2005 Pontiac Sunfire
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Pontiac › Sunfire › 2005
These records cover every 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
1 recall names the 2005 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.
Owner complaints
68 complaints
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm…
None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.
- Electrical system · Steering
Going down hill, turned my car to the right and the car keep going straight. It did not turn at all. I almost got hit by on coming traffic, but my car hit the curve first stopping an accident from occurring I have replace window motor twice and they have went out again now. And I have also replaced window motor buttons for a second time in the past 3 years
- Electrical system
Recall needed! Instrument cluster has failed. Started with the fuel gauge moving in wrong direction into speedometer. Empty IS at 110mph. Speedometer stuck at 55mph while coming into town and needing to reduce to 35mph with my children in the car with me! With the line of traffic that was behind me…
Recall needed! Instrument cluster has failed. Started with the fuel gauge moving in wrong direction into speedometer. Empty IS at 110mph. Speedometer stuck at 55mph while coming into town and needing to reduce to 35mph with my children in the car with me! With the line of traffic that was behind me im guessing it was stuck there for a bit before I knew something was wrong. After pulling over and turning motor off and on several times it now goes down to 45mph and increases from there. Rpm dial stopped working moments after speedometer stuck. Heat guage seems intact but who knows for sure. So now I'm stuck with a car I don't feel safe putting my children in and I can't afford to fix. Yet another cut corner by gm that they won't acknowledge.
- Electrical system
Gas gauge temp gauge rpm gauge all dont work when the car IS running
- Electrical system
Instrument gauge (speedometer) went first then slowly progressed into all of them. they are sporadically accurate, but most of the time rest at the low or high end and often off into the next gauge. I paid firestone a few years back to do a diagnostic hoping one gauge was faulty causing the rest…
Instrument gauge (speedometer) went first then slowly progressed into all of them. they are sporadically accurate, but most of the time rest at the low or high end and often off into the next gauge. I paid firestone a few years back to do a diagnostic hoping one gauge was faulty causing the rest to fail, but its the cluster. cost for replacement ~ $800. (for me about 3 weeks pay) so recently I decided I cant take it anymore and went searching for alternative prices and look what I find, a billion sunfire owners with the same problem. (okay but a lot) and these are just the people that have bothered to complain. been dealing with this for years, its now at the point I described above. I have emissions at the end of march. so looks like I'm out 1 weeks pay (earning a bit more, but not much) because gm wont own up to their cheaply manufactured parts. buy american? gee I don't understand why that mentality didn't survive the 80'S. my next car? from a manufacturer that cares about quality. *tr
- Electrical system
Vehicle randomly shuts off, usually when idling or stopped. clock and radio reset. car can easily be restarted, but clock and radio must be reset. has happened many times. dealer was unable to locate a problem on several service appointments. *tr
- Electrical system
The temperature gauge does not work at all anymore - the gauge was at hot even when the car had been off overnight and was completely cool. now it IS all the way around underneath the gauge next to it. *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Steering
Driving the vehicle went to turn a corner and the entire car died. I lost all steering and electrical in the car. when the vehicle was tried to be restarted that was a very loud clunking noise. once towed to a mechanic was told the engine had seized up even though there was oil in the vehicle. was also told this IS identical to the problems other vehicles have been recalled for. *tr
- Electrical system
While driving I noticed that my tachometer gauge indicator was all the way over to the right under my speedometer indicator. then a few hours later while going to the store, I noticed that my temperature gauge was showing hot and not accurate also. this was discussed with my mechanic who…
While driving I noticed that my tachometer gauge indicator was all the way over to the right under my speedometer indicator. then a few hours later while going to the store, I noticed that my temperature gauge was showing hot and not accurate also. this was discussed with my mechanic who informs me that this IS a known problem and the cost to fix??? in the neighborhood of $500 -- I am a single mother with a handicapped child and do not live in that neighborhood. I think gm should fix this issue before someone IS hurt-- why wait that long? because if it IS me or my child-- I promise it will not be good for them! *tr
- Electrical system · Electronic stability control (esc) · Engine
The electrical system goes out and the car will not start, the horn will not work the care claim to run hot when that isn't the case. The window stop working, the engine say that it need checking however when I take it to be service they always says this model has a lot of electrical problems. I…
