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1996 Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems

30 complaints (15% of all complaints for this car). 10 crashes reported.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
15%
crashes
10
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    15
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    4
  • Foundation components
    4
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    2
  • Conventional
    2
  • Disc: rotor
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems in other years

19951996199719981999200020012002200320042005

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 11Brake failure 7

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 1996 Pontiac Sunfire owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

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 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 Apr 16, 2007 · Brakes, Fuel system · OH · crash

I had the fuel pump replaced on this vehicle in december 2006. I have been given information indicating this pump is in the suspect group of pumps covered by the delphi recall number 07e-015. I contacted the number listed, and was told that since someone else had entered information on the VIN that they will not tell me anything. They refused to tell me how to have the inspection or reimbursement done. This vehicle was wrecked by my daughter in march 2006, and there is an ongoing investigation of the ABS system also.

Filed Dec 22, 2005 · Brakes · OH · crash

1996 pontiac sunfire brakes failed while attempting to stop vehicle. *ts the consumer ran off the road and struck a wooden gate.

Filed May 29, 2003 · Acceleration, Brakes · AL

-the horn on 1996 pontiac sunfire has quit working and been repaired three times. The people at the shop said that it was getting wet apparently everytime I went through water because of it being pointed downward. -the muffler has been fixed three times -there are more that I can not remeber right off hand -their is an electrical problem with the whole car. The light on the radio time and staion display has not worked since I bought it, the driver's rear door light has not come on, the passenger rear window lets down but will not let up when needed since right after I got the car, the lights in the dashboard go on and off without even being touched, while riding down the road, the widshield wipers will just come on without being turned on and then stop halfway down impairing vision, the passenger rear tail light blows all of the time, it has never stayed with a bulb that works, etc. -the valve cover gasket leaks and has leaked since I got it -the gas light will not tell you when you are running low on fuel -the radio will eat your tapes since I got the carthe transmission has been replace on the car with less than 80,000 miles on it -the rack and pinion had to be replaced a few years ago along with the complete brake system the power steering has leaked fluid and will stop turning in the middle of a turn. I have almost wrecked on it sveral times because of it and the brakes. -the air conditioning compressor works when it gets ready to if even then and has always done that.

Filed Feb 10, 2003 · Brakes, Lights · VA

Exterior lights failed only daytime running lights work/ faulty emergency brake constantly having it adjusted/ seat belt cover on driver seat belt broke off will burn skin during summer months/ rear hazard lights do not work took car to dealer for original recal were working fine and have failed twice since and dealer states I am liable for all charges

Filed Jul 8, 1999 · Brakes · MO

When applying brakes the vehicle shakes excessively. Brake rotors have been grounded down 3 times, and still have the same defect. Dealer says it's no defect.

Filed Apr 7, 1999 · Brakes · WI · crash

The ABS braking system malfunctioned. There was no braking ability and had noises which caused an accident. Please provide further information.

Filed Feb 18, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · MI

I have constant problems with this vehicle. Major difficulty stopping when pavement is wet. My complet brake and rotors have been replaced on at least 3 occasions. I've also had problems with leaks, right rear window has been replaced. Problems with vibration when at a standstill, almost losing power. Smell of gas fumes. Problems with the transmission.

Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brakes

Does the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 30 complaints about the brakes of the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 15% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire brakes?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad brakes?

The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (30 complaints), 1997 (28 complaints) and 2000 (17 complaints).

Other 1996 Pontiac Sunfire problems

Electrical 39Engine 39Airbags 33Transmission 20Steering 19Lights 17Visibility 13Fuel system 12Acceleration 10Suspension 10Body 9Seat belts 5Locks 4Seats 4Tires 2Wheels 2

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