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Engine & cooling

2004 Pontiac Sunfire Engine problems

Owners have filed 7 complaints about the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 22% of all its complaints, most recently on September 18, 2014. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Electrical systemAcceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Bought car used in 2013. Everything seemed to be okay until 9/12/14 when the theft system service light came on and I noticed the speedometer, rpms, and gas indicators were not reading - car began stalling like it was going to shut down. I was traveling about 50 to 55 mph on a busy street. After car is shut off for a time it starts up okay and runs until the same thing reoccurs after going about 20 miles or so - if car shuts down while moving it could cause a serious injury or death. I have read numerous complaints about this same thing on various websites. Apparently, the approximate cost to fix is $400.00 - I am on a limited income and cannot afford. Please help. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 10637233
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Vehicle was driven and parked for the evening. In the morning went to start the vehicle and vehicle would not start. Multiple attempts were tried to start. New starter installed and still no success to start. Vehicle was towed to repair shop. After evaluation it was found the timing chains had broken and infringed on the cylinder heads. Vehicle requires replacement engine as per mechanic. Investigated other claims of the same incident happening and have found that the 2.2L ecotec engine has had several complaints over the last 5-7 years. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 10584763
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the timing chain became fractured and as result, the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 74,000 and the current mileage was unknown.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 10548218
Engine & cooling

I am experiencing the same issue as odi id number : 1016866, where at anytime, any speed, stopped or moving, my car's engine will drop below the normal idling speed and stall out. It will just stop! The car is moving, but the engine has stopped! This has happened several times! I've experienced this problem a couple of times in a high volume traffic area. This issue could cause serious injury or wreck, because when the engine is stopped, you loose power steering! This car is not an easy car to maneuver without...

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power steering. I cranked the key, the car would start right up, but as soon as the clutch hits the floor and gives the engine time to wind down, it stalls again. This issue is very sporadic, I haven't been able to put a finger on what would cause the engine to stall that way. I did email pontiac's customer support and have received no regard to my email. No questions, no confirmation other than the automatic reply, no calls, nothing. I feel like we are getting shafted on this issue and I don't think pontiac is taking this issue seriously! I don't think they realize the potential danger this issue proposes! *Nm

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10170068
Engine & coolingElectrical system

Dt*: the contact stated while driving various speeds or while stopped at an idle, the engine stalled without warning. Afterwards, the engine was easily restarted. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the battery, air flow sensor, altitude sensor, and the fuel filter fitting needed to be replaced. Although the replacements were made, the problem persisted. The manufacturer was notified.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10168661
Engine & coolingElectrical system

When stopping at a stop light vehicle stalled, and the battery light came on. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Electrical systemNHTSA 10067403
Engine & cooling

While driving at 50 mph muffler fell off into oncoming traffic. *Ak

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10049891

Pontiac Sunfire engine complaints by year

Sunfire engine problems, every year

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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

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