- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the weld fails, loss of steering could result, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Vehicle safety record
1995 Pontiac Sunfire Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 123 complaints about the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (39) and the electrical system (27). Those complaints describe 11 crashes, 11 fires and 16 injuries. It is covered by 7 recalls, the latest in October 2008 for the steering. For comparison, the 1994 has 3 and the 1996 has 201.
NHTSA data checked
DMore problems than a typical Sunfire year, for its age
#58 most complained-about 1995 vehicle
- Complaints
- 123
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes
- 11
- Fires
- 11
- Injuries
- 16
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1995 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of all 123 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1995 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 7
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the switch is damaged, a fire could occur in the steering column, even with the engine off and the key removed.
- The fix
- 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.
- The problem
- The front and/or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers) do not flash when the hazard switch is activated. This fails to comply with fmvss no. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
- The risk
- If these lamps were not flashing, other vehicles would not be aware that this vehicle was stopped increasing the risk of an accident.
- The fix
- Dealers or vehicle owners will inspect for proper function of the hazard warning lamps. If necessary, dealers will replace the hazard lamp switch.
- The problem
- The instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel can sag and cover the light emitting diode portion (lighted pointed above panel) of the transaxle shift indicator display. This does not comply with fmvss no. 101, "Control location, identification, and illumination."
- The risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: the driver of the vehicle would not be able to see the actual position of the transaxle gear selector resulting in a driver either inadvertently leaving a parked or idling vehicle in drive, reverse, or neutral rather than park, or selecting an incorrect transaxle shift position while driving the vehicle.
- The fix
- Dealers are to install a new instrument panel cluster trim plate/bezel assembly which is not subject to this condition.
- The problem
- Some welds were omitted from the body lock pillar, or "b" pillar. This does not comply with fmvss no.208, "Occupant crash protection."
- The risk
- Consequence of non-compliance: if a vehicle crash should occur, occupant protection levels could be reduced.
- The fix
- All vehicles in this recall campaign have been repurchased and replaced with a comparable vehicle.
- The problem
- These vehicles have been built with welds missing from the front suspension lower control arm assemblies causing excessive loads on the existing welds.
- The risk
- This condition can result in separation of the frontbushing sleeve subassembly from the control arm increasing the potential for a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect both left-hand and right-hand front suspension lower control arm assemblies and replace all control arm assemblies found with omitted welds.
What owners say
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123 complaints about the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 5.
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 pontiac sunfire. The contact was driving approximately 60 mph with the cruise control engaged; when she turned the cruise control off and attempted to slow down, the accelerator pedal suddenly stuck. After repeated pressure to the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal became dislodged. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 115,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1995 pontiac sunfire. The contact experienced difficulty starting her vehicle and turning the ignition switch. The following morning, she opened the door and noticed that the steering column melted and was lying on the floorboard. A police report was filed. The contact discovered nhtsa campaign id number 02v070000 (electrical system:ignition:switch). Pontiac stated that the vehicle had to be towed to the closest dealer. The dealer inspected the vehicle, but were unable to correct the failure. The purchase date was unknown. The current and failure mileages were 157,000.
My family, and I were returning home on i-77 from a camping trip, when without warning, the passenger air bag deployed, shattering the windshield. We made it safely to the side of the road, scared, and dazed, trying to figure out what had just happened. Fifteen minutes later, we returned to the vehicle to try to make it the rest of the way home, when about five miles later, the driver side air bag deployed. We were in no accident, and had no warning light, or signal. My daughter was burned, and cut with flying...
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glass, I too, was cut, as was my fiance. Our lives will never be the same. Air bags are supposed to protect not kill. Gm needs to be held responsible for malfunctions in their products. We could have all been killed, and I don't feel that g.M. Cares. And now to find out that g.M. Knew about possible malfunctions, and didn't let the public know. Something needs to be done!!!!!!! *Tr
I smelled gas and loss of fuel. Gas leaking out from injector onto hot engine could cause fire. Had part replaced- fuel injectors #2 and 3. Now another is leaking. Have to take it in, but money is an object. *Nm
I have had many problems over the years with my 1995 grand prix se, 6 cyl, 3.1L engine. I saw the 35 plus service bulletins and I can personally relate to these problems. My question is. I have lived in the same place since I bought the car from ferguson pontiac, paid cash, and have not received a recall or bulletin on this car. Are they still liable since I have had to deal with these problems on my own and have become frustrated with this pontiac, my opinion I would not buy another pontiac. But, where does the responsibility end with the dealership? Can I call them and print out these listings? Are they still liable to replace or repair?*Jb
The head gasket was leaking antifreeze which caused the vehicle to overheat. *Jb.
Consumer noticed that the rear middle seat belt unlocked on its own. Vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The cause had not been determined. *Ak
We have had this car for about 2 years, and have had problems since the beginning. First thing was the cooling fan. It quit working about 6 months after we bought the car. We had that fixed then started having other electrical problems. The brake lights would work here and there, the turn signals would work one day and not the next, now they don't work at all. The abs light would flash off and on and the brake light would come on also. We know that filing this complaint will not fix the problems we are having with the car, we just wanted to make it known that we will never buy another pontiac due to the problems we are having with this one. Thank you for your time. *Jb
1995 Sunfire, I bought this car in 1997. The brakes lock-up when I am driving and I have to stop a a corner or light. This usually only happens when or after it rains. It is very scary I almost lose control over the car.My head gaskets have been replaced twice. The engine gage rises almost to over heating when it is hotoutside, and the air does not work I have to get it charged every year. Is this car a lemon or what?*Ak
Driver and passenger doors locked and unlocked for no apparent reason while driving. The door mechanism was the problem. Dealer was notified. *Ak
While making a left turn at a stop sign and without warning left front lower ball joint snapped in two. When this occurred, left wheel almost came completely off. *Ak
Just found out about recall about starter. Had fire (smoke) in steering wheel and entire electrical system not working right. Windows stuck half way, blinking lights in dash and had motor replaced, but very bad, due to sudden loss of oil and motor froze. Car is in destruction mode.
