1999 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
5 recalls name the 1999 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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel may leak, possibly resulting in a fire.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the switch IS damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. the fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch, and check that your car will start with a properly charged battery and, if necessary, replace the ignition switch. owner notification will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.mygmlink.com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. these vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If the instrument panel IS not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays.
Remedy
Dealers will test the body control module, and if necessary, replace it.
Owner complaints
93 complaints9 involved a crash4 involved a fire4 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling · Exterior lighting
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…
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
- Electrical system
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…
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.
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
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…
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
- Service brakes, hydraulic
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…
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.
- Electrical system
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…
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
- Engine and engine cooling
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
- Exterior lighting
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…
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
- Electrical system
I had a 1999 pontiac sunfire. it was parked outside of residence when it caught on fire. This was a few years ago approximately around july of 2006. pontiac did not accept fault. they said the fire destroyed any evidence of a defect. *tr
- Exterior lighting
My low beam headlights will not work. I have replaced the combination switch on the steering column twice. each time the lights will work for about 6 months then they quit. the dealer said there could be a problem with the front wiring harness but a new harness IS $600. I believe gm has a problem with their design and should replace the defective harness. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 pontiac sunfire. the contact stated that the radiator cap fails each time it IS turned. the failure has occurred seven times and he has replaced it each time. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. he feels that someone could be injured if the cap blows off the radiator. the current and failure mileages were 170,000. updated 11/03/08. *Jb
- Engine and engine cooling
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 pontiac sunfire. the vehicle was purchased on february 19, 2007 with one of the front tires shredded. the tire was replaced. the contact stated that the odometer on the vehicle has never worked. a mechanic stated that the rear axle and the brakes needed to be…
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 pontiac sunfire. the vehicle was purchased on february 19, 2007 with one of the front tires shredded. the tire was replaced. the contact stated that the odometer on the vehicle has never worked. a mechanic stated that the rear axle and the brakes needed to be replaced. the tires have been replaced. the check engine light and the air bag light continue to illuminate. the current and failure mileages were 116,598.
- Electrical system › Horn · Electrical system › Wiring · Engine and engine cooling · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system · Exterior lighting › Headlights · Steering
My headlights do not stay on. They turn off when I use my turn signal, or if I hit a bump. The hi-beams and drl's are fine, it's just the regular headlights. Also my engine shows that it IS overheating on my temp. Guage, but does not act like it. When the a/c IS turned on, it returns to a normal…
My headlights do not stay on. They turn off when I use my turn signal, or if I hit a bump. The hi-beams and drl's are fine, it's just the regular headlights. Also my engine shows that it IS overheating on my temp. Guage, but does not act like it. When the a/c IS turned on, it returns to a normal level. Another thing IS my airconditioning line has a hole in it from another hose rubbing up against it. I think it's either my steering hose or radiator hose. When I turn left my car makes an awful grinding noise.
- Interior lighting
The indicator light bulb in the dash board module cannot be replaced after burning out. This renders the odometer inoperative and unreadable. *jb
- Air bags · Engine and engine cooling
Check engine and air bag lights have been lit for about 1 year and local dealer was unable to find problem or fix. vehicle recently hit a bump and driver airbag deployed without further incident. speed about 30 mph with another adult in passenger seat and infant in rear-facing seat in rear. *jb
- Air bags › Frontal
Dt: the consumer stated that both air bags deployed when the vehicle was rear ended then it hit the vehicle in front. the vehicle stopped at a traffic light when this happened. the only vehicle in motion was three cars back. the consumer stated that the air bag hit the windshield with such…
Dt: the consumer stated that both air bags deployed when the vehicle was rear ended then it hit the vehicle in front. the vehicle stopped at a traffic light when this happened. the only vehicle in motion was three cars back. the consumer stated that the air bag hit the windshield with such intensity that it shattered the windshield. the vehicle was towed to the impound lot by the police. no one looked at the vehicle. the consumer was hit by the driver's side air bag in the mouth and chest and sustained a mild concussion, facial bruising, chest pains, headache, and dizziness. *ak (12/08/05) the vehicle was totalled. *sc
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Wiring › Front underhood · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Fan · Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system › Hoses/lines/piping/fittings
The air conditioning compressor pump (a/c pump) comes into contact with the (1999) oem lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition IS worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent IS only detectable by low…
The air conditioning compressor pump (a/c pump) comes into contact with the (1999) oem lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition IS worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent IS only detectable by low fluid level over extended period of time (apporximately 6 months to a year): no wetness on the hose or pooling of coolent fluid under the vehicle IS detectable prior to a larger hole being worn into the hose. Prior to larger hole being worn into hose, coolent loss IS in vapor form, but not in a sufficient amount to be seen. Once the hole in the hose becomes large enough to be detected by fluid pooling under the vehicle, the coolent fluid will come in contact with the powertrain control module (pcm) and cause failure of the pcm. The pcm controls major engine and braking functions. A complete failure of the pcm will cause loss of braking control (via ABS) and shut down of engine (causing loss of steering control). There IS also the possibility of causing a electric short in the 12 volt circuit resulting in a fire. please note that "after market" manufacturers replacement hose IS redesigned to help prevent contact between a/c pump and the hose. At the time of this complaint it IS unknown whether the oem hose has been redesign to prevent contact with the a/c pump.
