1997 Pontiac Sunfire engine problems

Filed Jan 23, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 170,000 miles · KY · fire

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.

Filed Dec 30, 2010 · Engine · 95,000 miles · KS

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire gt. The contact stated that he lost two engines due to his engine oil warning light not illuminating and warning him that the oil level was low. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 18, 2007 · Electrical, Engine · TN

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.

Filed Oct 19, 2004 · Engine · WI

While the vehicle was parked, the consumer noticed oil leaking from underneath the vehicle onto the ground. The consumer noticed while driving the vehicle would shake uncontrollably. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the consumer that the oil filter had a hole in it which caused the oil leak. The mechanic also informed the driver that the motor mounts needed to be replaced due to corrosion. Please fill in additional information.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Engine · 30,000 miles · MI

While driving 35 MPH vehicle stalled. Consumer managed to pull over ,and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.*ak

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Engine · 47,000 miles · PA

My brother owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire with only 47,000 miles on it and the engine seized (needing engine replaced estimated cost $3,500). I understand the car is about 6 years old but the vehicle is driven minimal miles. Gm dealership did a diagnosis costing us $289 and concluded per the invoice: perform tear down on engine - remove valve cover and found valve spring on #2 cylinder broken - remove cylinder head and found head of valve had gone through top of piston and scored cylinder wall. The dealership quoted us cost of the following: $3,250 for a brand new one with a 3 year/75,000 mile warranty or $1,400 for a used engine with 88,000 miles on it (no warranty) or $1,600 for a used engine with 62,000 miles on it (no warranty). Now, I scratch my head and wonder how gm justifies us paying almost $1,500 of a used engine with more miles on the engine than the engine we already have at 47,000 miles that does not work. After three weeks we had the vehicle repaired a reputable auto service for $1,089. The auto service suggested taking photos of a part in the engine noted above to be defective. The auto service said this part should never have broken on a vehicle with only 47,000 miles. We informed gm customer service of this defective part and told them about the pictures but gm has done nothing to address this issue. I thought gm might look further into investigation of the defective part but no. I do not want this to happen to someone else. Is this a realistic expectation to have this costly repair at 47,000 miles? Can we do anything else?

Filed Apr 21, 2003 · Electrical, Engine · 20,000 miles · NY

The vehicles engine shuts off while driving. In addition, the auto theft system light would illuminate which prevented the consumer from starting the vehicle for approximately 20 minutes. *nlm ph

Filed Feb 25, 2003 · Engine · MI

A ticking sound in the front where the timing chain cover is.I have changed the chain-sprockets-tensioner- 3 times-the first when the tensioner broke.I will give you the last time I changed it.

Filed Jan 27, 2003 · Engine · 61,100 miles · NJ

Engine stalls. My car will run great 2-3 days but without notice will stall while driving. I does this quite often and the mechanics cannot find problem, they cannot determine if it is spark related or fuel related due the design of the engine. I do alot of highway miles on my commute and I consider this very unsafe. (I have stalled on the highway numerous times.)

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Engine · MI

Head gasket failed at only 70000 miles, garage opinion is that it is due to faulty components and coolants, and will continue to be an issue. Gm claims responsibility for the exact same make and model for 1996 in a special policy.