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
- 5
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1984
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1984: 5 complaints
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 | 43 |
| 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.
Steering
2 of 5 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.
Show complaint excerpts
Tthe steeting gear rack and pinion unit leaks power steering fluid externally and internally. Probable diagnosis seal failure.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-09
'cold power steering.'
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-08-15
Vehicle speed control
1 of 5 total reports mentions: vehicle speed control.
Show complaint excerpts
The vehicle was in an accident due to sudden acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-07-06
Structure
1 of 5 total reports mentions: structure, most commonly citing frame and members.
Show 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, 2010-08-03
Also filed under Seats and seat belts
Seats
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seats.
Seat belts
1 of 5 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
1984-02-24Seats84V011000 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.
-
I
1986-08-01Engineering analysisClosed 1987-06-01 Seat track lock
-
I
1986-09-12Defect petitionClosed 1986-12-22 Sudden acceleration
-
I
1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1987-08-07 Sudden accel
-
R
1987-06-24Seats87V079000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
1984 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 1 report on file for this year.
- Structure: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 84V011000 · Seats
- Recall 87V079000 · Seats
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, 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.