2004 Pontiac Sunfire: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 32 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (40% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Oct 2008
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The inner ignition lock needs to be changed about every 60,000 miles. You can't turn the key over at all so obviously you can't start your car. This should be a recall, alot of other people have the same problem.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2017
“Bought car used in 2013. Everything seemed to be okay until 9/12/14 when the theft system service light came on and I noticed the speedometer, rpms, and gas indicators were not reading - car began stalling like it was going to shut down. I was traveling about 50 to 55 mph on a busy street. After car is shut off for a time it starts up okay and runs until the same thing reoccurs after going about 20 miles or so - if car shuts down while moving it could cause a serious injury or death. I have read numerous complaints about this same thing on various websites. Apparently, the approximate cost to fix is $400.00 - I am on a limited income and cannot afford. Please help. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2014
“Vehicle was driven and parked for the evening. In the morning went to start the vehicle and vehicle would not start. Multiple attempts were tried to start. New starter installed and still no success to start. Vehicle was towed to repair shop. After evaluation it was found the timing chains had broken and infringed on the cylinder heads. Vehicle requires replacement engine as per mechanic. Investigated other claims of the same incident happening and have found that the 2.2l ecotec engine has had several complaints over the last 5-7 years. *tr”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle does not always start right away. The vehicle has shut off multiple times while driving in town and on the highway. *tr”Owner report · Steering · Jan 2014
“The rpm needle went totally on the right side into the needle of the speedometer. Can't tell how fast I am going. Expensive to replace. Paint starting to chip in different places. This is the second vehicle that I had that the paint peeled and general motors states that it is too old of a vehicle to pay to have painted. That is totally sad. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2012
“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 vehicles were a total loss. Both front airbags went off in sunfire. No serious injuries. *tr”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Dec 2011
“When it is very hot or cold outside the speedometer and all of the needles in the instrument panel will stick at certain points or stop working completely, this occurs randomly and I can not see how fast I am going. This was part of a gm class settlement but my vehicle model was not included for a free repair or a recall of this part. I do not plan to get it fixed at a dealer because of the cost but I plan to ship the instrument cluster off and get the stepper motors in it repaired. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2011
“Electrical gauges on dash do not function correctly. Tach is pegged out, fuel gage not correct and speed is inaccurate. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2009
“My gauges (all but the speedometer) have gone crazy! The fuel gauge and temp gauge are the worst. Sometimes the tachometer , though not often. My fuel gauge never reads correct and sometimes points directly down or is into the speedometer. My temp gauge either never moves or once it moves, it stays stuck in the new level. It sometimes gets into the tachometer causing that one to stop working. It sometimes goes back to normal if the car is turned on and off many, many times. Other times that doesn't even work. It occurs all the time and for the past few months they have been stuck. I would get it repaired, but can't afford the costs. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2008
“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 very dangerous and there should be a recall on 2004 pontiac sunfires as well as the other years. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2008
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Sunfire 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 2004 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
NHTSA has 32 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. The most complained-about area is electrical system (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2004 Pontiac Sunfire problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 53,275 miles or less.
Does the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering. 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.