The electrical system goes out and the car will not start, the horn will not work the care claim to run hot when that isn't the case. The window stop working, the engine say that it need checking however when I take it to be service they always says this model has a lot of electrical problems. I have had wires replaced, new starter, new alternator, new motor in the left window. And I have had all this done to fine out that there IS electrical issue with this model. I have wasted hundreds when all you had to do IS admit there was an issue and submit a recall. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility/wiper
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the odometer and fuel gauges fluctuated. The contact also mentioned that the driver's front window failed to open or close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the instrument…
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the odometer and fuel gauges fluctuated. The contact also mentioned that the driver's front window failed to open or close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the instrument panel assembly would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
- Electrical system
Daughter called during late night drive from university, temp gauge has gone too high! had to get off freeway and drive through bad part of town back to university detroit mercy. Call for ride home. Make arrangements to have towed to shop. temp gauge not working at all now. Shop says that the whole gauge panel needs replacement! *tr
- Electrical system
All gauges in the vehicle have stopped working (i.e. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temp gauges). told that this IS a known issue with pontiac sunfire models from years 2003-2005. also, with the chevrolet cavalier 2003-2005, which IS basically the same car. gm changed suppliers for the…
All gauges in the vehicle have stopped working (i.e. Speedometer, tachometer, fuel, and temp gauges). told that this IS a known issue with pontiac sunfire models from years 2003-2005. also, with the chevrolet cavalier 2003-2005, which IS basically the same car. gm changed suppliers for the instrument cluster for these years. instrument failure IS caused by the inferior parts used by gm, and it IS a safety issue. one can not blame instrument failure on a lack of maintenance of the vehicle on the owner. especially on a vehicle that travels roughly 5,000 miles a year. such an issue IS the fault of the manufacturer, and their use of sub-par materials. have checked fuses, and had the electrical system checked (i.e. It's not a short to ground problem). these are not the result of the gauges failing. Told the cost would be over $500 for a new instrument gauge cluster. there should be a recall by gm for this known safety issue. *tr
- Engine · Service brakes · Steering
My son was driving down road car shut off and everything locked up and had no power. afraid it could happen while driving at faster speed and could cause an accident. *tr
- Electrical system
Speedometer IS stuck at 60mph will go up from that but not down. I see a bunch of other people with same issue! Can gm see there IS a problem that needs taken care of !! *tr
- Electrical system
Instrumentclusterinop,speedometer,&temperaturegaugefailing.rpmgaugefailing,ranintospeedometer&effectingthespeedofthecar.veryunsafe,multiplecomplaintsondefectiveinstrumentcluster.www.carcomplaints.com.$500.00repair,pontiac/gmhasnorecallsontheissue.multipleownersofthevehicehavesamecomplaintsofthissame…
Instrumentclusterinop,speedometer,&temperaturegaugefailing.rpmgaugefailing,ranintospeedometer&effectingthespeedofthecar.veryunsafe,multiplecomplaintsondefectiveinstrumentcluster.www.carcomplaints.com.$500.00repair,pontiac/gmhasnorecallsontheissue.multipleownersofthevehicehavesamecomplaintsofthissameproblem.dontknowthetemperatureofthevehicle,dontknowthespeedi'mdriving.speedometerisglitching.problem&defectisapparently,problemwithsteppermotersarefailingincluster. *tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting
I had just bought the car in december 2007 and the cigarette lighter next to driving wheel was not working. car was in storage for over a year and around may 2010 the drivers window stopped "rolling up" so we got the window motor changed as they said it was burnt. window worked for about a week…
I had just bought the car in december 2007 and the cigarette lighter next to driving wheel was not working. car was in storage for over a year and around may 2010 the drivers window stopped "rolling up" so we got the window motor changed as they said it was burnt. window worked for about a week and then it turned out to be another electrical issue having to do with the switch controlling the windows. around april 2011 a new issue, high beams stopped working on and off. they eventually stopped working and leading to no beams at all, not signals and no light in dashboard. Another part had to be replaced. may 2013 - stereo light IS not working, but stereo IS operating. july 2013 - trunk will not lock. *tr
- Electrical system
TL* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the instrument panel failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where it was advised that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000. *tr
