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1988 Pontiac SunbirdProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 1988 Pontiac Sunbird, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTop problem1Electrical system

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 17, 2000. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1988 Pontiac Sunbird has problems

4 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Electrical system10
Engine and engine cooling10
Steering10
Tires10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

2 recalls

1988 Pontiac Sunbird recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Pontiac.

Best & worst years

1988 vs. every other Sunbird year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Sunbird median. How we score

'76'77'78'79'80'83'84'85'86'87'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
6 investigations

NHTSA defect investigations

Federal investigations that included the 1988 Pontiac Sunbird, and the recalls they led to.

  1. BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESSEA89010 · closed May 8, 1990
    No recall
  2. BRAKE PERFORMANCEEA90041 · closed Mar 30, 1992
    No recall
  3. STICKING THROTTLEEA92024 · closed Jan 31, 1994
    No recall
  4. POOR BRAKINGPE88085 · closed Jan 17, 1989
    No recall
  5. STOP LAMPSPE89035 · closed May 24, 1989
    No recall
  6. ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRESPE93090 · closed Feb 28, 1994
    No recall
In owners' words

What Sunbird owners report

Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

CONSUMER STATED THAT THE WIRING IN THE FUEL TANK SHORTED OUT, CAUSING AN ELECTRICAL SPARK. ALSO, WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE CUTS OFF WITHOUT NO WARNING. DEALER REFUSES TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. *AK
Complaint 812261 · May 14, 1997

Own a 1988 Sunbird?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.