2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

113

Owner Complaints

7 Crashes 1 Fire

2

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

23

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

The 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE has received a total of 113 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 2 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with STEERING, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL. 23 technical service bulletins have been issued by General Motors, LLC for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Electrical System (16 complaints), Exterior Lighting (8 complaints), and Exterior Lightingturn Signal (7 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

NHTSA has recorded 2 recalls for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE, potentially affecting up to 259,880 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 04V524000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

| 256,025 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE REAR LAMPS THAT PROVIDE STOP AND TURN SIGNALS AND TAIL LAMP FUNCTIONS STOP WORKING BECAUSE OF INADEQUATE CONTACT BETWEEN THE BULB AND SOCKET. IN ADDITION, IF ONE BULBS WERE TO BECOME INOPERATIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD DISENGAGE WHEN THE REMAINING BULB WAS ACTIVATED. IF BOTH LAMPS WERE...

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE BRAKE LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION OF STOPPING TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES, AND AN INOPERATIVE REAR TURN SIGNAL LAMP WILL NOT CONVEY THE DRIVER'S INTENTION TO TURN TO DRIVERS IN FOLLOWING VEHICLES. BOTH OF THESE FAILURES CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE REAR LAMP BULB SOCKET ASSEMBLIES AND APPLY GREASE OR REPLACE THEM IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 18, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 OR PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

113 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Electrical System
Complaints: 16
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 8
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
Complaints: 7
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 2 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 3
Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit
Complaints: 3 1 Injury
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiring Rear Compartmenttrunk
Complaints: 2 1 Fire
Engine
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagestrunk Lidlock
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Structure
Complaints: 2
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
Complaints: 2
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Air Bagsfrontalsensorcontrol Module
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringfuses And Circuit Breakers
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
Complaints: 1
Equipment
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalanti Theft Devices
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingfog Lights
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingheadlightshighlow Beam Dimmer Switch
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingtail Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Otherstoragefuel Gauge System
Complaints: 1
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 1
Seat Belts
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seatsmidrear Assembly
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Airantilock
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 1
Structurebodytrunk Lid
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs
Complaints: 1
Tirestreadbelt
Complaints: 1
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 1
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 1
Visibilityrearview Mirrorsdevicesexterior
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwashermotor
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#10630444 | AIR BAGS | | 180,000 miles
EVERY TIME I LET MY CAR SIT FOR 2 HOURS OR MORE, I START IT UP AND THE BELT ON THE TENSIONER SQUEAK FOR 15 SECONDS. ALSO THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE RIM FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000. WHEN I DRIVE IT THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL CONTINUE TO STAY ON BUT EVERY TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND I'M ACCELERATING THE ENGINE WILL NOT SHIFT, THE RPMS WILL REV UP TO RED LINE IF PUSHED THAT FAR, EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT FOR AIRBAG AND BATTERY WILL SHUT OFF AND IT WILL SHIFT. SOMETIMES WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL WHILE THIS IS DOING THIS AT NIGHT, MY DASHBOARD AS WELL AS RADIO LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF UNTIL RPMS GO DOWN TO 2,000. *TR
#10630444 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 180,000 miles
EVERY TIME I LET MY CAR SIT FOR 2 HOURS OR MORE, I START IT UP AND THE BELT ON THE TENSIONER SQUEAK FOR 15 SECONDS. ALSO THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE RIM FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000. WHEN I DRIVE IT THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL CONTINUE TO STAY ON BUT EVERY TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND I'M ACCELERATING THE ENGINE WILL NOT SHIFT, THE RPMS WILL REV UP TO RED LINE IF PUSHED THAT FAR, EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT FOR AIRBAG AND BATTERY WILL SHUT OFF AND IT WILL SHIFT. SOMETIMES WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL WHILE THIS IS DOING THIS AT NIGHT, MY DASHBOARD AS WELL AS RADIO LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF UNTIL RPMS GO DOWN TO 2,000. *TR
#10630444 | ENGINE | | 180,000 miles
EVERY TIME I LET MY CAR SIT FOR 2 HOURS OR MORE, I START IT UP AND THE BELT ON THE TENSIONER SQUEAK FOR 15 SECONDS. ALSO THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON AND THE RIM FLUCTUATE BETWEEN 1,000 AND 2,000. WHEN I DRIVE IT THE BATTERY LIGHT WILL CONTINUE TO STAY ON BUT EVERY TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT TURNS ON AND I'M ACCELERATING THE ENGINE WILL NOT SHIFT, THE RPMS WILL REV UP TO RED LINE IF PUSHED THAT FAR, EVENTUALLY THE LIGHT FOR AIRBAG AND BATTERY WILL SHUT OFF AND IT WILL SHIFT. SOMETIMES WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL WHILE THIS IS DOING THIS AT NIGHT, MY DASHBOARD AS WELL AS RADIO LIGHTS WILL SHUT OFF UNTIL RPMS GO DOWN TO 2,000. *TR
#10626382 | ENGINE | | 98,000 miles
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A RATTLING NOISE FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN SEPARATED AND CAUSED THE TENSIONER AND VALVE TO FAIL. THE TIMING CHAIN VALVE AND TENSIONER WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
#10608743 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 12,760 miles
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM VERNON DOWN'S CASINO AND WAS MAKING A RIGHT AND WAS ABOUT TO SWITCH INTO THIRD GEAR THE RPM'S WHERE 3000 AND THE ENGINE JUST DIED ........ MAUGERI''S AUTO ON ALBANY AND BLEEKER ST. TOWED MY CAR TO HIS SHOP FIXED THE STEERING COLUMN AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE DIEING THE WINDOW'S WONT ROLL UP AND THE INTERIOR JUST GOT SOAKED IN WET IN THE RAIN AFTER ON THE DATE OF 7/714 PAID ALMOST A GRAND FOR TOWING AND STEERING COLUMN IN THE VEHICLE . I AM A RECIPIENT OF THE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY PROGRAM AND USE THE VEHICLE TO AND FROM MY STRUCTURED DAY AS WELL AS MY NEUROLOGIST AS WELL AS MY HEMATOLOGIST WHO'S OFFICES ARE 57 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE IT IS GOING TO BE VERY UNCOMFORTABLE TO DRIVE TO MY DR. APPT. IN THE MORNING... I AM ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY AND A FIXED INCOME RECEIVER LESS THEN 700 DOLLARS A MONTH... *TR UPDATED 2/6/2015 *JS

