- 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
2001 Pontiac Sunfire Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 77 complaints about the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire with NHTSA, most often about the electrical system (23) and the engine & cooling (17). Those complaints describe 8 crashes, 2 fires, 9 injuries and 1 death. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in October 2008 for the steering. For comparison, the 2000 has 112 and the 2002 has 91.
NHTSA data checked
CAbout as many problems as a typical Sunfire year, for its age
#106 most complained-about 2001 vehicle
- Complaints
- 77
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 8
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 1
Most common 2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Share of all 77 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2001 Pontiac Sunfire recalls 3
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 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.
- The risk
- FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- The fix
- 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.
- 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 fire could spread to the interior of the car, which could injure occupants or cause damage to adjoining structures.
- The fix
- 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 will begin on march 1, 2004. 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 1-800-630-2438, pontiac at 1-800-620-7668, buick at 1-866-608-8080, or oldsmobile at 1-800-630-6537. Customers can also check their vehicle online by going to www.Mygmlink.Com and entering the vehicle's identification number.
What owners say
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77 complaints about the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 4.
Tl* 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.
In part due to corrosion of the lower control arm, it experienced a sudden structural failure resulting in a significant loss of steering control. This problem occurred twice to my vehicle. The first time it occurred was when cornering an hitting a small pothole. I had the car repaired by a gm dealership and the second time a few years later this occurred again and it was when I had to stop abruptly to avoid a car running a red light. This was the same part that failed each time and rendered the vehicle un-driveable.
Tl* 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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that the traction control, service engine and abs warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. While driving various speeds, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to restart and the traction warning indicator illuminated. The failure occurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.
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...
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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 *tr
All of a sudden, my front brakes no longer worked properly?! Only rear, emergency brake and l front? Had r front caliper completely removed and replaced, yet problem still existed?! Was told something could be wrong with gm's anti lock brake unit installed into the master brake cylinder? Cost was going to be around $800.00 To replace unit that, on my vehicle was assembled in mexico? *Tr
Tl* 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*lj the consumer stated the fuel injection was not replaced. Her husband replaced the fuses. Updated 06/22/12 updated 8/20/12 *cn the consumer also stated the vehicle used an excessive amount of fuel. Updated 08/23/12
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...
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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!!
2001 Pontiac sunfire running lights will not work. They will flicker when the car is put into gear and then shut off completely. The check engine light came on as well as the service (wrench) light at the time of the running lights failing. I began using the highbeams only (until I could figure out the running light) and they will not work now. The headlights will still flash when the lock button is used on the key remote. I have gotten pulled over for my headlights not working because my highbeams failed in the...
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middle of driving the vehicle. I now have no headlights and have been reading internet discussion boards of many other people having the identical problem. Many are saying that gm knows of this problem and refuse to recall the problem. *Tr
We have a 2001 sunfire that has horn problems. Sometimes the horn works, sometimes it doesn't. We have taken it by dealerships and they say they cannot find the problem. We had a 1998 sunfire that did exactly the same thing. This is an obvious defect and it is a safety issue because of the loss of the horn. *Tr
This is the second time I have had to change the timing chain on my car in the past two years. *Tr
Tl*the contact owns a 2001 pontiac sunfire. The vehicle has cooper trendsetter se tires, size p195/65r15. While driving 50 mph, the vehicle began to vibrate. As the contact attempted to slow down, the front driver side tire exploded and caused the side skirt on the vehicle to fall off. The tire failure also damaged the front bumper and the front driver side tire well. There was no crash and no prior warning. The tires have not been diagnosed by the dealer. The tire failure mileage was 4,000. The vehicle failure mileage was 90,000.
Have had the vehicle to the dealer a number of times (3) for multiple front end lighting system failures of various components. Failure has always been linked to issues with the wiring harness. *Tr
Vehicle began running poorly with decreased gas mileage, sat in vehicle while idling and noticed rough idle. Shut off and restarted 10 minutes later the vehicle backfired and would no longer idle at all. Same problem the following morning, needed a mechanic immediately. Replaced fuel pressure regulator, vacuum line and oil change. (Gas in oil) *tr
Have a 01 grand am gt with the turn signal clicking noise that is coming from the dash. When I hit a bump on the road or touch my turning signal lever it will start clicking. However, it will make this morse code clicking noise that is saying gm will not pay for this problem, hand over 300 dollars. I know this to be true because the service manager at my local pontiac dealer said so. He also stated that they do a ton of these repairs, especially 01 to 04 pontiac grand am's. *Tr
Leak in both upper and lower intake manifold gaskets. Had to have it repaired twice and now vehicle still isn't running correctly.....Cost of $600.00 Plus many headaches.
