Pontiac · 1995–2005
Sunfire Recalls
20 known recalls affecting the Pontiac Sunfire (1995–2005). Enter your VIN to check if your specific vehicle is affected, or browse by model year below.
Pontiac Sunfire Recalls
Summary
Certain vehicles were produced without the required dielectric grease being applied to the rear light bulb socket assemblies. Absence of the grease can result in electrical arcing between the light bulb major filament contact and the socket terminal that can render the stop and turn signal bulb inoperative. An inoperative rear turn signal lamp will not convey the driver's intention to turn to drivers in following vehicles. If a stop lamp is inoperative, indication of brake application to a following vehicle will be reduced, although during braking, warning to the rear of the vehicle will be conveyed by the remaining functional stop lamp and the center high-mounted stop lamp. Correction: Dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb socket assemblies.
Summary
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 209 - Seat Belt Assemblies, and CMVSS 210 - Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages. On some of these vehicles, the passenger-side rear safety belt may have been installed with an incorrect nut and bolt that may not withstand the loads required by the two standards. In a severe crash, the upper seat belt anchorage may separate. The effectiveness of the seat belt could then be reduced and the occupant could receive greater injuries. Correction: Dealers will remove the required interior trim pieces and replace the incorrect passenger-side rear seat belt retractor attachment hardware.
Summary
On certain vehicles, if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "Start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch may produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dealer will install a relay kit to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Summary
Certain vehicles, after being exposed to substantial amounts of water, may experience deployment of either the driver or passenger front airbag without a crash. The owner’s manual for these vehicles does not provide specific information about this situation. Inadvertent deployment of the driver and / or passenger front airbag in a non-accident (non-impact) situation may cause damage to the surrounding vehicle environment (windshield / instrument panel), and create expensive vehicle repair, including replacement of the airbag module(s) and the Sensing and Diagnostic Module (SDM). In some instances, inadvertent deployment could cause minor injuries to vehicle occupants. Correction: GM will notify the owners of these 1996 and 1997 vehicles of the potential affect of water accumulating in the vehicle interior on the function of the airbag system (as included in the owner's manuals of 1998 and later model years vehicles).
Summary
On certain vehicles, the lower pinion bearings retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between January 1, 1996 and October 31, 1997 may fail and permit the ball bearings to escape. If the problem were to occur, the driver would have to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel. Correction: Dealers are to inspect the condition of the lower bearing, and replace the lower pinion bearing or the rack and pinion steering gear assembly, if necessary.
Summary
On certain passenger vehicles if the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts. If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed. Correction: Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch.
Summary
Certain vehicles do not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101- Location and Identification of Controls and Displays. Vehicles exhibit a condition in which the "Generator Low Voltage" indicator light will not illuminate under low voltage conditions. Correction: Dealers will reflash the vehicle PCM with new calibration software.
Summary
Note: Certain 1997-99 vehicles in Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces and 1995-99 vehicles in all other provinces and territories. Moisture may enter the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion after extended exposure to road salt. This can lead to symptoms including illumination of the "Check Engine" light or the engine running rough. If these symptoms are ignored the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction: Dealers will seal the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) in a protective shield/cover assembly.
Summary
Certain vehicles may not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 101 - Control Location and Identification. The instrument panel backlighting may not function after adjusting the interior light intensity. If the instrument panel is not lit at night, the driver may not be able to see the controls and displays. Correction: Dealers will test the body control module (BCM) for the condition, and if necessary, replace the BCM.
Summary
On certain vehicles located in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, Moisture entering the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) as a result of corrosion can cause illumination of the "Check Engine" light or cause the engine to run rough. If these symptoms are ignored, the engine may stall and may not be able to be restarted. Correction: Dealers will inspect, clean and/or replace the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), then seal the PCM in a protective shield/cover assembly.
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Related Recall Checks
Check recalls for specific Pontiac Sunfire model years