTARTED THAT WAS A VERY LOUD CLUNKING NOISE. ONCE TOWED TO A MECHANIC WAS TOLD THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED UP EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS OIL IN THE VEHICLE. WAS ALSO TOLD THIS IS IDENTICAL TO THE PROBLEMS OTHER VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR. *TR

NHTSA ID 10639339 · filed Sep 26, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE ODOMETER AND FUEL GAUGES FLUCTUATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE DRIVER'S FRONT WINDOW FAILED TO OPEN OR CLOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.

NHTSA ID 10585529 · filed Apr 29, 2014

THE FUEL GAUGE SHOW DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN IT, ERRATIC SHOWS FULL THEN HALF THEN YOU OUT OF GAS. RIGHT ELECTRIC WINDOW GOES DOWN BUT ONLY GOES UP AN INCH AT A TIME, AND IT TAKES ALONG TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10436472 · filed Nov 19, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.

NHTSA ID 11470553 · filed Jun 22, 2022

THE FUEL GAUGE SHOW DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF FUEL IN IT, ERRATIC SHOWS FULL THEN HALF THEN YOU OUT OF GAS. RIGHT ELECTRIC WINDOW GOES DOWN BUT ONLY GOES UP AN INCH AT A TIME, AND IT TAKES ALONG TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID 10436472 · filed Nov 19, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE CAR IN DECEMBER 2007 AND THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NEXT TO DRIVING WHEEL WAS NOT WORKING. CAR WAS IN STORAGE FOR OVER A YEAR AND AROUND MAY 2010 THE DRIVERS WINDOW STOPPED "ROLLING UP" SO WE GOT THE WINDOW MOTOR CHANGED AS THEY SAID IT WAS BURNT. WINDOW WORKED FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND THEN IT TURNED OUT TO BE ANOTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUE HAVING TO DO WITH THE SWITCH CONTROLLING THE WINDOWS. AROUND APRIL 2011 A NEW ISSUE, HIGH BEAMS STOPPED WORKING ON AND OFF. THEY EVENTUALLY STOPPED WORKING AND LEADING TO NO BEAMS AT ALL, NOT SIGNALS AND NO LIGHT IN DASHBOARD. ANOTHER PART HAD TO BE REPLACED. MAY 2013 - STEREO LIGHT IS NOT WORKING, BUT STEREO IS OPERATING. JULY 2013 - TRUNK WILL NOT LOCK. *TR

NHTSA ID 10525951 · filed Jul 20, 2013

IN LOOKING UP WHAT THE PROBLEM WITH MY CAR I HAVE FOUND THAT SEVERAL OTHER CARS SEEM BE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WORKS WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT. MOST DAYS THE ONLY INSTRUMENT THAT IS WORKING IS THE SPEEDOMETER. GENERALLY I USE A GARMIN TO MAKE SURE THAT I AM AT THE CORRECT SPEED. THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE AND THE TACHOMETER IS NO LONGER WORKING. RECENTLY I HAVE NOTICE THAT THE LIGHTS IN THE RADIO ARE NOT ALL LIGHTING UP. SEEMS THAT THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE THAT THE DEALER SHOULD BE HANDLING FOR THE AMOUNT OF COMPLAINTS I AM FINDING ON THIS VEHICLE. THIS PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE 2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10423780 · filed Sep 5, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE 2 DOOR COUPE; SERIOUS ELECTRICAL FAILURE...ALL DASH COMPONENTS DO NOT WORK AND SHOPS THAT WE TAKE CAR TO TRY TO FIX PROBLEMS WITH SPEEDOMETER, TACH, AND TEMP GAUGES...NOT FIXED; THEN AC GOES OFF AND ON SOMETIMES WORKS/SOMETIMES DOES NOT. HAVE SPENT OVER 2K IN REPAIRS, STILL NOT FIXED AND NOW THE TRUNK LATCH HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS TO BE REPLACED. CAR DIES IN EXTREME HEAT. SHOPS SAY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS A LOT ON THIS MODEL. *TR

