VehicleVerdict

2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire sits mid-pack among Sunfire years: 83 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 120, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 9 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (28% of the total).

83

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2001 compare to other Sunfire years?

Sunfire NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted320 complaints1985: 2 complaints1991: 1 complaints1994: 2 complaints1995: 154 complaints1996: 320 complaints1997: 257 complaints1998: 149 complaints1999: 128 complaints2000: 169 complaints2001: 83 complaints2002: 128 complaints2003: 113 complaints2004: 41 complaints2005: 94 complaints
Sunfire NHTSA complaints by model year, 2001 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunfire years to avoid →

What are the most common 2001 Pontiac Sunfire problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2328%
Engine1417%
Brakes1012%
Airbags78%
Tires & Wheels56%
Fuel System56%
Visibility & Wipers45%
Suspension34%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting22%
Steering22%
Body & Structure22%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)11%
Other11%
Speed Control11%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have recalls?

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

08E063000SteeringOctober 17, 2008 · 3,855 units

Defect

DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.

Consequence

IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.

07E021000Fuel SystemMarch 12, 2007 · 742 units

Defect

CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.

Consequence

FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.

Remedy

DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.

04V036000Electrical SystemJanuary 27, 2004 · 1,415,231 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE IGNITION SWITCHED OFF INDEPENDENTLY AND CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO LOCK WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE CAUSED A FOUR VEHICLE CRASH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF ANY INJURIES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 5, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND THE TRACTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 1, 2014

“DT*: 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · February 2, 2006

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · August 30, 2004 · crash

“FUEL GAUGE NOT CORRECT IN AMOUNT OF FUEL LEFT IN TANK. TWICE IN THE YEAR 2005, CAR STOPPED AND HAD TO BE TOWED. THE ONLY PROBLEM FOUND WAS THAT IT WAS OUT OF GAS AND THE GAUGE WAS NOT SHOWING THIS. WAS ADVISED BY TECHNICIAN TO NEVER LET THE GAUGE GO BELOW 1/4 FULL. HE SAID HE HAD WITNESSED THIS IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 15, 2005

2001 Pontiac Sunfire — common questions

Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 83 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sunfire year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2001 Sunfire problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (23 complaints), engine (14 complaints), brakes (10 complaints).

Does the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire under NHTSA investigation?

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

Which Pontiac Sunfire years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Sunfire years to avoid are 1996, 1997. The cleanest record among Sunfire years belongs to 1991.

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.