1997 Pontiac Sunfire airbags problems

27 complaints (14% of all complaints for this car). 13 crashes reported.

owner complaints: 27
of this car's complaints: 14%
crashes: 13
recalls: 1

Which part fails

Frontal
18

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 airbags problems in other years

Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire airbags

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

No deployment 5

Related recalls

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

Related investigations

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

There is no summary currently available

EA98001

What 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 20, 2008 · Airbags, Electrical · 60,000 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. After it rained for approximately 3-4 days, the contact noticed standing water in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. She started the vehicle and noticed that all of the instrument panel lights were illuminated. After several days of allowing the vehicle to dry out, every instrument panel light, with the exception of the air bag light, dimmed. The dealer stated that they would not inspect the vehicle for less than $350. The contact no longer drives the vehicle because she fears for her life due to the defect. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 09/13/08. *lj updated 09/16/08

Filed Feb 20, 2006 · Airbags · 125,500 miles · GA · 2 injuries

I was driving down the road, and the passenger air bag deployed without impact of any kind, or warning.

Filed May 2, 2005 · Airbags · 11,000 miles · GA · 1 injury

The air bag inadvertently deployed while the consumer was driving 5 MPH.

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Airbags · MI · 1 injury

1997 pontiac sunfire air bag deployment.*mr while driving the vehicle was involved in an accident. The vehicle was hit on the rear passenger side door. The front air bag deployed upon impact. The consumer was under the impression that the frontal air bags were only supposed to deploy during frontal collisions.

Filed Dec 10, 2003 · Airbags · AL

Both frontal air bags deployed while consumer was driving at 35 MPH.

Filed Oct 18, 2002 · Airbags · NY

Consumer states that while making a right turn, vehicle may have hit a very small pot hole, suddenly both the drivers and passenger side airbags deployed. Please provide any further information. Mr

Filed Oct 18, 2002 · Airbags · NY

While driving and making a right hand turn consumer says may have hit a small pot hole, and both drivers and passenger side airbags deployed. Please provide any further information. Mr

Filed Sep 23, 2002 · Airbags · NY · crash

As a result of hitting a deer at 55 MPH air bags did not deploy at any time. Please provide further information. Dealership has been contacted.ak

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Airbags, Suspension · FL

I am looking to see if these recalls had been fixed by the previous owner. No sfety defec tlisted.

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Airbags · CO · crash · 1 injury

Consumer was traveling in a very bad snow storm at approximate speed of 40mph and coming down an incline. Trying to avoid hitting another vehicle, consumer crashed into a brick wall. Driver's airbag didn't deploy. Car was totalled. Seat belt was being worn at the time. Consumer suffered chest injuries. No response from pontiac, they were collecting information.

Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire airbags

Does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have airbags problems?

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the airbags of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 14% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Sunfire airbags problems start?

Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.

Was there a recall on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire airbags?

Yes, 1 recall: 98V146000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad airbags?

The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most airbags complaints are 1996 (33 complaints), 1997 (27 complaints) and 1995 (13 complaints).