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NHTSA vehicle safety data

1997 Pontiac Sunfire Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has 9 NHTSA recall campaigns and 189 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Pontiac dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

Pre-purchase inspection checklist → Reliability & 5-year cost forecast →

1997 Pontiac Sunfire owner complaints

Owners have filed 189 complaints with NHTSA about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire, describing incidents dated September 15, 1996 to January 19, 2015.

Most-cited components

  • Steering 41 complaints
  • Engine 30 complaints
  • Electrical System 29 complaints
  • Air Bags 26 complaints
  • Service Brakes 24 complaints
  • Visibility/Wiper 12 complaints

Of the 189 complaints on file, 29 report a crash and 8 a fire; across all 189 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

  • ODI #10678592 · Filed

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT FROM THE VENTS AND A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT AND THE FRONT PASSENGER WERE ABLE TO SAFELY EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY INJURIES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED…

  • ODI #10607304 · Filed

    TL * THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE HE NOTICED THAT THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE WIRES TO MELT TOGETHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT…

  • ODI #10467573 · Filed

    FUEL TANK RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TO LEAK OUT. *TR

Read all 189 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT/LOSS OF STEERING

NHTSA #08E063000 · Steering · NHTSA notice

Reported October 17, 2008 · DORMAN PRODUCTS, INC.

Potentially affected: 3,855 vehicles

Owners notified October 16, 2008

Defect description

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Safety consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO DORMAN'S OE SOLUTIONS BRAND NAME, BALKAMP'S NAPA BRAND, AND THE PLATINUM BRAND STEERING SHAFTS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES

NHTSA #07E015000 · Fuel System, Gasoline — Delivery — Fuel Pump · NHTSA notice

Reported February 26, 2007 · DELPHI

Potentially affected: 3,124 vehicles

Owners notified March 20, 2007

Defect description

CERTAIN DELPHI AFTERMARKET FUEL PUMP MODULES / MODULE RESERVOIR ASSEMBLIES (MRA) THAT WERE SOLD FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED VEHICLES. DURING PRODUCTION THE MRAS VENT AND FUEL RETURN TUBES WERE REVERSED. THIS CONDITION CAN RESULT IN THE VEHICLE NOT RUNNING CORRECTLY (IDLE ROUGH AND/OR STALL) DUE TO AN OVERLY RICH FUEL BLEND OR THE VEHICLE'S EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CARBON CANISTER MAY LEAK FUEL.

Safety consequence

A STALLED VEHICLE CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH. A FUEL LEAK CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE MRAS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 1-877-335-7443.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET DELPHI FUEL PUMP MODULES AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

FMVSS 108/AMBER SIDE REFLEX REFLECTORS

NHTSA #06E026000 · Exterior Lighting · NHTSA notice

Reported March 23, 2006 · PRO-A MOTORS, INC.

Potentially affected: 61,944 vehicles

Owners notified April 3, 2006

Defect description

CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.

Safety consequence

WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO PRO-A MOTORS AFTERMARKET LAMPS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES.FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE LAMP MODEL NUMBERS, CLICK ON DOCUMENT SEARCH AND VIEW DOCUMENT TITLED "LAMP MODEL NUMBERS."CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

GM/POWER STEERING ASSEMBLY

NHTSA #02V286000 · Steering — Rack and Pinion · NHTSA notice

Reported November 4, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,159,156 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 02049 · Owners notified January 24, 2003 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – July 31, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES AND MINI VANS HAVE LOWER PINION BEARINGS IN THE POWER RACK AND PINION ASSEMBLY IN WHICH THE RETAINER TABS WERE NOT CRIMPED PROPERLY. THESE AND SOME OTHER RETAINERS USED IN VEHICLES ASSEMBLED BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1996 AND OCTOBER 31, 1997, COULD FAIL AND PERMIT THE BALL BEARINGS TO ESCAPE.

