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.
1996 Pontiac Sunfire: ABS light or ABS activating
11 of the 201 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire describe ABS light or ABS activating.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 0
Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below
ABS light or ABS activating by model year
- 20041
- 20031
- 20023
- 20013
- 20002
- 19992
- 19984
- 19973
- 199611
- 19957
What owners say
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.
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.
The ets light, ABS light, and sensor for the ignition is remained on. The vehicle would not start and was taken to the dealer. The dealer had the car for a year but it still would not start.
The ABS braking system malfunctioned. There was no braking ability and had noises which caused an accident. Please provide further information.
Abs brake problems; the ABS brakes lock up on wet pavement or when trying to break quickly, causing the vehicle to go into a skid. Taken to dealership several times. The dealer is not able to correct the problem.
Abs brakes failed to operate when the brakes were applied, resulting in an accident/injuries.
Driver noticed that when brake pedal was depressed the vehicle would vibrate. Rotors were found to be warped and were replaced. Approximately three months later, on wet road conditions, the ABS failed allowing vehicle to crash.
Failure of the rear ABS brakes, when driving on wet pavement the rear brakes get wet, causing the brake pedal to get hard/ brakes fade away, resulting in extended stopping distance.
While driving experienced ABS failure, when upon applying brake notice loud grinding noise and on wet pavement while making attempt to slow/stop pedal went to floor, no prior warning.
Abs braking system malfunctioned, locking wheels up, resulting in an accident. Vehicle was serviced 3 times at dealer before the accident.
Service bulletins that may apply
- ABS pump running when not needed
- 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
- Information regarding snow intrusion into rear drum brake assemblies
- Comments that the rear brakes may drag/heat up or rear of car is squatting due to aggressive rear brake
- Comment that the ABS light is on with diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) 46 and 86 set as current or history
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire abs
Is ABS light or ABS activating a common problem on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
11 of 201 owner complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (5%) mention ABS light or ABS activating. The model year with the most reports is 1996.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
There are 0 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
Headlights 14Won't start 10Fire or smoke 8Wipers 8Brake failure 7No deployment 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Stalling 6Check engine light 5
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