Research · 10 model years

Pontiac SunfireEvery model year, 1996–2005

Across the 10 model years we’ve synced, NHTSA lists 44 recall campaigns and 1,096 owner complaints for the Pontiac Sunfire. The 1997 model year has the most complaints (201).

01 —Model years

Pontiac Sunfire years compared

Recalls, complaints, NCAP overall and EPA combined MPG per year

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	NCAP overall	MPG comb.
2005	1	68	0	Not rated	26
2004	2	32	3	Not rated	26
2003	2	85	5	Not rated	25
2002	2	91	8	Not rated	24
2001	3	77	8	Not rated	23
2000	3	112	13	Not rated	23
1999	5	102	10	Not rated	23
1998	7	127	13	Not rated	23
1997	9	201	29	Not rated	24
1996	10	201	30	Not rated	24

Data from NHTSA recalls, complaints & NCAP; EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026

02 —Complaints by year

NHTSA complaints per model year

Newer years have had less time on the road

201

127

102

112

View as table

Model year	NHTSA complaints
1996	201
1997	201
1998	127
1999	102
2000	112
2001	77
2002	91
2003	85
2004	32
2005	68

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Sunfire years with the most complaints

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026

03 —Recent recalls

Latest recalls for the 2005 Sunfire

1 campaign

08E-063

Steering

Free remedy

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 STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

SteeringReported Oct 17, 2008NHTSA 08E063000

All 2005 recalls

Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026

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