- Electrical system
The entire instrument panel (i.e. Speedometer, gas gauge, temp gauge, rpm gauge) ceased to function one by one. *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
I bought this car in 2007 with 27,000 miles. A little over a year later, the gauges started quitting one by one. It's been almost three years since any of my gauges worked in any capacity. After reading so many complaints about this, I really feel its a defect that needs to be taken care of by the manufacturer. Mine quit before I hit 50,000 miles! *Tr
- Electrical system · Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. While parked, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge would not display a reading. A few weeks later the temperature gauge and the speedometer also failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the…
Tl*the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. While parked, the contact noticed that the fuel gauge would not display a reading. A few weeks later the temperature gauge and the speedometer also failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the instrument panel would have to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000. updated 11/13/12 *cn updated 12/03/12
- Electrical system
Speedometer IS stuck at 85-90 mph. *Js
- Electrical system · Fuel system, gasoline · Visibility › Power window devices and controls
The fuel gauge show different amount of fuel in it, erratic shows full then half then you out of gas. right electric window goes down but only goes up an inch at a time, and it takes along time. *tr
- Electrical system
At first the speedometer would freeze and not work. Sometimes it would; however, I did not know if it was accurate. Then the fuel gauge and other gauges would randomly go on and off. This car was intended for my 16 year old daughter, but I cannot let her drive it due to safety issues. I have read all the complaints on this car and mine IS just like theirs. When IS gm going to do something about this? *tr
- Electrical system › Instrument cluster/panel
The speedometer varies in it's position. It's sometimes ok, then it will freeze at maybe 50 mph, then go up to over a hundred mph. Next time it may freeze at 20 mph, etc. I don't know how fast I'm going, and don't want to get a ticket for speeding. I'm trying to use my odometer, but distracts me to…
The speedometer varies in it's position. It's sometimes ok, then it will freeze at maybe 50 mph, then go up to over a hundred mph. Next time it may freeze at 20 mph, etc. I don't know how fast I'm going, and don't want to get a ticket for speeding. I'm trying to use my odometer, but distracts me to try and figure it out. I don't see a recall, but I know there are many complaints on this issue. I think it's time gm owns up to it's responsibility to fix this, not, at the owners cost. My research shows me that there are thousands of complaints on this speedometer failure. I am told by my dealer that it IS the cluster, which IS extremely expensive to repair. I am retired and love this car, but don't have the money make it safe to drive. *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.
- 11011782This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 11008956This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers Only).
- 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.
- 11007091This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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.
- 11001321This bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of water or ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
- 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.
- 11000162The intent of this service bulletin is to identify aftermarket ALDL or DLC interface devices as potential sources for causing multiple customer concerns that do not have other diagnostic methods to identify them.
- 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.
- 10249295This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about the use of J-35616-64B terminal test probe, replacement terminals, and terminated leads. The J-35616-64B is the latest test probe released for checking tension or probing the .64 series terminals. The test probe terminal has been released in the terminal repair kit (J-38125-620H) located in Lear Tray 7 part number 963716-2. There are 5 terminated leads in a package part number is 13505346, which can be ordered through your normal General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales parts channel.
- 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.
- 10247716J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 10247681Information On Requests To Add OnStar Bluetooth Option.
- 10247063A/C Blows Warm Or Poor Performance.
- 10247061J-35616-64B Terminal Test Probe / Replacement Terminal / Terminated Lead.
- 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.
- 10244273This service bulletin provides guidelines and diagnostic/repair information to technicians regarding vehicle engine oil consumption.
- 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).
- 10244200This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on When and How to Submit a Field Product Report (FPR) (U.S. and Canada Dealers 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.
Every Pontiac Sunfire model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.