Safety consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, THE PINION SHAFT CAN BE FORCED UPWARD DURING LEFT TURNS AND BACK DOWN AS THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND TO THE RIGHT. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL NEED TO EXERT MORE EFFORT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL, SIMILAR TO A VEHICLE WITHOUT POWER ASSISTED STEERING. IF THE PINION SHAFT MOVES EVEN FURTHER, THE DRIVER WILL REQUIRE MUCH HIGHER EFFORT TO TURN LEFT AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO TURN THE WHEEL AS MUCH AS INTENDED. WITH THE MAXIMUM PINION SHAFT MOVEMENT, WHICH REQUIRES INTERNAL GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE, THE DRIVER CAN ENCOUNTER HIGH RESISTANCE TO TURNING LEFT, FOLLOWED BY UNINTENDED POWER ASSIST TO THE RIGHT. IN ANY OF THESE CONDITIONS, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW LOWER PINION BEARING UNLESS INSPECT OF THE EXISTING BEARING INDICATES THAT REPLACEMENT OF THE GEAR ASSEMBLY IS NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 24, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

GM RECALL NO. 02049.ALSO, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/IGNITION SWITCH

NHTSA #02V070000 · Electrical System — Ignition — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported March 6, 2002 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 1,589,948 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign 02008 · Owners notified March 27, 2002 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – July 31, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.

Safety consequence

IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 27, 2002. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020, PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737, BUICK AT 1-800-521-7300, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-442-6537.

Notes

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/REAR SUSPENSION

NHTSA #98V319000 · Suspension — Rear · NHTSA notice

Reported December 15, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 27,083 vehicles

Owners notified December 28, 1998 · Vehicles built June 1, 1996 – March 31, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. ONE OF THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM BOLTS CAN FATIGUE AND BREAK.

Safety consequence

IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL CAN OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR SUSPENSION TRAILING ARM FASTENERS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DECEMBER 28, 1998. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT

NHTSA #98V146000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported June 29, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 675,302 vehicles

Owners notified August 11, 1998 · Vehicles built July 1, 1996 – May 31, 1997 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. BECAUSE OF CERTAIN CALIBRATIONS IN THE AIR BAG'S SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE, AN INADVERTENT AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT COULD OCCUR IN A LOW SPEED CRASH OR WHEN AN OBJECT STRIKES THE FLOOR PAN.

Safety consequence

AIR BAGS DEPLOY WITH GREAT FORCE AND CAN SERIOUSLY INJURE UNRESTRAINED OCCUPANTS WHO ARE TOO CLOSE TO THEM.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE AIR BAG SENSING AND DIAGNOSTIC MODULE.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN DURING AUGUST 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1022 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4326).

GENERAL MOTORS/FMVSS 214

NHTSA #98V032000 · Structure — Body · NHTSA notice

Reported February 25, 1998 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 8 vehicles

Owners notified March 15, 1998 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – April 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH MIS-LOCATED WELDS AT THE JOINT BETWEEN THE LEFT ROCKER PANEL INNER REINFORCEMENT AND THE BODY SIDE RING. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 214, "SIDE DOOR STRENGTH."

Safety consequence

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE SHEET METAL STRUCTURE WOULD NOT PERFORM AS DESIRED INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE WELDS AND, IF NECESSARY, PLACE FIVE WELDS BETWEEN THE INVOLVED PANELS AND APPLY PRIMER AND TOPCOAT FINISH MATERIALS.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 1998.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

GM/COMPACT SPARE TIRE

NHTSA #97V106000 · Wheels — Space Saver Wheel · NHTSA notice

Reported June 28, 1997 · GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Potentially affected: 652 vehicles

Owners notified July 15, 1997 · Vehicles built April 1, 1997 – April 30, 1997 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLIES WERE ASSEMBLED WITH INCORRECT RIMS. IF THE SPARE TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED, THE BEAD CAN SEPARATE FROM THE RIM CAUSING A RAPID LOSS OF AIR. THIS DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."

Safety consequence

A RAPID LOSS OF AIR CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE RIM ON THE COMPACT SPARE TIRE ASSEMBLY. OWNERS ARE REQUESTED NOT TO USE THE SPARE TIRE UNTIL THE RIM HAS BEEN REPLACED.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION:OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN DURING JULY 1997. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-222-1020 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-762-2737.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-800-424-9393.

Other Pontiac Sunfire model years

Check your 1997 Pontiac Sunfire VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Pontiac Sunfire at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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