1986 Pontiac Sunbird
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.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 1986
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
1986: 6 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 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, 1995-07-20
Cold power steering.
NHTSA ODI report, 1995-02-09
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 1996-02-29
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
1986-05-15Exterior lighting86V056000 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.
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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
1986 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Engine and engine cooling: 2 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 1 report on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 86V056000 · Exterior lighting
- Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.