Tl*- the contact owns a 1996 pontiac sunfire. The vehicle made a knocking noise when the steering was turned all the way to the left. There was recall 02v286000 for the rack and pinion steering, but it did not include this vehicle due to the VIN. The contact felt that it should be extended since this vehicle had the same failure as stated in the recall.
Pontiac Sunfire knocking problems
10 of the 1,141 owner complaints about the Pontiac Sunfire describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 1996 model year.
- owner complaints
- 10
- worst model year
- 1996
By model year
- 20011
- 20001
- 19991
- 19981
- 19971
- 19963
- 19952
Often reported together
Overheating 1Hesitation 1Fuel pump 1Engine failure 1Ball joint 1
What owners say
My car has made a ticking noise since the day I bought it. The dealer said they could get to the bottom of what was causing the noise, for me not to worry. 63,000 miles later, I do not have a car anymore, the engine blew up.
This is an ongoing problem with my steering column. When I turn my steering wheel to the right or left, it makes a bumping noise. It happens every time the wheel is turned to the right or left. It sounds like something is knocking.
The vehicle experienced a knocking noise. *jb there was not warning. (engine or oil light) the vehicle wasn't low of oil and was changed regularly. The vehicle never made a knocking noise before. Scc
A ticking sound in the front where the timing chain cover is.I have changed the chain-sprockets-tensioner- 3 times-the first when the tensioner broke.I will give you the last time I changed it.
The dates are estimates. The first problem was the gasket that was bad and was replaced under warranty. The second problem was the engine head cracking and the internal parts failing. The manufactuar was contacted without any avail of getting any help. The dealer where I had the repairs done stated he couldnt tell what caused the problem of the engine. My file number with gm pontiac is 00017728. The diagnostic guess on the bill was #1 main and rod bearing came apart. Engine head cracked at # 3 spark plug area. Losing coolant at that location. Service was performed at billy navarre chevrolet. Showing billing date of 1-31-2000
Fuel pump had to replace after only 56000 miles. Dealer says it will cost $600.00 or more to fix. After it was fixed it still hesitates when you first accelerate. Loud knocking and vibration noise in exhuast when you accelerate or just idling. I will never buy another sunfire. I can't wait to get rid of this one.
While driving on expressway/street, wheels would wobble. Driver had some control. Driver's seat fails to move forward when latch is released for adjusting. Also, shock absorbers needed to be replaced due to knocking noise. 2 weeks after having oil replaced for leaking, it needed to be replaced again.
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.
Engine spun the # 4 rod bearing, causing the rod to snap and put ahole in the block the size of an orange. Previously replaced engin epistons/timing chain and sprocket.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Pontiac Sunfire knocking
Which Pontiac Sunfire years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 1996 (3 complaints), 1995 (2 complaints) and 1997 (1 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