The accelerator cable on my sunbird keeps failing, causing abrubt malfunctions. It is dangerous in the midst of traffic. This occurs usually on a cold or rainy day. The cable has been recalled on some sunbirds however; after phoning pontiac they informed me my car did not have such a recall. I am unable to drive this car at this time and want some resolution. As I have kept it in excelent condition.I have had to exit the vehicle in traffic and pull on the cable myself. At one point the cable was stuck and the car accelerated on its own.
The worst 1992 Pontiac Sunbird problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Brakes8
- Engine6
- Acceleration5
- Electrical5
- Body4
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Brakes8
- Engine6
- Acceleration5
- Electrical5
- Body4
- Seat belts2
- Seats2
- Steering2
- Transmission2
- Airbags1
Recalls 3
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. During very cold weather, water thatn enters the accelerator control cable conduit freezes and causes the accelerator cable to develop a high effort or binding condition.
- Risk
- If this occurs, loss of normal throttle control can result, or the throttle will not return to idle when the accelerator pedal is released, causing possible loss of control and an accident.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the accelerator control assembly.
Recall number 93V190000 · Recall details
Vehicle speed control
- What is wrong
- The accelerator cable may have been kinked during vehicle assembly. The kink in the cable can cause either a high effort accelerator cable, sticking accelerator cable, or a broken accelerator cable.
- Risk
- If the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks it canresult in loss of throttle control. If loss of throttle control occurs while thevehicle is in motion, a vehicle crash could occur without prior warning.
- Remedy
- Replace the accelerator control cable assembly.
Recall number 92V048000 · Recall details
Latches/locks/linkages: hood: latch
- What is wrong
- The secondary hood latch spring is improperly installed or missing, leading to a condition where the secondary hood latch does not engage the secondary striker.
- Risk
- If the secondary hood latch is not engaged, and theprimary hood latch was also not engaged, the hood could open unexpectedly. Ifthis occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the hood may contact the windshield,reducing the forward vision area of the driver and a vehicle crash could occur.
- Remedy
- Inspect hood latch assemblies and, where necessary, install a new secondary hood latch spring.
Recall number 91V166000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird 15
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Vehicles may set anyone or a combination of front-wheel speed sensor anti-lock brake system codes as...
- ABS front wheel speed codes - jumper harness
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) front wheel speed codes - jumper harness
- Owners of some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60, 4T60-E or 4T65-E transaxles may comment on a...
- Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies
- Some vehicles equipped with hydra-matic 3T40, 4T60 or 4T60-E transxales may comment on a grinding and / or...
- Some V6 engines may, on a very infrequent basis, have an oil odor condition that is generally encountered...
- Comment that the ABS light is on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history
- Grinding and/or growling noise in park on incline
1992 Pontiac Sunbird fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 28-32 | 23-26 |
| 3.1L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17-18 | 26 | 20-21 |
What 1992 Pontiac Sunbird owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
While vehicle was rear ended at 40 MPH the driver seat to collapsed. Dealer and the manufacturer has not been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information.
When the car is stopped the brakes release allowing the car to lurch forward without any warning. This failure has occcured numerous of times but the dealership says nothing is wrong since the computer does not record any failure codes. This failure has occured with the original brakes system as well as the new brake drums and calipers.
Wheel well rusted, causing shocks to come through the trunk, and the body frame of the vehicle to fall on the rear axle. This caused a momentary loss of control. Manufacturer has been contacted.
When I bought this car, I knew it had been in a wreck because the hood and trunk did not line up. Then I found out that 3 out of 4 wheel bearings were bad, but the auto dealer would not fix this, either. Is there any action I can take against them?
Problems of heating/cooling developed, leading to extensive service to correct. Gasket failure recognized by mechanic after replacing heater core and radiator failed to correct problems. (sister's 1991 pont sunbird w/ same engine faled 6/99 while on highway)
While driving the vehicle stalled and died because the timing chain belt separated from vehicle. Dealer has been notified.
The brake line to the calipers & struts had been severed. Was losing brake fluid. When brakes were applied, the pedal went to the floor. Had no brakes. Will be taking to dealer for repairs.
Vehicle was involved in a collision at 45 MPH, and the airbags did not deploy, resulting in minor injuries. The manufacturer has been notified.
In cold weather the horn will become extremely cold and short out, causing the horn to go off continuosly without any stopping. Have to remove the fuse before it will work!
Compare the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird
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Questions about the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird
Is the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird, 7.5 times a typical Sunbird model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird?
Brakes, with 8 complaints. Next is engine (6).
How many recalls does the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird have?
3 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and latches/locks/linkages.
What gas mileage does the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird get?
Official estimates for the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird range from 20 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 28-32 highway.
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