2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 2002
These records cover every 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2002 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.
Owner complaints
82 complaints8 involved a crash3 involved a fire7 injuries1 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Steering
My tilt steering wheel column wobbles from side to side, it would never stay locked in one position and with time it started to move while driving, people have attempted to fix it, but it doesn't last and I can't get a safety inspection because of it, the inspector says it IS too dangerous. It has…
My tilt steering wheel column wobbles from side to side, it would never stay locked in one position and with time it started to move while driving, people have attempted to fix it, but it doesn't last and I can't get a safety inspection because of it, the inspector says it IS too dangerous. It has never been wrecked or damaged and was bought brand new, it about 123,000 miles on it. when I turn to the left especially, the steering wheel flops from left to right. *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that when the gear lever was shifted, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that when the gear lever was shifted, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,080. ...updated 01/20/16 *bf updated 1/12/16 *9CN... Updated 04/20/18*jb *cn
- Electrical system · Power train · Unknown or other
Turned off the vehicle, got my fuses and relay's all checked and turned the car on the next morning, nothing on my dash panel IS working. No mileage, none of the gauges work, fuses and relays are all good.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. While driving approximately 65 mph, the engine stalled and the track off warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vin was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
- Electrical system
I have been the only owner of my 2002 pontiac sunfire; well back in 2011 it just would not start; took it to a trusty mechanic who told me I had to go to the dealership cause most likely I needed an ignition switch; so I took it to the dealer in town; being they are a gm dealer; I mentioned what it…
I have been the only owner of my 2002 pontiac sunfire; well back in 2011 it just would not start; took it to a trusty mechanic who told me I had to go to the dealership cause most likely I needed an ignition switch; so I took it to the dealer in town; being they are a gm dealer; I mentioned what it needed; they looked at it for several days and told me I needed a new computer system; and it was 703.00 for labor and everything; okay so we decide to fix it; get it back and guess what several weeks later it dies on the interstate while my husband was going 70mph; he had to throw it into neutral and pull over; cause it almost caused an accident!!! Take it back to same dealership; they can't find anything wrong with it; they have me come pick it up and it wont even start!!! So I leave it there; then they call me that monday; you need an ignition switch and we will replace this for free; did I even need a new computer??? Gm this car IS dangerous and needs to be on that recall list; cause its next; also; I have had a broken trunk; a broken moon roof; and in the winter when its really cold out; good luck getting inside the car; these doors freeze like no other; its not meant to sit outside; I have had overheating issues; got that fixed finally; now the ac compressor IS shot and the ac won't work; that IS 800.00 to fix; but before with trying to run the ac the car would rev up really bad when sitting idle and sometimes it just shuts off; always starts back up; thank goodness; but the computer and compressor could not keep up with each other IS what I was told; the body on this car IS horrible; expect rust unless you keep it in a garage and the paint peels like no other; if there IS an ignition switch problem; why IS this car not on the recall??? This car almost caused an accident; my husband knew what to do; also sometimes the seat belts almost choke you, be careful! *tr
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the key took thirty minutes to eject from the ignition switch after repeated attempts. On a separate occasion, the ignition key failed to turn in any position or release from the ignition switch. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
- Electrical system › Ignition › Switch
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while parked, the key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle was unable to be placed in drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while parked, the key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle was unable to be placed in drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and programmed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
- Electrical system · Power train
When trying to put car into park, shift cable broke and it was very difficult to get into park. Had to use emergency brake to keep car from rolling. Then, because car wasn't fully in park, ignition wouldn't restart. Had to replace cable. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the ignition seized in the "on" position and the vehicle failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 151,000.
