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1996 Pontiac Sunfire engine complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 39 of 39, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1996 Pontiac Sunfire engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Apr 29, 2002 · Electrical, Engine · FL

Consumer recieved recall notice p00010 pertaining to the head gasket. Consumer had repairs done at another facility and is requesting reimbursement of monies paid.

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Engine · MI

Engine quit while waiting at stop light. Engine quit three times previously while driving.

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Engine · MI

Engine quit while waiting at stop light. Engine quit three times previously while driving.

Filed Apr 9, 2002 · Engine · MI

Engine quit while waiting at stop light. Engine quit three times previously while driving.

Filed Apr 1, 2002 · Engine · NY

Vehicle is leaking anti-freeze onto the ground, causing headgasket to fail. Dealer will be notified. Please provide more information.

Filed Jan 11, 2002 · Engine · PA

I am filling this out becase I am trying to find the information on the head gasket reall on my car. The head gasket has blown again, and I believe I am still covered.

Filed Nov 25, 2001 · Body, Engine · CA

Engine runs hot at the very top of the gauge just before the over-heating mark on the gauge. Losing coolant. Car some times has trouble starting and back-fires. Water pump had to be replaced at 43,000 miles as it had a hole in it and was leaking. Oil leaks in several places, oil coming out of exhaust pipe, check engine light keeps coming on. Replaced gasket between the transmission and engine due leaks. Currently, the clutch sticks intermittently and I sometimes can't get the transmission to go into reverse. Had to replace high-pressure power steering pump due to leaks. Electrical system currently has a problem whereby I can't turn on the car alarm, the sensor alarms don't function right, drivers-side window only works intermittently and I've burned-out about 5 fues in six months. Driver's leather seats ripped at the sewed ribbing at around 15,000. The trunk hydraulic lift pumps stopped working at 25,000 miles, and the trunk-lid wouldn't stay up and it's a heavy trunk lid to hold open and try to put something it at the same time. Back-up lights stopped working at 10,000 miles. Driver's-side seatbelt is twisted, and the seat casing holder for the seat adjustment broke-off. There has always been a rattle in the right rear trunk area?

Filed Mar 12, 2001 · Engine · KS

While driving an unsual noise occurred due to failure of one of the lifters which caused damage to cramshaft. Please give any further details.

Filed Sep 6, 2000 · Engine, Lights · MI

Water pump leaking half gallon or more of fluid everyday, causing low coolant light to come on. Local dealer wanted 7 hours and $600.00 dollars or more to fix. Catalytic converter failed at accordian-like shock absorber at high speed. Was upset to learn that replacement part was dealer-only item and cost $420.00 dollars plus $40.00 dollar core charge. Wheel studs (three)on passenger side front wheel failed during highway trip in june of 1999. Two more failed during august of 2000. Have been told, could be overtightening issue, but have not had problem with remaining studs on other wheels. This could be very serious safety concern. Interior dome light has intermittent malfunction which causes light to remain lit indefinitely. Has happened several times. Had to turn light off by pulling dome light fuse or disconnecting battery each time.

Filed Aug 11, 2000 · Engine · CA

Coolant seeping from engine area. Suspect defective head gasket. Noticed problem on august 8, 2000 after coming back to parked car in two hours. I am the original owner and the car has never overheated.

Filed Jul 19, 2000 · Engine · NV

Vehicle experienced failure of the head gasket prior to recall notification from the manufacturer.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Engine · NJ

At 72,000 miles the head gasket blew and the head was cracked. Only had the vehicle since february 1999. All previous recalls on vehicle were not handled by dealer before purchase. This information was discovered several months after purchase. Information obtained determined that gm recalled the quad 4 engine for previous vehicles 1992-93 due to the same problem with the engines. Gmc refuses to accept blame. The repairs of the engine will cost $2,650.00 due to this problem.

Filed Feb 24, 2000 · Engine · CT

I had contacted pontiac throughout engine head gasket problem and was not the least bit pleased. I know of 3 other 96 sunfires with the same problem and the 95's have been recalled for the same problem.

Filed Feb 21, 2000 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Fuel pump had to replace after only 56000 miles. Dealer says it will cost $600.00 or more to fix. After it was fixed it still hesitates when you first accelerate. Loud knocking and vibration noise in exhuast when you accelerate or just idling. I will never buy another sunfire. I can't wait to get rid of this one.

Filed Oct 22, 1999 · Engine · MI

No summary

Filed Sep 23, 1999 · Engine · MI

Vehicle has a cracked engine head gasket which is causing an oil leakage. Manufacturer has been notified.

Filed Aug 3, 1999 · Engine · NY

Head gasket failed causing leakage onto engine, engine rusted requiring replacement. Mjs

Filed Jul 28, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving at highway speeds vehicle completely shuts down without warning. Dealer replaced the ignition control module and the right lower control arm, which did not correct the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed Jul 28, 1999 · Engine · NY

Head gasket leaks and antifreeze is leaking onto engine. Gasket and antifreeze needs to be replaced.

Filed Jun 9, 1999 · Engine · CA

The engine in my car has literally failed on the freeway 2 times. I could have been killed and general motors will not help me and the dealer will not replace the engine free of charge. I cannot believe that gm will not stand by their product. This car is only 3 1/2 years old and the engine should not have failed.

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.

Filed Jan 4, 1999 · Engine · IN

My car is barely three years old. This shouldn't of happened.the garage where I took this to said a week ago another sunfire was brought in with the same problem. Also, a friends brother last summer took his 95 sunfire into the dealer also with the same problem .

Filed Sep 8, 1998 · Engine · KS

Check engine light on resulting with engine jerking and making noise.

Filed Sep 1, 1998 · Acceleration, Airbags · IL

Anti lock brakes actiuate too quickly and experience extended stopping distances almost resulting in accidents.

Filed Aug 6, 1998 · Engine · DC

Engine spun the # 4 rod bearing, causing the rod to snap and put ahole in the block the size of an orange. Previously replaced engin epistons/timing chain and sprocket.

Filed Mar 25, 1998 · Engine, Steering · UN

Vehicle looses excessive amounts of collant but no leak is found.

Filed Mar 20, 1998 · Acceleration, Engine · OH

Engine accelerated at a high rate of speed while cruise control was activated.

Filed Oct 28, 1997 · Electrical, Engine · MA

Thumping noise in the front of the vehicle, replaced wheel bearings.

Filed Oct 18, 1996 · Engine, Transmission · VA

Engine oil pan gasket failed, resultin gin an oil leak, also replaced transaxle and stereo.

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