VehicleVerdict

2002 Pontiac Sunfire problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire sits mid-pack among Sunfire years: 128 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 121, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 15 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (28), brakes (19), and engine (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

128

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

15

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2002 compare to other Sunfire years?

Sunfire NHTSA complaints by model year, 2002 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, 2002 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunfire years to avoid →

What are the most common 2002 Pontiac Sunfire problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System2822%
Brakes1915%
Engine129%
Steering119%
Visibility & Wipers108%
Lighting97%
Transmission86%
Fuel System65%
Airbags54%
Body & Structure54%
Tires & Wheels32%
Seat Belts32%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)22%
Speed Control22%
Suspension22%
Other22%
Latches & Locks11%

Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have recalls?

2 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAR ENGINE STOPPED. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS DUE TO RUBBING ON THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 20, 2010 · fire

“ON NOVEMBER 12, 2008 I WAS IN AN AUTO ACCIDENT. I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE THAT I HAD PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 28, 2008. AS THE CAR AHEAD OF ME BEGAN TO BRAKE I BEGAN TO BRAKE AS WELL. HOWEVER, IT DID NOT FEEL AS THOUGHT THE BRAKES "GRABBED" CAUSING ME TO COLLIDE INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 12, 2008 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE TRACK OFF WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 27, 2014

“STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO SMOKE AND CAR ENGINE STOPPED. DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE A SHORT IN THE IGNITION SWITCH WIRING HARNESS DUE TO RUBBING ON THE STEERING COLUMN. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · September 20, 2010 · fire

“BLOWER FOR HEATER/AIRCONDITIONER BLEW AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMP ON 5/26/03; FUSE REPLACED;SAME PROBLEM AFTER HITTING POTHOLE ON 6/21/03 WITH A BURNING PLASTIC SMELL NOTED ON 6/22/03; BROUGHT TO DEALER ON 6/23/03 AND WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE FUSE IT WAS THE BLOWER WITH PART ON ORDER; RETURNED TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · May 26, 2003 · fire

2002 Pontiac Sunfire — common questions

Is the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

It is close to typical for the Sunfire: 128 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2002 Sunfire problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (28 complaints), brakes (19 complaints), engine (12 complaints).

Does the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2002 Pontiac Sunfire. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

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.