1997 Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 107,000 miles · CO · crash

While driving vehicle at moderate speed vehicle accelerated on its own. Ignition switch wouldn't shut off, and emergency brake was ineffective. Vehicle crashed into the rear of a police cruiser to stop. Consumer called 911 for help.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · TX

The headlights on my 1997 pontiac sunfire vehicle are so dim, I cannot drive my car at night. It looks like I am driving with flashlights. I was told by a mechanic at sunland pontiac dealership, el paso, tx that there was nothing they could do. I told them the headlights have always been to dim on my vehicle. I told them I wanted new headlight assembly with brighter bulbs or higher wattage. I was told that they did not have any new head light assembly that contained brighter bulb, or higher wattage, and there was nothing else they could do. I complained every time I took my car in for maintenace. Incident date is approximate date. They will have it on record. Also, I am having problems with my ignition switch again. It is very hard to turn to start the car. You have to hold it in a certain position for it to start, sometimes it will star, and sometimes it won't. There was a recall on this. I have had many problems with my car, every since I purchased it brand new in 1997. I filled out a form and sent it to the dealership and gmac about all the problems I was having and they never responded to my complaints. I can e-mail you a copy of the complaint form I sent to them. The most disturbing defect about the car is that you can see the loose wiring behind the steering wheel connected to the dash. The mechanic where I purchased the car told me that all of the 1997 5 speed sunfires came like that from the manufacture. So, they put in a piece of black foam, so I would no longer see the wiring. This is a fire hazard. If I had know then, what I know now, I would have given the car back to them, and demanded my $3,000 down payment back. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me to correct the defects and problems that I am having with this car. Thank you.

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Brakes · 81,000 miles · GA · crash

Partial loss of brakes, brakes went all the way to the floor and did not stop my car.

Filed Feb 24, 2003 · Brakes · 93,216 miles · NE

The master cylinder failed, which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.*jb

Filed May 21, 2002 · Brakes · CA

While driving 40 MPH could not stop vehicle when applying brakes. Also, vehicle would vibrate. Had vehicle towed to dealer.

Filed Sep 6, 2001 · Brakes · CA

When brakes were applied under nomal stopping conditions pedal became hard, resulting in extended stopping distance. Driver stopped vehicle with emergency brake. Dealer has inspected and repaired vehicle. Manufacturer was notified. *ak repair shop stated the brakes were worn, consumer states the brake pedal became stuck.

Filed Aug 10, 2001 · Brakes · AZ · crash · 1 injury

I was in accident at 45 MPH. A vehicle turned in lane and stopped, I hit my brakes, and my vehicle did not slow. I hit his car and pushed it appx. 15 feet. I dropped it in neutral and that helped. The accident totaled my vehicle. I felt that the brakes did not function properly.

Filed Jun 21, 2001 · Acceleration, Brakes · IL

While driving about 55 MPH accelerator got stuck, and the brakes could not stop vehicle. Consumer had to shift to neutral to control vehicle.

Filed Feb 18, 2000 · Brakes, Seat belts · MI

Front and rear struts & mounts failed &rattled problem started immeiately, not properly identified until 60000, had to pay $700 to fix. Front brakes wore out almost immediately. Seat belt slips out of anchor and is painful to reach (short driver, seat moved up). Windshield wipers started stopping in the up instead of down position, block vision.

Filed Nov 23, 1999 · Brakes, Engine · MO

This car has been more trouble than it is worth. I have replaced the brakes and rotors twice already and need to replace them again already. I found out today that I have another craked head gasket, I replaced one two years ago just after I bought the car. The engine coolant light stays on most of the time even when the tank is full. I'm very frustrated!