VehicleVerdict

2004 Pontiac Sunfire problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is among the quieter years of the Sunfire on NHTSA's books: 41 complaints (66% below the model's median year), 2 recalls, and no open investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: electrical system issues account for 46% of all reports (19 of 41), far ahead of engine at 7.

41

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Sunfire years?

Sunfire NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 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, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Sunfire years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Pontiac Sunfire problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System1946%
Engine717%
Brakes37%
Body & Structure37%
Lighting37%
Other25%
Tires & Wheels12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2004 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.

04V300000Seat BeltsJune 23, 2004 · 37 units

Defect

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, 'SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES.' THE PASSENGER-SIDE REAR SAFETY BELT MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED WITH AN INCORRECT NUT AND BOLT.

Consequence

IN A SEVERE CRASH, THE UPPER SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE MAY SEPARATE. THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SEAT BELT COULD THEN BE REDUCED AND THE OCCUPANT COULD RECEIVE GREATER INJURIES.

Remedy

DEALERS ARE TO INSPECT THE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND INSTALL A NEW NUT AND BOLT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438 AND PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING MY NEW 2004 SUNFIRE THAT WAS JUST PURCHASED AT THE END OF AUGUST, WHEN I SAW A FLAME COME OUT FROM UNDER THE DASH NEAR MY FOOT. I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES, THROUGH IT IN PARK AND JUMPED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED!*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 17, 2005 · fire

“DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS OR WHILE STOPPED AT AN IDLE, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTERWARDS, THE ENGINE WAS EASILY RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE BATTERY, AIR FLOW SENSOR, ALTITUDE SENSOR, AND THE FUEL FILTER FITTING NEEDED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 19, 2006

“WHILE BRAKING THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS WORKING NORMALLY THEN SUDDENLY WENT SOFT. PUMPED BRAKES BUT PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR. CAUSED CAR TO CRASH INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF IT. FAILURE WAS CONSISTENT WITH EITHER MATER CYLINDER FAILURE OR HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE FAILURE CAUSING LOSS OF FLUID AND PRESSURE. BOTH…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 9, 2011 · crash

“LEFT SIDE REAR BLINKER LIGHT GOES OUT SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON OTHER PONTIAC SUNFIRES BUT FOR YEARS OTHER THAN THE ONE I HAVE. APPARENTLY THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE WIRING. I CAN WIGGLE THE BULB AND IT WILL WORK UNTIL I HIT A BUMP AND THEN IT IS OUT AGAIN. THIS IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · January 1, 2008

“CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE TRUNK POPPED OPEN. THE FIRST DAY THAT CONSUMER GOT THE VEHICLE HE COULD NOT OPEN THE TRUNK . THEN ,WHILE DRIVING TRUNK WOULD OPEN ON ITS OWN. THIS WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE CONSUMER COULD NOT SEE FROM THE REAR. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 27, 2004

2004 Pontiac Sunfire — common questions

Is the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 41 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Sunfire year, with 2 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2004 Sunfire problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (19 complaints), engine (7 complaints), brakes (3 complaints).

Does the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2004 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.