1994 Pontiac Sunbird: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 42 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (26% of complaints).
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 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 mph the steering pulls to the right. There is a NHTSA recall, # 94v115000, regarding the steering linkages knuckle spindle arm. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 4/6/2006 - *nm”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2006
“2.0l engine with automatic transmission--tramission (after 2+ hours of driving at hwy speeds) fails to disengage from electronic torque converter/over-drive during slowing to a stop and stalls engine. *ak I have complained to gmc dealer--even spent 400 dollars for tune-up since dealer could not duplicate stall. A check with local 'shade-tree' mechanic yeilded the following--- common place for the electronic torque converter (on 2.0 l mituishbishi automatic used in chevy; buick; and ponitac) not to disengage. Recommends a overhaul of the transmission torque converter. While this may not cause a crash--this is cause for alarm when car is driven by teenager(relative new driver).”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2003
“At 25mph the aluminum block engine shuts off. It could had caused an accident. Cause unknown. Dealer notified.*ak consumer also states that the anti-lock brakes on the vehicle are not working. Consumer said that since she had taken vehicle to the tire kingdom, to change a tire, the mechanic suggested that the brakes were bad, so she had them fixed and since then, they have worked the same since. Also the cooling system is not working (for the past 2yrs)/feels car is not safe.*scc”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Jun 2002
Show 7 more owner reports
“During left hand turns and roads with hard left curves drivers right knee can depress shifter detent and put car in neutral, causing abrupt loss of speed/control. *ak”Owner report · Power Train · May 2001
“The car emitts an antifreeze odor & burning odor when driving for more than 20 minutes. I returned car to the dealer for the odor. Mechanics report no defects after checking the lines. Odors still persists-source unfounded. Both seats project forward when coming to a sudden stop @any speed.*ak”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Oct 2000
“Consumer was coming off highway, coming to a stop sign, heard a horrible noise, it was the driver's side tire starting to come up through the floorboard of vehicle, took to mechanic, and he said a frame broke. Consumer felt if on highway, it could have been deadly.*ak”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“Tread separated while driving north on I-75 near sarasota, I took to firestone at exit 37 off I-75, said it was not part of recall & made me pay for new tire( dot number: tire size: p195/65r15 )”Owner report · Tires · Aug 2000
“While pulling into the driveway noticed smoke coming from tail pipe. Independent mechanic informed consumer of a blown engine head gasket. Notified manufacturer, and informed consumer that vehicle was not under a warranty, and repairs would be at consumer's cost. *ak *ml”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2000
“The driver's seat belt locked up in head-on collison, then it unlocked & the driver went against the steering wheel. Passenger seat failed to stay locked in place upon impact. Passenger went forward into dashboard. Driver & passenger were injured/hospitalized. *ak”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 1998
“Consumer complained of engine aluminum head cracked ,causing the pressure to back up into radiator and blow up. Dealer notified and refused to repair unless cost went to consumer.*ak”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 1998
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
THESE VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH OVERTORQUED DRIVE AXLE SPINDLE NUTS. THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE EXCESSIVE LOADS ON THE SPINDLE NUT AND DRIVE AXLE RESULTING IN FAILURE OF THE DRIVE AXLE OR THE SPINDLE NUT. FAILURE OF EITHER OF THESE COMPONENTS CAN RESULT IN SEPARATION OF THE STEERING KNUCKLE TIRE-WHEEL ASSEMBLY FROM THE DRIVE AXLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AXLES, BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLIES, SPINDLE NUTS, AND WASHERS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES. CORRECTIVE ACTION: DEALERS WILL REPLACE LEFT-HAND AND RIGHT-HAND DRIVE AXLES, BEARING-HUB ASSEMBLIES, SPINDLE NUTS, AND WASHERS ON ALL INVOLVED VEHICLES.
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 1994 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
NHTSA has 42 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1994 Pontiac Sunbird problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 109,000 miles or less.
Does the 1994 Pontiac Sunbird have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm. 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.