- 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
1997 Pontiac Sunfire Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 201 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire with NHTSA, most often about the steering (42) and the engine & cooling (34). Those complaints describe 29 crashes, 9 fires and 20 injuries. It is covered by 9 recalls, the latest in October 2008 for the steering. For comparison, the 1996 has 201 and the 1998 has 127.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Sunfire year, for its age
#35 most complained-about 1997 vehicle
- Complaints
- 201
- Recalls
- 9
- Crashes
- 29
- Fires
- 9
- Injuries
- 20
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 1997 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of all 201 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 9
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 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 may leak fuel.
- The risk
- A stalled vehicle can increase the risk of a vehicle crash. A fuel leak can result in a fire.
- The fix
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- The risk
- 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.
- The fix
- 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 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, or oldsmobile at 1-800-442-6537.
- 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
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. One of the rear suspension trailing arm bolts can fatigue and break.
- The risk
- If this were to occur while the vehicle was in motion, a loss of vehicle control can occur, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rear suspension trailing arm fasteners.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Because of certain calibrations in the air bag's sensing and diagnostic module, an inadvertent air bag deployment could occur in a low speed crash or when an object strikes the floor pan.
- The risk
- Air bags deploy with great force and can seriously injure unrestrained occupants who are too close to them.
- The fix
- Dealers will recalibrate the air bag sensing and diagnostic module.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. These vehicles were built with mis-located welds at the joint between the left rocker panel inner reinforcement and the body side ring. This does not meet the requirements of fmvss no. 214, "Side door strength."
- The risk
- In the event of a vehicle crash, the sheet metal structure would not perform as desired increasing the risk of personal injury.
- The fix
- Dealers will inspect the welds and, if necessary, place five welds between the involved panels and apply primer and topcoat finish materials.
- The problem
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The compact spare tire assemblies were assembled with incorrect rims. If the spare tire is underinflated, the bead can separate from the rim causing a rapid loss of air. This does not comply with the requirements of fmvss no. 110, "Tire selection and rims."
- The risk
- A rapid loss of air can increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
- The fix
- Dealers will replace the rim on the compact spare tire assembly. Owners are requested not to use the spare tire until the rim has been replaced.
What owners say
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201 complaints about the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 9.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, smoke started to emit from the vents and a fire erupted under the dashboard. The contact and the front passenger were able to safely exit the vehicle without any injuries. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to the contacts residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
Tl * the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that smoke was emitting from the steering column. The contact mentioned that after inspecting the vehicle he noticed that there was an electrical short causing the wires to melt together. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the ignition switch malfunctioned. As a result, the steering column and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 200,000.
FUEL TANK RUSTED AND CAUSED GAS TO LEAK OUT. *TR
Heard and felt a loud thud sound from steering area driving home. Power steering feels like it is gone when turning left, but turns easier when turning right at low speeds. Steering wheel becomes off centered at times. Almost feels as if I might loose control of front tires during turns or at higher speeds. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire gt. The contact stated that he lost two engines due to his engine oil warning light not illuminating and warning him that the oil level was low. The vehicle had not been inspected by a dealer nor had it been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000. The vin was unavailable.
I had 4 delta fortune tires on my 1997 sunfire. 2 Of which I replaced in april, 2009 for tire separation. I replaced the third tire in early sept. 2009 Again for separation and today the forth tire separated while driving causing extensive damage to right-rear quarter panel and tail-light. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire coupe. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle would not turn left at all. There was no difficulty making right turns. The vehicle was serviced by an independent mechanic and it was discovered that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that her vin was not included in the recall for the rack and pinion. The nhtsa campaign id number was unknown. The failure mileage was 130,000 and current mileage was 138,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. After it rained for approximately 3-4 days, the contact noticed standing water in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle. She started the vehicle and noticed that all of the instrument panel lights were illuminated. After several days of allowing the vehicle to dry out, every instrument panel light, with the exception of the air bag light, dimmed. The dealer stated that they would not inspect the vehicle for less than $350. The contact no longer drives the...
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vehicle because she fears for her life due to the defect. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000 and current mileage was 70,000. Updated 09/13/08. *Lj updated 09/16/08 *jb
Having trouble with fuel system on a 1997 pontiac sunfire. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that his vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering:rack and pinion) and repaired at 135,000 miles. While driving 10 mph, he could no longer make a left hand turn and the vehicle would turn right automatically. The dealer stated that the lower bearing was destroyed and the cover for the bearing was missing. The contact stated that it was the exact same failure as stated in the recall. He also stated that he experienced no...
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steering failure until the recall repair was performed. Gm stated that nothing could be done. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 176,193 and failure mileage was 165,000.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. While idling at a traffic light, the contact attempted to make a left turn, but the steering wheel would not turn. The steering wheel would turn to the right, but not to the left. The vehicle has not been repaired and is unable to be driven. Nhtsa campaign id number 02v286000 (steering: rack and pinion) does not apply to her vin. The powertrain was unknown. The current mileage is 160,406 and failure mileage was 160,402. Updated 03/05/08. *Lj
In less than 1 year I have taken my car to have it repaired 6 times for what I feel is the exact same problem! My engine stalls when I am coming to a stop or after being on the interstate and it idles rough. I have had my catalytic converter replaced twice in the past year, fuel sensor replaced, spark plugs, coil, wire to the ignition module replaced. My car still runs rough and stalls while driving on interstate, when idling in traffic, and when I come to a complete stop. This needs to be investigated. I have spent over $2,000 in repairs and tow fees. This is very unsafe. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the vehicle is experiencing ignition failure. The vehicle has been to the dealer three times and placed on a diagnostic machine. The fuel pump and ignition switch were replaced. The vehicle is presently at the dealer. The current mileage is 46,741 and failure mileage was 45,000.
