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1996 Pontiac Sunfire problems

The most common problem on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is electrical system, typically around 119,000 miles. It has 3.0 times the complaints of a typical Sunfire model year.

Typical year3.0x the typical complaints
Owner complaints
201
Recalls
7
Service bulletins
85
Worst area
Electrical
Fuel economy
23-26mpg

The worst 1996 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.

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire

Headlights 14ABS 11Won't start 10Fire or smoke 8Wipers 8Brake failure 7No deployment 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Stalling 6Check engine light 5

Recalls 7

Steering: rack and pinionReported November 4, 2002 · 1,159,156 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles and mini vans have lower pinion bearings in the power rack and pinion assembly in which the retainer tabs were not crimped properly. These and some other retainers used in vehicles assembled between january 1, 1996 and october 31, 1997, could fail and permit the ball bearings to escape.
Risk
If this occurs, the pinion shaft can be forced upward during left turns and back down as the steering wheel is moved back and to the right. If the pinion shaft moves further, the driver will need to exert more effort to turn the steering wheel, similar to a vehicle without power assisted steering. If the pinion shaft moves even further, the driver will require much higher effort to turn left and may not be able to turn the wheel as much as intended. With the maximum pinion shaft movement, which requires internal gear component damage, the driver can encounter high resistance to turning left, followed by unintended power assist to the right. In any of these conditions, a crash could occur.
Remedy
Dealers will install a new lower pinion bearing unless inspect of the existing bearing indicates that replacement of the gear assembly is necessary. Owner notification began january 24, 2003. 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, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.

Recall number 02V286000 · Recall details

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

Suspension: rearReported December 15, 1998 · 27,083 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
Risk
If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.

Recall number 98V319000 · Recall details

Air bagsReported June 29, 1998 · 675,302 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
Risk
Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
Remedy
Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.

Recall number 98V146000 · Recall details

Interior lightingReported February 17, 1998 · 249,420 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with the potential for the interior lamps to come on unexpectedly while the vehicles are being driven. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 101, "controls and displays."
Risk
The interior lamps coming on unexpectedly could startle a driver causing a momentary loss of control increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will run a diagnostic test on the lamp control module and, if necessary, replace it.

Recall number 98V027000 · 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

Vehicle speed controlReported October 23, 1995 · 360 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The accelerator control cable could have been kinked during assembly causing high accelerator pedal effort, sticking accelerator control cable, or a broken accelerator control cable.
Risk
If the accelerator control cable sticks or breaks, unwanted acceleration and/or loss of throttle control can result increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator control cable assembly.

Recall number 95V201000 · Recall details

See all 7 recalls for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire

Defect investigations

Unintended vehicle accelerationOpened October 14, 2003, closed January 30, 2004

On september 23, 2003, the federal safety agency received a letter dated september 8, 2003 from mr. Donald friedman, petitioning the agency to open a defect investigation into unintended acceleration involving [model year] 1996 and 1997 general motors j-cars.in support of his petition, mr. Friedman cited a report he received for gm showing it had received far more reports of alleged unintended acceleration for these models than for others.after assessing the data claimed by the petitioner to justify his request, odi found no indication that defect trend related to the petitioner's allegations exists at this time.therefore, there is no reasonable posibility that an order concerning the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect would be issued as a result of granting mr. Friedman's petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is denied.for additional information concerning this analysis, please refer to the attached federal register notice.

DP03007

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

PE02001

Oversensitive air bag deploymentsOpened January 23, 1998, closed July 31, 1998

There is no summary currently available

EA98001

Technical service bulletins for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire 85

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

See all 85 bulletins for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire

1996 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‑cylFWD21-2229-3324-26
2.4L 4‑cylFWD19-2029-3023

What 1996 Pontiac Sunfire owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Sep 13, 2016 · Fuel system · 257,895 miles · MO

Sunfire won't start a something with fuel pump

Filed May 20, 2015 · Airbags, Body · 137,000 miles · NC · crash · fire · 1 injury

My wreck happened in 2006. The air bag deployed and crushed my face I had to have titanium plates put in my face crashed my legs broke many bones.

Filed May 31, 2013 · Airbags · 209,600 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while parked, the driver's side air bag deployed inadvertently. The contact then shifted into reverse and the passenger's side air bag deployed inadvertently. The contact had not been involved in a crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 209,600.

Filed Jun 11, 2011 · Body, Brakes · 75,000 miles · WA

Numerous failures with my car I am only listing the ones which have happened more than once 1..transmission failure, transmission failed 3 times first time while traveling 35mph car came to a dead stop tires locked up, car would not even roll, causing near accident. 2...window motors failed twice on each each door of my 4 door car 3...headlight switch has failed 3 times causing dangerous situation at night 4...severe water leak in trunk area , water getting in through fender well or trunk underbody, caused so much to puddle up a mushroom started growing from back seat,... Water puddled underneath carpet in spare tire area so it was not visible to naked eye, but was sloshing back and forth with every stop and go of vehicle still to this day have not been able to pinpoint exact location water is getting in although it for sure is from underbody 5... Other defects include radio display lights fail on 2 radios, seatbelts and steering wheel become too hot in summer brake pads wear unevenly,,,, fuel pumps go out often.

