2001 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 2001
These records cover every 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2001 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.
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.
Owner complaints
66 complaints8 involved a crash2 involved a fire9 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The vehicle was able to start and, at times, upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn over to start the vehicle from the ignition. The dealer replaced the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The vehicle was able to start and, at times, upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn over to start the vehicle from the ignition. The dealer replaced the battery and the ignition switch, but the failure continued. The vin was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 04v036000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.
- Steering · Suspension
In part due to corrosion of the lower control arm, it experienced a sudden structural failure resulting in a significant loss of steering control. this problem occurred twice to my vehicle. the first time it occurred was when cornering an hitting a small pothole. I had the car repaired by a gm…
In part due to corrosion of the lower control arm, it experienced a sudden structural failure resulting in a significant loss of steering control. this problem occurred twice to my vehicle. the first time it occurred was when cornering an hitting a small pothole. I had the car repaired by a gm dealership and the second time a few years later this occurred again and it was when I had to stop abruptly to avoid a car running a red light. this was the same part that failed each time and rendered the vehicle un-driveable.
- Air bags · Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving 25 mph, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving 25 mph, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The vin was unavailable.
- Engine · Service brakes · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
- Engine · Traction control system
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and the traction warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Steering
Contacted a local auto dealer, cutter pontiac (waipahu, hawaii - levy, service agent, ph# 808-564-9520) and inquired about my vehicles posted 3 recall issues; ignition, fuel system, & steering wheel. I even emailed an official list of my vehicle's recall issues I was told the following, after…
Contacted a local auto dealer, cutter pontiac (waipahu, hawaii - levy, service agent, ph# 808-564-9520) and inquired about my vehicles posted 3 recall issues; ignition, fuel system, & steering wheel. I even emailed an official list of my vehicle's recall issues I was told the following, after levy had the opportunity to review my email,with my recall list: 1. Ignition - I was told that my concern had past the original date of recall, 2004 ???, so dealer IS unable help me resolve this issue 2. Fuel system - I noted that I smelled fuel back a few weeks prior, I would need to bring my vehicle down and they would diagnose the problem, but would charge me for the diagnostic check. 3. Steering wheel - again, I was told they would need to do a diagnostic check, but still charge me. I informed that my vin, did not show up on their computer list I initially made an a service appointment, but cancelled ...... As I was not prepared to pay diagnostic tests to confirm my vehicle's recall issues. thank you *tr
- Service brakes
All of a sudden, my front brakes no longer worked properly?! Only rear, emergency brake and l front? had r front caliper completely removed and replaced, yet problem still existed?! was told something could be wrong with gm's anti lock brake unit installed into the master brake cylinder? cost was going to be around $800.00 to replace unit that, on my vehicle was assembled in mexico? *tr
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at any speed. The failure was experienced several times. The contact replaced the fuses. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The failure…
TL* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at any speed. The failure was experienced several times. The contact replaced the fuses. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The failure and the current mileages were 116,000. Updated 06/20/12*lj the consumer stated the fuel injection was not replaced. Her husband replaced the fuses. Updated 06/22/12 updated 8/20/12 *cn the consumer also stated the vehicle used an excessive amount of fuel. Updated 08/23/12
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I too have a 2001 pontiac sunfire SE 2.2 auto with about 58,000 miles on it. I bought this car in march of 2002 with only 14,937 miles on it. I had no problems with this car till november 2004 at 44,874 miles, when an 8 point buck ran into the left side front fender and damaged it, the hood…
I too have a 2001 pontiac sunfire SE 2.2 auto with about 58,000 miles on it. I bought this car in march of 2002 with only 14,937 miles on it. I had no problems with this car till november 2004 at 44,874 miles, when an 8 point buck ran into the left side front fender and damaged it, the hood, windshield, driver's door, roof, and back door while I was driving 55 mph. The car was repaired, then sat outside for about 4 1/2 years. Had to install a new fuel pump and battery, then I started driving it again every day in november 2009. now I have no high beam headlights, lights are good. Also, when I put the transmission into gear, the daytime running lights flash real fast about 7 or 8 times, then go out, and the service light comes on, but if I turn on the low beam headlights first, it IS fine! Service light goes out after car IS turned off and restarted, until put back into gear with the headlights off! I have replaced the daytime running lights relay with a new one, but it still does the same thing, and if I leave the relay out, then when I turn on the headlights, one IS normal and the other IS real dim!! this has been an ongoing problem for about a year now. I thought it may be a problem stemming from the deer damage and repairs, but I see from all of the other comments on here from the past 9 or 10 years or so, that this seems to be a common problem with this car. Would this be the turn signal/dimmer switch in the steering column causing all of these problems?? Any ideas?? Thank you!!
