1988 Pontiac Sunbird

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1988 Pontiac Sunbird
RENDERED 2026-08-02T11:59:31.246Z

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

1988: 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	42
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.

TIRES

1 of 4 total reports mentions: tires.

STEERING

1 of 4 total reports mentions: steering.

Show complaint excerpts

POWER STEERING FAILS OCCASIONALLY. *DH

NHTSA ODI report, 19960628

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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

Show complaint excerpts

BLOWN ENGINE HEAD GASKET, CAUSING SMOKE TO ENTE RINTO VEHICLE. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19950628

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 of 4 total reports mentions: electrical system.

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. *AK

NHTSA ODI report, 19970514

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 19880628 — electrical system

REAR LAMP WIRING HARNESS MAY CONTAIN OPEN OR INTERMITTENT CIRCUITS AFFECTING BACK UP LAMP OR LICENSE PLATE LAMP OPERATION.

Remedy: INSTALL NEW WIRING HARNESS.

Campaign 88V095000 — check if this car was fixed

I 19880727 — PE (closed 19890117)

POOR BRAKING

I 19890117 — EA (closed 19900508)

BRAKE INEFFECTIVENESS

I 19890119 — PE (closed 19890524)

STOP LAMPS

I 19900829 — EA (closed 19920330)

BRAKE PERFORMANCE

I 19920626 — EA (closed 19940131)

STICKING THROTTLE

I 19931008 — PE (closed 19940228)

ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

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

R Date not on file — visibility

THERE MAY BE POOR BOND ADHESION BETWEEN WINDSHIELD GLASS AND MOUNTING.

Remedy: REINSTALL WINDSHIELD ASSURING PROPER ADHESION.

Campaign 88V121000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

1988 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for tires issues (1 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for steering 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 88V121000 (visibility) has been completed.
Verify recall 88V095000 (electrical system) has been completed.
Verify recall 06E043000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

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