- Electrical system · Steering
Steering column began to smoke and car engine stopped. Dealership determined the cause to be a short in the ignition switch wiring harness due to rubbing on the steering column. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that whenever starting the ignition, the ABS and engine warning indicators illuminated continuously until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the canister vamp solenoid and evap canister were…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that whenever starting the ignition, the ABS and engine warning indicators illuminated continuously until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the canister vamp solenoid and evap canister were both replaced. The failure persisted after the repair was performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
- Electrical system
This IS not the first issue we have had with this vehicle and electrical issues. It spent 6 weeks in the shop the first time back in late 2011 because the wipers, lights, power anything in car went on the fritz and locks failed. Now the drl lights quit and the service engine light comes on when…
This IS not the first issue we have had with this vehicle and electrical issues. It spent 6 weeks in the shop the first time back in late 2011 because the wipers, lights, power anything in car went on the fritz and locks failed. Now the drl lights quit and the service engine light comes on when they fail when you put the car into gear, high beams quit, rear light connectors are rotted and shorted out and the ignition switch IS screwed up and that IS only the beginning. It has gone into week 7 now with no results. I feel general motors owes us some solution to these problems especially since I am finding out I am not the only owner of this type of vehicle that has had the exact same electrical issues. These are safety issues not to mention very costly repairs and being without our vehicle to go back and forth to work. Out of the 70 complaints I read there are 20 plus issues with the same electrical issues I am having. Why has general motors not done anything to address these issues or at least help with the repair costs?? In the last year and a half my car has been in the shop 13 weeks and counting for these electrical issues. *tr
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who detected that the entire frame was completely corroded and that the damage was beyond repair. The approximate failure mileage was 64,690. The vin was unavailable.
- Exterior lighting
The drl lights on my daughters pontiac sunfire malfunctioned and quit working. The problem with the drl's IS that they are wired into the headlights, and when the drl"s short out they disable the left headlight. I have trying t to get it repaired but haven't found the problem yet. I have replaced the drl relay, the headlight switch, the bulbs, with no luck. *tr
- Electrical system
Fire hazard, rear light sockets melting and smoking. *Tr
- Steering
2002 pontiac sunfire steering wheel. outer cover and foam separated from inner steel frame. in an emergency maneuver with rapid steering (or if power steering fails) outer cover and foam can tear causing loss of ability to steer car. first failure on this car was in august 13, 2004, car had…
2002 pontiac sunfire steering wheel. outer cover and foam separated from inner steel frame. in an emergency maneuver with rapid steering (or if power steering fails) outer cover and foam can tear causing loss of ability to steer car. first failure on this car was in august 13, 2004, car had 32,437 mi. And dealer replaced steering wheel under warranty. tech who inspected car said "safety issue". second failure was in july 2010 at 83,000 mi. dealer and gm would not admit to this being a safety issue as well as a defective design and estimated repair cost of $450. gm would not cover the cost of the repair. *Tr
- Steering
The steering wheel was so loose it had radial and axial play. The car was hard to steer because of the collapsed steering wheel. The car was taken to the dealership where their finding was a "worn part" within the steering column. It was a pin type of component that was used to pivot and move the…
The steering wheel was so loose it had radial and axial play. The car was hard to steer because of the collapsed steering wheel. The car was taken to the dealership where their finding was a "worn part" within the steering column. It was a pin type of component that was used to pivot and move the steering wheel according to the mechanic. The charge to fix the problem was estimated at $729 to replace the whole steering column. The car was driven home and parked in the driveway where a complaint IS being filed. How can a component be worn from one of the most critical parts of a car and not be considered a defect? The funniest thing was when the service personnel gave the keys to the mechanic he said, "be careful driving that thing, it's dangerous". driving 65mph on an interstate and your steering wheel collapsing IS not anything I would like my worst enemy to experience. I don't want to be the first person to be injured or die in a car crash for this to finally be a recall. *Tr
- Electrical system · Engine and engine cooling · Interior lighting · Visibility
