2004 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 2004
These records cover every 2004 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 2004 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 passenger vehicles fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, 'seat belt assembly anchorages.' the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt.
Risk and remedy
Risk
In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. the effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries.
Remedy
Dealers are to inspect the safety belt anchorage and install a new nut and bolt, if necessary. the recall began on august 23, 2004. owners should contact chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and pontiac at 1-800-620-7668.
Owner complaints
32 complaints3 involved a crash1 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Structure › Body
While driving my 2004 pontiac sunfire, I had to hold the steering wheel to the left in order for it to go straight. I thought I might need a front end alignment and dropped the car off at my neighborhood firestone dealer that normally works on my cars. After checking the car, they called me and…
While driving my 2004 pontiac sunfire, I had to hold the steering wheel to the left in order for it to go straight. I thought I might need a front end alignment and dropped the car off at my neighborhood firestone dealer that normally works on my cars. After checking the car, they called me and said the frame of the car was rusted out and it was unsafe to drive. When I picked up the car, they gave me pictures of the front passenger side of the frame which all ready had cracked apart due to the rust. they said if you hit a pothole or anything in the road the frame could split apart and cause an accident. I called a body shop to see if it could be repaired and they said it was to big of a job.. They recommended junking the car.. this car IS in real good shape except for this major defect. This has forced me to buy another car.. I'm very disappointed in the quality of your product. I feel there should be a recall for this problem.
- Unknown or other
The inner ignition lock needs to be changed about every 60,000 miles. You can't turn the key over at all so obviously you can't start your car. This should be a recall, alot of other people have the same problem.
- Structure › Body
My daughter left home and the vehicle frame, of the 2004 pontiac sunfire,broke in two parts while she was driving the vehicle. the tow truck driver said it broke due to it rusted into two parts. she was not injured but the car of course was inoperable. there was no wreck or accident for the…
My daughter left home and the vehicle frame, of the 2004 pontiac sunfire,broke in two parts while she was driving the vehicle. the tow truck driver said it broke due to it rusted into two parts. she was not injured but the car of course was inoperable. there was no wreck or accident for the frame of this vehicle to disintegrate. she could have been seriously injured if she was traveling at more than 35 mph and on an open highway. I contacted general motors and they gave this a gm case number and suggested I contact you concerning this problem to make other vehicle owners aware of it. the shop that IS repairing the vehicle stated he had a hard time finding a frame due to the fact this IS very common in pontiac sunfire vehicles. this IS a very serious safety issue.
- Electrical system · Engine · Vehicle speed control
Bought car used in 2013. everything seemed to be okay until 9/12/14 when the theft system service light came on and I noticed the speedometer, rpms, and gas indicators were not reading - car began stalling like it was going to shut down. I was traveling about 50 to 55 mph on a busy street. after…
Bought car used in 2013. everything seemed to be okay until 9/12/14 when the theft system service light came on and I noticed the speedometer, rpms, and gas indicators were not reading - car began stalling like it was going to shut down. I was traveling about 50 to 55 mph on a busy street. after car IS shut off for a time it starts up okay and runs until the same thing reoccurs after going about 20 miles or so - if car shuts down while moving it could cause a serious injury or death. I have read numerous complaints about this same thing on various websites. apparently, the approximate cost to fix IS $400.00 - I am on a limited income and cannot afford. please help. *tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes · Steering
Vehicle does not always start right away. the vehicle has shut off multiple times while driving in town and on the highway. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine
Vehicle was driven and parked for the evening. in the morning went to start the vehicle and vehicle would not start. multiple attempts were tried to start. new starter installed and still no success to start. vehicle was towed to repair shop. after evaluation it was found the timing chains had…
Vehicle was driven and parked for the evening. in the morning went to start the vehicle and vehicle would not start. multiple attempts were tried to start. new starter installed and still no success to start. vehicle was towed to repair shop. after evaluation it was found the timing chains had broken and infringed on the cylinder heads. vehicle requires replacement engine as per mechanic. investigated other claims of the same incident happening and have found that the 2.2L ecotec engine has had several complaints over the last 5-7 years. *tr
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the timing chain became fractured and as result, the engine would need to be replaced.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the timing chain became fractured and as result, the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was unknown.
- Unknown or other
In january of 2006 the tachometer gauge started jumping around not reading correct, by clicking the ignition on and off with the car not running it would re-set. In the fall of 2012 the temperature gauge started and continues to read wrong. April 1ST 2013, now the fuel gauge has stared turning counter clockwise and no longer works.
