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.
1996 Pontiac Sunfire: headlights failing or too dim
14 of the 201 complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire describe headlights failing or too dim.
- owner complaints
- 14
- of this car's complaints
- 7%
- recalls
- 2
Headlights failing or too dim by model year
What owners say
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.
Low beam headlights go out without warning, we have replaced bulbs and checked fuses.
Headlights fail to work. No daytime running lights. Headlights dim, headlights wiring defective.
I purchased a 1996 pontiac sunfire in july of 2003. I previously owned a 1997 sunfire and didn't have any problems like this. The most serious issue is when I turn my headlights on, the fuse blows and the tail lights and the dash lights (lights for speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temp gauge) do not work. I almost got into an accident when my lights and dash failed me. When I was trying to replace the fuse sparks flew out and the fuses blew immediately. I feel it is a manufacturer defect. It is going to cost me a large amount of money to have this fixed. Gm also wont give me the time of day when I call and complain. I think that there should be at least an investigation. ( * number of failures is approximate there are more. I thought it would be fair to state the very least amount I have counted.) also my vehicle has been inoperable for several weeks. (this vehicle has 106,000 miles on it) thank you for your time.
The headlights go out unexpectedly when the dimmer switch is moved to or operated in low beam. Faulty dimmer switch. I had to put a piece of paper in the switch so I wouldn't high beam everyone on the way home one night.
Headlights go out intermittently while driving. This has been repaired numerous times, the problem is a splice in the wiring. *ak the high beams were inoperative and the daytime running lights flashed while driving. The dealer replaced the instrument panel cluster. The vacuum actuator was sticking which caused the heater control not to blow on the setting selected. The mufflers hanger broke and the baffles were loose which caused rattling at idle. *scc
The ignition switch had a short circuit which caused the vehicle not to start. After the ignition was repaired it still didn't work properly. The head light (high and low beams) failed. The horn failed. The wiper failed. *jb *cb
The multi-funtion switch that controls the headlights/turn signals/cruise/ malfuntions causing your high and low beam headlights not to turn on.
Drivers side headlight is dimmed. Light goes off and on without prior warning. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak
Harness overheats/melts and shorts out switch, making headlights inoperable. This is my second repair in a year.
Defect in headlights, wiring keeps wearing out. First, causing day time running light to become inoperative, then night time headlights malfunctioned. Dealer has redone wiring 6 times, defect is still occurring.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Interior lighting
- 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 lights
- 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
Questions about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire headlights
Is headlights failing or too dim a common problem on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
14 of 201 owner complaints about the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (7%) mention headlights failing or too dim. The model year with the most reports is 2003.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire?
There are 2 recalls and 3 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
ABS 11Won't start 10Fire or smoke 8Wipers 8Brake failure 7No deployment 6Fuel pump 6Overheating 6Stalling 6Check engine light 5
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