This car was bought brand new. since it's purchase we have had many issues. we had to replace the transmission at less than 20,000 (it was still under warranty though). my power windows have all stopped working and have been replaced (i've had to buy 7 different ones), my cigarette lighter fuse…
This car was bought brand new. since it's purchase we have had many issues. we had to replace the transmission at less than 20,000 (it was still under warranty though). my power windows have all stopped working and have been replaced (i've had to buy 7 different ones), my cigarette lighter fuse has been replaced twice, I have also had the problems with my headlights and they have had shorts and the wiring has needed replaced on both sides, and last finally my switch on my driver door that turns the dome light on and the radio off has needed changed 3 times now! we have had many problems with this car and I would never recommend this car to anyone!! *Tr
- Electrical system
The gauges stopped working when the lights and heater was turned on thus causing me to have the vehicle towed home where I was able to identify the problem as the wiring harness for the vehicle. *Tr
- Visibility
Window motors are susceptible to water intrusion causing premature failure. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
On november 12, 2008 I was in an auto accident. I was driving my 2002 pontiac sunfire that I had purchased on october 28, 2008. as the car ahead of me began to brake I began to brake as well. however, it did not feel as thought the brakes "grabbed" causing me to collide into the car in front of me. I have a broken foot caused from pushing on the brakes. *Tr
- Visibility
Passenger side window motor stopped working. Driver side window motor working slowly. Upon replacing the bad motor I noticed there was no assist spring on the window lifting assembly on either door. Although there IS a spot for one on both assemblies. Assemblies that I had worked on in the past…
Passenger side window motor stopped working. Driver side window motor working slowly. Upon replacing the bad motor I noticed there was no assist spring on the window lifting assembly on either door. Although there IS a spot for one on both assemblies. Assemblies that I had worked on in the past included these springs. I had thought that the assist springs were there to help the motor in lifting the window. Especially in a two door with larger windows. *Tr
- Visibility › Power window devices and controls
My window motors started going out or losing power the shop could find nothing wrong with them the finally stopped working in oct of 2007 a friend has the same car and her did the same thing after replacing the motors in the windows 8 months later one of the motors started acting the same way again my friend had to replace her s also IS there a defect with the motors. *tr
- Tires
I was driving on highway 270-state route 3, and was driving with the flow of traffic! Went to change lanes from left to right! Started merging into my changing lane when I noticed a car speeding into my changing lane! I pulled back into my previous lane quickly so as not too be hit. Soon after my…
I was driving on highway 270-state route 3, and was driving with the flow of traffic! Went to change lanes from left to right! Started merging into my changing lane when I noticed a car speeding into my changing lane! I pulled back into my previous lane quickly so as not too be hit. Soon after my car started too spin. Did a 360 in the middle of the highway, went into the dividing cement wall, hit that and did another 360 on to the other side of the freeway! After checking out my tires I noticed a flat tire on my front left! Later in the night noticed a round indent in the sideway of the tire but looked like a brand new tire! I've had these tires a little more then a month and they were balanced and had been put on straight from the tire discount s store! These are yokohama, yk520 tires!! Only put a couple thousand miles, never damaged the tires and never touched them!! now my car IS completely totaled and some damage too the engine! I very un-happy and will be taking this to court with my lawyer!!! *tr
- Tires
Purchased 4 tires on 1/24/2007 from sears roebuck on concord pike wilmington delaware and had 4 valve stems replaced at that time, on june 11TH 2008 after going only 8,000 miles on the tires we had the tire go flat from a defective valve stem. today we had another flat on a major highway from…
Purchased 4 tires on 1/24/2007 from sears roebuck on concord pike wilmington delaware and had 4 valve stems replaced at that time, on june 11TH 2008 after going only 8,000 miles on the tires we had the tire go flat from a defective valve stem. today we had another flat on a major highway from another defective valve stem. in checking the remaining two tires they also have a serious crack in the same location. I feel this IS defective product to have all 4 valve stems go bad after 1 year and in the same location. *tr
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.
- 10252735This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement fasteners with conductive finish.
- 10252163XM Audio Traffic And Travel Link Availability And Operation.
- 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
- 10235802This diagnostic tip bulletin provides additional information on how to diagnose a possible valve, lifter or camshaft issue.
- 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.
Every Pontiac Sunfire model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.