My car was driving perfect until 3 weeks ago, it has since then wont start back up. Thought it was something to do with spark, then tried spark plug wires, new battery, checked alternator and fuses, coils all good. Then I was lead to maybe the gas that was in it. Dropped gas tank, put new fuel filter, checked fuel pump, gas lines, it did stay running one time since but was shaking roughly with a flashing check engine light. Will not run anymore since then. Have not been able to drive my vehicle for 3 weeks now and it is my only car.. Also before the car started having the above problems my brakes kept getting tons of air also losing a ton of brake fluid, ABS light stays on and all brake lines are good. It's dangerous. Also have bled the brakes. Not much help other than temporarily.
Pontiac Sunfire abs comes on
37 of the 1,141 owner complaints about the Pontiac Sunfire describe aBS light or ABS activating, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 37
- worst model year
- 1996
- typical mileage
- 82,000
By model year
Often reported together
Brake failure 7Won't start 2Fuel pump 2Grinding brakes 2Steering noise 1Shudder 1Power steering loss 1Loss of power 1
What owners say
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that whenever starting the ignition, the ABS and engine warning indicators illuminated continuously until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the canister vamp solenoid and evap canister were both replaced. The failure persisted after the repair was performed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
1996 pontiac sunfire 2.2l. Rear right brake locks. Causes the car to shudder and difficult to stop. This also causes the ABS and brake light to illuminate on the dash. Brakes have been replaced. Possible failure to stop is the greatest concern. This may lead to accident.
February 2007 had vehicle serviced and was told rear calipers needed replacement. Work was completed totaling $875. Within a week, the brakes locked, causing the vehicle to skid and failure to stop. Nearly hit a pedestrian in cross walk at 20 MPH. Returned to service, was told adjustments needed to the ABS brakes system. Service completed. 4 weeks later the vehicles brake system locked up and a grinding noise occurred. Returned for service, pads replaced, brakes adjusted per the mechanic. 3 months have passed now and now the ABS brake light illuminates periodically and now within three months of replacement of the brake pads and adjustments to the ABS system, I again notice the vehicle veering right when applying the brakes and the rear brakes tend to lock at speeds of 20 to 35 MPH with a light scrapping and/or grinding noise again. The mechanic informed me they have completed and repaired the brakes to the vehicle specifications and cannot service ore repair it any further. After further research, it appears several others have had the same problem or incident occur, unfortunately resulting in a crash. I am requesting a further investigation to be completed on the gm ABS systems for this vehicle. Brakes should not have to be repaired or replaced 3 times in a two year time span. There is definitely something wrong with the assembly or design of this ABS system. I have replaced the rotors, brake pads, calipers on this vehicle totaling nearly $2,000. I must commute to work on two major freeways in los angeles, which if an ABS failure occurs, could result in a crash with severe or fatal injuries to myself and/or passengers in the vehicle.
The ABS,trac and service light came on after I hit a deer because the traction control and ABS would not let me stop from hitting it. I now have the problem with ABS traction control and service light but it now makes it hard to stop till all those come on. I was told it was a sensor in the hub of rear end.
I had the fuel pump replaced on this vehicle in december 2006. I have been given information indicating this pump is in the suspect group of pumps covered by the delphi recall number 07e-015. I contacted the number listed, and was told that since someone else had entered information on the VIN that they will not tell me anything. They refused to tell me how to have the inspection or reimbursement done. This vehicle was wrecked by my daughter in march 2006, and there is an ongoing investigation of the ABS system also.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 20 MPH, the ABS engages. The ABS normally engaged when going over slight bumps in the road and coming to a stop sign. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer replaced the brake shoes, pads and rotors on the front and rear of the vehicle. However, this did not remedy the ABS engaging. Updated 04/17/06.
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.
The air conditioning compressor pump (A/C pump) comes into contact with the (1999) oem lower radiator hose (hose), denting the hose and wearing a hole in the hose over time. This condition is worse when front struts and/or engine mounts become worn. Initial leak of coolent is only detectable by low fluid level over extended period of time (apporximately 6 months to a year): no wetness on the hose or pooling of coolent fluid under the vehicle is detectable prior to a larger hole being worn into the hose. Prior to larger hole being worn into hose, coolent loss is in vapor form, but not in a sufficient amount to be seen. Once the hole in the hose becomes large enough to be detected by fluid pooling under the vehicle, the coolent fluid will come in contact with the powertrain control module (PCM) and cause failure of the PCM. The PCM controls major engine and braking functions. A complete failure of the PCM will cause loss of braking control (via ABS) and shut down of engine (causing loss of steering control). There is also the possibility of causing a electric short in the 12 volt circuit resulting in a fire. Please note that "after market" manufacturers replacement hose is redesigned to help prevent contact between A/C pump and the hose. At the time of this complaint it is unknown whether the oem hose has been redesign to prevent contact with the A/C pump.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Pontiac Sunfire abs
Why does the abs come on in the Pontiac Sunfire?
Owners who report it most often also describe brake failure, won't start and fuel pump failure.
Which Pontiac Sunfire years have aBS light or ABS activating problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (11 complaints), 1995 (7 complaints) and 1998 (4 complaints).
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used Pontiac Sunfire?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history