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1999 Pontiac SunfireProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 93 owner complaints about the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls.

50
CarFlaw IndexSolid year1.0× the Sunfire median · #6 of 11 years by complaints
Safety recalls2Free fix at dealersOwner complaints9317 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage93kElectrical system, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 5, 2014. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire has problems

93 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 system213
Engine and engine cooling172
Air bags106
Service brakes, hydraulic100
Power train81
Steering60
Exterior lighting60
Visibility60
Suspension50
12 other systems232

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

2 recalls

1999 Pontiac Sunfire 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.

–no report yet

Ignition: switch

Recall 04V-036 · Jan 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 vehicles

Risk. IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Interior lighting

Recall 99V-218 · Aug 11, 1999 · 6,584 vehicles

Risk. IF THE INSTRUMENT PANEL IS NOT LIT AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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

1999 vs. every other Sunfire 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 Sunfire median. How we score

'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

1999 Pontiac Sunfire safety ratings

1999 Pontiac Sunfire 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Sunfire owners report

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

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO THE SHOULDER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE DEALER…
Complaint 10466611 · Jul 19, 2012 · 86,000 miles
THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL ON MY 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE RECENTLY STARTED FUNCTIONING ERRATICALLY I.E. GAUGES (GAS GAUGE, TEMPERATURE GAUGE, SPEEDOMETER) WOULD START FLUCTUATING WILDLY. LOCAL PONTIAC DEALERSHIP HAS DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AS HAVING A DEFECTIVE (OR BURNED OUT) INSTRUMENTAL PANEL CLUSTER. I…
Complaint 10446306 · Feb 2, 2012 · 92,700 miles
DURING NORMAL OPERATION OF A 1999 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, 4DR, 2.2 LITER ENGINE, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE WIRING HARNESS AT THE DRIVERS DOOR FRAME, AT THE CONNECTION OF THE UNDERDASH HARNESS AND THE REAR OF VEHICLE HARNESS SHORTED, CAUSING THE INSULATION TO CATCH FIRE. THIS SITUATION SHORTED OTHER…
Complaint 10346427 · Jul 30, 2010 · 238,000 miles

Own a 1999 Sunfire?

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