NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
187,595 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1999 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems

electrical problem

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1999 Pontiac Sunfire Owner Comments

problem #7

Jul 152012

Sunfire

  • 86,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle decelerated. The contact was able to safely maneuver to the shoulder and shut the vehicle off. The vehicle would not restart. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer for diagnosis. The dealer stated that they had to replace the ignition switch. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 04V036000 (electrical system). The failure and the current mileages were 86,000.

- Springs Fields , NY, USA

problem #6

Oct 222011

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • 92,700 miles
The instrumental panel on my 1999 Pontiac Sunfire recently started functioning erratically I.e. gauges (gas gauge, temperature gauge, speedometer) would start fluctuating wildly. Local Pontiac dealership has diagnosed the vehicle as having a defective (or burned out) instrumental panel cluster. I was told that this component was not covered under any type of lifetime warranty and that the repairs would cost $472.31. In researching this problem on the internet, it appears to be systemic among late 1990 to early 2000 Pontiac vehicles. From a safety standpoint, it is a dangerous circumstance to be driving 70-75 mph on the highway and to have your instrument panel start malfunctioning. Pontiac should be forced to recall these defective instrument panel clusters and repair them at no charge.

- Lafayette, LA, USA

problem #5

Mar 092010

Sunfire

  • 238,000 miles
During normal operation of a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 4dr, 2.2 liter engine, automatic transmission. The wiring harness at the drivers door frame, at the connection of the underdash harness and the rear of vehicle harness shorted, causing the insulation to catch fire. This situation shorted other circuits in the harness causing braking problems with the anti-lock system. Vehicle was able to be stopped safely, and the driver, with good samaritan assistance was able to extinguish the fire. Fire rendered the hood latch inoperative. This prevented the driver from disconnecting the battery ground cable, to prevent further damage and/or fire.

- Stoystown, PA, USA

problem #4

Jul 272006

Sunfire

  • 623,766 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I had a 1999 Pontiac Sunfire. It was parked outside of residence when it caught on fire. This was a few years ago approximately around July of 2006. Pontiac did not accept fault. They said the fire destroyed any evidence of a defect.

- Chatsworth, CA, USA

problem #3

Jul 042005

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,700 miles
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.

- Manchester, NJ, USA

problem #2

Apr 202002

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles
Mileage flashes on and off like there is a short and air bag light stays on the whole time the car is running and while driving.:( clunking in front end possibly by tires? like the shocks or whatever

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #1

Mar 162003

Sunfire

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles
1999 Pontiac Sunfire burst into flames immediately following loud clunk in engine while driving on expressway. Vehicle is totaled. Spark plug fell to ground as fire started.

- North Hollywood, CA, USA

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