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The rpm needle went totally on the right side into the needle of the speedometer. Can't tell how fast I am going. Expensive to replace. paint starting to chip in different places. this IS the second vehicle that I had that the paint peeled and general motors states that it IS too old of a vehicle to pay to have painted. that IS totally sad. *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
While braking the brake pedal was working normally then suddenly went soft. Pumped brakes but pedal went to floor. Caused car to crash into vehicle in front of it. failure was consistent with either mater cylinder failure or hydraulic brake line failure causing loss of fluid and pressure. Both vehicles were a total loss. Both front airbags went off in sunfire. No serious injuries. *Tr
- Electrical system
When it IS very hot or cold outside the speedometer and all of the needles in the instrument panel will stick at certain points or stop working completely, this occurs randomly and I can not see how fast I am going. this was part of a gm class settlement but my vehicle model was not included for a…
When it IS very hot or cold outside the speedometer and all of the needles in the instrument panel will stick at certain points or stop working completely, this occurs randomly and I can not see how fast I am going. this was part of a gm class settlement but my vehicle model was not included for a free repair or a recall of this part. I do not plan to get it fixed at a dealer because of the cost but I plan to ship the instrument cluster off and get the stepper motors in it repaired. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Can't recall events leading up to failure. The speedometer IS always registering 100 mph even when it IS not moving. sometimes it will register to 70 mph, by running backwards from 100, while it IS moving. I did some research to find out the history of this problem. I found where gm settled in…
Can't recall events leading up to failure. The speedometer IS always registering 100 mph even when it IS not moving. sometimes it will register to 70 mph, by running backwards from 100, while it IS moving. I did some research to find out the history of this problem. I found where gm settled in a class action for this defect which listed my car as a car that had this faulty component, but my car was not included in the settlement. I searched this website's complaint data base and seen numerous complaints about this very same issue, the speedometer. my question IS, how may complaints will it take for odi to initiate and investigation, so that a proper recall can take place? *Tr
- Electrical system
Electrical gauges on dash do not function correctly. tach IS pegged out, fuel gage not correct and speed IS inaccurate. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
Left side rear blinker light goes out several times a week. There has been a recall on other pontiac sunfires but for years other than the one I have. Apparently there IS something wrong with the wiring. I can wiggle the bulb and it will work until I hit a bump and then it IS out again. This IS very dangerous and there should be a recall on 2004 pontiac sunfires as well as the other years. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
My gauges (all but the speedometer) have gone crazy! the fuel gauge and temp gauge are the worst. sometimes the tachometer , though not often. my fuel gauge never reads correct and sometimes points directly down or IS into the speedometer. my temp gauge either never moves or once it moves, it…
My gauges (all but the speedometer) have gone crazy! the fuel gauge and temp gauge are the worst. sometimes the tachometer , though not often. my fuel gauge never reads correct and sometimes points directly down or IS into the speedometer. my temp gauge either never moves or once it moves, it stays stuck in the new level. it sometimes gets into the tachometer causing that one to stop working. it sometimes goes back to normal if the car IS turned on and off many, many times. other times that doesn't even work. it occurs all the time and for the past few months they have been stuck. I would get it repaired, but can't afford the costs. *Tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer on my 2004 pontiac sunfire sticks at various speeds and does not return to 0MPH when I stop. At highway speeds it will be pegged all the way to max. This condition seems to be worse when the temperature IS cold. I have also noticed that the tachometer will do the same thing but IS not as bad as the speedometer. When the engine IS shut off and restarted the tach will reset back to 0. *Tr
- Electrical system
I own a 2004 pontiac sunfire and the headlights are extremely dim, making it very difficult to drive at night without using the "brights". After replacing headlight bulbs, the problem continued. I took it to a mechanic that told me this IS a common problem with the sunfire and it involved corrosion…
I own a 2004 pontiac sunfire and the headlights are extremely dim, making it very difficult to drive at night without using the "brights". After replacing headlight bulbs, the problem continued. I took it to a mechanic that told me this IS a common problem with the sunfire and it involved corrosion to the headlight wiring harness. I looked online to see if there was a manufacturer recall, which I did not find. While researching the problem I found that this problem IS very common and there IS much written about the problem in several auto forums, but gm has not addressed the issue with a recall. My daughter drives this vehicle and had complained to me about the problem which I did not acknowledge until she was following me at night and I saw that her headlights were extremely dim. This IS a safety hazard and could cause accidents, why hasn't this problem been addressed. I see the dealers are charging approx. $600 to repair the wiring harness, which seems ridiculous, considering it IS a manufacturing defect. Does there need to be deaths involved in order for this problem to be addressed?headlights *tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip · Wheels › Hub
