VehicleVerdict

1979 Pontiac Sunbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just one complaint on file for the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 3 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

1

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1979 compare to other Sunbird years?

Sunbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted51 complaints1976: 0 complaints1977: 0 complaints1978: 0 complaints1979: 1 complaints1980: 0 complaints1982: 0 complaints1983: 0 complaints1984: 8 complaints1985: 4 complaints1986: 6 complaints1987: 9 complaints1988: 4 complaints1989: 16 complaints1990: 15 complaints1991: 30 complaints1992: 42 complaints1993: 50 complaints1994: 51 complaints1995: 1 complaints1996: 5 complaints1997: 4 complaints1998: 2 complaints1999: 3 complaints2000: 3 complaints
Sunbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1979 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 1979 Pontiac Sunbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1100%

Does the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

07E088000OtherOctober 24, 2007 · 121,680 units

Defect

CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS ARE MARKED WITH A DATE CODE A61451 THROUGH A72571 SEQUENTIALLY. THE DATE CODE AND PART NUMBER APPEAR ON THE FILTER HOUSING. FRAM RACING HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS NOT BEARING A DATE CODE IN THIS RANGE ARE NOT AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. THE GASKET OF THE OIL FILTER BECOMES MORE PLIABLE UNDER HIGH TEMPERATURES AND PRESSURES.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE INADEQUATE SEALING AND LOSS OF ENGINE OIL, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.

79V151000Fuel SystemJune 13, 1979 · 42,977 units

Defect

THE CARBURETOR FUEL FEED HOSE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY POSITIONED DURING ASSEMBLY. AS A RESULT THE HOSE COULD COME IN CONTACT WITH OR BE TOO CLOSE TO THE ENGINE EMISSION EXHAUST SYSTEM GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE. THIS CAN CAUSE THE HOSE TO RUPTURE.

Remedy

THE DEALER WILL INSPECT THE FUEL FEED HOSE AND REPOSITION IT, IF NECESSARY. ALSO, ANY DAMAGED HOSE WILL BE REPLACED.

79V141000Electrical SystemMay 6, 1979 · 4,208 units

Defect

THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH MAY CAUSE A RANDOM INTERNAL ELECTRICAL SHORT WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE STARTING BY ITSELF WHEN THE IGNITION SWITCH IS TURNED TO THE "ON" POSITION.

Remedy

DEALER WILL REPLACE THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCHES ON ALL SUSPECT VEHICLES AT NO COST TO OWNER.

1979 Pontiac Sunbird — common questions

Is the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?

The record is thin — 1 NHTSA complaint — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 3 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 1979 Pontiac Sunbird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Pontiac Sunbird years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sunbird years to avoid are 1994, 1993, 1992, 1991. The cleanest record among Sunbird years belongs to 1983.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.