MYRModel Year Report

1988 Pontiac Sunbird

○ Not enough data
1988 Pontiac Sunbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:56:06.132Z

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
4

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1988

Investigations
6

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 6 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 4 1989: 7 complaints 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1993: 37 complaints 1993 1994: 43 complaints 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1988: 4 complaints 1988 4 1989: 7 complaints 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1992: 30 complaints 1992 1993: 37 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 2000: 3 complaints 2000
1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1988 4 1989: 7 complaints 1989 1990: 11 complaints 1990 1991: 27 complaints 1991 1992: 30 complaints 1992 1993: 37 complaints 1993 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 1 complaint 1995 1996: 4 complaints 1996 1997: 4 complaints 1997 1998: 2 complaints 1998 1999: 3 complaints 1999 2000: 3 complaints 2000

1988: 4 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 4 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Tires

1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.

Steering

1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering, most commonly citing hydraulic power assist system.

Show complaint excerpts

Power steering fails occasionally.

NHTSA ODI report, 1996-06-28

Engine and engine cooling

1 of 4 total reports mentions: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Show complaint excerpts

Blown engine head gasket, causing smoke to ente rinto vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-06-28

Electrical system

1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system, most commonly citing wiring.

Show complaint excerpts

Consumer stated that the wiring in the fuel tank shorted out, causing an electrical spark. Also, when driving the vehicle cuts off without no warning. Dealer refuses to correct the problem.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-05-14

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 6 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    1988-06-28Electrical system88V095000 Rear lamp wiring harness may contain open or intermittent circuits affecting back up lamp or license plate lamp operation.

    Remedy: Install new wiring harness.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1988-07-27Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-01-17 Poor braking
  3. I
    1989-01-17Engineering analysisClosed 1990-05-08 Brake ineffectiveness
  4. I
    1989-01-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 1989-05-24 Stop lamps
  5. I
    1990-08-29Engineering analysisClosed 1992-03-30 Brake performance
  6. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  7. I
    1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
  8. 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).

    Check if this car was fixed →

  9. R
    Date not on fileVisibility88V121000 There may be poor bond adhesion between windshield glass and mounting.

    Remedy: Reinstall windshield assuring proper adhesion.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1988 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Tires: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Steering: 1 report on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 1 report on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V121000 · Visibility
  • Recall 88V095000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1988 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 1988 Pontiac Sunbird?
The most-reported component is tires, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1988 Pontiac Sunbird have?
3 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.