Pontiac Sunfire ball joint problems

Filed Jan 10, 2017 · Steering, Suspension · 114,000 miles · MA

In part due to corrosion of the lower control arm, it experienced a sudden structural failure resulting in a significant loss of steering control. This problem occurred twice to my vehicle. The first time it occurred was when cornering an hitting a small pothole. I had the car repaired by a gm dealership and the second time a few years later this occurred again and it was when I had to stop abruptly to avoid a car running a red light. This was the same part that failed each time and rendered the vehicle un-driveable.

Filed Apr 9, 2005 · Suspension · 9,500 miles · WA

1. Occured without warning; . Lower front wheel control arm retainer bolt loosened allowing control arm to move freely, allowing wheel to contact inner fender liner which locked the wheel causing loss of steering control. There is no positive locking apparatus on bolt (cotter pin or similar) to prevent loosening. Bolt is oriented head down so once loose, vibration and gravity will invariably cause bolt to fall out. 3. Bolt was replaced and tightened securely.

Filed Mar 3, 2004 · Steering · 34,579 miles · FL

Vehicle made a grinding noise when turning. Dealer determined that rack and pinion had to be replaced. *ak the vehicle also lost power steering when making right turns. Initially the dealer said the problem was with the rack and pinion. The consumer contacted the manufacturer three times. The manufacture wanted the dealer to recheck the vehicle at which time the dealer changed their mind and said that the tie rod was the problem. The consumer believes they changed their minds to get out of performing the recall for free.

Filed Oct 14, 2003 · Suspension · 51,867 miles · AZ

While making a left turn at a stop sign and without warning left front lower ball joint snapped in two. When this occurred, left wheel almost came completely off.

Filed Feb 8, 2002 · Engine, Steering · CA

First this clicking/popping sound started coming from the steering wheel when you turn it at low speed. The mechanic said its the inner tie rods that need to be replaced. But to replace them you have to replace the whole steering assembly because there made as one piece. Then one month ago the car started shacking at idle speed. If you are in drive or nuetruel at a stop light standing still you could feel it shacking a little. The dealer said it could be anything from electric problems to coil problems. But just yesterday I was driving at night on the freeway going about 60mph when I saw smoke behind my car. I got on the shoulder and saw smoke comming out of the engine. Then I tried starting the car but it won't start. So I had it towed to my house. At my house I checked the engine with a flashlight and found a big hole (3-4 in diameter) in the engine by the dipstick. It seems that something got loose in the engine that made the car shacking and when it got lose it just flew out. Luckly it didn't when tru the hood. If anyone could help me please in finding maybe theres like a service bulletin or a recall for this problems. Also I will never buy any stupid pontiacs and won't reccomend one for anyone.

Filed May 11, 2001 · Steering · OH · crash

While traveling at approximately 60mph consumer lost control of vehicle. Vehicle went off of freeway and impacted a cement barrier. Insurance adjuster and dealership examined vehicle and determined that inner tie rod sheared off which caused loss of control. Please provide any additional information/attachments. *the mechanic at dealership referred to 4 previous incidents which resulted in deaths because of this.*ak

Filed Apr 10, 2000 · Suspension · MI

Front control arms on both sides cracked and almost fell off, which may have caused loss of vehicle control and a crash. Please provide further information.

Filed Jul 28, 1999 · Electrical, Engine · OH

While driving at highway speeds vehicle completely shuts down without warning. Dealer replaced the ignition control module and the right lower control arm, which did not correct the problem. Please give any further details.

Filed May 20, 1999 · Suspension · ME

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.

Filed May 9, 1999 · Suspension · NY

Problem: knocking noise heard from front suspension when going over bumps. I have had the car inspected by three different auto repair shops, including the dealer where the car was purchased. The dealer said he would start with the front strut and mount (no garantee that the problem will be corrected). I have received a total of three different diagnosis over the last two weeks. These include, the lower tie rod, the rack and pinnion steering system and a front strut and mount. Since I can't get consensus, I have not had the problem corrected as yet. If I repaired the components they said were defective, it would cost me in excess of $1500. All the auto shops have told me this is not a safety concern and that the component(s) will not fail catastrophically. I'm not necessarily convinced. The noise is very disturbing.this condition has only been audible for about 1 month. Your database indicates that others have had the same complaint (see service bulletin no. Gm53-32-02). Do you know if general motors has recalled any of these vehicles or repaired any of these vehicles under a secret warranty?? Please let me know if you need any other information.