1995 Pontiac sunfire rear of car squats when braking I've had the brakes checked / adjusted numerous times nhtsa already has this listed as service bulletin 735018 I would like to add our vehicle to this complaint. *Jb
Head gasket problem on a 1995 sunfire. Seems that this is a systemic problem on this engine. 2.2 Liter. *Nlm
Head gasket failure on my 1995 pontiac sunfire. When I had it repaired after not really driving it for two years because of this problem I was informed that this was a common occurrence with the 1995 pontiac sunfire. *Nlm
When driving and speed reached 40 mph the car vibrates, when speed reached 60 mph it vibrates again. When decelerating after driving for a little while, and speed reached 10 mph (while decelerating) the car vibrates violently, then shuts off. When I restart the engine it runs noisily while still in park, then shuts off again when put in gear. I have to wait a minute or two before I start the car and put it in gear and it runs, until I decelerate again and the cycle starts over. I have had my head gasket...
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repaired/replace by jay pontiac in columbus georgia at my expense because I receive the recall notice on the head gasket leak several years after the recall campaign was over. I have had my alternator repaired/replaced, transmission problems, etc. The dealer never sees any problems when he diagnoses my car on his computer & everytime he suggests what the problem is and I go broke paying to get it fixed, the problem remains. I am very fed up with pontiac & gm & their dealers/service people who seem to know nothing of their products' failure. I need to know what the problem is with my car so I can get it fixed. I am also seeking to purchase a new vehicle and from the horrible experience I've been having with pontiac & gm I am staying away from their products and advising everyone I know to stay away from them. I am at the point where the only automobile product I am interested in is foreign made. I understand you get what you pay for, but I don't understand a product having problems even the manufacturer can't figure out. *Jb
The head gasket failed and antifreeze leaked onto the engine. *Ak *jb
Head gasket leaked coolant and was replaced at 44,941 miles. It started leaking again at 54,313 and had to be replaced. Pontiac won't cover it because the car is more than 7 years old and dealer won't cover it because it was more than one year when it had to be replaced the second time. What's the problem with this head gasket anyway??
In fulfillment of recall 02008-s, a gm dealership claims that replacement of the starter wiring harness will destroy the terminal on the solenoid, resulting in the required replacement of both the solenoid and starter motor. Both parts are in good working order but gm will not cover the cost of this damage, approx $260. In short, a rusty terminal will probably break when removed. For this, gm wants to sell a new starter with solenoid at full price. I have confirmed the likelihood of the damage with an independent...
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mechanic. Gm refused me directly upon appeal. This is a very important recall, though relatively simple to implement. The car is only 7 years old. Gm should be required to cover the full cost of implementation, without profiting on an otherwise unnecessary replacement of expensive components. Gm could replace just the solenoid or perhaps even just the terminal. The wire lead could be properly spliced without terminal removal. This possibility (or perhaps probability) was not mentioned in the recall notice or in converations with the dealer prior to the recall work. I am arranging to have the solenoid alone replaced for approx. $140. I suggest that gm be ordered to reimburse customers for this and other costs required to implement the recall fully and to cover them directly from this point forward. I would not be surprised to learn that gm has already installed a significant number of new starters at owners' expense.
Consumer complained about head gasketproblems. Head gasket was leaking. Dealer was contacted, and stated that this was not a recall so there for they won't cover it . *Ts *tt *nlm.*Ak
There is a recall for the starter, dealer replaced starter and upon leaving station the consumer tried to turn on heat, heater fan stopped blowing. Please provide any further information. Mr the heater fan stopped working due to a ground wire that was not replaced once the recall repairs were completed. *Jg
The antifreeze light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated, consumer took the vehicle to the dealer and the problem was diagnosed as a bad head gasket. Ts *jb
Dealer taking to long to perform recall. Recall#02v070000 igntion switch buick 2500 east harding sheridan, ar 72150 870-534-3020 ts
Thee vehicle was parked when it caught on fire due to a recall regarding the ignition switch and steering column number 02v070. Consumer never recieved a recall notice. The vehicle has been deemed totaled. *Jg
Consumer received recall notification (02v070000) however it took 2 days to get the part installed because the first day consumer went to the dealer he was told there were not enough parts, even though consumer called in advance and confirmed if there were parts, the same day the relay was installed consumer had to get the vehicle towed to the dealership because it would not start, consumer was informed that the starter was bad and needed to be replaced.*Jb
Pontiac Sunfire: every year compared
All Sunfire years1995 Pontiac Sunfire vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | 123 | 7 | D | |
| 1995 Pontiac Grand AM | 413 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Bonneville | 248 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Grand Prix | 173 | 4 | D | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport | 117 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Firebird | 88 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Trans AM | 5 | 0 | D | Compare |
| 1995 Pontiac Sunbird | 1 | 0 | C | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
Does the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire: steering (October 2008); exterior lighting (March 2006); switch (March 2002); hazard flashing warning lights (December 1996) and more. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (39), electrical system (27), brakes (13).
How many complaints has the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire had?
123 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on May 24, 1995 and the latest on October 6, 2010. Of these, 11 describe a crash and 11 a fire, and together they report 16 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1995 Pontiac Sunfire a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 33 out of 100 (grade D: more problems than a typical Pontiac Sunfire year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Pontiac Sunfire years have the most complaints?
1996 (201), 1997 (201), 1998 (127). See every Pontiac Sunfire year compared.
What should I do if my 1995 Pontiac Sunfire has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data