1985 Pontiac Sunbird
Only 4 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 4 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 4
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 3
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1985
Opened by NHTSA
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1985: 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 4 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing gasoline and engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Engine compartment fire. (Ohio state police report)
NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-27
Steering
1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing steering wheel/handle bar.
Show complaint excerpts
Lost of steering, causing loss of control/accident.(Ohio state police report)
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-10-10
Power train
1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train, most commonly citing torque converter.
Show complaint excerpts
Automatic transmission thm 125 metric system; while driving locking torque converter will seize up resulting in gears freezing and inability to stop.…
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-10-13
Safety timeline
1 recall · 3 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
I
1986-02-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 1986-06-10 Underhood fires
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I
1986-09-12Defect petitionClosed 1986-12-22 Sudden acceleration
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I
1986-12-16Engineering analysisClosed 1987-08-07 Sudden accel
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R
2006-10-18Fuel system, gasoline06E043000 Certain replacement fuel filters, fram brand name p/n G3727, with date codes X52911 through X60801 sequentially or X600141 and a mexico country or origin marking on the fuel filter housing…
Remedy: Honeywell will notify owners and replace the fuel filters free of charge. The recall began on October 18, 2006. Owners may contact fram customer service at 1-800-890-2075 (Option 1).
Buy-smart checklist
1985 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
- Power train: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
FAQ
- Is the 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Sunbird?
- The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 50% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 1985 Pontiac Sunbird have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.