1992 Pontiac Sunbird: problems, recalls and reliability
4 recalls and 30 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints); the 1990 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The accelerator cable on my sunbird keeps failing, causing abrubt malfunctions. It is dangerous in the midst of traffic. This occurs usually on a cold or rainy day. The cable has been recalled on some sunbirds however; after phoning pontiac they informed me my car did not have such a recall. I am unable to drive this car at this time and want some resolution. As I have kept it in excelent condition.I have had to exit the vehicle in traffic and pull on the cable myself. At one point the cable was stuck and the car accelerated on its own. *la”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Oct 2003
“While vehicle was rear ended at 40 mph the driver seat to collapsed. Dealer and the manufacturer has not been notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information. *mr”Owner report · Seats · Sep 2002
“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 well as the new brake drums and calipers.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Sep 2001
Show 7 more owner reports
“Wheel well rusted, causing shocks to come through the trunk, and the body frame of the vehicle to fall on the rear axle. This caused a momentary loss of control. Manufacturer has been contacted. *ak”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2000
“While driving the vehicle stalled and died because the timing chain belt separated from vehicle. Dealer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jul 1999
“The brake line to the calipers & struts had been severed. Was losing brake fluid. When brakes were applied, the pedal went to the floor. Had no brakes. Will be taking to dealer for repairs. *ak”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jul 1999
“Vehicle was involved in a collision at 45 mph, and the airbags did not deploy, resulting in minor injuries. The manufacturer has been notified. *ak”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 1999
“Pin in differential broke and went into transmission locking all gears and exploding transmission into clutch and locking up front wheels.”Owner report · Power Train · May 1998
“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”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 1997
“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)”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1997
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 4 campaigns
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.
Remedy: INSPECT HOOD LATCH ASSEMBLIES AND, WHERE NECESSARY, INSTALL A NEW SECONDARY HOOD LATCH SPRING.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL ASSEMBLY.
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.
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.
Remedy: REPLACE THE ACCELERATOR CONTROL CABLE ASSEMBLY.
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 1992 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
NHTSA has 30 owner complaints and 4 recall campaigns on record for the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1992 Pontiac Sunbird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 159,000 miles or less.
Does the 1992 Pontiac Sunbird have open recalls?
4 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning latches/locks/linkages:hood:latch. 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.