My tilt steering wheel column wobbles from side to side, it would never stay locked in one position and with time it started to move while driving, people have attempted to fix it, but it doesn't last and I can't get a safety inspection because of it, the inspector says it is too dangerous. It has never been wrecked or damaged and was bought brand new, it about 123,000 miles on it. When I turn to the left especially, the steering wheel flops from left to right.
The worst 2002 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical24
- Brakes16
- Engine12
- Steering11
- Visibility10
- Lights8
- Transmission7
- Fuel system6
- Airbags5
- Body5
- Seat belts3
- Tires3
- Acceleration2
- Suspension2
- Locks1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire 421
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This PI communicates the requirement to provide a pico file to receive diagnostic assistance from TAC.
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that have...
- This Preliminary Information communicates to the dealer the process for downloading or updating operating...
- This Preliminary Information communication provides information to the technician about vehicles that the...
- Vehicle Wide Programming (VWP) is a new process to update software on GM Vehicles
- This bulletin provides information for use on a Product Assistance Claim (PAC), which is formerly known as...
- This service bulletin provides information for dealers/technicians on Service Programming System (SPS)...
- This bulletin provides information for electrical ground repairs using new General Motors replacement...
- This technical bulletin advises of a new fuel injection cleaner kit used for decarbonizing the intake...
- This service bulletin provides service information to technicians on guidelines to replace Oil Cooler, Oil...
2002 Pontiac Sunfire fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4‑cyl | FWD | 21-22 | 30 | 24-25 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 18-19 | 26-29 | 21-23 |
What 2002 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that when the gear lever was shifted, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission shift cable had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,080. ...updated 01/20/16 *bf updated 1/12/16 *9cn... Updated 04/20/18*jb
Turned off the vehicle, got my fuses and relay's all checked and turned the car on the next morning, nothing on my dash panel is working. No mileage, none of the gauges work, fuses and relays are all good.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine stalled and the track off warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts and was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
I have been the only owner of my 2002 pontiac sunfire; well back in 2011 it just would not start; took it to a trusty mechanic who told me I had to go to the dealership cause most likely I needed an ignition switch; so I took it to the dealer in town; being they are a gm dealer; I mentioned what it needed; they looked at it for several days and told me I needed a new computer system; and it was 703.00 for labor and everything; okay so we decide to fix it; get it back and guess what several weeks later it dies on the interstate while my husband was going 70mph; he had to throw it into neutral and pull over; cause it almost caused an accident!!! Take it back to same dealership; they can't find anything wrong with it; they have me come pick it up and it wont even start!!! So I leave it there; then they call me that monday; you need an ignition switch and we will replace this for free; did I even need a new computer??? Gm this car is dangerous and needs to be on that recall list; cause its next; also; I have had a broken trunk; a broken moon roof; and in the winter when its really cold out; good luck getting inside the car; these doors freeze like no other; its not meant to sit outside; I have had overheating issues; got that fixed finally; now the AC compressor is shot and the AC won't work; that is 800.00 to fix; but before with trying to run the AC the car would rev up really bad when sitting idle and sometimes it just shuts off; always starts back up; thank goodness; but the computer and compressor could not keep up with each other is what I was told; the body on this car is horrible; expect rust unless you keep it in a garage and the paint peels like no other; if there is an ignition switch problem; why is this car not on the recall??? This car almost caused an accident; my husband knew what to do; also sometimes the seat belts almost choke you, be careful!
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the key took thirty minutes to eject from the ignition switch after repeated attempts. On a separate occasion, the ignition key failed to turn in any position or release from the ignition switch. An independent mechanic replaced the ignition switch. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while parked, the key became stuck in the ignition and the vehicle was unable to be placed in drive. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the ignition switch needed to be replaced and programmed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
When trying to put car into park, shift cable broke and it was very difficult to get into park. Had to use emergency brake to keep car from rolling. Then, because car wasn't fully in park, ignition wouldn't restart. Had to replace cable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the ignition seized in the "on" position and the vehicle failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the ignition was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 151,000.
Steering column began to smoke and car engine stopped. Dealership determined the cause to be a short in the ignition switch wiring harness due to rubbing on the steering column.
Compare the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
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Questions about the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
Owners have filed 82 complaints about the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 1.2 times a typical Sunfire model year.
What is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire year score?
The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Pontiac Sunfire: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
Electrical system, with 24 complaints, typically around 80,000 miles. Next is brakes (16).
How many recalls does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have?
No recalls on record.
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).
What gas mileage does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire get?
Official estimates for the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire range from 21 to 25 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.2L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-22 city and 30 highway.
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