1990 Pontiac Sunbird: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 11 owner complaints on record; most reports concern seat belts.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Consumer stated when the brakes were applied at 55mph, the brake pedal would go down to the floor which caused the vehicle to experience extended stopping distance.*jb”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jan 2003
“While driving vehicle was involved in a collision, and the driver's seat belt did not restain driver in the seat. Driver suffered some damage because of the belt not retracting around her. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Aug 1997
“Ea94-013 active, under the hood fire, electrical short, vehicle had been driven and parked saw smoke coming from under the hood, will provide more information.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 1995
Show 2 more owner reports
“Consumer was in an accident there was a car seat strap in the rear seat car seat was thrown forward there was no child in car seat. Tt”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 1991
“Pe00020; tire tread separation. Three tires have signs of tread separation. Blackwall of the tires is no longer black. Tire size 195/70r14, dot # vdrwjra138. Replacement tires on a 1990, sunbird. Tire mileage less than 20,000. Tires has been replaced with another brand at owner's expense. *ak”Owner report · Tires
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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).
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sunbird by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
NHTSA has 11 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird. The most complained-about area is seat belts.
Does the 1990 Pontiac Sunbird have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.