VehicleVerdict

1991 Pontiac Sunbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 30 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 7.5 times the median Sunbird year — the 1991 model ranks #4 of 24 Sunbird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (6), speed control (5), and brakes (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

30

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1991 compare to other Sunbird years?

Sunbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1991 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, 1991 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 1991 Pontiac Sunbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine620%
Speed Control517%
Brakes413%
Electrical System413%
Seat Belts413%
Latches & Locks310%
Transmission13%
Steering13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Other13%

Does the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird have recalls?

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

09E012000LightingApril 7, 2009 · 16,270 units

Defect

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

06E043000Fuel SystemMay 19, 2006 · 88,303 units

Defect

CERTAIN REPLACEMENT FUEL FILTERS, FRAM BRAND NAME P/N G3727, WITH DATE CODES X52911 THROUGH X60801 SEQUENTIALLY OR X600141 AND A MEXICO COUNTRY OR ORIGIN MARKING ON THE FUEL FILTER HOUSING MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 18, 2005, THROUGH MARCH 21, 2006, SOLD FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE AND ON CERTAIN SCHOOL BUSES. (TO SEE THE SCHOOL BUS ENGINE SIZES, CLICK ON "DOCUMENT SEARCH" AND THEN "BUS APPLICATIONS"). THE CONNECTOR ON THE FUEL FILTER WAS NOT MANUFACTURED TO HONEYWELL'S SPECIFICATION. AS A RESULT, THE O-RING MAY NOT SEAT CORRECTLY ON THE FUEL LINE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE AN INADEQUATE SEAL AT THE CONNECTION, POTENTIALLY LEADING TO A FUEL LEAK. IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

HONEYWELL WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE FUEL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-890-2075 (OPTION 1).

92V003000Seat BeltsJanuary 10, 1992 · 347,866 units

Defect

THE FRONT DOOR SHOULDER BELT GUIDE LOOPS MAY BE CRACKED AND ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 208.

Consequence

THE SEAT OCCUPANT FACES INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THEEVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.

Remedy

INSTALL REINFORCING PLATES ON THE CRACKED SHOULDER BELT GUIDES.

91V165000Body & StructureSeptember 23, 1991 · 41,718 units

Defect

FRONT DOOR INTERLOCK STRIKER MAY FAIL, CAUSING DOOR FRAME COLLAPSE AND INSUFFICIENT STRENGTH FOR THE SHOULDER BELT ANCHORAGE.

Consequence

THE DOOR FRAME WOULD COLLAPSE. VEHICLE DOES NOT COMPLYWITH FMVSS 210.

Remedy

REPLACE THE PASSIVE RESTRAINT INTERLOCK STRIKER STUDS ON FRONT DOORS.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CONSUMER EXPERIENCED COMPLETE FAILURE OF ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM,CAUSING THE VEHCILE TO SHUTDOWN WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT.THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALER 3 TIMES, AND ALMOST THE ENTIRE COOLING SYSTEM PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED, BUT DEFECT IS STILL OCCURRING. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“WHEN STARTING THE CAR THE ENGINE REVVED AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL JAMMED WHILE IN REVERSE AND THE CAR HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE. NO INJURIES. DEALER HAS THE VEHICLE NOW. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · crash

“BRAKES DID NOT SEEM TO STOP VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE DISTANCE AND HAD A SOFT PEDAL. IN ADDITION, WHEN VEHICLE IS COLD AND HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN RECENTLY WHEN TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN REVERSE/DRIVE IT WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR AT ONCE AND THEN LURCHES INTO GEAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes

“DRIVERS HEAD HIT SEAT BELT MOLDING WHEN STRUCK ON SIDE. VEHICLE EQUIPPED AUTOMATIC SEAT BELTS WITH SEPARATE LAP. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · August 19, 1995 · crash

1991 Pontiac Sunbird — common questions

Is the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 30 complaints put the 1991 model at #4 of 24 Sunbird years. It is one of the Sunbird years to avoid.

What are the most common 1991 Sunbird problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (6 complaints), speed control (5 complaints), brakes (4 complaints).

Does the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1991 Pontiac Sunbird under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

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.