2005 Pontiac Sunfire: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (76% of complaints); the 2004 model year looks more trouble-free.
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 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“None of the gauges work properly Gm has not issued a recall despite the numerous complaints and it is a 500 to 800 dollar repair bill to replace the instrument cluster. 2005 Sunfire and the instrument cluster is malfunctioning. The gas gauge has stopped working altogether and the temp and rpm gauge work erratically. This is definitely a recall issue and has nothing to do with the maintenance of the vehicle. Gm wants me to have a dealer check the vehicle when they are well aware of this issue as there are multiple posting from owners of this issue online.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Apr 2022
“Going down hill, turned my car to the right and the car keep going straight. It did not turn at all. I almost got hit by on coming traffic, but my car hit the curve first stopping an accident from occurring I have replace window motor twice and they have went out again now. And I have also replaced window motor buttons for a second time in the past 3 years”Owner report · Steering · Mar 2016
“Driving the vehicle went to turn a corner and the entire car died. I lost all steering and electrical in the car. When the vehicle was tried to be restarted that was a very loud clunking noise. Once towed to a mechanic was told the engine had seized up even though there was oil in the vehicle. Was also told this is identical to the problems other vehicles have been recalled for. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving I noticed that my tachometer gauge indicator was all the way over to the right under my speedometer indicator. Then a few hours later while going to the store, I noticed that my temperature gauge was showing hot and not accurate also. This was discussed with my mechanic who informs me that this is a known problem and the cost to fix??? In the neighborhood of $500 -- I am a single mother with a handicapped child and do not live in that neighborhood. I think gm should fix this issue before someone is hurt-- why wait that long? Because if it is me or my child-- I promise it will not be good for them! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2014
“The temperature gauge does not work at all anymore - the gauge was at hot even when the car had been off overnight and was completely cool. Now it is all the way around underneath the gauge next to it. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2014
“The electrical system goes out and the car will not start, the horn will not work the care claim to run hot when that isn't the case. The window stop working, the engine say that it need checking however when I take it to be service they always says this model has a lot of electrical problems. I have had wires replaced, new starter, new alternator, new motor in the left window. And I have had all this done to fine out that there is electrical issue with this model. I have wasted hundreds when all you had to do is admit there was an issue and submit a recall. *tr”Owner report · Engine · May 2014
“Speedometer is stuck at 60mph will go up from that but not down. I see a bunch of other people with same issue! Can gm see there is a problem that needs taken care of !! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2014
“Daughter called during late night drive from university, temp gauge has gone too high! Had to get off freeway and drive through bad part of town back to university detroit mercy. Call for ride home. Make arrangements to have towed to shop. Temp gauge not working at all now. Shop says that the whole gauge panel needs replacement! *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2014
“Instrumentclusterinop,speedometer,&temperaturegaugefailing.rpmgaugefailing,ranintospeedometer&effectingthespeedofthecar.veryunsafe,multiplecomplaintsondefectiveinstrumentcluster.www.carcomplaints.com.$500.00repair,pontiac/gmhasnorecallsontheissue.multipleownersofthevehicehavesamecomplaintsofthissameproblem.dontknowthetemperatureofthevehicle,dontknowthespeedi'mdriving.speedometerisglitching.problem&defectisapparently,problemwithsteppermotersarefailingincluster. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2014
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 pontiac sunfire. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the odometer and fuel gauges fluctuated. The contact also mentioned that the driver's front window failed to open or close. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the instrument panel assembly would need to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2013
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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 2005 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. The most complained-about area is electrical system (76% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2005 Pontiac Sunfire problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,500 miles or less.
Does the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has 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.