NHTSA — Electrical System Problems

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
53,768 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.

2001 Pontiac Sunfire electrical problems

electrical problem

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2001 Pontiac Sunfire Owner Comments

problem #9

Mar 032014

Sunfire

  • miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the anti-theft warning indicator kept randomly illuminating. The vehicle was able to start and, at times, upon entering the vehicle, the key would not turn over to start the vehicle from the ignition. The dealer replaced the battery and the ignition switch, but the failure continued. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 04V036000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Lexington, NC, USA

problem #8

Jun 052014

Sunfire

  • miles
The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. While driving 25 mph, the ignition switched off independently and caused the steering wheel to lock without warning. The failure caused a four vehicle crash. The air bags failed to deploy and the vehicle was destroyed. It was unknown if any injuries were sustained or if a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.

- Winston, MA, USA

problem #7

Aug 192014

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • 65,964 miles
Contacted a local auto dealer, cutter Pontiac (waipahu, Hawaii - levy, service agent, ph# 808-564-9520) and inquired about my vehicles posted 3 recall issues; ignition, fuel system, & steering wheel. I even emailed an official list of my vehicle's recall issues I was told the following, after levy had the opportunity to review my email, with my recall list: 1. ignition - I was told that my concern had past the original date of recall, 2004 "?", so dealer is unable help me resolve this issue 2. fuel system - I noted that I smelled fuel back a few weeks prior, I would need to bring my vehicle down and they would diagnose the problem, but would charge me for the diagnostic check. 3. steering wheel - again, I was told they would need to do a diagnostic check, but still charge me. I informed that my VIN, did not show up on their computer list I initially made an a service appointment, but cancelled...... as I was not prepared to pay diagnostic tests to confirm my vehicle's recall issues. Thank you

- Aiea, HI, USA

problem #6

Mar 012012

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • 116,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning while driving at any speed. The failure was experienced several times. The contact replaced the fuses. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic test performed. The failure and the current mileages were 116,000. Updated 06/20/12 the consumer stated the fuel injection was not replaced. Her husband replaced the fuses. Updated 06/22/12 updated 8/20/12 the consumer also stated the vehicle used an excessive amount of fuel. Updated 08/23/12

- York , SC, USA

problem #5

Nov 012009

Sunfire

  • 45,750 miles
I too have a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 auto with about 58,000 miles on it. I bought this car in March of 2002 with only 14,937 miles on it. I had no problems with this car till November 2004 at 44,874 miles, when an 8 point buck ran into the left side front fender and damaged it, the hood, windshield, driver's door, roof, and back door while I was driving 55 mph. The car was repaired, then sat outside for about 4 1/2 years. Had to install a new fuel pump and battery, then I started driving it again every day in November 2009. Now I have no high beam headlights, lights are good. Also, when I put the transmission into gear, the daytime running lights flash real fast about 7 or 8 times, then go out, and the service light comes on, but if I turn on the low beam headlights first, it is fine! service light goes out after car is turned off and restarted, until put back into gear with the headlights off! I have replaced the daytime running lights relay with a new one, but it still does the same thing, and if I leave the relay out, then when I turn on the headlights, one is normal and the other is real dim!! this has been an ongoing problem for about a year now. I thought it may be a problem stemming from the deer damage and repairs, but I see from all of the other comments on here from the past 9 or 10 years or so, that this seems to be a common problem with this car. Would this be the turn signal/dimmer switch in the steering column causing all of these problems"? any ideas?" thank you!!

- Fremont, OH, USA

problem #4

Jun 152006

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles
Electrical system failure. Under dash wire harness needs replacement. Speedometer, tach and all other gauges failed. All safety and diagnostic lights come on... reputable electronics repair shop diagnosed problem and cost to repair in excess $2,000. Car not drivable, not able to sell, not able to be register in NY state.

- Fulton, NY, USA

problem #3

Oct 052005

Sunfire 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 46,600 miles

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

Odometer display is visible when first starting car. As soon as you begin to drive, the odometer reading begins to flicker. Does not appear to be giving an accurate reading either. Shop stated that new dash assembly would have to be installed to correct issue since access to wiring was not possible.

- Olathe, KS, USA

problem #2

Feb 052005

Sunfire

  • Automatic transmission
  • 144,600 miles
The traction light illuminated and then the vehicle shut off completely. The vehicle has been taken in for service, but the problem could not be duplicated.

- Fort Dodge, IA, USA

problem #1

Oct 082002

(reported on)

Sunfire

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
The transmission slips from manual 1st gear to 2nd. The mechanics have consulted with GM specialists and they believe it is an electrical problem. This problem is still unsolved.

- Elkview , WV, USA

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