MYRModel Year Report

1986 Pontiac Sunbird

○ Not enough data
1986 Pontiac Sunbird
RENDERED 2026-09-17T04:34:02.155Z

Only 6 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 6 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, 1986 highlighted. 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 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: 43 complaints 1995: 1 complaints 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000
1986: 6 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19820
19830
19845
19854
19866
19876
19884
19897
199011
199127
199230
199337
199443
19951
19964
19974
19982
19993
20003

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

STEERING

2 of 6 total reports mention: steering, most commonly citing rack and pinion.

Show complaint excerpts

THE RACK AND PINION STEERING WILL NOT WORK IN COLD WEATHER, EXCESSIVE EFFORT IS NEEDED TO OPERATE STEERING. TT

NHTSA ODI report, 19950720

COLD POWER STEERING. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950209

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 of 6 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

SERVICE BRAKES

1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 of 6 total reports mentions: latches/locks/linkages, most commonly citing latch.

Show complaint excerpts

REAR DOOR WOULD NOT LOCK, WOULD OPEN WITH A PUSH. *DSH

NHTSA ODI report, 19960229

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19860515 — exterior lighting

THE PUSH-PULL HEADLIGHT SWITCH MAY HAVE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WHICH ALLOW AN INTERMITTENT HEADLIGHT CIRCUIT CAUSING HEADLIGHT TO FLICKER OR SUDDENLY GO OUT.

Remedy: REPLACE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AS NECESSARY.

Campaign 86V056000 — check if this car was fixed

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

1986 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (2 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 86V056000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1986 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 1986 Pontiac Sunbird?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 1986 Pontiac Sunbird have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.