MYRModel Year Report

1989 Pontiac Sunbird

○ Not enough data
1989 Pontiac Sunbird
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:30.961Z

Only 7 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 7 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
7

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 1989

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 4 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 6 complaints 1987 1988: 4 complaints 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 1990: 11 complaints 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 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 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 1989: 7 complaints 1989 7 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

1989: 7 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 7 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Engine and engine cooling

4 of 7 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe and exhaust system.

Electrical system

3 of 7 total reports mention: electrical system, most commonly citing front underhood and ignition.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Engine compartment fire: while driving freeway, heard bang; noticed smoke; pulled over; engine engulfed with fire; no warning. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-01-27

Fuel system, gasoline

2 of 7 total reports mention: fuel system, gasoline, most commonly citing tank assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Fuel tank developed cracks and there were sign of leakage at the seams. Recall 88V189000 was issued, however the consumer vehicle was not included due to VIN.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-04-14

Service brakes

1 of 7 total reports mentions: service brakes, most commonly citing hydraulic.

Seat belts

1 of 7 total reports mentions: seat belts, most commonly citing buckle assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

Driver's side seat belt failure, seat belt buckle failure. Tt

NHTSA ODI report, 1995-12-18

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

  1. R
    1989-01-19Fuel system, gasoline88V189000 A fuel tank leak could occur due to small creases on the tank underside cracking during pressure cycling which occurs during normal operation.

    Remedy: Replace fuel tank.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    1992-06-26Engineering analysisClosed 1994-01-31 Sticking throttle
  3. I
    1993-10-08Preliminary evaluationClosed 1994-02-28 Engine compartment fires
  4. 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 →

  5. R
    2009-05-11Exterior lighting09E012000 Sabersport is recalling 16,270 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Sabersport will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on May 11, 2009. Owners may contact sabersport at 1-909-598-7589.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1989 Pontiac Sunbird — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine and engine cooling: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 3 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel system, gasoline: 2 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 88V189000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 06E043000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 09E012000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1989 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 1989 Pontiac Sunbird?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1989 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.