VehicleVerdict

1992 Pontiac Sunbird problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 42 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 10.5 times the median Sunbird year — the 1992 model ranks #3 of 24 Sunbird years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Brakes leads the complaint categories with 11 reports (26% of the total).

42

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1992 compare to other Sunbird years?

Sunbird NHTSA complaints by model year, 1992 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, 1992 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunbird years to avoid →

What are the most common 1992 Pontiac Sunbird problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1126%
Engine614%
Body & Structure614%
Electrical System512%
Speed Control512%
Transmission25%
Seat Belts25%
Seats25%
Steering25%
Airbags12%

Does the 1992 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.

93V190000Speed ControlNovember 22, 1993 · 108,898 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. DURING VERY COLD WEATHER, WATER THATN ENTERS THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE CONDUIT FREEZES AND CAUSES THE ACCELERATOR CABLE TO DEVELOP A HIGH EFFORT OR BINDING CONDITION.

Consequence

IF THIS OCCURS, LOSS OF NORMAL THROTTLE CONTROL CAN RESULT, OR THE THROTTLE WILL NOT RETURN TO IDLE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS RELEASED, CAUSING POSSIBLE LOSS OF CONTROL AND AN ACCIDENT.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY.

92V048000Speed ControlApril 3, 1992 · 22,452 units

Defect

THE ACCELERATOR CABLE MAY HAVE BEEN KINKED DURING VEHICLE ASSEMBLY. THE KINK IN THE CABLE CAN CAUSE EITHER A HIGH EFFORT ACCELERATOR CABLE, STICKING ACCELERATOR CABLE, OR A BROKEN ACCELERATOR CABLE.

Consequence

IF THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE STICKS OR BREAKS IT CANRESULT IN LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL. IF LOSS OF THROTTLE CONTROL OCCURS WHILE THEVEHICLE IS IN MOTION, A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.

91V166000Latches & LocksSeptember 23, 1991 · 3,212 units

Defect

THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED OR MISSING, LEADING TO A CONDITION WHERE THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH DOES NOT ENGAGE THE SECONDARY STRIKER.

Consequence

IF THE SECONDARY HOOD LATCH IS NOT ENGAGED, AND THEPRIMARY HOOD LATCH WAS ALSO NOT ENGAGED, THE HOOD COULD OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. IFTHIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE HOOD MAY CONTACT THE WINDSHIELD,REDUCING THE FORWARD VISION AREA OF THE DRIVER AND A VEHICLE CRASH COULD OCCUR.

Remedy

INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED THE BRAKES RELEASE ALLOWING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCCURED NUMEROUS OF TIMES BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER DOES NOT RECORD ANY FAILURE CODES. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURED WITH THE ORIGINAL BRAKES SYSTEM AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 15, 2001

“PROBLEMS OF HEATING/COOLING DEVELOPED, LEADING TO EXTENSIVE SERVICE TO CORRECT. GASKET FAILURE RECOGNIZED BY MECHANIC AFTER REPLACING HEATER CORE AND RADIATOR FAILED TO CORRECT PROBLEMS. (SISTER'S 1991 PONT SUNBIRD W/ SAME ENGINE FALED 6/99 WHILE ON HIGHWAY)”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 1, 1997

“WHEN I BOUGHT THIS CAR, I KNEW IT HAD BEEN IN A WRECK BECAUSE THE HOOD AND TRUNK DID NOT LINE UP. THEN I FOUND OUT THAT 3 OUT OF 4 WHEEL BEARINGS WERE BAD, BUT THE AUTO DEALER WOULD NOT FIX THIS, EITHER. IS THERE ANY ACTION I CAN TAKE AGAINST THEM?”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · August 21, 1995

“WHILE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR TWO DAYS THERE WAS AN ELECTRICAL FIRE WHICH STARTED UNDER THE DASH BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALLED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 1997 · fire

“WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED THE BRAKES RELEASE ALLOWING THE CAR TO LURCH FORWARD WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCCURED NUMEROUS OF TIMES BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG SINCE THE COMPUTER DOES NOT RECORD ANY FAILURE CODES. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURED WITH THE ORIGINAL BRAKES SYSTEM AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · September 15, 2001

1992 Pontiac Sunbird — common questions

Is the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 42 complaints put the 1992 model at #3 of 24 Sunbird years. It is one of the Sunbird years to avoid.

What are the most common 1992 Sunbird problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), engine (6 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints).

Does the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1992 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.