CarRecallWatchThe 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 190 complaints with NHTSA, including 29 crashes, 8 fires, 19 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Steering (44 reports).
1997 Pontiac Sunfire recalls
Most common 1997 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Problem areas named in the 190 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Steering | 44 |
| Electrical System | 36 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 34 |
| Air Bags | 27 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 26 |
| Suspension | 13 |
| Visibility | 13 |
| Exterior Lighting | 11 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 7 |
| Equipment | 7 |
What owners report
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH MALFUNCTIONED. AS A RESULT, THE STEERING COLUMN AND WIRING HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200,000.
FUEL TANK RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TO LEAK OUT. *TR
HEARD AND FELT A LOUD THUD SOUND FROM STEERING AREA DRIVING HOME. POWER STEERING FEELS LIKE IT IS GONE WHEN TURNING LEFT, BUT TURNS EASIER WHEN TURNING RIGHT AT LOW SPEEDS. STEERING WHEEL BECOMES OFF CENTERED AT TIMES. ALMOST FEELS AS IF I MIGHT LOOSE CONTROL OF FRONT TIRES DURING TURNS OR AT HIGHER SPEEDS. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE GT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST TWO ENGINES DUE TO HIS ENGINE OIL WARNING LIGHT NOT ILLUMINATING AND WARNING HIM THAT THE OIL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR HAD IT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire questions
Does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire: Steering:Rack And Pinion; Electrical System:Ignition:Switch; Suspension:Rear; Air Bags; Structure:Body. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
Based on 190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (44), Electrical System (36), Engine And Engine Cooling (34).
How do I check if a recall on my 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.