1996 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 1996
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
These records cover every 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
10 recalls name the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. Newest first.
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…
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
Certain delphi aftermarket fuel pump modules / module reservoir assemblies (mra) that were sold for use on the above listed vehicles. during production the mras vent and fuel return tubes were reversed. this condition can result in the vehicle not running correctly (idle rough and/or stall) due to an overly rich fuel blend or the vehicle's evaporative…
A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. a fuel leak can result in a fire.
Delphi will notify owners and replace the defective mras free of charge. the recall began on march 20, 2007. owners can contact delphi at 1-877-335-7443.
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.
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
Certain passenger vehicles and MINI vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. these and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel IS moved back and to the right. if the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. if the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. with the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. in any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly IS necessary. owner notification began january 24, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
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 to melt internal switch parts.
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. owner notification began march 27, 2002. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1-800-222-1020, pontiac at 1-800-762-2737, buick at 1-800-521-7300, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. one of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. this does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch IS activated. this fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. if necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
The accelerator control cable could have been kinked during assembly causing high accelerator pedal effort, sticking accelerator control cable, or a broken accelerator control cable.
If the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks, unwanted acceleration and/or loss of throttle control can result increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.
Sunfire won't start a something with fuel pump
My wreck happened in 2006. The air bag deployed and crushed my face I had to have titanium plates put in my face crashed my legs broke many bones.
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. The contact then shifted into reverse and the passenger's side air bag deployed inadvertently. The contact had not been involved in a crash. the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 209,600. *tr
Numerous failures with my car I am only listing the ones which have happened more than once 1..transmission failure, transmission failed 3 times first time while traveling 35mph car came to a dead stop tires locked up, car would not even roll, causing near accident. 2...window motors failed twice on each each door of my 4 door car 3...headlight switch has failed 3 times causing dangerous situation at night 4...severe water leak in trunk area , water getting in through fender well or trunk underbody, caused so much to puddle up a mushroom started growing from back seat,... water puddled underneath carpet in spare tire area so it was not visible to naked eye, but was sloshing back and forth with every stop and go of vehicle still to this day have not been able to pinpoint exact location water IS getting in although it for sure IS from underbody 5... other defects include radio display lights fail on 2 radios, seatbelts and steering wheel become too hot in summer brake pads wear unevenly,,,, fuel pumps go out often. *tr
1996 pontiac sunfire 2.2L. Rear right brake locks. Causes the car to shudder and difficult to stop. This also causes the ABS and brake light to illuminate on the dash. Brakes have been replaced. Possible failure to stop IS the greatest concern. This may lead to accident. *tr
TL* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. while driving 30 mph the driver frontal air bag deployed without warrant. As a consequence she sustained bruises to her face and shoulders. she filed report number 71762569700 with the manufacturer, and she was awaiting a response. the vehicle was in the process of being to towed to the dealer for inspection. The failure and current mileages were 180,000.
February 25, 2009 - noticed when using the tilt steering lever, the steering column did not lock at certain levels (lower position). Within a week of noticing this problem, I notice the steering column seemed loose and when it was difficult at times when turning left. in one incident, nearly lost control of the vehicle when another vehicle veered into my lane on the freeway at speeds of 65 mph. I had to over compensate the immediate turn to avoid loosing control of the vehicle and crashing. march 13, 2009 - noise heard when turning or steering the vehicle. Check power steering fluid - slightly low, added power steering fluid - noise went away. march 14, 2009 - noticed power steering fluid leak near both front wheels. noise again heard - it appears the rack and pinion steering IS the problem. this was a previous recall by gm (nhtsa no 02v286000) and my vehicle was repaired in 2003 based on the recall. further research indicates this has happened to other consumers after the repairs had been made by a gm certified mechanic at a dealership. the gm dealership does not want to repair their previous work at no charge. I believe this should be repaired at no cost to me, as it was a previous recall, serviced when notified of the recall and continues to be a problem that could or will result in a crash or injuries to the vehicle occupants should the steering lock-up due to the rack and pinion failure. march 15, 2009 - tilt steering does not work and the steering wheel locks in one position, all the way up and tends to extend more left than right. it appears a pin on the steering column has fallen out and IS loose inside the steering column. removed ignition covering and found metal pin for the steering column had popped out, now causing the tilt steering to lock in the most upward position and extend left. results in the driver over correcting to make turns and a crash with injury whammy occur. *Tr
February 2007 had vehicle serviced and was told rear calipers needed replacement. work was completed totaling $875. within a week, the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to skid and failure to stop. Nearly hit a pedestrian in cross walk at 20 mph. returned to service, was told adjustments needed to the ABS brakes system. service completed. 4 weeks later the vehicles brake system locked up and a grinding noise occurred. Returned for service, pads replaced, brakes adjusted per the mechanic. 3 months have passed now and now the ABS brake light illuminates periodically and now within three months of replacement of the brake pads and adjustments to the ABS system, I again notice the vehicle veering right when applying the brakes and the rear brakes tend to lock at speeds of 20 to 35 mph with a light scrapping and/or grinding noise again. the mechanic informed me they have completed and repaired the brakes to the vehicle specifications and cannot service ore repair it any further. after further research, it appears several others have had the same problem or incident occur, unfortunately resulting in a crash. I am requesting a further investigation to be completed on the gm ABS systems for this vehicle. brakes should not have to be repaired or replaced 3 times in a two year time span. there IS definitely something wrong with the assembly or design of this ABS system. I have replaced the rotors, brake pads, calipers on this vehicle totaling nearly $2,000. I must commute to work on two major freeways in los angeles, which if an ABS failure occurs, could result in a crash with severe or fatal injuries to myself and/or passengers in the vehicle. *tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. within a week of purchasing the vehicle, it began overheating. in addition, the headlights would remain illuminated when the vehicle was turned off, wiper fluid was leaking, and the muffler made a loud noise. the contact has not been able to reach the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. the failure mileage was 136,050. updated 10/03/08 *bf updated 10/06/08.*jb
My 1996 air bag deployed, a few months ago, I receiived at notice of this happening once I called a pontiac dealership in augusta ga. I than receive a notify of this occuring in this made and year of car. GMC contacted me and ask if thay could repurchase the car. I told them at that time I was interested. they made me an afford that was not acceptable for my vechicle. they have acknowlege that they are responsibe for the vechicle. I ask that my are bag be replaced, due to I think and know my car was worth more than the offer. they did not want to do that,telling me I can take their offer are nothing, I feel that my car was iengine and body was in exactly excellent condition, I kept the car to given to my son , now I feel like I am the one losing. I purchased this vehiche new, and it was not my fault the airbag deployed and I have to take the lost. .
