1984 Pontiac Sunbird
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 5 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1985 | 4 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1987 | 6 |
| 1988 | 4 |
| 1989 | 7 |
| 1990 | 11 |
| 1991 | 27 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 37 |
| 1994 | 42 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 4 |
| 1997 | 4 |
| 1998 | 2 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 5 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 5 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
TTHE STEETING GEAR RACK AND PINION UNIT LEAKS POWER STEERING FLUID EXTERNALLY AND INTERNALLY. PROBABLE DIAGNOSIS SEAL FAILURE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19961009
'COLD POWER STEERING.' *SD
NHTSA ODI report, 19960815
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
THE VEHICLE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 19950706
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1984 PONTIAC SUNBIRD VEHICLE CRASH 4/14/1986 SEAT CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BREAKING MY BACK AND PELVIS IN 7 PLACES SEAT BELT RETAINER CAME OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE GENERAL MOTORS KNEW ABOUT THESE DEFECTS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20100803
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1984 PONTIAC SUNBIRD VEHICLE CRASH 4/14/1986 SEAT CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BREAKING MY BACK AND PELVIS IN 7 PLACES SEAT BELT RETAINER CAME OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE GENERAL MOTORS KNEW ABOUT THESE DEFECTS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20100803
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seat belts.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
1984 PONTIAC SUNBIRD VEHICLE CRASH 4/14/1986 SEAT CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BREAKING MY BACK AND PELVIS IN 7 PLACES SEAT BELT RETAINER CAME OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE GENERAL MOTORS KNEW ABOUT THESE DEFECTS...
NHTSA ODI report, 20100803
SAFETY TIMELINE
SOME VEHICLES HAVE BUCKET SEAT BACK LOCKS THAT DO NOT CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD 207, ANCHORAGE OF SEATS. IN EVENT OF A CRASH, THE SEAT BACK LOCK MAY NOT FUNCTION.
Remedy: INSPECTION OF SEAT BACK LOCKS WILL BE PERFORMED. LOCKS THAT HAVE BENT, BROKEN OR MISSING HOOKS WILL BE REPLACED.
Campaign 84V011000 — check if this car was fixed
SEAT TRACK LOCK
SUDDEN ACCELERATION
SUDDEN ACCEL
THE METAL FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR COULD FATIGUE AND BREAK AROUND THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER STUD OF THE DRIVERS SEAT, ALLOWING THE STUD TO SEPARATE FROM THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR.
Remedy: INSTALL A REINFORCEMENT BRACKET ON THE FLOOR PAN ANCHOR BAR AT THE LEFT FRONT OUTER SEAT ADJUSTER POSITION OF THE DRIVERS SEAT.
Campaign 87V079000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
1984 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 84V011000 (seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 87V079000 (seats) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 1984 Pontiac Sunbird reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1984 Pontiac Sunbird?
The most-reported component is steering:rack and pinion, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1984 Pontiac Sunbird have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.