1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

149

Owner Complaints

13 Crashes 1 Fire 2 Deaths

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

12

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

The 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE has received a total of 149 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 7 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING, FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 12 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline (18 complaints), Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip (10 complaints), and Air Bagsfrontal (6 complaints).

Recalls for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

NHTSA has recorded 7 recalls for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, potentially affecting up to 2,644,076 vehicles.

Recall 08E063000 — STEERING

| 3,855 vehicles affected

Defect: 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....

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

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.

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Recall 07E021000 — FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:PRESSURE RELIEF DEVICES

| 742 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence: FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

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Recall 07E015000 — FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

| 3,124 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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

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.

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Recall 06E026000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 61,944 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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

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.

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Recall 04V036000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

| 1,415,231 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION...

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Recall 02V286000 — STEERING:RACK AND PINION

| 1,159,156 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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.

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...

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Recall 97V219000 — WHEELS:LUGS/NUTS/BOLTS/STUDS

| 24 vehicles affected

Defect: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE WHEEL LUG NUTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED SECURELY RESULTING IN A FRACTURE OF THE WHEEL STUDS.

Consequence: THE WHEEL COULD SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE. IF THE VEHICLE WERE IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD RESULT.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TORQUE OF ALL WHEEL NUTS AND, IF NECESSARY, TIGHTEN ANY THAT MAY BE BELOW REQUIRED TORQUE.

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Owner Complaints for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

149 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 18
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 6 4 Crashes 1 Injury 1 Death
Electrical System
Complaints: 6
Electrical Systemignitionswitch
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 6
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 5
Steeringrack And Pinion
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 4
Steering
Complaints: 4
Air Bags
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 3
Tires
Complaints: 3
Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal
Complaints: 3 1 Crash
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Train
Complaints: 2
Seat Beltsfrontanchorage
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2 1 Crash 1 Injury 1 Death
Suspension
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 2
Wheelslugsnutsboltsstuds
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Air Bagson Off Switch Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignitionmodule
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemstarter Assembly
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlgas Recirculation Valve Egr Valve
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Interior Lighting
Complaints: 1
Latcheslockslinkages
Complaints: 1
Parking Brakeconventional
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfront
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Seats
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Seatsfront Assemblyhead Restraint
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
Complaints: 1
Steeringhydraulic Power Assisthose Piping And Connections
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionpinion Shaft
Complaints: 1
Structurebodydoor
Complaints: 1
Structurebodyhoodhinge And Attachments
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Controllinkages
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1 1 Injury
Wheels
Complaints: 1 1 Crash

Most Recent Complaints

#11098157 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 165,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WITH START FLASHING WILL START AGAIN AND BUT SHUT DOWN AGAIN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HAD IT AT A DEALER THEY REPLACED THE ECU THE GAUGES AND THE IGNITION THEY REPLACED THE ECU 3 TIMES WITH NO AVAIL THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 4 OF MY PONTIACS
#11098157 | POWER TRAIN | | 165,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WITH START FLASHING WILL START AGAIN AND BUT SHUT DOWN AGAIN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HAD IT AT A DEALER THEY REPLACED THE ECU THE GAUGES AND THE IGNITION THEY REPLACED THE ECU 3 TIMES WITH NO AVAIL THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 4 OF MY PONTIACS
#11098157 | STEERING | | 165,000 miles
WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN AND THE THEFT SYSTEM LIGHT WITH START FLASHING WILL START AGAIN AND BUT SHUT DOWN AGAIN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HAD IT AT A DEALER THEY REPLACED THE ECU THE GAUGES AND THE IGNITION THEY REPLACED THE ECU 3 TIMES WITH NO AVAIL THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ALL 4 OF MY PONTIACS
#11052792 | AIR BAGS | | 65,000 miles
CARS BATTERY CONSTANTLY RAN DOWN. BATTERY WAS CHECKED AND WAS OK AS IT WAS THREE MONTHS OLD. REPAIR STATION SAID THE HORN WAS SHORTED AND THE AIR BAG IS PART OF THE HORN SWITCH AND MUST BE REPLACED.
#10919968 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 56,000 miles
BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HAZARD LIGHTS, AND REAR DEFROSTER ALL STOPPED FUNCTIONING. PROBLEM INITIALLY HAPPENED ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER STARTING VEHICLE, BUT NOW IS PERSISTENT AND NONE OF THESE ITEMS FUNCTION POSING A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD.

View all Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline complaints →

Safety Rating for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

General Motors, LLC has issued 12 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

010844005A — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

INFORMATION ON ERROR CODES ON RADIO DISPLAY THEIR CAUSE AND CORRECTIVE ACTION. *EH

180101 — STEERING

INFORMATION ON DIAGNOSING CLUNK OR BUMP NOISE USUALLY HEARD WHEN TURNING EMITTING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL OF VEHICLE WITH THE CAR IN PARK OR MOVING SLOWLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS ROTATED FROM STOP TO STOP. *TT

000849006 — STRUCTURE:BODY

EXHIBITING A RATTLE TYPE NOISE FROM GLOVE BOX DOOR OR KEY LOCK CYLINDER. *TT

00004 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

GENERAL MOTOR HAS DEDICED THAT CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.2L ENGINES (VIN 4), MAY EXHIBIT A CONDITION IN WHICH THE UPPER RADITOR HOSE CONTACTS THE BATTERY TRAY. *TT

0004 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

UPPER RADIATOR HOSE CONTACTS THE BATTERY TRAY, WHICH MAY RESULT IN ENGINE COLLANT LEAK, WITH A LOW COOLANT TELLTALE (WARNING LAMP) ILLUMINATING ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *MJS

VSS19990020 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS

SUBJECT REGARDING REQUEST FOR CUSTOMER COMPLAINT VEHICLES WHICH HAVE A FRONT BRAKE SQUEAK / SQUEAL NOISE COMPLAINT. *TT

NAS19990040 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

SUBJECT PERTAINING TO CORRECT COOLANT LEVEL FOR PROPER COOLING SYSTEM OPERATION. *TT

98041 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

UPPER RADIATOR HOSE MAY CONTACT BATTERY TRAY. YD

98876519 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

SUBJECT ON DTC U1016, STORED CODE WITH NO ACTIVE SYMPTOMS ( REPROGRAM PCM ). *YC

98877166 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

SOME OWNERS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL POPULATION MAY COMMENT ON A DELAYED, SLOW OR NO SECOND TO THIRD GEAR UPSHIFT. *YC

Showing 10 of 12 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the PONTIAC SUNFIRE

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Other PONTIAC Models

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Check any vehicle history by VIN - Free vehicle history report