Driving down the driveway onto road, approximately 5 miles an hour, suddenly both air bags deployed at the same time. Called gm and took car to gm dealer for inspection. Gm called to report that it was a gm failure and requested to (private party) purchase the car back from us at a current vehicle value of around $900. *tr
While traveling at 5 mph barely bumped vehicle in front of me,when airbags deployed causing windshield to shatter and damage to complete dash. *tr TL the contact owns 1996 pontiac sunfire. While driving the driver barely bumped into a vehicle in front of him. There was no damage and both front air bags deployed. The drivers finger was injured. The window shattered and the dashboard was destroyed. She noticed there was a recall, called pontiac and they stated that there were no existing recalls. The vehicle was towed. The dealer stated that the estimate repair cost would be $2,100. There were no warning lights present on the dashboard. There was no damage to the vehicles involved in the crash.
When turning off a road onto a highway, I noticed that the car was stuck in 2ND gear. I carefully drove to the nearest gas station. now the car won't engage on reverse, drive, 2ND & 1ST. *tr
Low beam headlights go out without warning, we have replaced bulbs and checked fuses. *jb
I had the fuel pump replaced on this vehicle in december 2006. I have been given information indicating this pump IS in the suspect group of pumps covered by the delphi recall number 07e-015. I contacted the number listed, and was told that since someone else had entered information on the vin that they will not tell me anything. they refused to tell me how to have the inspection or reimbursement done. this vehicle was wrecked by my daughter in march 2006, and there IS an ongoing investigation of the ABS system also.*ak
TL*- the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. the vehicle made a knocking noise when the steering was turned all the way to the left. there was recall 02v286000 for the rack and pinion steering, but it did not include this vehicle due to the vin. the contact felt that it should be extended since this vehicle had the same failure as stated in the recall. *Ak
Headlights fail to work. No daytime running lights. Headlights dim, headlights wiring defective. *jb
The light switch assembly failed while driving at night. The light switch assembly was replaced about 3 years ago for the same problem by a certified gm dealer. It should not of failed the first time and then the new one only lasted about a 2 1/2 - 3 years. *nm
This IS about a recall that the dealer will not fix on my 1996 pontiac sunfire. You list the problem with my steering in your recalls. It take all the strength to turn the wheel to the left and can turn to the right with one finger. 02V-286000. *Jb
1996 pontiac sunfire brakes failed while attempting to stop vehicle. *ts the consumer ran off the road and struck a wooden gate. *jb
Dt: the doors opened by themselves when going around the corner. three out of four of the doors do this. if the consumer slammed the doors they would latch properly. it's the door handle itself. the consumer believed the problem was the spring. *jb *sc
Dec 19, 2001 the rack and pinion in the consumer's 1996 pontiac sunfire failed. *nm the consumer then received a recall in the mail and requested reimbursement which was approved. in march the steering rack and pinion failed again to the point the gear was stripped and the housing was cracked. the consumer requested a refund. *jb *nm
Wheel bearing seems to be going bad. The motor has been jumping when I take off from a stop light. I think the motor mounts might be bad. The car IS a 96 and it has 109,000 miles on it. *ak
While driving accelerator pedal was stuck and went to the floor. Consumer applied the emergency brake and was able to pull over to the shoulder. then, had the vehicle towed. *ak
While on the street vehicle was in park and the key was taken out of the ignition switch. Then, vehicle caught on fire behind the steering wheel. black smoke. And large flames appeared. fire department show up to extinguish the fire. dealer notified. *Ak
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
On september 23, 2003, the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) received a letter dated september 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars.in support of his petition, mr. Friedman cited a report he received for gm showing it had received far more reports of alleged unintended acceleration for these models than for others.after assessing the data claimed by the petitioner to justify his request, odi found no indication that defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations exists at this time.therefore, there IS no reasonable posibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Friedman's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition IS denied.for additional information concerning this analysis, please refer to the attached federal register notice.
There is no summary currently available
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.