The abs,trac and service light came on after I hit a deer because the traction control and ABS would not let me stop from hitting it. I now have the problem with ABS traction control and service light but it now makes it hard to stop till all those come on. I was told it was a sensor in the hub of rear end. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 pontiac sunfire. while driving at various speeds, the speedometer displays inaccurate readings. the dealer stated that they would have to replace the speedometer cluster in the instrument control panel. the vehicle has not been repaired due to the cost. the failure…
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 pontiac sunfire. while driving at various speeds, the speedometer displays inaccurate readings. the dealer stated that they would have to replace the speedometer cluster in the instrument control panel. the vehicle has not been repaired due to the cost. the failure and current mileages were 20,000. updated 07/09/08 *bf the consumer stated the problem occurs when it IS really hot or cold outside. Updated
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
All gauges were accurate until one morning when I was driving and noticed that the speedometer was stuck on 50 when car wash completely stopped. As I drove farther the speedometer rose to 70 when at a complete stop. The rpm gauge IS reading 0 when car IS in motion which IS completely impossible. *tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
I am experiencing the same issue as odi ID number : 1016866, where at anytime, any speed, stopped or moving, my car's engine will drop below the normal idling speed and stall out. It will just stop! The car IS moving, but the engine has stopped! This has happened several times! I've experienced…
I am experiencing the same issue as odi ID number : 1016866, where at anytime, any speed, stopped or moving, my car's engine will drop below the normal idling speed and stall out. It will just stop! The car IS moving, but the engine has stopped! This has happened several times! I've experienced this problem a couple of times in a high volume traffic area. This issue could cause serious injury or wreck, because when the engine IS stopped, you loose power steering! This car IS not an easy car to maneuver without power steering. I cranked the key, the car would start right up, but as soon as the clutch hits the floor and gives the engine time to wind down, it stalls again. This issue IS very sporadic, I haven't been able to put a finger on what would cause the engine to stall that way. I did email pontiac's customer support and have received no regard to my email. No questions, no confirmation other than the automatic reply, no calls, nothing. I feel like we are getting shafted on this issue and I don't think pontiac IS taking this issue seriously! I don't think they realize the potential danger this issue proposes! *nm
- Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery · Engine and engine cooling
Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds or while stopped at an idle, the engine stalled without warning. afterwards, the engine was easily restarted. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the battery, air flow sensor, altitude sensor, and the fuel filter fitting needed to be replaced. although the replacements were made, the problem persisted. the manufacturer was notified.
- Exterior lighting › Headlights › High/low beam dimmer switch
Dt: the low beam headlights are not bright enough to see. there IS no adjustment for the high beam to low beam, only a dim bulb. has been to a dealer and tried other headlamps, but these were not any better with the visibility. contacted gm, and gm stated that this was the way the car was…
Dt: the low beam headlights are not bright enough to see. there IS no adjustment for the high beam to low beam, only a dim bulb. has been to a dealer and tried other headlamps, but these were not any better with the visibility. contacted gm, and gm stated that this was the way the car was designed, and they would not redesign the vehicle. this was still a problem, no corrections done. gm suggested to put in a brighter bulb, but gm said this would void the warranty.*ak
- Electronic stability control › Automatic (asc)
Dt: the front of the vehicle fell apart, lost control of the vehicle .tried to get it to straigten out., it was like the vehicle wouldn't do what consumer, wanted it to do and there was no impact to the front of the vehicle,. But the air bags deployed, and the windshield busted, hit a mailbox on…
Dt: the front of the vehicle fell apart, lost control of the vehicle .tried to get it to straigten out., it was like the vehicle wouldn't do what consumer, wanted it to do and there was no impact to the front of the vehicle,. But the air bags deployed, and the windshield busted, hit a mailbox on the right side of the passenger door. Could see black mark like it was clipped, and not dented. Felt like the vehicle was made out of plastic, it just buckled. Smelled something that seemed like smoke, but didn't see it.*ak
- Electrical system › Wiring › Interior/under dash
When driving my 2004 sunfire the dash seems to get really hot and smells like something IS burning. I am afraid that it IS going to catch on fire.*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.
- 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.
- 11007208This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about changing the tire and wheel size on vehicles. General Motors will only support a tire calibration for tires that have been sized, tested and designed for the vehicle in question and its applications. Technician should not use the information that is provided by the antilock braking system tire size selection.
- 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.
- 11000576This Warranty Administration bulletin provides retail and wholesale service personnel with the policies/procedures and the warranty transaction submission procedures that support the Personal Property Damage process.
- 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
- 10245395This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
- 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.
- 10244214This informational bulletin provides information for the IPC odometer programming method quick reference guide.
- 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.
- 10232156This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
- 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.
- 10230605This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on OnStar Module 2G Sunset Information.
Every Pontiac Sunfire model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.