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1993 Pontiac Sunbird problems

The most common problem on the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird is brakes. It has 9.3 times the complaints of a typical Sunbird model year.

Typical year9.3x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
37
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
17
Worst area
Brakes
Fuel economy
20-26mpg

The worst 1993 Pontiac Sunbird problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Brakes
    8
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    6
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Acceleration
    4

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Brakes
    8
  • Electrical
    6
  • Engine
    6
  • Seat belts
    5
  • Acceleration
    4
  • Visibility
    4
  • Body
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Suspension
    2
  • Airbags
    1
  • Fuel system
    1
  • Lights
    1
  • Locks
    1
  • Steering
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 2

Vehicle speed controlReported November 22, 1993 · 108,898 vehicles affected
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

Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported July 21, 1993 · 2,848 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The brake hoses were manufactured incorrectly, and do not comply with fmvss 106, "brake hoses."
Risk
The improperly manufactured brake hoses can causereduced brake effectiveness and/or uneven braking, which could result in anaccident.
Remedy
Replace the right front brake hose assembly on ciera and century models, and both rear brake hoses on cavalier and sunbird models.

Recall number 93V121000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird

Technical service bulletins for the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird 17

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 17 bulletins for the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird

1993 Pontiac Sunbird fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2229-3224-26
3.1L 6‑cylFWD17-182620-21

What 1993 Pontiac Sunbird owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Engine · 46,000 miles · FL

Water leaks inside car, radiator leak, heater core, head gasket, thermostat, freeze out plugs, engine wet with oil, A/C cutting in and out, runs rough when A/C is on, slow pick up, door locks don't work, window washers stop before cycle is done, breaks and break line bad, washer fluid reservoir cracks twice now, over all repairs total about $1600.00, and we have to replace the head gasket next so plsu this amount, I have bills kept of all exact payments of parts and labor

Filed Jan 14, 2004 · Electrical · 130,000 miles · VA

I have a 1993 pontiac subnbird, 2.2 l,at,AC. I ahve went through 3 batteries in the last 6 months. I have had the altenator checked and it checked out good. I would like to know what is causing this.

Filed Mar 17, 2003 · Seats · IL

Front passenger seat and the back of the seat slide and tips forward whenever stopping.

Filed Feb 13, 2003 · Acceleration · 129,000 miles · NC · crash · 2 injuries

The vehicle experienced sudden acceleration, which resulted in an accident, driver and passenger sustained injuries, consumer believed incident was related to recall 93v190000, however the manufacturer stated the two problems were not related.

Filed Aug 20, 2002 · Electrical · MI · fire

While parked, there was a short in wiring behind the glove box and a fire had started. The fire just burned the wiring and some small areas around the glove box. *ak the consumer believes that the relay switch for the auto lock system which is located in the glove box caused the fire. The lock system started giving consumer problems a month prior to fire, then stopped working completely about a week and a half before the fire. The vehicle was parked in the garage. The consumer had seen smoke coming out of the vehicle. The consumer then pulled the glove box out and saw the wires on fire.

Filed Dec 4, 2001 · Brakes · FL · crash

Brake problem addressed here is a repeated, erratic, sudden loss of some or all brake power in the car. Mechanical components have been replaced, pads, rotors, etc. But the problem continues to come and go without warning. Recall was denied by both a pontiac dealer and the corporation.attempts to determine why my vehicle was excluded from the recall have been unsuccessful..attempts to determine the manufacturer were denied...I no longer care a great deal about my personal satisfaction, however, the description of the problem in the federal safety agency 93v‑121 and the troubles I've had are too similar too ignore since there could be any number of similarly ignored vehicles on the road...if possible, I'd like to find out why some cars were left out before I have the car fixed...I certainly won't be letting the hoses and such be discarded after the repairs, but I would like some help comparing and contrasting them with the original discrepancies...thanks.

Filed May 11, 2001 · Suspension · MI

While traveling at speeds above 50 MPH there is a vibration in steering wheel that consumer feels is a safety issue. He has not taken vehicle into a dealership to be examined for a cause of this defect. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

Filed Feb 23, 2000 · Brakes · MO

Braking system malfunctioned, causing extended stopping distance which may result in a crash due to defective brake master cylinder. Occupant must pay for repairs. *ak

Filed Feb 12, 2000 · Engine · IL

My car is overheating, and there are no leaks. It has a new thermostat, and the water pump is fine everything seems to be ok, but for some reason it is still overheating

Filed Oct 26, 1999 · Seat belts · CA

Driver's side and passenger's side front seat belts do not retract properly. Sometimes when pulling them out, they will get jammed, and do not reach the buckle receiver. Dealer has not seen vehicle.

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Questions about the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird

Is the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird, 9.3 times a typical Sunbird model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird?

Brakes, with 8 complaints. Next is electrical (6).

How many recalls does the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird have?

2 recalls, covering vehicle speed control and service brakes, hydraulic.

Was there a recall on the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 93V121000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What gas mileage does the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird get?

Official estimates for the 1993 Pontiac Sunbird range from 20 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 29-32 highway.

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