I arrived at work, parked the 1997 pontiac grand prix. 10 Minutes later the engine compartment was on fire.*Ak
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 pontiac sunfire. The contact called about safety recall # 02v286000 regarding rack and pinion steering. This vehicle was excluded from the recall due to the vin. The steering wheel wasa difficult to maneuver when turning left at any speed. The failure occurred since january of this year. The current mileage was 121,337, and failure mileage was 121,250.*Ak
Received 02v286000) for defective steering. I could not safely drive car. Pontiac told me if the part they replacedwas also defective they were not obligated to fix it past 3 months or 3,000 miles. That did not seem right. If they replaced the original defective part with another defective part shouldn't they have to fix it? *Ak
1997 Pontiac sunfire with a safety recall problem**cc the vehicles ignition switch was recalled. The consumer has replaced the ignition switch twice prior to recall notification. The consumer never received reimbursement for either repair. *Nm
Tilt steering wheel will not lock into place allowing steering wheel to move freely up and to the left. Dangerous for steering during normal driving and in particular if evasive safety maneuvers are needed. Fixed at repair shop but was told that the entire pivot unit may have to be replaced at a very high cost. *Nm
Purchased the vehicle in 2001. The '97 sunfire was pretty reliable vehicle, I had got repairs occasionally for this and that. However, I never knew that there was a recall on the electrical system to the vehicle until this past june the vehicle broke down. After getting the car towed and consulting a mechanic, who advised me that the electrical system burned up the ignition wires and it would cost me 5-6 hundred to repair. I would appreciate more information concerning the problem and if the recall is still in effect. *Jb
My name is [[redacted]], my daughter, [[redacted]] bought a 1997 pontiac sunfire about a year ago. In about 2/06 she started having trouble steering the car. The steering was much harder in one direction, as if there were no power assist. Finally in may 06, she brought it to me and I looked at your website and found a recall describing the exact problems she is having with the car. I told her to take it to a gm dealer and they should fix it for free. She took the car to 'grand pontiac' in thorton co., And after...
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3 days, they called her and told her the car was not covered under the recall and gave her a verbal estimate of 2100.00, Or gave her an option to trade it in on another car. I then got involved, and was told the same, I requested an estimate and was faxed a hand written unreadable piece of nothing. 2 Days later, the service mgr.([[redacted]]) at grand pontiac called me and told me that the car was covered under the recall, but the gm area vehicle manager ([[redacted]]) would not approve the repair. [[redacted]] then told me to call pontiac consumer affairs. I did that on 6/14/06, and gave them the story. On 6/15, a gm rep named [[redacted]] called me and said the car was not covered going by the vin. I told her that rick duncan said it was, and that nhtsa showed it to be. She called [[redacted]], and called me back and said she would have to do further research and call back. Nhtsa campaign # 02v286000, bullitin# 02049 the car is a 1997 pontiac sunfire, 4 dr, 2.2, Auto. 99634.99K miles. Please look into this and help us if possible. My kid needs her car badly, and it looks like gm just doesn't want to pay for their mistake. Thank you very much. *Jb information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr
I was driving down the road, and the passenger air bag deployed without impact of any kind, or warning. *Nm
1997 Pontiac sunfire failed to start. Turned ignition off removed key, car steering column burst into flames within a few minutes. *Jb
1997 Pontiac bonneville problem with cracking intake manifold. Manifold leaked coolant into the exhaust system causing engine to lock up. Only offered remedy was to completly replace the engine for $6,000.00.
The air bag inadvertently deployed while the consumer was driving 5 mph.
The seals for the plastic "lenses" on the front headlights of my 1997 grand prix failed. When the seals broke, dirt and water entered the reflective areas of my headlights. One of my headlights burned out shortly after the seal was compromised. The original seal on each of the lights had degraded so far that I was able to pull the lenses off by hand without much difficulty. I have fixed the problem by pulling off the clear "lens" of each headlight and resealing them with aquarium sealant. I've noticed the same...
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problem on other cars that appear to be the same style as mine. If other headlights are defective as mine were, I worry that water leaking into the lights will cause the bulbs to burn out unexpectedly, especially in bad weather. As water and dirt enter the reflective area of the light, it will probably also cause the headlight's to become dimmer and dimmer.*Ak
Pontiac Sunfire: every year compared
All Sunfire years1997 Pontiac Sunfire vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 Pontiac Sunfire | 201 | 9 | F | |
| 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | 820 | 9 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Grand AM | 394 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport | 246 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Bonneville | 158 | 2 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Firebird | 60 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Montana | 18 | 1 | A | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Trans AM | 12 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 1997 Pontiac Sunbird | 4 | 0 | B | 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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
Does the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 9 recalls for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire: steering (October 2008); fuel pump (February 2007); exterior lighting (March 2006); rack and pinion (November 2002) 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 1997 Pontiac Sunfire?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the steering (42), engine & cooling (34), electrical system (30).
How many complaints has the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire had?
201 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 21, 1997 and the latest on January 23, 2015. Of these, 29 describe a crash and 9 a fire, and together they report 20 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 20 out of 100 (grade F: far 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 1997 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