MYRModel Year Report

1985 Pontiac Sunbird

○ Not enough data
1985 Pontiac Sunbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:59:27.968Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Pontiac Sunbird Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 1985 highlighted. 1980: 0 complaints 1980 1982: 0 complaints 1983: 0 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 7 complaints 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 37 complaints 1993 1994: 42 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000
1985: 4 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19820
19830
19845
19854
19866
19876
19884
19897
199011
199127
199230
199337
199442
19951
19964
19974
19982
19993
20003

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 4 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

LOST OF STEERING, CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL/ACCIDENT.(OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19961010

POWER TRAIN

1 of 4 total reports mentions: power train.

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. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19951013

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE. (OHIO STATE POLICE REPORT)

NHTSA ODI report, 19970527

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 19860218 — PE (closed 19860610)

UNDERHOOD FIRES

I 19860912 — DP (closed 19861222)

SUDDEN ACCELERATION

I 19861216 — EA (closed 19870807)

SUDDEN ACCEL

R 20061018 — fuel system, gasoline

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 MANUFACTURE

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).

Campaign 06E043000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1985 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 steering: steering wheel/handle bar, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1985 Pontiac Sunbird have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.