- Unknown or other
Since I bought the car, the odometer blinks and scrambles at various times, and when it IS working the mileage IS correct. also, whenever I turn on my hazard lights, my anti-lock brake system light comes on and will stay on until the car has been off for awhile. lastly, the vehicle has always…
Since I bought the car, the odometer blinks and scrambles at various times, and when it IS working the mileage IS correct. also, whenever I turn on my hazard lights, my anti-lock brake system light comes on and will stay on until the car has been off for awhile. lastly, the vehicle has always made a grinding noise when I turn left, or accelerate uphill and I have had 3 motor mounts replaced and taken it to 3 dealers and 2 auto shops and nobody can seem to find a problem!
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
Ignition circuit thermal events regarding 1999 pontiac sunfire. ***No answer required***. *Mr the consumer stated there IS no service dealer near his home to get the recall taken of. ( recall #04v036000). *jb
- Air bags
No airbag release . *ak
- Air bags › Frontal
While driving 60-70 mph air bags deployed on their own. There were no injuries. *ak
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
While driving 55 mph the idle pulley failed. As a result, engine blew out. *Ak
- Air bags
While driving at 35 mph consumer's vehicle was involved in a collision. It hit a steel mail box trying to keep from hitting an animal. Upon impact, air bag did not deploy. Vehicle flipped over. *Ak
- Interior lighting
Consumer has the same problem as mentioned in nhtsa 99v21800 regarding interior lighting. these vehicles do not comply with requirements of fmvss no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination." the instrument panel back lighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. Dealer stated sorry this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *Ak
- Power train › Automatic transmission
We have a 1999 pontiac sunfire with 32445 miles on it. The transmission, 3RD & 4TH gears, have gone bad. I would expect to recieve more mileage than this out of a properly serviced transmission. This occurred within 220 miles of having the fluid replaced in hte transmission.*ak
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10208027This 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.
- 10190934Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190933Underbody Component Corrosion The following information may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers. Some customers may comment that one or more of their vehicle's underbody components are showing some form of corrosion. This corrosion may be red in appearance (rust) if the component is steel, forged iron or cast iron. This corrosion may also be grey or white in color if the component is constructed of an aluminum alloy.
- 10190932Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10190931Refinishing Aluminum Wheels This bulletin updates General Motor's position on refinishing aluminum wheels. GM does not endorse any repairs that involve welding, bending, straightening o re-machining. Only cosmetic refinishing of the wheel's coatings, using recommended procedures, is allowed. Evaluating Damage In evaluating damage, it is the GM Dealer's responsibility to inspect the wheel for corrosion, scrapes, gouges, etc. The Dealer must insure that such damage is not deeper than what can be sanded or polished off. The wheel must be inspected for cracks. If cracks are found, discard the wheel. Any wheels with bent rim flanges must not be repaired or refinished. Wheels that have been refinished by an outside company must be returned to the same vehicle. The Dealer must record the wheel ID stamp or the cast date on the wheel in order to assure this requirement. Refer to Refinisher's Responsibility Outside Company later in this bulletin.
- 10171318This 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.
- 10170494This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Procedures to Unlock Delco Radio with Theftlock.
- 10168979This 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.
- 10166638This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10165876This 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.
- 10157018This 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.
- 10154641This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10141381This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician on how to unlock radios that are Delco Theft Lock. 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.
- 10138060This warranty administration bulletin provides policy information with the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10137901This informational bulletin provides the technician with information on what E85 fuel may due to a non E85 vehicle.
- 10115081This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about cooler line fittings that come with the 4T65E General Motors remanufactured transmission may not be the same as Original equipment manufacturer quick connect verses inverted flare. Dealer will need to contact General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10114947This 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.
- 10114924This 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.
- 10113443This 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.
- 10113258This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have a Supplemental Inflatable Restraint lamp, Service Vehicle Soon lamp on and/or radio locked, possibly after module replacement. Technician will need to check for an incorrect or non-existent VIN number in modules that require them. Technician should ensure that all modules that are replaced are programmed per currently published Service Information. Technician should also check the Sensing and Diagnostic Module part number if it was replaced.
- 10082506This technical bulletin provides a procedure to reprogram the media disc player with the latest calibrations to correct a condition of the rear entertainment system not operating as intended in colder ambient temperature areas due to calibration concerns.
- 10023942Information on 4t40-e (MN4) and 4t45-e (MN5) front wheel drive automatic transmission valve body reconditioning, dtc p0741, p0742, p0751, p0752, p0756, p0757, p1811, harsh shifts, slips, no drive, no reverse.
- 10023171ABS pump running when not needed.
- 10022926Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [i-shaft]).
- 10019516Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation.
- 10017096Vehicle will not move in either direction. Transmission may show over full. P90 4t40e 4t45e no movement drive or reverse. Converter may be empty of fluid.
- 100170864T40e or 4t45e will not shift no diagnostic trouble codes.
- 10013000If 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.
- 10012745Information on error codes on radio display their cause and corrective action.
- 10011062Squeaking noise in front end on turns.
- 10010629Crank no start, low or no fuel pressure.
- 10009220Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as intermittent or hard failures. Gm voicemail express.
- 10009214Ignition circuit thermal events, three phase safety recall 04002. Gm voicemail express.
- 10008657Clunk noise from front of vehicle during turning maneuver/steering wheel rotation.
- 10007858Product safety recall ignition circuit thermal events.
- 10007816Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
- 10007293ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness.
Every Pontiac Sunfire model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.