View all Electrical System complaints →

Safety Rating for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE

General Motors, LLC has issued 23 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

04083 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

REAR STOP/TURN SIGNAL LAMPS INOPERATIVE. PRODUCT SAFETY RECALL. *TT

04083 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NO DIELECTRIC GREASE BEING APPLIED TO REAR LIGHT BULB SOCKET. *EH

611 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:HEATER CORE

BINDING MODE VALVE-HVAC. *SC

05202004 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

INTERMITTENT IDLE CONCERNS. *TT

04152004 — SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:WHEEL SPEED SENSOR

VEHICLES MAY SET ANYONE OR A COMBINATION OF FRONT-WHEEL SPEED SENSOR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CODES AS INTERMITTENT OR HARD FAILURES. GM VOICEMAIL EXPRESS. *TT

040842004 — STRUCTURE:BODY

TAIL LAMP/BRAKE LAMP INOPERATIVE (REPLACE BULB AND SOCKET). *MJ *TT

00434 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

ENGINE WILL CRANK BUT NOT START, ALSO MAKES NOISE WHILE CRANKING. 2.2 L61 ENGINE. *TT

3054 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

04-08-42-004A. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. LEFT OR RIGHT TAIL LAMP, BRAKE LAMP OR TURN SIGNAL IS INOPERATIVE. *TT

030601022 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

GUIDELINES FOR CYLINDER BORE LINER/PISTON SLEEVE REPLACEMENT ON THE L4 ECOTEC ENGINE. *TT

01289 — EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

CHIRP OR SQUEAK ON ACCELERATION FROM STOP. SERVICE VME. *TT

Showing 10 of 23 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 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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