- Exterior lighting
2001 pontiac sunfire running lights will not work. They will flicker when the car IS put into gear and then shut off completely. The check engine light came on as well as the service (wrench) light at the time of the running lights failing. I began using the highbeams only (until I could figure out…
2001 pontiac sunfire running lights will not work. They will flicker when the car IS put into gear and then shut off completely. The check engine light came on as well as the service (wrench) light at the time of the running lights failing. I began using the highbeams only (until I could figure out the running light) and they will not work now. The headlights will still flash when the lock button IS used on the key remote. I have gotten pulled over for my headlights not working because my highbeams failed in the middle of driving the vehicle. I now have no headlights and have been reading internet discussion boards of many other people having the identical problem. Many are saying that gm knows of this problem and refuse to recall the problem. *Tr
- Electrical system › Horn
We have a 2001 sunfire that has horn problems. Sometimes the horn works, sometimes it doesn't. We have taken it by dealerships and they say they cannot find the problem. We had a 1998 sunfire that did exactly the same thing. This IS an obvious defect and it IS a safety issue because of the loss of the horn. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
This IS the second time I have had to change the timing chain on my car in the past two years. *tr
- Tires
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. the vehicle has cooper trendsetter SE tires, size p195/65r15. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate. as the contact attempted to slow down, the front driver side tire exploded and caused the side skirt on the vehicle to fall off. the tire…
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. the vehicle has cooper trendsetter SE tires, size p195/65r15. while driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate. as the contact attempted to slow down, the front driver side tire exploded and caused the side skirt on the vehicle to fall off. the tire failure also damaged the front bumper and the front driver side tire well. there was no crash and no prior warning. the tires have not been diagnosed by the dealer. the tire failure mileage was 4,000. the vehicle failure mileage was 90,000.
- Electrical system › Wiring
Have had the vehicle to the dealer a number of times (3) for multiple front end lighting system failures of various components. failure has always been linked to issues with the wiring harness. *tr
- Unknown or other
Vehicle slipped on ice going approximately 20 miles an hour, hit a tree on the passenger side door. extreme damage, driver sustained severe head trauma on the right side from the passenger side collapsing. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
Timing chain guides went out after only 50,000 miles. my mechanic said this IS the third one he's done like this. *nm
- Electrical system
Electrical system failure. Under dash wire harness needs replacement. Speedometer, tach and all other gauges failed. All safety and diagnostic lights come on ... Reputable electronics repair shop diagnosed problem and cost to repair in excess $2,000. Car not drivable, not able to sell, not able to be register in ny state. *nm
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the ABS engages. the ABS normally engaged when going over slight bumps in the road and coming to a stop sign. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the dealer replaced the brake shoes, pads and rotors on the front and rear of the vehicle. however, this did not remedy the ABS engaging. Updated 04/17/06. *Jb
- Fuel system, other › Storage › Fuel gauge system
Fuel gauge not correct in amount of fuel left in tank. twice in the year 2005, car stopped and had to be towed. the only problem found was that it was out of gas and the gauge was not showing this. was advised by technician to never let the gauge go below 1/4 full. he said he had witnessed this in other pontiac sunfires. *jb
- Engine and engine cooling
My car has made a ticking noise since the day I bought it. the dealer said they could get to the bottom of what was causing the noise, for me not to worry. 63,000 miles later, I do not have a car anymore, the engine blew up. *jb
- Electrical system
Odometer display IS visible when first starting car. as soon as you begin to drive, the odometer reading begins to flicker. does not appear to be giving an accurate reading either. Shop stated that new dash assembly would have to be installed to correct issue since access to wiring was not possible.
