Tl* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the vents and a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact and the front passenger were able to safely exit the vehicle without any injuries. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems
30 complaints (16% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 91,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 30
- of this car's complaints
- 16%
- typical mileage
- 91,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch9
- Ignition6
- Wiring3
- Wiring: interior/under dash2
- 12v/24v/48v battery2
- Wiring: front underhood1
- Starter assembly: solenoid1
- Starter assembly: relay1
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 electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition: switch
- What is wrong
- On certain passenger vehicles. If the engine fails to start and the driver holds the key in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flows through the ignition switch, and sometimes produces enough heat to melt internal switch parts.
- Risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- Remedy
- Dealers will install a relay kit in these vehicles to prevent high current from flowing through the ignition switch. Owner notification began march 27, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact chevrolet at 1‑800‑222‑1020, pontiac at 1‑800‑762‑2737, buick at 1‑800‑521‑7300, or oldsmobile at 1‑800‑442‑6537.
Recall number 02V070000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Fire in steering column area
PE02001
What 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl * the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
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
In less than 1 year I have taken my car to have it repaired 6 times for what I feel is the exact same problem! My engine stalls when I am coming to a stop or after being on the interstate and it idles rough. I have had my catalytic converter replaced twice in the past year, fuel sensor replaced, spark plugs, coil, wire to the ignition module replaced. My car still runs rough and stalls while driving on interstate, when idling in traffic, and when I come to a complete stop. This needs to be investigated. I have spent over $2,000 in repairs and tow fees. This is very unsafe.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing ignition failure. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and placed on a diagnostic machine. The fuel pump and ignition switch were replaced. The vehicle is presently at the dealer. The current mileage is 46,741 and failure mileage was 45,000.
1997 pontiac sunfire with a safety recall problem**cc the vehicles ignition switch was recalled. The consumer has replaced the ignition switch twice prior to recall notification. The consumer never received reimbursement for either repair.
Purchased the vehicle in 2001. The '97 sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, I had got repairs occasionally for this and that. However, I never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past june the vehicle broke down. After getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. I would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect.
1997 pontiac sunfire failed to start. Turned ignition off removed key, car steering column burst into flames within a few minutes.
The daytime running head light were inoperative. The vehicle is at the dealer. The dealer informed the consumer that the problem was corrosion build up around the wiring harness.
Tried to start the ignition but it would't, which was really odd considering my car hasn't given me any real trouble. I took the key out of the ignition and closed the door and it tried to start without the key. I went in the house to call a ride to work and heard the radio going. I looked out to see who it was and saw a fire going in my car. I called the fire department to put the fire out. Afterwards, they said that my airbag deployed into the steering column causing the fire.
Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical
Does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 30 complaints about the electrical of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 16% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 91,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 02V070000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have the most electrical problems?
The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most electrical complaints are 2005 (60 complaints), 1996 (39 complaints) and 1997 (30 complaints).
Other 1997 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Steering 42Engine 32Brakes 28Airbags 27Visibility 12Lights 11Suspension 11Fuel system 8Acceleration 6Body 4Seat belts 4Tires 4Transmission 3Seats 2Locks 1
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