Vehicle slipped on ice going approximately 20 miles an hour, hit a tree on the passenger side door. Extreme damage, driver sustained severe head trauma on the right side from the passenger side collapsing. *Jb
Timing chain guides went out after only 50,000 miles. My mechanic said this is the third one he's done like this. *Nm
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. *Nm
Dt*: the contact stated while driving at 20 mph, the abs engages. The abs normally engaged when going over slight bumps in the road and coming to a stop sign. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer replaced the brake shoes, pads and rotors on the front and rear of the vehicle. However, this did not remedy the abs engaging. Updated 04/17/06. *Jb
Fuel gauge not correct in amount of fuel left in tank. Twice in the year 2005, car stopped and had to be towed. The only problem found was that it was out of gas and the gauge was not showing this. Was advised by technician to never let the gauge go below 1/4 full. He said he had witnessed this in other pontiac sunfires. *Jb
My car has made a ticking noise since the day I bought it. The dealer said they could get to the bottom of what was causing the noise, for me not to worry. 63,000 Miles later, I do not have a car anymore, the engine blew up. *Jb
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.
2001 Pontiac - airbag deployment causes total wreck june 28, 2005, ca. 1130 - On a right-angle turn at less than 5 mph into a narrow lane in a parking area at conroe regional medical center , conroe, tx, at about 1130 june 28, the left rear wheel of my 2001 pontiac sunfire went up onto a 3-to-4-inch-high concrete median. When I attempted to steer off the median, the resulting slight drop caused my airbags to deploy. This deployment caused bruises on both forearms, bruised my lower right ribcage and forced both...
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hands back off the wheel, preventing me from steering the car. Furthermore, the deployment forced my legs away from the foot controls. The deploying airbag knocked my spectacles up onto my forehead, the left temple causing a small cut and bending the spectacles so they could not be worn and had to be repaired later. As a result of this airbag deployment I was totally unable to control direction or speed. The car lunged at about a 30-degree angle to the right for a distance of about 12 feet and smashed into a pillar, causing the vehicle to sustain severe damage to the front end, smashing the bumper and the radiator and cracking the right part of the windshield. Personnel from the hospital, the conroe police department, and the local ems were on the scene immediately. The conroe police assigned a case number 05064218 to the accident. I am appalled to think that this same accident which destroyed my vehicle and hurt me within a few feet at extremely low speed might have happened at a bump in the road at highway speed. Had the airbags not deployed there would not have been an accident, as I would have been able to operate my vehicle properly. This experience has been very costly in terms of vehicle replacement and personal pain. Obviously, more thought has to be given to the subject of airbags and safety. A one-size-fits-all mentality does not work. *Jb
Pontiac Sunfire: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 68 | 1 | B |
| 2004 | 32 | 2 | A |
| 2003 | 85 | 2 | C |
| 2002 | 91 | 2 | C |
| 2001 | 77 | 3 | C |
| 2000 | 112 | 3 | D |
| 1999 | 102 | 5 | C |
| 1998 | 127 | 7 | D |
| 1997 | 201 | 9 | F |
2001 Pontiac Sunfire vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 Pontiac Sunfire | 77 | 3 | C | |
| 2001 Pontiac Grand AM | 548 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix | 319 | 10 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Aztek | 227 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Montana | 167 | 11 | D | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Bonneville | 140 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 35 | 0 | C | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Trans AM | 10 | 0 | F | Compare |
| 2001 Pontiac Trans Sport | 3 | 0 | A | 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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
Does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire: steering (October 2008); pressure relief devices (March 2007); switch (January 2004). 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 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the electrical system (23), engine & cooling (17), brakes (11).
How many complaints has the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire had?
77 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on February 12, 2001 and the latest on April 20, 2017. Of these, 8 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 1 death.
Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 51 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as 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 2001 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