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2001 Pontiac Sunfire Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 66 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, most often about the electrical (32% of complaints, typically around 64,000 miles). It is 5th of 6 Sunfire model years by number of complaints and has 1 recall.
Most common 2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems
Electrical
21 complaints · 32%Half of these problems showed up before 64,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring, starter assembly, 12v/24v/48v battery.
Continuation of odi 10093259: repeated inappropriate activation of pass lock 2 anti-theft system. The pass lock activates without warning resulting in stranding of motorist. Gm denies defect in pass lock. However, dealer service manager states that, "I know that it will happen someday, that I'll go to start my (gm…
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…
Engine
14 complaints · 21%Half of these problems showed up before 74,500 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
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…
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.
Brakes
10 complaints · 15%Half of these problems showed up before 64,500 miles. Parts named most often: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, foundation components.
: 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…
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…
Air bags
7 complaints · 11%Parts named most often: frontal.
Airbags did not deploy in a front-end collision. The vehicle was totaled. Police officers and emts were surprised and questioned weather bags were defective. Driver received small scrape to forehead which could have been prevented had airbags worked. Driver and three passengers were wearing seatbelts, so only minor…
Fuel system
5 complaints · 8%Parts named most often: storage, delivery.
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…
Contacted a local auto dealer, cutter Pontiac (waipahu, hawaii - levy, service agent, ph# [phone]) 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…
Visibility and wipers
4 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: power window devices and controls, glass, side/rear, rear window wiper/washer.
When set on intermittent or mist, the windshield wipers seem to be turning off and on during the wipe cycle, making them jump a couple of times while wiping. Concerned that they may stop working altogether while driving in bad weather conditions.
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 6%Parts named most often: rim, tread/belt.
When driving vehicle for about 20 miles, consumer stated there was a smell of burning rubber coming from the rear of vehicle. Cause unknown. Dealer contacted. Ts
I went to look at my brakes and found that inside my treads as well as outside my treads the rubber is cracking. The tires are just over a year old with 25,000 miles on them. Place of purchase was contacted but due to a move I am unable to get to dealer have to find closer dealer that services the tires.
Suspension
3 complaints · 5%Parts named most often: front, rear.
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2001 Pontiac Sunfire recalls
Electrical: switch
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.
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
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
NHTSA defect investigations
Erratic fuel gauge
Summary
Odi opened ea 02-028 to review complaints of consumers reporting that their fuel gauge was incorrectly displaying the amount of fuel in the gas tank.the fuel gauge receives an electrical signal from a fuel tank sending sensor circuit card.a float arm in the tank moves electrical contacts that rub against the card as the level of fuel rises and falls.disruption of the electrical signal (such as caused by corrosion of the circuit card) will cause incorrect readings to register on the fuel gauge.gm reported in their response to odi dated january 13, 2003 that the primary cause of erratic fuel gauge operation is excess elemental sulfur in fuel.gm reported that abnormal levels of sulfur sporadica
Erratic fuel gauge
Summary
There is no summary currently available
Questions about the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
- What are the most common problems with the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: electrical (21 complaints, typically around 64,000 miles); engine (14 complaints, typically around 74,500 miles); brakes (10 complaints, typically around 64,500 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have?
- 1 recall listed by NHTSA, the latest from January 27, 2004 (electrical). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2001 a bad year for the Pontiac Sunfire?
- It is 5th of 6 Sunfire model years by number of complaints, with 66 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.