On november 12, 2008 I was in an auto accident. I was driving my 2002 pontiac sunfire that I had purchased on october 28, 2008. As the car ahead of me began to brake I began to brake as well. However, it did not feel as thought the brakes "grabbed" causing me to collide into the car in front of me. I have a broken foot caused from pushing on the brakes.
2002 Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems
16 complaints (20% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 6,543. 3 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 16
- of this car's complaints
- 20%
- typical mileage
- 6,543
- crashes
- 3
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Foundation components: disc: rotor5
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip4
- Foundation components: disc: pads2
- Foundation components: master cylinder1
- Foundation components: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings1
- Antilock: ABS warning light1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2002 Pontiac Sunfire owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Tl*the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. While driving between 35-40 MPH, the brakes failed. The vehicle struck and destroyed the rear bumper of the preceding vehicle. The contact's vehicle was destroyed and towed from the scene. A police report was filed. He was transported to the hospital by an ambulance and sustained injuries. The current and failure mileages were 26,000. Updated 01/29/08
Air conditioner loud noise while on, ABS rattling when stopping in non wet weather. Popping while turning right. Headlamps don't always turn on when switch is engaged. Engine noise as if something is wrong with lifters.
Memorial day 2003, when coming to a quick stop a loud gringing noise; this was intermittent and the car went to dealer a number of times since; this has happened 13 times in 15 months; most recently on august 2, 2004, that same noise and the steering was lost/tires locked. Immediately brought it to the dealer who did a 1 mile test drive and stated the car was fine and needed the rotors turned and brake pad replacement. This does not account for loss of steering or tires locking up.
When the brakes are depressed in the rain they will skid. Vehicle experienced this problem over thirty times since 2002.
I purchased a brand new pontiac sunfire back in 2002. I started having several problems shortly after. My main concern was a foul odor in the vehicle.the odor was so strong it made me sick. I had to ride with the windows down.which this wasn't noticed until the summer months when the tempatures heat up. It was taken to the dealer to be checked out. On the second attempt they dicovered a leak underneath the car. I was told there was a crack at the seem and they would repair the crack and then replace carpet. However once again the odor is back and the car is back in the shop. This time they claim they found standing water underneath but cannot find a leak. I have been told they will fix it and replace carpet once again. I have been very patient up until now. Instead of having a new car smell, I drive around with a mildew smell. Correct me if I'm wrong but mildew can be harmful. Needless to say, it is a odor that will not go away.when I exit the car I notice that the smell still lingures with me. Although the carpet has been replaced the smell is still very noticable. I have had several other problems with this vechicle such as anti-lock brakes (twice), brake ligths, problems with radio and speakers,cutting out while driving on the interstate (sputtering),tempature gage reading high. I was even told that the rotors are bad which easily could be wear and tear but I feel they could have been bad from the get go.to me this is all minor, my main concern is the leak and mildew.my car which has been to the shop more than the gas station should be classified as a lemon. Especially with only 26,000 miles on it. I strongly believe that I should be given a refund or a new car. When you purchase a new car you should be satisfied. In this case, my story leaves a sour taste in my mouth and nasusa feeling in my gut. Please help... Kimberly stevenson.
While driving at any speed or while sitting still consumer can see and feel the engine shaking violently. Also, there is a pinging sound coming from the front end. Dealer wants to change the brake pads and turn the rotors.
When brake pedal was depressed brakes made a loud noise, and excessive force had to be applied to stop vehicle. This was caused by the rotors continuously cracking. Dealership resurfaced and replaced the rotors. Also when slowing down or at a complete stop, vehicle would stall without warning. Dealership reprogrammed the computer chip. In addition, power windows malfunctioned. They would engage by themselves and slide up/down, and stick in either position. Dealership replaced the motor, but the problem still exists.
Service brakes wore out prematurely, and destroyed the rotors and other brake components. *ak the brakes squealed and made a grind noise, the left (driver front) hub cap rattled/shaked, water leaked in the back seat. The service technician said the metal brakes didn't have pads. The front end steering shaked, the rotor(s) had worn out, the right inside door panel was loose, the speaker had gone out, the power steering squeaked per invoice, the AC chirped, and a wind noise had come from the front doors. *scc
Consumer states that vehicle's stopping distance has greatly increased due to defective rotors. Rotors have been replaced 3x in a year.
Questions about the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire brakes
Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have brakes problems?
Owners have filed 16 complaints about the brakes of the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 20% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2002 Pontiac Sunfire brakes problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 6,543 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire brakes?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Pontiac Sunfire have bad brakes?
The Pontiac Sunfire model years with the most brakes complaints are 1996 (30 complaints), 1997 (28 complaints) and 2000 (17 complaints).
Other 2002 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Electrical 24Engine 12Steering 11Visibility 10Lights 8Transmission 7Fuel system 6Airbags 5Body 5Seat belts 3Tires 3Acceleration 2Suspension 2Locks 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2002 Pontiac Sunfire?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history