While turning the steering wheel the consumer could hear a loud popping noise which came from the front end. The steering wheel also jerked away from the consumer. The cause of this problem has yet to be determine. The dealership was notified but was unable to resolve the problem. Please provide any additional information.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire suspension problems
11 complaints (6% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Front3
- Rear2
- Rear: shock absorber1
- Front: control arm: upper ball joint1
- Front: control arm: lower arm1
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 suspension problems in other years
Related recalls
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
- Risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
Recall number 98V319000 · Recall details
What 1997 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Unknown rear suspension component failed, causing loss of control and accident in which the rear axle and suspension components were severely damaged, so that the original broken component could not be determined. Accident occurred while vehicle was traveling in a straight line on level ground at about 60 MPH. The brakes were applied and did not engage the anti-lock system, yet the rear end of the car swerved wildly, which caused the car to hit a high curb, severely damaging the right rear tire, axle, and suspension.
While driving at 30 MPH steering wheel automatically pulled to the right side,and consumer could not control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do anything.
I am looking to see if these recalls had been fixed by the previous owner. No sfety defec tlisted.
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.
When driving at any speed and making any type of turn, there is a thumping noise coming from the steering whell, and when applying the brake's, there is vibration within the brakes. Also, panels in the rear on both sides keep coming off.
Vehicle was taken to local gm dealer for its first front end alignment after purchase. Service check by dealer found left and right lower a frames and the stablizer links plus both front tires had to be replaced before an alignment could be done. Est cost $350. Upon investigation when speaking with maintenance personnel I discovered that this is a high failure item. The personel informed me that they replaced these control arms all the time. They know it is a very poor design and causes problems with customers. The service manager informed that there has not been a recall as to date concerning this item. The service manager said he can replace just the bushing , but that would not last but a short time and that I would be back again. I have examined the car myself and I am not impressed with the design of this control arm. I do agree with the service manager that it is a poorly designed control arm and should be recalled for proper redesign and repair.
Drivers door outside handle separated and retainer failed causing door to stick.
Strut failure.
Engine stalls.
Questions about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire suspension
Does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have suspension problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the suspension of the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, 6% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1997 Pontiac Sunfire suspension problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire suspension?
Yes, 1 recall: 98V319000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad suspension?
The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most suspension complaints are 1997 (11 complaints) and 1996 (10 complaints).
Other 1997 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Steering 42Engine 32Electrical 30Brakes 28Airbags 27Visibility 12Lights 11Fuel system 8Acceleration 6Body 4Seat belts 4Tires 4Transmission 3Seats 2Locks 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history