- Air bags
2001 pontiac - airbag deployment causes total wreck june 28, 2005, ca. 1130 - on a right-angle turn at less than 5 mph into a narrow lane in a parking area at conroe regional medical center , conroe, tx, at about 1130 june 28, the left rear wheel of my 2001 pontiac sunfire went up onto a…
2001 pontiac - airbag deployment causes total wreck june 28, 2005, ca. 1130 - on a right-angle turn at less than 5 mph into a narrow lane in a parking area at conroe regional medical center , conroe, tx, at about 1130 june 28, the left rear wheel of my 2001 pontiac sunfire went up onto a 3-to-4-inch-high concrete median. when I attempted to steer off the median, the resulting slight drop caused my airbags to deploy. this deployment caused bruises on both forearms, bruised my lower right ribcage and forced both hands back off the wheel, preventing me from steering the car. Furthermore, the deployment forced my legs away from the foot controls. the deploying airbag knocked my spectacles up onto my forehead, the left temple causing a small cut and bending the spectacles so they could not be worn and had to be repaired later. as a result of this airbag deployment I was totally unable to control direction or speed. The car lunged at about a 30-degree angle to the right for a distance of about 12 feet and smashed into a pillar, causing the vehicle to sustain severe damage to the front end, smashing the bumper and the radiator and cracking the right part of the windshield. personnel from the hospital, the conroe police department, and the local ems were on the scene immediately. the conroe police assigned a case number 05064218 to the accident. I am appalled to think that this same accident which destroyed my vehicle and hurt me within a few feet at extremely low speed might have happened at a bump in the road at highway speed. Had the airbags not deployed there would not have been an accident, as I would have been able to operate my vehicle properly. This experience has been very costly in terms of vehicle replacement and personal pain. obviously, more thought has to be given to the subject of airbags and safety. a one-size-fits-all mentality does not work. *jb
- Suspension › Rear › Springs · Tires › Tread/belt · Wheels › Rim
2001 pontiac sunfire experiencing various problems.***no answer required***. *Mr the rear springs inoperative. 6 months after the vehicel was purchased the tire tread were badly worn. one of the wheels rims were also bent. *nm
- Air bags
While driving at approximately 30 mph driver hit a bump in the road. Inadvertently the air bags deployed, breaking the windshield, and causing damage to the dashboard. Owner drove the vehicle to residence. *ak
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling
The traction light illuminated and then the vehicle shut off completely. the vehicle has been taken in for service, but the problem could not be duplicated. *jb
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Erratic fuel gauge
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as…
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of the circuit card) will cause incorrect readings to register on the fuel gauge.gm reported in their response to odi dated january 13, 2003 that the primary cause of erratic fuel gauge operation IS excess elemental sulfur in fuel.gm reported that abnormal levels of sulfur sporadically occurred in certain parts of canada and the u.s. Resulting in reports of fuel gauge malfunction.gm modified the sending sensor for vehicles built after october 2000.it made a second sensor modification for vehicles built after january 2003.gm also issued a customer satisfaction campaign (gm number 00101) in december 2000 for u.s. Customers in the state of maine and issued several service bulletins informing dealers of the availability of sensors with improved corrosion resistance.the complaint trend indicates that complaints peaked in late 2000 to early 2001.warranty claims declined since peaking in april 2002.based on the number of complaints and the indication of a declining trend, further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Erratic fuel gauge
There is no summary currently available
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.
- 11009156This 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.
- 11007744This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11007743This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 11006621Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles. It provides the ability via a single selection within Techline Connect to first identify which modules need updating and then proceed to updating affected modules (with some exceptions). The updating of modules is completed in parallel instead of the technician needing to update one module at a time. This allows a more streamlined approach for dealers and customers.
