AI Damage1997 Pontiac Sunfire: common problems
Owners of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire filed 190 complaints with NHTSA, most often about steering and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 190
- involving a crash
- 29
What fails most often
- 1 Steering 22% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 16% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 16% of all complaints
- 4 Air bags 14% of all complaints
- 5 Service brakes 14% of all complaints
- 6 Suspension 6% of all complaints
- 7 Visibility 6% of all complaints
- 8 Exterior lighting 6% of all complaints
- Steering: 42 complaints (22% of all), 8 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Engine and cooling: 31 complaints (16% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Electrical system: 30 complaints (16% of all), 1 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Air bags: 27 complaints (14% of all), 13 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
- Service brakes: 26 complaints (14% of all), 4 of them with a crash reported by the owner.
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 2.2 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- 2.4 L · petrol · 4 cyl
- automatic, 3-speed
- automatic, 4-speed
- manual, 5-speed
Drive: FWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 190 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 42 | 8 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 31 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 30 | 1 | 0 |
| Air bags | 27 | 13 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 26 | 4 | 0 |
| Suspension | 12 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 4 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
While driving vehicle at moderate speed vehicle accelerated on its own. Ignition switch wouldn't shut off, and emergency brake was ineffective. Vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser to stop. Consumer called 911 for help.
Partial loss of brakes, brakes went all the way to the floor and did not stop my car.
Unknown rear suspension component failed, causing loss of control and accident in which the rear axle and suspension components were severely damaged, so that the original broken component could not be determined. Accident occurred while vehicle was traveling in a straight line on level ground at about 60 mph.
While the driver made a turn the steering wheel locked up which caused the vehicle to fall into a ditch.
(recall #02v286000/steering rack and pinion) the consumer lost control of the vehicle due to a sudden loss of power steering while turning left. The consumer has demanded reimbursement of the vehicle at blue book value and the towing fee. Mr scc
As a result of hitting a deer at 55 mph air bags did not deploy at any time. Please provide further information. Dealership has been contacted.ak
Vehicle was rear ended and driver's seat collapsed completely backward, dealer and the manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
Since the accident I have complained of thumping and clanking noises.. Car started to stall under 1x rpm... Engine light came on, possible solution was crankshaft. Then they said it was possibly a bushing. I noticed in your files someone else had the same problem.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 2,139 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 6% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Sunfire has 76 complaints (15 years in the data). This year has 190, above average.
What to check before buying
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Air bags. Check the SRS light, stored codes and airbag/curtain status after any impact.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: steering, engine and cooling, electrical system. Total complaints: 190. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: steering or power steering problems (7%), smoke, burning smell, fire (6%), headlights and tail lights (5%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 1997 Pontiac Sunfire from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 1997 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.