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Brakes · 188,300 miles · MI

1996 pontiac sunfire 2.2l. Rear right brake locks. Causes the car to shudder and difficult to stop. This also causes the ABS and brake light to illuminate on the dash. Brakes have been replaced. Possible failure to stop is the greatest concern. This may lead to accident.

Filed Oct 6, 2009 · Airbags · 180,000 miles · GA · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. While driving 30 MPH the driver frontal air bag deployed without warrant. As a consequence she sustained bruises to her face and shoulders. She filed report number 71762569700 with the manufacturer, and she was awaiting a response. The vehicle was in the process of being to towed to the dealer for inspection. The failure and current mileages were 180,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2009 · Steering · 165,000 miles · CA

February 25, 2009 - noticed when using the tilt steering lever, the steering column did not lock at certain levels (lower position). Within a week of noticing this problem, I notice the steering column seemed loose and when it was difficult at times when turning left. In one incident, nearly lost control of the vehicle when another vehicle veered into my lane on the freeway at speeds of 65 MPH. I had to over compensate the immediate turn to avoid loosing control of the vehicle and crashing. March 13, 2009 - noise heard when turning or steering the vehicle. Check power steering fluid - slightly low, added power steering fluid - noise went away. March 14, 2009 - noticed power steering fluid leak near both front wheels. Noise again heard - it appears the rack and pinion steering is the problem. This was a previous recall by gm (the federal safety agency no 02v286000) and my vehicle was repaired in 2003 based on the recall. Further research indicates this has happened to other consumers after the repairs had been made by a gm certified mechanic at a dealership. The gm dealership does not want to repair their previous work at no charge. I believe this should be repaired at no cost to me, as it was a previous recall, serviced when notified of the recall and continues to be a problem that could or will result in a crash or injuries to the vehicle occupants should the steering lock-up due to the rack and pinion failure. March 15, 2009 - tilt steering does not work and the steering wheel locks in one position, all the way up and tends to extend more left than right. It appears a pin on the steering column has fallen out and is loose inside the steering column. Removed ignition covering and found metal pin for the steering column had popped out, now causing the tilt steering to lock in the most upward position and extend left. Results in the driver over correcting to make turns and a crash with injury whammy occur.

Filed Mar 22, 2009 · Brakes · 160,000 miles · CA

February 2007 had vehicle serviced and was told rear calipers needed replacement. Work was completed totaling $875. Within a week, the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to skid and failure to stop. Nearly hit a pedestrian in cross walk at 20 MPH. Returned to service, was told adjustments needed to the ABS brakes system. Service completed. 4 weeks later the vehicles brake system locked up and a grinding noise occurred. Returned for service, pads replaced, brakes adjusted per the mechanic. 3 months have passed now and now the ABS brake light illuminates periodically and now within three months of replacement of the brake pads and adjustments to the ABS system, I again notice the vehicle veering right when applying the brakes and the rear brakes tend to lock at speeds of 20 to 35 MPH with a light scrapping and/or grinding noise again. The mechanic informed me they have completed and repaired the brakes to the vehicle specifications and cannot service ore repair it any further. After further research, it appears several others have had the same problem or incident occur, unfortunately resulting in a crash. I am requesting a further investigation to be completed on the gm ABS systems for this vehicle. Brakes should not have to be repaired or replaced 3 times in a two year time span. There is definitely something wrong with the assembly or design of this ABS system. I have replaced the rotors, brake pads, calipers on this vehicle totaling nearly $2,000. I must commute to work on two major freeways in los angeles, which if an ABS failure occurs, could result in a crash with severe or fatal injuries to myself and/or passengers in the vehicle.

Filed Sep 4, 2008 · Engine, Lights · 136,050 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. Within a week of purchasing the vehicle, it began overheating. In addition, the headlights would remain illuminated when the vehicle was turned off, wiper fluid was leaking, and the muffler made a loud noise. The contact has not been able to reach the dealer since the vehicle was purchased. The failure mileage was 136,050. Updated 10/03/08 *bf updated 10/06/08.

Filed Jun 27, 2008 · Airbags · GA

My 1996 air bag deployed, a few months ago, I receiived at notice of this happening once I called a pontiac dealership in augusta ga. I than receive a notify of this occuring in this made and year of car. Gmc contacted me and ask if thay could repurchase the car. I told them at that time I was interested. They made me an afford that was not acceptable for my vechicle. They have acknowlege that they are responsibe for the vechicle. I ask that my are bag be replaced, due to I think and know my car was worth more than the offer. They did not want to do that,telling me I can take their offer are nothing, I feel that my car was iengine and body was in exactly excellent condition, I kept the car to given to my son , now I feel like I am the one losing. I purchased this vehiche new, and it was not my fault the airbag deployed and I have to take the lost. .

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Compare the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire

Other model years

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Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire

Is the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Owners have filed 201 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 3.0 times a typical Sunfire model year.

What is the most common problem with the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?

Electrical system, with 39 complaints, typically around 119,000 miles. Next is engine (39).

How many recalls does the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire have?

7 recalls, covering steering, electrical system and suspension.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire electrical?

Yes, 1 recall: 02V070000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have the most electrical problems?

The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (60 complaints), 1996 (39 complaints) and 1997 (30 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire get?

Official estimates for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire range from 23 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 29-33 highway.

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