- 11004557This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as a Product Allegation Resolution (PAR) claim.
- 11002312This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS) Error Codes E4398, E4399, E4401, E4403, M4404, M4413, M6954, M6955, E4414, E4423, E4491, E4492, or E6961 and resolution information.
- 10251890This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake valves to correct conditions of rough idle, Crank no start, extended crank or misfire, MIL with DTCs, and explains how Top Tier fuels should be used to reduce carbon build-up.
- 10250775This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10249980This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vibration complaints that are one of the most challenging complaints to accurately diagnose and repair. Technician will need to use Pico Oscilloscope Diagnostic Kit to effectively diagnosis vehicles. Technician should drive the vehicle will using the Pico Oscilloscope to record data. After the data is recorded it should be reviewed to determine the root cause of the concern. If a repair attempt made the concern better but not eliminated or had no affect at all, and are requesting assistance from General Motors Technical Assistance Center record another Pico file and save it to the computer. After the new Pico Oscilloscope data has been saved email the data to General Motors Technical Assistance Center in the subject line include ?Vibration? ?Business Associate Code? and the last 8 of the Vehicle Identification Number.
- 10249579This PI bulletin advises the technician on the proper way to install the pistons in an engine.
- 10249011This informational bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Headlamp, Tail Lamp, License Lamp or Fog/Driving Lamp Damage.
- 10248444Vehicle Recalls
- 10247780This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10246952Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246951Programming And Activation Of Replacement OnStar Modules.
- 10246631Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- 10245951Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls And Turn By Turn Inoperative In The United States.
- 10245950Canadian Customers Unable To Place Calls In The United States
- 10244274This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10244201This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10242298This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10242262This service bulletin provides graphics, information and guidelines for engine component wear to assist service personnel as a guideline to perform necessary engine repairs and prevent unnecessary engine replacement.
- 10240793This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10236164This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10235799This service bulletin provides information about the Hunter wheel Road Force balancers that should be utilized for all repairs requiring balance and Road Force measurement.
- 10234110This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10232811This Preliminary information communicates information that will need to be provided to TAC to aid in diagnosing if a vehicle comes in with misfire and DTC Codes P0300 - P0308 and/or P050D
- 10232287This warranty administration bulletin provides information regarding the field action courtesy transportation policy.
- 10232136This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Exterior Lamp Condensation and Water Leaks and Replacement Guidelines.
- 10230697This Preliminary information communicates to the technician the need to inspect the induction system for potential icing issues in very cold ambient temperatures. To allow the ice to melt so that it can be drained from the related components. That any of the listed DTC's may set with or without poor engine performance.
- 10227056This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil Cooler Lines and Oil Tank if the engine was replaced where large amounts of debris has flowed throughout the oiling system.
- 10224820This service bulletin provides information for dealers on how to submit a product information report (PIR) (Canada Only).
- 10224309This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician that General Motors and General Motors of Canada Company do not support cross border sales. The General Motors of Canada Customer Care Centre is the sole authorized provider of a certification confirmation letter which helps our customers identify if their vehicles meets the required USA regulatory standards necessary for importation into the USA.
- 10224273This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician to not remove the torque converter bolts and start the engine as this may cause damage to the torque converter of the crankshaft on vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission.
- 10222796This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10216361This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the Heater-Vent-Air Conditioning blows warm air. Before calling General Motors Technical Assistance Center technician will need to have high and low pressures, outside temperature, humidity, and vent temperature.
- 10214869This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
- 10213818This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have an unusual noise and is difficult to identify, isolate or pinpoint. Technician should get record a sound clip or take a video of the noise for assessment by engineering. Technician will need to call General Motors Technical Assistance Center for further assistance.
- 10212625This service bulletin provides service information on new torque specification and installation procedure for ACDelco Spin-On Oil Filters.
Every Pontiac Sunfire model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.