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1995 Pontiac Sunfire problems

The most common problem on the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is engine and cooling, typically around 84,500 miles. It has 1.8 times the complaints of a typical Sunfire model year.

Typical year1.8x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
119
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
89
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
22-25mpg

The worst 1995 Pontiac Sunfire problems

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

Problems by type

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

  • Engine
    38
  • Electrical
    27
  • Brakes
    14
  • Airbags
    13
  • Transmission
    9
  • Visibility
    8
  • Suspension
    5
  • Fuel system
    4
  • Lights
    4
  • Seat belts
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Locks
    2
  • Seats
    2
  • Body
    1
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire

Fire or smoke 8ABS 7Overheating 7No deployment 5

Recalls 5

Electrical system: ignition: switchReported March 6, 2002 · 1,589,948 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
Remedy
Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: hazard flashing warning lightsReported December 17, 1996 · 270,014 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk
If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy
Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.

Recall number 96V250000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported January 2, 1996 · 28,068 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel can sag and cover the light emitting diode portion (lighted pointed above panel) of the transaxle shift indicator display. This does not comply with fmvss no. 101, "control location, identification, and illumination."
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: the driver of the vehicle would not be able to see the actual position of the transaxle gear selector resulting in a driver either inadvertently leaving a parked or idling vehicle in drive, reverse, or neutral rather than park, or selecting an incorrect transaxle shift position while driving the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers are to install a new instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel assembly which is not subject to this condition.

Recall number 96V003000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported July 26, 1995 · 16 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "occupant crash protection."
Risk
Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
Remedy
All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.

Recall number 95V141000 · Recall details

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported February 16, 1995 · 21,340 vehicles affected
What is wrong
These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.
Risk
This condition can result in separation of the frontbushing sleeve subassembly from the control arm increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.

Recall number 95V025000 · Recall details

See all 5 recalls for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire

Defect investigations

Fire in steering column areaOpened January 3, 2002, closed March 15, 2002

PE02001

Technical service bulletins for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 89

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

See all 89 bulletins for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire

1995 Pontiac Sunfire fuel economy

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

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.2L 4‑cylFWD213325
2.3L 4‑cylFWD192922-23

What 1995 Pontiac Sunfire owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 6, 2010 · Acceleration · 115,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 pontiac sunfire. The contact was driving approximately 60 MPH with the cruise control engaged; when she turned the cruise control off and attempted to slow down, the accelerator pedal suddenly stuck. After repeated pressure to the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal became dislodged. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 115,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2008 · Electrical · 157,000 miles · KS · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1995 pontiac sunfire. The contact experienced difficulty starting her vehicle and turning the ignition switch. The following morning, she opened the door and noticed that the steering column melted and was lying on the floorboard. A police report was filed. The contact discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). Pontiac stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the closest dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, but were unable to correct the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 157,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2005 · Fuel system · 180,000 miles · NV

I smelled gas and loss of fuel. Gas leaking out from injector onto hot engine could cause fire. Had part replaced- fuel injectors #2 and 3. Now another is leaking. Have to take it in, but money is an object.

Filed Dec 22, 2004 · Engine · VA

The head gasket was leaking antifreeze which caused the vehicle to overheat. *jb.

Filed Nov 12, 2004 · Seat belts · MN

Consumer noticed that the rear middle seat belt unlocked on its own. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The cause had not been determined.

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Electrical · 100,000 miles · OH

We have had this car for about 2 years, and have had problems since the beginning. First thing was the cooling fan. It quit working about 6 months after we bought the car. We had that fixed then started having other electrical problems. The brake lights would work here and there, the turn signals would work one day and not the next, now they don't work at all. The ABS light would flash off and on and the brake light would come on also. We know that filing this complaint will not fix the problems we are having with the car, we just wanted to make it known that we will never buy another pontiac due to the problems we are having with this one. Thank you for your time.

Filed May 15, 2004 · Brakes · 96,000 miles · NJ

1995 sunfire, I bought this car in 1997. The brakes lock-up when I am driving and I have to stop a a corner or light. This usually only happens when or after it rains. It is very scary I almost lose control over the car.my head gaskets have been replaced twice. The engine gage rises almost to over heating when it is hotoutside, and the air does not work I have to get it charged every year. Is this car a lemon or what?

Filed Oct 27, 2003 · Locks · NY

Driver and passenger doors locked and unlocked for no apparent reason while driving. The door mechanism was the problem. Dealer was notified.

Filed Oct 14, 2003 · Suspension · 51,867 miles · AZ

While making a left turn at a stop sign and without warning left front lower ball joint snapped in two. When this occurred, left wheel almost came completely off.

Filed Jul 25, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · NY · fire

Just found out about recall about starter. Had fire (smoke) in steering wheel and entire electrical system not working right. Windows stuck half way, blinking lights in dash and had motor replaced, but very bad, due to sudden loss of oil and motor froze. Car is in destruction mode.

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Questions about the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire

Is the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Owners have filed 119 complaints about the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 1.8 times a typical Sunfire model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire?

Engine and cooling, with 38 complaints, typically around 84,500 miles. Next is electrical (27).

How many recalls does the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire have?

5 recalls, covering electrical system, exterior lighting and power train.

What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad engine?

The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most engine complaints are 1996 (39 complaints), 1995 (38 complaints) and 1997 (32 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire get?

Official estimates for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire range from 22 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 33 highway.

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