NHTSA ID 10363527 · filed Nov 1, 2010

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL WHILE VEHICLE IS DOWN. INCIDENCES OF FAILURE ON VEHICLE REMAIN UNRESOLVED DUE TO PONTIAC'S DENIAL AND REFUSAL TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS WILL SHOW PRICE GOUGING, HARASSMENT AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE GMC/PONTIAC SUNFIRE 05 VEHICLE: TRUNK LATCH FAILURE, NO CRANK - BATTERY FAILURE, ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED WARPED, CRACKED, FRAYED APART, BRAKE PAD FAILURE. FOLLOWING ARE FAILURES OCCURRING ON THE VEHICLE LEFT UNRESOLVED: BRAKES SQUEAK, MANEUVERING IN TURNING VEHICLE MAKES NOISE, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS FORWARD WHEN PARKING AND STOPPING, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS BACKWARD AT STOP. THESE FAILURES ARE JUST A FEW AND COUNTING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10189474 · filed May 2, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL WHILE VEHICLE IS DOWN. INCIDENCES OF FAILURE ON VEHICLE REMAIN UNRESOLVED DUE TO PONTIAC'S DENIAL AND REFUSAL TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS WILL SHOW PRICE GOUGING, HARASSMENT AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE GMC/PONTIAC SUNFIRE 05 VEHICLE: TRUNK LATCH FAILURE, NO CRANK - BATTERY FAILURE, ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED WARPED, CRACKED, FRAYED APART, BRAKE PAD FAILURE. FOLLOWING ARE FAILURES OCCURRING ON THE VEHICLE LEFT UNRESOLVED: BRAKES SQUEAK, MANEUVERING IN TURNING VEHICLE MAKES NOISE, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS FORWARD WHEN PARKING AND STOPPING, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS BACKWARD AT STOP. THESE FAILURES ARE JUST A FEW AND COUNTING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10189474 · filed May 2, 2007

CLUNKING NOISE IN FRONT AND REAR OF CAR WHEN BRAKING DURING TURNING AND ON UNEVEN OR ROUGH ROADS. HAD TO SHOP 4 DAYS AND NO RESULTS.

NHTSA ID 10165266 · filed Aug 11, 2006

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN ROAD CAR SHUT OFF AND EVERYTHING LOCKED UP AND HAD NO POWER. AFRAID IT COULD HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING AT FASTER SPEED AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10576011 · filed Mar 31, 2014

2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE WITH 27,000 MILES. REAR BRAKE RETAINING SPRING BROKE WHILE DRIVING. BROKEN PARTS FELL INTO THE DRUM CAUSING NOISE AND EXCESSIVE HEATING OF THE DRUM. HAD TO PAY FOR THE PART AND FIX IT AFTER WAITING THREE DAYS TO GET THE PART FROM THE DEALER. OLD PART IS AVAILABLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10209132 · filed Nov 16, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL WHILE VEHICLE IS DOWN. INCIDENCES OF FAILURE ON VEHICLE REMAIN UNRESOLVED DUE TO PONTIAC'S DENIAL AND REFUSAL TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS WILL SHOW PRICE GOUGING, HARASSMENT AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE GMC/PONTIAC SUNFIRE 05 VEHICLE: TRUNK LATCH FAILURE, NO CRANK - BATTERY FAILURE, ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED WARPED, CRACKED, FRAYED APART, BRAKE PAD FAILURE. FOLLOWING ARE FAILURES OCCURRING ON THE VEHICLE LEFT UNRESOLVED: BRAKES SQUEAK, MANEUVERING IN TURNING VEHICLE MAKES NOISE, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS FORWARD WHEN PARKING AND STOPPING, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS BACKWARD AT STOP. THESE FAILURES ARE JUST A FEW AND COUNTING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10189474 · filed May 2, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

DATE: 5/2/07 SUNFIRE 2005 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW IN 9/05 INVESTMENT PURPOSE IN A NEW CAR FOR SAFETY, RELIABILITY, GAS MILEAGE, NON-REPAIR AND PRICE OF VEHICLE. AT 26,000 MILES, $900 OF REPAIRS WERE PLACED ON THE CAR IN UPGRADES TO KEEP THE VEHICLE RUNNING, TO-DATE, COUNTING 10 FAILURES, FIRST DATE OF FAILURE REQUIRING CAR REPAIR 12/27/06. (NOT INCLUDING VEHICLE MAINTENANCE) REPAIRS DEMAND AT A MINIMUM 3HRS OF TIME AT EACH REPAIR VISIT. REPAIRS ON VEHICLE DEMAND JUST A FEW MORE HUNDRED DOLLARS IN CASH PAYMENTS AND COST OF A CAR RENTAL WHILE VEHICLE IS DOWN. INCIDENCES OF FAILURE ON VEHICLE REMAIN UNRESOLVED DUE TO PONTIAC'S DENIAL AND REFUSAL TO FIX THE VEHICLE. SUPPORTIVE DOCUMENTS WILL SHOW PRICE GOUGING, HARASSMENT AND A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. THE FOLLOWING FAILURES HAVE OCCURRED ON THE GMC/PONTIAC SUNFIRE 05 VEHICLE: TRUNK LATCH FAILURE, NO CRANK - BATTERY FAILURE, ALL FOUR TIRES FAILED WARPED, CRACKED, FRAYED APART, BRAKE PAD FAILURE. FOLLOWING ARE FAILURES OCCURRING ON THE VEHICLE LEFT UNRESOLVED: BRAKES SQUEAK, MANEUVERING IN TURNING VEHICLE MAKES NOISE, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS FORWARD WHEN PARKING AND STOPPING, VEHICLE BOUNCES/ROCKS BACKWARD AT STOP. THESE FAILURES ARE JUST A FEW AND COUNTING. *TR

NHTSA ID 10189474 · filed May 2, 2007

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .